The Most Beautiful Place in South Korea: Ranking the Breathtaking Landscapes

Voting rules: Choose the location you think is the most beautiful!

Jun 16, 2023 10:17 (Updated on Dec 2, 2023 05:51)

Discover the enchanting beauty of South Korea as we unveil its hidden gems and breathtaking landscapes in our newest ranking, "What is the most beautiful place in South Korea?". Join thousands of avid travelers and locals alike in casting your vote for your favorite picturesque spot or suggest a missing treasure that deserves the spotlight. From serene temples nestled in lush mountains to vibrant festivals that light up the night, South Korea's diverse and captivating charm will leave you in awe. Don't miss out on your chance to explore and contribute to this captivating journey through the Land of the Morning Calm. So, buckle up and let's dive headfirst into South Korea's mesmerizing kaleidoscope of wonders!

What Is the Most Beautiful Place in South Korea?

1

79
votes
Robert Simmon, using Landsat data provided by the United States Geological Survey. · Public domain

Jeju Island

With its pristine beaches, hiking trails, and cultural attractions, Jeju Island is a popular tourist destination in South Korea. The island is also home to a unique volcanic landscape, including the iconic Hallasan Mountain.
Description

Jeju Island is a breathtaking volcanic island located off the southern coast of South Korea. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural heritage. The island is prized for its pristine beaches, lush forests, dramatic volcanic cliffs, and vast fields of vibrant flowers. Additionally, Jeju Island is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites including Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes, which display the island's geological significance. The island is also famous for its iconic Hallasan Mountain, a dormant volcano and the highest peak in South Korea. Visitors can explore numerous enchanting attractions such as the Jeju Loveland sculpture park, Seongsan Ilchulbong volcanic crater, and the majestic Cheonjiyeon Waterfall.

Location: South Korea

Area: 1,846 square kilometers

Population: Approximately 660,000

Highest Point: Hallasan Mountain (1,950 meters)

Geological Significance: UNESCO World Heritage Site
2

41
votes

Gyeongju

Known as the "museum without walls," Gyeongju is a city with a rich history and cultural heritage. Visitors can explore ancient temples, tombs, and palaces, as well as enjoy traditional Korean cuisine and festivals.
3

16
votes
Namc87 · CC BY-SA 3.0

Nami Island

Nami Culture Foundation

This picturesque island is famous for its stunning natural beauty, including tree-lined paths, serene lakes, and colorful gardens. It's also a popular filming location for Korean dramas and movies.
Description

Nami Island, also known as Namiseom Island, is a picturesque destination located in the Chuncheon region of South Korea. It is a tiny half-moon shaped island that has gained popularity for its stunning natural beauty, peaceful ambiance, and unique attractions.

Location: Chuncheon, South Korea

Size: Approximately 430,000 square meters

Scenic Features: Lush tree-lined roads, verdant landscapes, and beautiful gardens

Attractions: Famous for its Metasequoia Lane, Winter Sonata filming location, and Zip Wire

Lake: Surrounded by the clear waters of the Bukhangang River
4

11
votes
Seaniz (a Flickr user) · CC BY-SA 2.0

Seoraksan National Park

Located in the northeast of South Korea, Seoraksan National Park is a mountainous region with breathtaking views and diverse flora and fauna. It's also home to the iconic Sinheungsa Temple and the cable car to Gwongeumseong Fortress.
Description

Seoraksan National Park is a breathtaking natural paradise located in the Gangwon Province of South Korea. Spanning an area of approximately 398 square kilometers, it is renowned for its majestic peaks, serene valleys, crystal-clear streams, dense forests, and diverse flora and fauna. The park is a hiker's paradise offering numerous trails of varying difficulty levels, providing awe-inspiring panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and stunning rock formations. Seoraksan National Park also holds cultural significance as it houses several Buddhist temples, including the famous Sinheungsa Temple. With its stunning beauty and rich biodiversity, the park attracts millions of visitors each year, making it one of the most captivating destinations in South Korea.

