Unlock South korea’s Best-Kept Secrets: List of 30 landmarks and archaeological sites
Unveil the top 30 must-visit landmarks and archaeological sites in South korea with our expertly curated list. Immerse yourself in 30 best landmarks and archaeological sites to visit or discover the hidden treasures with our list of 30 must-visit landmarks and archaeological sites. Don’t miss out on South korea’s best with 30 top-rated landmarks and archaeological sites to experience.
Information about South korea
South Korea, officially known as the Republic of Korea, is a country visited by nearly ten million travelers from all over the world every year. With its ancient history, unique culture and traditions, it has a lot to offer tourists. Modernity and ancient history, and its coasts include many picturesque beaches, while its islands dazzle visitors with volcanic landscapes and towering mountains, and although its large and bustling cities enjoy wider popularity among foreign tourists, the rural destinations of South Korea abound with unique cultural events, distinctive regional food specialties, and natural landscapes Picturesque, amazing and interesting monuments.
A list of the best Landmarks and archaeological sites in South korea
Experience the best landmarks and archaeological sites that South korea has to offer with our expertly chosen list of top-rated destinations. Our team has scoured visitor reviews and evaluations to bring you only the best options for your next adventure.
1- Samgwangsa Temple
Samgwangsa Temple – Samgwangsa Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the city of Busan, in which you can learn about Buddhist ways of worship and see the temples from the inside. It was established in 1986, and is located on a hilltop, and provides charming panoramic views of Busan, and it is open 24 hours to anyone who wants to visit it for meditation or Exploration, and is famous for its annual Lantern Festival, which is completely lit up with beautiful colored lanterns.
Place address: Choeup-dong, Busan, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
2- Changdeokgung
Changdeokgung – Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built after the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was also the main palace of many kings of Joseon Dynasty. It is the most well-preserved of the remaining five royal palaces of Joseon Dynasty. The palace grounds consist of a general palace area and a residential building. For the royal family and a picturesque back garden, the back garden is known as the resting place of kings, and features a small pond, a pavilion and a giant tree that is more than 300 years old. This palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in December 1997.
Place address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist palaces in South korea
3- Seoul Anglican Cathedral
Seoul Anglican Cathedral – Located next to Deoksu Palace, Seoul Anglican Cathedral was built during the Japanese colonial era and was built under the supervision of Reverend Mark Trollope; The third bishop of the Anglican Church in Korea, according to the designs of the British architect Arthur Dixon, and although the construction was completed in 1926, the Korean Anglican Church considers 1890 the official date for the founding of the cathedral, as this was the year in which the first service of the Eucharist was held .
Place address: 15 Sejong-daero 21-gil, Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist churches and monasteries in South korea
4- Gatbawi Rock
Gatbawi Rock – The Qutbawi Rock is a unique rock located at the top of Palongsan Mountain near the city of Daegu in South Korea. A statue of Lord Buddha has been carved in this rock. The height of this huge granite statue is 4 meters. There are many legends associated with this statue, as it is said that it was carved by a Buddhist monk called Uihyun to lead the soul of his deceased mother to heaven. Visitors come to this archaeological site to take pictures and enjoy the beauty of the historical architecture.
Place address: 176-64 Gatbawi-ro 81-gil, Wachon-myeon, Gyeongsan, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in South korea
5- Mongchontoseong Fortress
Mongchontoseong Fortress – Mongchontoseong Castle refers to the remains of earthen fortifications from the Baekje period, which were built around the third or fourth century AD. The castle is located inside the Olympic Park, and has a circumference of about 2.7 km. In the area there is a walking path of 2.4 km that is open to the public. There is also a history museum in the vicinity of the castle. It displays huts dating back to the beginning of the Baekje Dynasty, as well as artifacts discovered during excavations.
Place address: 424 Olympic-ro, Oryun-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist castles in South korea
6- Bongeunsa
Bongeunsa – Bongeunsa Temple is a Buddhist temple founded in 794 during the Silla period (one of the Three Kingdoms of Korea). The temple has more than 1,000 years of history and has many interesting historical and cultural features, including the Avatamsaka Sutra wood carvings. The temple is also a destination A very popular tourist destination, offering various programs on traditional Korean Buddhist culture in different languages, Bongeunsa Temple is more than just a temple, providing a place to relax for tourists and busy townspeople and give them a chance to reflect on themselves.
Place address: 531 Bongeunsa-ro, Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
7- Seokbulsa
Seokbulsa – Attracting history buffs, hiking enthusiasts, and anyone looking to get a little off the beaten path in Busan, Seokbulsa Temple is no ordinary Korean temple. Built on the sides of the sandstone cliffs of Mount Geumjeongsan; The highest mountain in Busan, it features exquisite Buddhist carvings carved into the cliff walls. This temple is relatively small, and you’ll probably only spend about 30 minutes or less discovering it, but with the walk up to it, it makes for a great half-day excursion from the city center.
