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Here are 20 of the best sightseeing places in South Korea, organized by region, with the most iconic or delicious food experiences and specific restaurant recommendations for each spot (or nearby). Perfect for a first-time or repeat visitor!
Seoul (7 places)
1. Gyeongbokgung Palace
Food:
Samgyetang (ginseng chicken soup)
Restaurant:
Tosokchon Samgyetang (near the palace, very famous)
2. Bukchon Hanok Village
Food:
Korean tea + traditional sweets
Restaurant:
Cha Masineun Tteul (beautiful hanok café in Bukchon)
3. Myeongdong Street Food Night Market
Food:
Hotteok, tteokbokki, lobster skewers, egg bread
Restaurant:
Just walk and eat from stalls – Myeongdong Kyoja (kalguksu noodles) is a classic sit-down spot
4. N Seoul Tower (Namsan)
Food:
Romantic dinner with view
Restaurant:
N Grill (rotating French restaurant at the top) or cheaper: The Place Dining (Italian)
5. Gwangjang Market
Food:
Bindaetteok (mung bean pancake), kimbap, mayak gimbap, yukhoe
Restaurant:
"Sunheene Bindaetteok" stall (very famous since 1960s)
6. Hongdae Street
Food:
Korean fried chicken + beer (chimaek)
Restaurant:
Kyochon Chicken or BHC, then Isaac Toast for late-night
7. Insadong + Ikseon-dong
Food:
Ssam lunch in hanok or hotteok
Restaurant:
Gogung (Bibimbap in beautiful hanok) or Ikseon-dong cafés
Gyeonggi-do & Near Seoul
8. DMZ & Imjingak (half-day tour)
Food:
Pyeongyang-style cold noodles
Restaurant:
Pyeongyang Myeonok in Imjingak area
9. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress
Food:
Suwon Galbi (beef ribs)
Restaurant:
Bonsuwon Galbi or Yeonpo Galbi
10. Everland Theme Park (Korea's biggest)
Food:
Tteokbokki inside or Korean BBQ after
Restaurant:
Outback Steakhouse nearby or local BBQ places in Yongin
Gangwon-do
11. Seoraksan National Park
Food:
Mountain vegetable bibimbap or sanchae jeongsik
Restaurant:
Seorak Sansu Hyanggyo or local restaurants near Sokcho
12. Nami Island
Food:
Dakgalbi (spicy chicken stir-fry) nearby in Chuncheon
Restaurant:
Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street (15 min drive)
Gyeongsang-do
13. Gyeongju (the "museum without walls")
Food:
Gyeongju bread (hwangnam-ppang) & ssambap
Restaurant:
Yosokkoong (royal cuisine in hanok) or local ssambap restaurants
14. Bulguksa Temple & Seokguram Grotto
Food:
Temple food experience (book in advance) or vegetarian meal at temple stay
15. Busan – Haeundae Beach & Gamcheon Culture Village
Food:
Fresh sashimi + dwaeji gukbap (pork soup)
Restaurant:
Millak Raw Fish Town (sashimi), Halmae Pajeon near Gwangalli
16. Busan Jagalchi Fish Market
Food:
Eat fresh seafood right at the market
Restaurant:
Go to the 2nd floor stalls – they cook what you buy downstairs
Jeolla-do (Food Heaven!)
17. Jeonju Hanok Village
Food:
Jeonju bibimbap & makgeolli
Restaurant:
Hangukjip (oldest bibimbap house) or Veteran (famous handmade noodles)
18. Boseong Green Tea Fields
Food:
Green tea ice cream, green tea pork belly
Restaurant:
Daehan Dawon Tourist Tea Plantation café
Jeju Island
19. Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak)
Food:
Black pork BBQ or women divers' abalone porridge
Restaurant:
Seongsan Black Pork Street or Myeongjin Jeonbok (abalone)
20. Hallasan National Park & Jeju Olle Trails
Food:
Jeju citrus chocolate, hallabong drinks, fresh seafood
Restaurant:
Ujang Hepan (seafood near Seogwipo) or Tamna Black Pork
Bonus Quick Food Tips by City
- Seoul → Gwangjang Market, Myeongdong, Hongdae
- Busan → Jagalchi Market + BIFF Square street food
- Jeonju → Jeonju Bibimbap + Makgeolli
- Jeju → Black pork (heukdwaeji) and fresh seafood
- Gyeongju → Hwangnambbang bakery (buy 10+ as souvenirs)
Enjoy your trip to Korea – you will eat and see amazingly well! Let me know if you want a detailed itinerary for 7–14 days.