Planning a trip to Korea is always exciting, but the same itinerary to major cities like Seoul and Busan can become monotonous. If you know where to look, Korea is brimming with things to do, so we’ve compiled a list of the best cities in Korea to visit besides Seoul and Busan.
Although Seoul and Busan are the most well-known cities, they are not the only places representing Korean culture and city life. This list is an excellent place to start if you want to learn more about the country. When you plan your next trip to Korea, visit some of these six cities; you will be amazed at how vast and magnificent the country is.
Exploring the cities of Korea is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, from kicking back and relaxing at a resort in Yeosu to learning more about Korean folk traditions in Andong.
Andong
Andong is a city where you can get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. This city is well-known for preserving Korean traditions and is the place to go for a rich folk cultural experience. Soju was also invented in Andong. Did you know that soju was used for medicinal purposes in Korea in the 13th century? Soju was thought capable of curing various illnesses, including toxic insect bites and stomach aches. In 1999 and 2019, Queen Elizabeth II of England and Prince Andrew, Duke of York, paid visits to Andong. In Andong, Queen Elizabeth II celebrated her 73rd birthday, while Prince Andrew remembered the Queen’s visit two years ago!
Andong is the most culturally rich city, with events like the Mask Dance Festival. Although the origins of jjim-dak as Andong’s speciality are unknown, there are two possible explanations. Andong was home to aristocrats and the middle class during the Joseon Dynasty. Because these people could afford poultry, Andong grew known for its jjim-dak dish.
Another possible explanation is that in the 1980s, there was a rumour that a restaurant in a chicken alley would mix various ingredients as customers requested and by chance, created jjim-dak.
YEOSU
Yeosu is a popular summer vacation spot for locals and becoming a popular tourist destination. It’s a port city in Korea, is well-known for its beautiful sea views. Busker Busker, a Korean indie band, even wrote a song called Yeosu Night Sea, and this city truly lives up to the title.
Yeosu hosted the World Expo in 2012. Yeosu introduced new attractions, such as the Aqua Planet aquarium and the multimedia Big-O Show, through the World Expo to attract locals and tourists. Many people associate Busan with seafood, but Yeosu has fresh seafood and fish markets. It’s essentially a seafood paradise. Yeosu has everything from ganjanggejang (raw crab marinated in soy sauce) to abalone.
Despite being a city, Yeosu is surrounded by islands and cliffs. The Hyangiram Hermitage, a temple, is located on one of these cliffs. Yeosu is proud of Hyangiram Hermitage, which CNN named one of “33 of South Korea’s most beautiful temples” in 2020.
An interesting legend says that if you pass through all seven rock cracks at the temple, your wish will be granted.
Geoje
Geoje is known as the Blue City because clear blue waters surround it with stretches of beaches and coastlines.
This lovely city is also historically significant. The Geoje Prisoner-of-War (POW) Camp was the largest camp during the Korean War. During the war, North Korean prisoners were held here.
Geoje is home to a fortress known as Maemiseong. It was named after the 2003 typhoon Maemi. The typhoon hit nearby villages, destroying many crops and plants.Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park was built in 1996 as a historic site. It was built to commemorate Admiral Yi Sun-first sin’s victory during the Im-jin War in the Okpo Battle.
Visitors can take in the view of Okpo Bay while learning more about South Korea’s national hero. Geoje is also well-known for its flora and fauna. The Oedo Botania is a European-style botanical garden with over 1,000 different types of subtropical plants.
Those tourist who plan to stay in Busan can include Geoje in their itinerary because the two cities are only about an hour away by car. The bus is the cheapest mode of transportation and takes about an hour and a half.
Daegu
Daegu is Korea’s fourth largest city, located between Seoul and Busan. Daegu is well-known for its 83 Tower Observatory, similar to Seoul’s 63 Building Observatory. The Daegu Opera House, Korea’s first municipal opera house, is also in the city. It hosts a variety of performances that feature cutting-edge sound systems. The structure is shaped like a grand piano, an iconic symbol of the opera house.
Seomun Market dates back to the middle of the Joseon Dynasty when it was one of Korea’s three major markets. It has maintained this reputation and gained more attention since the opening of Seomun Night Market in 2016. In addition to delicious food, Seomun Market provides a candid glimpse into the unfiltered lives of Koreans.
At night, Daegu transforms into a city of stars. Apsan Park is not only a great place to visit during the day for hiking or walking your dog, but it’s also a hidden gem for those looking for a panoramic view of the city.
Gwacheon
Gwacheon is a city in Gyeonggi Province that is close to both Seoul and other major cities in the province, such as Suwon and Anyang. Gwacheon, marketed as a family-friendly city, is jam-packed with kid-friendly attractions.
Seoul Grand Park is appealing to people of all ages because it has something for everyone. With multiple attractions in one location, you can get the whole tourist experience in a single day without travelling back and forth.
While the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art (MMCA) is more appropriate for adults, the National Science Museum in Seoul Grand Park is ideal for children. It is considered one of the world’s most spacious and well-equipped science museums.
There are over 2,000 exhibits ranging from astronomy to natural history, and children will never be bored.
Paju
Paju is a city that combines artistic and historical elements. It is located on the 38th parallel, south of Panmunjom, the de facto border between North and South Korea. The Third Tunnel of Aggression is located in Paju. It is one of many secret passages built by North Korea to South Korea, and South Korea discovered it in 1978.
The Third Tunnel of Aggression is a highlight of the DMZ tour, but photography is not permitted. The Dirty Trunk Cafe has become a landmark in Paju. Its spacious and industrialized interior, resembling a factory, has become a popular photo location.
Besides its distinctive architecture, Dirty Trunk Cafe is well-known for its signature coffee and American-style cuisine.