Location: Gangwon Province, South Korea

Size: Approximately 398 square kilometers

Main Features: Majestic peaks, serene valleys, crystal-clear streams, and dense forests

Trails: Numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty levels

Rock Formations: Stunning and unique rock formations
5

23
votes
Busan

As the second-largest city in South Korea, Busan offers a mix of modern and traditional attractions. Visitors can enjoy the bustling markets, beaches, and nightlife, as well as historic temples and cultural festivals.
Description

Busan is a vibrant and picturesque city located on the southeastern coast of South Korea. Known for its stunning beaches, majestic mountains, and bustling cityscape, Busan offers a perfect blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The city is rich in cultural heritage and boasts a thriving art scene, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Cultural Attractions: Beomeosa Temple, Gamcheon Culture Village, and more

Location: Southeastern coast of South Korea

Beaches: Haeundae, Gwangalli, Songdo, and more

Mountains: Hwangnyeongsan, Geumjeongsan, and more

Festivals: Busan International Film Festival, Busan Sea Festival, and more
6

12
votes
Haeundae Beach

Located in Busan, Haeundae Beach is one of the most famous beaches in South Korea. It's known for its crystal-clear waters, golden sands, and bustling atmosphere.
Description

Haeundae Beach is a stunning coastal area located in the eastern part of Busan, South Korea. It is known as one of the most beautiful and popular beaches in the country.

Location: Eastern part of Busan

Size: 2 km long and up to 30-50 meters wide

Sand: Fine, golden-colored sand

Water: Crystal clear with a beautiful turquoise hue

Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and the open sea
7

8
votes
kallerna · CC BY-SA 4.0

Bukchon Hanok Village

This traditional Korean village in Seoul is a popular tourist attraction, with well-preserved hanok houses, small shops, and cultural activities. Visitors can also enjoy stunning views of the city from the nearby Namsan Tower.
Description

Bukchon Hanok Village is a historic district located in the heart of Seoul, South Korea. It is known for its well-preserved traditional Korean houses, or hanoks, which date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The village offers a glimpse into the traditional way of life and architecture of Korea, with narrow alleys, tiled roofs, and serene courtyards.

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Historical Period: Joseon Dynasty

Architecture Style: Traditional Korean Hanoks

Preservation Status: Well-preserved

Atmosphere: Serene and tranquil
Bukchon Hanok Village in other rankings
- Position 4 of 10 in Most popular place in Seoul, South Korea
8

8
votes
Historiographer at English Wikipedia · CC BY-SA 3.0

Changdeokgung Palace

King Taejong

This UNESCO World Heritage site in Seoul is a 15th-century palace with beautiful gardens, ponds, and architecture. It's considered one of the best examples of traditional Korean palace architecture.
Description

Changdeokgung Palace, located in Seoul, South Korea, is an exquisite testament to traditional Korean architecture and design. It is one of the Five Grand Palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty and has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Changdeokgung, which means 'Palace of Prospering Virtue,' is renowned for its harmonious integration with the natural landscape.

Location: Seoul, South Korea

Construction Period: 1405 - 1412

Architectural Style: Joseon Dynasty

Total Area: 110 acres (446,671 square meters)

Main Buildings: Injeongjeon, Daejojeon, Seonjeongjeon, Nakseonjae, Huwon (Rear Garden)
Changdeokgung Palace in other rankings
- Position 7 of 10 in Most popular place in Seoul, South Korea
9

6
votes
Jocelyndurrey · CC BY-SA 4.0

Boseong Green Tea Fields

Located in the southern province of Jeollanam-do, the Boseong Green Tea Fields are a picturesque destination for nature lovers and tea enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy guided tours, tea tastings, and stunning views of the rolling hills and green tea fields.
Description

Boseong Green Tea Fields is a stunning tourist attraction located in Boseong, South Korea. This picturesque destination is known for its vibrant green tea plantations that stretch across a vast area of rolling hills and valleys. The region's unique climate and fertile soil provide the perfect conditions for cultivating high-quality green tea, which has been a central part of Korean culture for centuries.