Place address: 143-79 Mandeokgogae-gil, Mandeok 1(il)-dong, Buk-gu, 부산광역시 South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
8- Donhwamun
Donhwamun – Donhwamun Gate is the main gate at the entrance to Changdeokgung Palace. It was originally built in 1412 during the twelfth year of King Taejong’s reign. The gate was destroyed and set on fire by the Japanese during the Imjin War in 1592. It was rebuilt and restored to its original appearance. The current period was between 1607 and 1609 during the reign of King Gwanghaegun. The gate has a simple two-story wooden design, and the passages that visitors use today were constructed in the 1890s and originally used only by royal chariots. Today, the gate remains one of the oldest existing main palace gates.
Place address: Waryong-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in South korea
9- Bukhansanseong
Bukhansanseong – Bukhansanseong Fortress was first built in AD 132 during the Baekje Dynasty under King Gaeru, and served as the northern fortress protecting Baekje from Goguryeo forces. In AD 475, the fortress fell to Goguryeo after In a fierce battle, as a result, King Gyero was killed and Princess Baekje fled to Eungjinseong Fortress. Although the fortress collapsed and was rebuilt, Bukhansanseong Fortress continued to play an important role in protecting the capital throughout the history of warfare in Korea.
Place address: South Korea, Gyeonggi-do, Goyang-si, Deokyang-gu, Bukhan-dong, 북한동 산1-1
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist castles in South korea
10- Seokpajeong
Seokpajeong – Seokpagong was once the royal villa of Heungseon Daewongun; Emperor Gojong’s father, now located within the grounds of the Seoul Museum, which strives to preserve the beauty of the traditional villa building that boasts stunning views of the natural surroundings and exquisite architecture that highlights the taste of Korean ancestors in architecture.
Place address: Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in South korea
11- Yeonmudae
Yeonmudae – Yeonmudi is located within the grounds of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress on a relatively high hill near the eastern gate of the fortress. It was used as a military observation post and as a training ground for troops for more than two centuries. In this building, they learned fighting skills using swords, spears, and arrows. UNESCO has placed this landmark on the World Heritage List for its beauty and historical richness.
Place address: 20 Changnyong-daero 103beon-gil, Maehyang-dong, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in South korea
12- Donghwasa
Donghwasa – Dongwasa is a huge Buddhist temple in the heart of Daegu, and it is an ancient historical landmark, as it dates back to the year 493 AD. The temple has majestic architecture that will dazzle everyone who sees it and will take them back to a time when the Korean Empire was one of the greatest powers in the world. Visitors will find arched tiled ceilings in the temple, majestic colorful mosaics on the doors, and huge statues of Buddha and other deities.
Place address: 1 Donghwasa 1-gil, Gongsan-dong, Dong-gu, Daegu, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
13- Geumjeongsanseong Fortress
Geumjeongsanseong Fortress – Geumjeongsanseong Fortress is located on top of Mount Geumjeongsan at an altitude of 801.5 meters in Busan. When it was built, it was the largest castle in Korea. Today, only a 4-kilometer section remains of the original model. The exact time of the initial construction of the castle has not been recorded, but with reference to the location and size, it is assumed It was built during the Three Kingdoms era, and the current castle was built in 1703 during the reign of King Seokjong and after the Imjin War (1592-1598) to prepare for any further invasions.
Place address: South Korea, 부산광역시 금정구 금성동
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist castles in South korea
14- Jogyesa
Jogyesa – Jogyesa Temple is located in downtown Seoul, and it is one of the main Buddhist temples in South Korea. It also serves as the headquarters of the Korean Buddhist Jogi sect. The main hall of the temple is called Daengjeon Hall, and it includes the famous statue of the Sitting Buddha, and next to it there is a white pine tree that is more than 500 years old. And due to the location of Jogyesa Temple in the heart of Seoul, a large number of tourists visit it to experience Buddhist culture on its origins, and the temple also hosts the annual Lotus Festival.
Place address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno 1(il).2(i).3(sam).4(sa), Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
15- Namhansanseong Fortress
Namhansanseong Fortress – Namhansanseong Fortress, also known as Namhansanseong Provincial Park, is a unique fortress town intended to serve as an emergency capital to protect the sovereignty of the Han River and Joseon independence. It is believed to have been built either during the Silla Dynasty or the Baekje Dynasty. The fortress is of great historical and cultural value. Which made it worthy of being included in the UNESCO World Heritage List, and it includes four huge gates that contributed to its protection.
