Best Places to Visit in Korea by Country: The Cities, Regions and Must-See Tourist Courses Each Nation Loves (Complete Guide)

Where do foreign travelers actually go when they visit Korea? The answer depends a lot on where they come from. Visitors from China, Japan, Taiwan and the United States make up the largest share of international arrivals, and the number of travelers from Southeast Asia, Europe and the Middle East is growing fast. Seoul, Busan and Jeju remain the three strongest travel hubs, but each nationality has its own favorite cities, must-see spots and reasons for coming.

This guide breaks down the best places to visit in Korea by country: the cities and regions each nationality prefers, the must-see tourist courses in each place, and a closer look at why those destinations are so popular. If you are planning your first trip, it is also a handy way to borrow ideas from travelers who share your tastes.

1. Travelers from the United States: Culture, History and K-Culture

American travelers tend to care less about shopping and more about cultural experiences, history and K-culture. Many arrive after years of watching K-dramas or following K-pop, and they want to see the real places behind the screen.

Seoul

Seoul is the city Americans visit most. Must-see spots: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, Gwangjang Market, Myeongdong, Hongdae, N Seoul Tower, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Seongsu-dong.

Why Americans love Seoul:

• Hands-on K-pop and Hallyu experiences: entertainment agency neighborhoods, K-pop dance classes, idol merchandise shops and concert venues let fans step directly into the culture they have followed from home.
• Tradition and modern life side by side: you can walk from a 600-year-old Joseon palace to a glass skyscraper in minutes, and renting a hanbok gets you free entry to the royal palaces.
• Easy public transportation: the subway is clean, safe, signposted in English and cheap, and a single T-money card works on subways, buses and even in convenience stores.
• Lively nightlife: street food at Gwangjang Market, live music in Hongdae and 24-hour cafés mean the city stays awake long after most American downtowns go quiet.

Busan

Must-see spots: Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach, Gamcheon Culture Village, Taejongdae, Jagalchi Fish Market and the Songdo Marine Cable Car.

Why Americans love Busan:

• Ocean and city in one place: Busan combines long sandy beaches with a skyline of high-rise towers, so you can swim in the morning and enjoy rooftop bars at night.
• A favorite with West Coast travelers: the laid-back beach-city atmosphere often reminds visitors from California of home, with a distinctly Korean twist.
• Seafood culture: at Jagalchi Market you pick live seafood downstairs and have it prepared upstairs, one of the most memorable food experiences in Korea.

Jeju Island

Must-see spots: Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Udo Island, Hyeopjae Beach, Hallasan Mountain, Seopjikoji and the O’sulloc Tea Museum.

Why Americans love Jeju:

• A volcanic island that feels different from Hawaii: black basalt stone walls, lava tubes, green tea fields and the haenyeo women divers give Jeju a character all its own.
• Nature-focused travel: hiking Hallasan, South Korea’s highest peak, and walking the coastal Olle trails make Jeju ideal for travelers who want scenery rather than shopping.

2. Travelers from Japan: Short Trips, Food and Shopping

Japanese travelers usually prefer short itineraries of two to four days built around food, cafés and shopping. Thanks to frequent flights, Korea is one of the easiest overseas weekend getaways from Japan.

Seoul

Must-see spots: Myeongdong, Dongdaemun, Ikseon-dong, Gyeongbokgung Palace and Lotte World Tower.

• A shopping paradise: Myeongdong and Dongdaemun offer fashion and accessories at prices well below Tokyo, and many stores stay open late into the night.
• Café hopping: Ikseon-dong’s renovated hanok alleys and Seoul’s themed dessert cafés are made for photos and social media.
• Beauty and cosmetics: Korean skincare is hugely popular in Japan, and buying it at the source, often with tax refunds, is a major reason to visit.

Busan

For Japanese travelers, Busan is practically a second Seoul. Must-see spots: Haeundae, Gwangalli, Gukje Market and Huinnyeoul Culture Village.

• Very close to Fukuoka: the flight takes about an hour, and there is even a ferry across the strait, so Busan feels almost like a domestic trip.
• Perfect for a weekend: you can leave on Friday night and be home by Sunday without taking time off work.
• A love of seafood: Japanese visitors already enjoy fresh fish, and Busan’s raw fish restaurants, grilled eel and fish cakes feel both familiar and new.

