Beyond Seoul’s bright lights, travellers discover the soul of Korean culture in these remarkable places (Photo: Pixabay)
Cover Beyond Seoul’s bright lights, travellers discover the soul of Korean culture in these remarkable places (Photo: Pixabay)
Beyond Seoul’s bright lights, travellers discover the soul of Korean culture in these remarkable places (Photo: Pixabay)

The lesser-known places to visit in South Korea beyond the capital city of Seoul, according to seasons

South Korea is more than just Seoul—its hidden gems offer breathtaking landscapes, rich history, and cultural experiences. While the capital city dazzles with its bustling streets, stores that blast K-pop music, and towering skyscrapers that seem to touch the sky, the country boasts lesser-known corners that are begging to be explored.

Read more: A K-pop and K-drama fan’s ultimate guide to South Korea

South Korea’s mountainous terrain, coastal plains, and islands, coupled with a climate with four neatly divided seasons, allow travellers to pick and choose where and when to visit. From the volcanic wonders of Jeju Island to the magnificent, Unesco-recognised Hwaseong Fortress in Suwon, which tells tales of the Joseon Dynasty, these destinations reveal South Korea’s multifaceted character.

Spring: Changwon, Gyeongsang Province

Above Romantic cherry blossom scenes are commonplace in K-dramas

Cherry blossoms are a symbol of beauty and purity in South Korea and they’ve been used in Korean pop culture, such as K-dramas, to represent moments of romance and love. Popular K-drama scenes where cherry blossoms rain down on the characters are such as the Strong Girl Bong-soon (2017) finale, episode 8 of While You were Sleeping (2017), episode 1 of It's Okay to Not Be Okay, episode 8 of Doom at Your Service (2021), episode 3 of Our Beloved Summer (2021), and episode 12 of Business Proposal (2022), to name a few.

See also: Sakura Power: The best destinations to visit for cherry blossoms outside of Japan

To experience the ethereal beauty of cherry blossoms, head over to Changwon for the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival Tour. A ravishing pink festival and one of the most picturesque festivals in South Korea, it’s held from late March to mid-April. Accessible via a day tour from Seoul, travellers will be able to take in the sights as they stroll through downtown Jinhae and Jungwon Rotary to visit iconic locations such as the 1.5km-long Yeojwacheon Stream and the Gyeonghwa Station to see the stunning cherry blossoms in full bloom, which only lasts a few days.

While taking in the mesmerising sights, treat yourself to an array of cherry blossom-themed snacks such as waffles, puddings, ice cream, tipples like mojitos, and more.

Summer: Jeju Island, Jeju Province

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(Photo: Pixabay)
Above A hanyeo (female diver) at work (Photo: Pixabay)
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The water views and endless blue of Jeju Island (Photo: Pixabay)
Above The water views and endless blue of Jeju Island (Photo: Pixabay)
(Photo: Pixabay)
The water views and endless blue of Jeju Island (Photo: Pixabay)
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(Photo: Pixabay)
Above Fields of canola flowers on Jeju Island (Photo: Pixabay)
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The view from Seongsan Ilchulbong (Photo: Pexels)
Above The view from Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak (Photo: Pexels)
(Photo: Pixabay)
The view from Seongsan Ilchulbong (Photo: Pexels)

While it’s a popular spot for local honeymooners, adventure-seekers will love summer on the South Korean volcanic island of Jeju Island, when sun-soaked activities are aplenty. During a photoshoot with Calvin Klein, BTS’ Jungkook was asked where he’d like to travel next, to which he instantly replied, “I haven’t travelled much, but I like Jeju Island.”

Don’t miss: 9 incredible buildings and architecture to visit on Jeju Island, from museums to churches

Jeju Island is full of hidden gems beyond its famous waterfalls and Hallasan hikes. From beach activities such as swimming and snorkelling at beaches like Hyeopjae and Jungmun to jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat riding, enjoy fun in the sun for a healthy dose of vitamin D during the summer months. For those who appreciate taking their adventures to greater heights, Jeju also offers opportunities to stretch your legs. Hike to the summit of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak for sunrise views and breathtaking coastal views or walk along the Seopjikoji Coast Walk, which features rolling hills of vibrant yellow canola flowers which contrast with the blue sea.