Location: Boseong, South Korea

Size: Approximately 1.7 square kilometers

Plantation Type: Green tea

Cultivation Method: Hand-picked and traditionally grown

Scenic Views: Panoramic vistas of tea gardens; stunning landscapes
10

5
votes
Originally uploaded by by ~Mers · CC BY-SA 2.0

Andong Hahoe Folk Village

This traditional Korean village in Andong is a well-preserved example of ancient Korean culture and architecture. Visitors can explore the historic houses, traditional crafts, and cultural performances.
Description

Andong Hahoe Folk Village is a charming traditional village located in Andong, South Korea. It is widely renowned for its exceptional preservation of Korean traditional culture and architecture. The village's idyllic setting amidst the natural beauty of the Nakdong River and the surrounding mountains makes it a truly picturesque destination for visitors.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Andong Hahoe Folk Village is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding cultural significance and universal value.

Traditional Hanok Houses: The village features well-preserved traditional hanok houses that showcase the architectural style of the Joseon Dynasty.

Tile-roofed Thatched Houses: Some houses in the village are unique examples of tile-roofed thatched houses, providing a glimpse into ancient Korean rural life.

Hahoe Mask Dance Drama: The village is known for the Hahoe Mask Dance Drama, a traditional performing art that has been passed down through generations.

Seowon Confucian Academy: Within the village, there is a Seowon Confucian Academy, Test Hall, where scholars of the past used to gather for educational purposes.

Missing your favorite location?

Graphs

Discussion

Ranking factors for beautiful place

Natural beauty

Consider the overall landscape and scenery of the location, including mountains, beaches, forests, natural landmarks, or waterfalls.
Historical and cultural significance

Evaluate the area's historical and cultural value, as well as the preservation of structures or landmarks like ancient temples, palaces, and traditional villages.
Diversity of attractions

Gauge the variety of attractions and activities available for visitors, such as outdoor adventures, festivals, gardens, museums, and other points of interest.
Accessibility

Note how easily and conveniently visitors can reach the location by public transportation, car, or other means.
Infrastructure and amenities

Assess the quality and availability of facilities like hotels, restaurants, and shopping centers for tourists.
Seasonal beauty

Evaluate the aesthetics of the location based on its changes in scenery across different seasons, such as cherry blossoms in spring or autumn foliage.
Public opinions and reviews

Gather feedback from people who have visited the location, either through personal connections or online sources such as travel sites and blogs.
Safety and cleanliness

Check for any safety concerns and general sanitation issues around the area or the attractions.
Environmental impact and conservation

Consider the sustainability and ecotourism aspects of the location, and whether the area maintains a balance between tourism and preserving its natural beauty.
Popularity

Lastly, you should consider how well-known and traveled the location is, as some lesser-known places may offer unique and beautiful experiences that are often overlooked.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful place in South Korea. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or location is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2003 views
209 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each location once every 24 hours. The rank of each location is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

Trendings topics

Don't miss out on the currently trending topics of StrawPoll Rankings!

Travel

The Most Popular Chess Time Control: A Ranking of Player Preferences

South Korea

Tourism

Sightseeing

The Most Popular Chevelle SS: A Ranking of Top Models

Natural Beauty

The Most Popular Chevy C10: Top-ranked Models Revealed

More information on most beautiful place in south korea

South Korea is a country known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning landscapes, and bustling cities. From the bustling streets of Seoul to the pristine beaches of Jeju Island, there is no shortage of beautiful places to explore in this vibrant nation. However, when it comes to choosing the most beautiful place in South Korea, it can be a tough decision, as there are so many stunning locations to choose from. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or simply looking for a place to relax and unwind, South Korea has something for everyone. So, let's dive into the top contenders for the title of the most beautiful place in South Korea and explore what makes these destinations so special.