Gyeongju

Must-see spots: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond.

• A historic city Japanese travelers adore: Gyeongju was the capital of the Silla Kingdom for nearly 1,000 years, and Bulguksa and Seokguram are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
• Similar charm to Kyoto: quiet temples, ancient royal tombs and beautifully lit ponds at night give Gyeongju the same calm, timeless feel many Japanese associate with Kyoto.

3. Travelers from China: Korea’s Largest Travel Market

China is Korea’s largest source of international visitors, and Chinese travelers range from shopping-focused tour groups to independent young travelers and families.

Seoul

Must-see spots: Myeongdong, Gangnam, COEX, Lotte World and Gyeongbokgung Palace.

• Shopping: duty-free shops, department stores and Myeongdong’s cosmetics streets remain top draws, and Chinese mobile payments are accepted in many stores.
• Medical tourism: Gangnam is famous for dermatology, cosmetic surgery and health check-ups, often combined with sightseeing in a single trip.
• Hallyu content: Korean dramas, variety shows and idols have a huge following in China, and fans love visiting filming locations and agency neighborhoods.

Jeju Island

Jeju is one of the places Chinese travelers love most. Must-see spots: Seongsan Ilchulbong, Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, Udo Island, Yongduam Rock and Seopjikoji.

• A short flight: direct flights from cities such as Shanghai take only about an hour or two, and Jeju allows visa-free entry for Chinese tourists.
• Natural scenery: volcanic cliffs, waterfalls and turquoise beaches offer a clean, relaxing change from big-city life.
• Family travel: resorts, theme parks and easy driving routes make Jeju a favorite for multi-generation family trips.

Incheon

Must-see spots: Songdo Central Park, Incheon Chinatown and Wolmido Island.

• Close to the airport: Incheon International Airport is right next door, making the city perfect for a first or last day of a trip.
• Modern cityscapes: Songdo’s futuristic skyline, waterways and parks show a newer side of Korea, while Chinatown offers a familiar taste of home.

4. Travelers from Taiwan: Repeat Visitors Who Love Dramas and Cafés

Taiwanese travelers have one of the highest repeat-visit rates of any nationality, and many explore a new region of Korea on every trip.

Seoul

Must-see spots: the Hangang Parks, Seongsu-dong, Hongdae and Myeongdong.

• K-drama pilgrimages: visiting the riverside picnic spots, cafés and streets seen in popular dramas is a big part of the trip.
• Café culture: Seongsu-dong’s warehouse cafés and pop-up stores are a must for trend-conscious Taiwanese travelers.

Busan

Must-see spots: Gwangan Bridge, Haeundae, Cheongsapo and Haeundae Blueline Park.

• Ocean views: the Sky Capsule and beach train along the Blueline Park coast offer some of the most photographed sea views in Korea.
• Healing travel: slower-paced than Seoul, Busan is ideal for relaxing by the sea, eating well and recharging.

Jeju Island

Must-see spots: Hyeopjae Beach, Bijarim Forest and Camellia Hill.

• Nature-friendly travel: ancient nutmeg forests, flower gardens and quiet beaches suit travelers who prefer peaceful landscapes.
• Rental car road trips: many Taiwanese visitors rent a car to explore Jeju’s coastal roads at their own pace.

5. Travelers from Thailand: K-Dramas and Snow

Seoul

Main spots: Myeongdong, Hongdae and Lotte World. Korean dramas have enormous influence in Thailand, and many Thai visitors come to see the places they first discovered on screen.

Gangwon-do

Must-see spots: Nami Island, Seoraksan Mountain and Sokcho.

• Seeing snow: for travelers from tropical Thailand, the first snowfall is often the highlight of the entire trip, and Gangwon-do gets the most reliable snow in Korea.
• Winter experiences: Nami Island, made famous by the drama Winter Sonata, along with sledding and skiing, offers winter fun that is impossible at home.

6. Travelers from Vietnam

Seoul

Must-see spots: Gyeongbokgung Palace, Myeongdong and the Han River.