Place address: 784-29 Namhansanseong-ro, 남한산성면 Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist castles in South korea
16- Cheong-Yeonlu
Cheong-Yeonlu – Located in the heart of Jeonju, Cheongyunlu Temple is a temple dedicated to Buddha, and is visited by locals and tourists alike for pilgrimages and to enjoy the spiritual atmosphere that brings rest and relaxation. The temple was built of bricks and wood, and is decorated from the inside with traditional Korean roses that are woven, a wonderful gilded altar, and many statues of the Lord Buddha. There is also a yoga area in the temple.
Place address: 940-2 Dongseohak-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
17- Gwisinsa
Gwisinsa – Joisinsa Temple is located 2.5 kilometers from the heart of Jeonju, and it is built on a green hill of wonderful beauty. The temple is surrounded by trees from all directions, and the trees in the place have acquired sanctity as the temple. The temple was built of concrete and stones, and this is not usual, as most of the temples in the city are built of logs. It was built of concrete in order not to run out, because it is located in the heart of tropical forests, and heavy rains might cause great damage to it if it was built of wood.
Place address: 81 Cheongdo-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
18- Gyeonggijeon
Gyeonggijeon – The Gyeongjeon Shrine was built in 1410, and inside it houses the images of King Tae-jo, who founded the Korean kingdom of Joseon and was its first ruler. Visitors will also find in this shrine the remains of his wife, and pictures of a number of kings who came after him. Although centuries have passed since the establishment of the shrine, it is still in very excellent condition. The mausoleum is also surrounded by spacious gardens, in which visitors will be able to relax and spend a wonderful time with their friends and loved ones.
Place address: 44 Taejo-ro, Pungnam-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Shrines in South korea
19- Gyeonghuigung
Gyeonghuigung – Gyeonghoyeong Palace is one of the Five Great Palaces of Seoul. It was also called Seoguel (meaning “Western Palace”) because it is located west of the main palace, Gyeongbokgung. The palace was part of a vast complex of 100 buildings in total, but most of them were destroyed during the The Japanese occupation, and after extensive restoration work, it was reopened to the public in 2002, and on its grounds stand the Seoul Museum of History and the Gyeonghoyeong Annex Building of the Seoul Museum of Art, in which a variety of Korean art can be viewed.
Place address: 45 Saemunan-ro, Sajik-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist palaces in South korea
20- Taejongsa
Taejongsa – Taejongsa Temple is a temple located in Tajongdae Park in Yeongdo-gu, Busan. According to some sources, the temple is aimed at southern Buddhism. It features a Jinchansari Buddha statue that was donated by the Sri Lankan government in 1983. The temple is located on a hillside near the coast with Yeongdo Lighthouse on The eastern side, and is famous for its wonderful atmosphere with hydrangeas blooming all over it in early summer.
Place address: 119 Jeonmang-ro, Dongsam-dong, Yeongdo-gu, Busan, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
21- Heon-Inleung
Heon-Inleung – Heoninlong is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the burial place of a couple of kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the site is a combination of the names of the two separate tombs, Heonleung and Inleung; The tombs of King Taejong of Joseon III and his wife, Queen Wongyeong. This site is unique in that it houses two kings born more than 400 years ago. Visitors to Heuninlong can see examples of early and late royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. There is weekly talk about Cemeteries every Saturday. On Lunar New Year’s Day, traditional performances are held in Huininlong for the public to enjoy.
Place address: South Korea, Seoul, Naegok-dong, 서울특별시 서초구 헌인릉길 36-10
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in South korea
22- Gaesimsa
Gaesimsa – Kisimsa Temple, a temple built to honor Lord Buddha, is one of the most beautiful temples in Daejeon, and a place frequented by tens of thousands of tourists and locals every year. At the temple gate, visitors will find a huge golden statue of Lord Buddha covered with beautiful flowers. Visitors will have to climb a long staircase to reach the temple, and upon entering the place they will find many majestic drawings and decorations and a very beautiful golden altar.
Place address: 54-1 Panam-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
23- Pungnammun Gate
Pungnammun Gate – Bungnamun Gate is the only historical treasure left of Jeonju Fort, which was built in the year 1338. The castle and all other gates were destroyed, but this gate remained steadfast. This gate is located in the southern part of the original castle. The gate includes three floors, and contains guard towers, sleeping and dining rooms, and others. Today, visitors come to this gate for majestic views of the old town.