Jeju Island

Must-see spots: Hallasan Mountain, Udo Island and Seongsan Ilchulbong.

• Growing honeymoon demand: Jeju’s romantic scenery, resorts and photo spots have made it an increasingly popular honeymoon destination for Vietnamese couples.

7. Travelers from Singapore

Gangwon-do

Must-see spots: Pyeongchang, Alpensia Resort and Yongpyong Resort.

• Snow and skiing: host of the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang offers world-class slopes only a few hours from Seoul, a big draw for travelers from a country with no winter.

Seoul

Must-see spots: Seongsu-dong, Apgujeong and Cheongdam-dong.

• Chasing the latest trends: Singaporeans love discovering new fashion brands, flagship stores and restaurants in Seoul’s most stylish neighborhoods.

8. Travelers from Europe: France, Germany, the UK and More

European travelers place great value on Korean tradition and authenticity. They often skip the shopping districts in favor of historic towns, temples and heritage villages.

Gyeongju

Must-see spots: Cheomseongdae Observatory, Bulguksa Temple and Daereungwon Tomb Complex.

Jeonju

Must-see spots: Jeonju Hanok Village, Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jeondong Cathedral.

• Traditional Korean culture: with more than 700 traditional houses, hanok stays, bibimbap and makgeolli, Jeonju is the best place to experience everyday Korean tradition.

Andong

Must-see spots: Hahoe Folk Village and Byeongsan Seowon Confucian Academy.

• UNESCO World Heritage: Hahoe Village and Byeongsan Seowon are both UNESCO-listed, preserving Joseon-era clan life, Confucian scholarship and the famous Hahoe mask dance.

9. Distinctive Favorites by Country

United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Preferred: Gangnam in Seoul, Lotte World Tower and luxury hotels.

• Luxury travel: high-end hotels, premium department stores and fine dining match the expectations of Gulf travelers.
• Medical tourism: Korea’s advanced hospitals and specialized clinics attract patients and their families from the Middle East.

Australia

Preferred: Jeju Island and Busan. Must-see spots: Hallasan Mountain, Hyeopjae Beach and Songjeong Beach.

• Natural scenery: Australians love Korea’s mountains and coastlines, especially in autumn and winter, which fall during their own off-season.
• Outdoor activities: hiking, surfing at Songjeong and cycling coastal roads suit the active Australian travel style.

India

Preferred: Seoul, Busan and Gyeongju.

• K-pop: India has one of the fastest-growing K-pop fan bases in the world.
• Interest in the IT industry: many visitors are curious about Korea’s technology companies, smart cities and digital lifestyle.
• History and culture: Gyeongju’s Buddhist heritage holds special meaning for travelers interested in the historic links between India and Korea.

Top 10 Places in Korea Foreign Tourists Visit Most

Across all nationalities, these are the ten destinations foreign tourists visit most:

• Seoul
• Busan
• Jeju Island
• Gyeongju
• Incheon
• Jeonju
• Gangwon-do (Sokcho and Pyeongchang)
• Andong
• Yeosu
• Suwon

Seoul, Busan and Jeju are considered the three main pillars of Korean tourism, visited by travelers of almost every nationality. In recent years, traditional cultural cities such as Gyeongju, Jeonju and Andong have also been steadily rising in popularity.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most popular place to visit in Korea?

Seoul is the most visited destination for almost every nationality, followed by Busan and Jeju Island.

Which Korean city is best for a first trip?

For a first trip, combine Seoul with either Busan or Gyeongju. The KTX high-speed train connects Seoul to Busan in about two and a half hours.

Where should I go in Korea to see snow?

Gangwon-do, including Pyeongchang, Seoraksan and Nami Island, has the most reliable snow from December to February.

Which Korean cities are best for traditional culture?

Gyeongju, Jeonju and Andong are the best choices for palaces, temples, hanok villages and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Photo Credits

• Gyeongbokgung Palace: Brady Bellini, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Gwangan Bridge: lumoplank, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Bulguksa Temple: Bernard Gagnon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Seongsan Ilchulbong: Bernard Gagnon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Seoraksan in winter: Educational Broadcasting System (EBS), CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
• Jeonju Hanok Village: Bernard Gagnon, CC0, via Wikimedia Commons