Place address: 1 Pungnammun3(sam)-gil, Jeon-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in South korea
24- Okcheon Ijidang
Okcheon Ijidang – Okcheon Ligdang is a wonderful historical minaret dating back to the year 1544 AD. It was built as a school, and its deputy succeeded in making it one of the most important Korean schools of its time, as this school produced the most important and successful historical Korean scholars. Today, visitors come to explore the building and its traditional architecture, as well as to learn about the long history of the place. Next to the building, there are vast green spaces where visitors can enjoy the outdoors with their families and friends.
Place address: 33 Ibaek-ri, Gunbuk-myeon, Ogcheon, Chungcheongbuk-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in South korea
25- Munsusanseong Fortress
Munsusanseong Fortress – Munsosanseong Fortress was built during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the entrance to Gangwa along with Japjotjin Fortress. This place is historical and full of historical events and information related to the Korean people. There is also a beautiful green nature, and you can walk around the place and contemplate the beauty of the scenery surrounding the castle and take beautiful souvenir photos.
Place address: 102-38 Munsusan-ro, Wolgot-myeon, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist castles in South korea
26- Jeonju Pungpaeji Hall
Jeonju Pungpaeji Hall – Jeonju Bungbaeje Hall is a place for entertainment, relaxation and parties in the heart of Daejeon. The building was designed in a wonderful traditional style, as it is covered with a curved tiled roof from the outside, and the interior is filled with beautiful lighting and traditional furniture. The building was officially opened in 1992. The building was funded by the municipality and the Korean government. It has two huge concert halls, an orchestra hall and a multi-purpose hall with world-class acoustic equipment. The building also provides many facilities, including a lobby overlooking the city and a small cafeteria.
Place address: 59 Chunggyeong-ro, Jungang-dong, Wansan-gu, Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Distinguished and famous landmarks in South korea
27- Jagwangsa
Jagwangsa – Jagwangsa Temple is a Buddhist temple located in the heart of Daejeon, and it is one of the oldest temples in Korea, dating back more than 2,000 years, according to Korean mythology. It is distinguished as a very spacious temple and extends over several floors. It is decorated from the outside with statues of gods and a huge golden door. From the inside, visitors will find several altars and statues of gods and others. The temple has been destroyed several times throughout history and the existing building dates back to the year 1790, so do not miss the opportunity to visit it!
Place address: 649-2 Hakha-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Tourist temples in South korea
28- Simgok
Simgok – Simguk is the most famous historical cemetery in the Korean city of Suwon, because it contains more than 38 tombs of members of the Joseon Dynasty, and these tombs date back to the years between 1482-1740. In the cemetery, visitors will find a stunning historic building with a vaulted tile roof, a 500-year-old zelkova tree, and shaded resting places.
Place address: 16-9 Simgok-ro, Sanghyeon-dong, Suji-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Shrines in South korea
29- Chojijin Fort
Chojijin Fort – Fort Chojijin is located in the city of Incheon in South Korea. It was built in the seventh year of King Hyojong in 1656 for the purpose of national defense against the attack of any foreign enemies on the seashore. Many battles took place here throughout history, including the invasion of the French ( due to Catholic oppression) in October 1866, and the main objective at the present time of these historical relics is to remind the suffering of the ancestors of the Korean people and their suffering in the defensive history, so the cannons of those days are now displayed for educational use and to raise the patriotism and defense spirit of the Korean people, it is nice to visit This fort is to learn about the culture and history of the Korean people and the history of their struggle in battles in the past.
Place address: 624 Choji-ri, Gilsang-myeon, Kanghwa, Incheon, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Fortresses in South korea
30- Dunsan Prehistoric Site
Dunsan Prehistoric Site – Dunsan Prehistoric Site is a simple tourist attraction established at a site where historians and archaeologists have found human artifacts dating back to the Paleolithic period, and over 15 habitation sites from the Neolithic period. The city’s municipality established statues of the ancient man on the site while carrying out his daily tasks, including statues showing the hunting process, lighting a fire, cooking food, and others.
Place address: 9 Daedeok-daero 317beon-gil, Wolpyeong 3(sam)-dong, Seo-gu, Daejeon, South Korea
Click here to go to the coordinates of the place on Google Map
Looking for more : The best Archaeological sites in South korea
Conclusion
Exploring South korea is a journey that will take you through diverse landscapes, vibrant cultures, and captivating histories. Our guide has given you a taste of the must-see destinations and hidden treasures that await, but there’s always more to discover. Take the time to connect with the locals, try the local cuisine, and immerse yourself in the traditions and customs that make South korea so special. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or enlightenment, South korea has something to offer everyone. As you journey through this remarkable region, we invite you to let go of your worries and embrace the present moment. Take time to appreciate the beauty that surrounds you, and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of South korea. We hope our guide has been a valuable resource in planning your trip, and we look forward to hearing about your travels. Until then, happy exploring!