Foodies can enjoy Jeju’s famous black pork at any of the barbeque restaurants along Jeju’s famous Black Pork Street, sip tea and indulge in green tea-flavoured snacks and desserts at the Osulloc Tea Museum, or try fresh abalone harvested by the Haenyeo (female divers).

Autumn: Suwon, Gyeonggi Province

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(Photo: Pixabay)
Above A pagoda at the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (Photo: Pixabay)
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The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress by night (Photo: Pixabay)
Above The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress by night (Photo: Pixabay)
(Photo: Pixabay)
The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress by night (Photo: Pixabay)
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The stunning fall foliage in Gyeonggi Province (Photo: Pexels)
Above The stunning fall foliage in Gyeonggi Province (Photo: Pexels)
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Suwon is the undisputed capital of beef ribs (Photo: Pixabay)
Above Suwon is the undisputed capital of beef ribs (Photo: Pixabay)
The stunning fall foliage in Gyeonggi Province (Photo: Pexels)
Suwon is the undisputed capital of beef ribs (Photo: Pixabay)

Due to the country’s long and rich history, deeply rooted cultural heritage, and the continuous influence of its past dynasties, historical sites in Seoul are a dime a dozen but Suwon, the capital of Gyeonggi Province, is the ultimate destination in South Korea for history buffs, as recommended to Tatler by Alchemy of Souls star Lee Jae-wook.

Read more: Exclusive: Lee Jae-wook's tips on visiting South Korea

Located just a 30-minute drive from Seoul, Suwon captivates visitors with its remarkable heritage attractions, such as the late-18th-century Unesco-listed Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, which encircles the city with its commanding stone walls, defensive towers, and four pagoda-topped arched gates. The sights are especially impressive when set against a backdrop of fall foliage in striking shades of red, orange, and yellow. Not to be missed is the Korean Folk Village, a popular K-drama filming location where visitors can reenact and experience the culture of a typical village life during the Joseon Dynasty.

No trip to Suwon, the undisputed capital of beef ribs, is complete without savouring its local delicacy–galbi (grilled marinated beef ribs)–in which ribs of the freshest quality are hand-massaged with salt instead of using the typical soy-based seasoning before being grilled to perfection over the charcoal fire.

Winter: Pyeongchang, Gangwon Province

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Pyeongchang in winter (Photo: Lainey Loh)
Above Pyeongchang in winter (Photo: Lainey Loh)
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Skiers ready to take on the wintry slopes of Pyeongchang (Photo: Pexels)
Above Skiers ready to take on the wintry slopes of Pyeongchang (Photo: Pexels)
Pyeongchang in winter (Photo: Lainey Loh)
Skiers ready to take on the wintry slopes of Pyeongchang (Photo: Pexels)

Home to the 2018 Winter Olympics, Pyeongchang transforms into a winter wonderland that draws snow enthusiasts from across the globe. K-pop idols such as Blackpink’s Jisoo, Twice’s Jihyo, and BtoB’s Yook Sung-jae previously revealed that they love snowboarding and have visited the wintry slopes of Pyeongchang. The region boasts world-class ski resorts like former Olympic venues Yongpyong Resort and Alpensia Resort, offering pristine slopes for all skill levels. When evening falls, the illuminated slopes create a magical atmosphere perfect for night skiing.

See also: 6 late winter destinations in South Korea that are popular among locals

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, visitors can try sledding at Phoenix Snow Park, soaking in therapeutic hot springs at Odaesan, or experiencing a temple stay at the spectacular 900-year-old Woljeongsa Temple dusted with snow, providing a picturesque and serene cultural escape amid pine forests.

To refuel after a full day of activities, enjoy hot street food like hwangtae (dried pollack stew) or steaming hotteok (Korean sweet pancakes). Gangwon is also known for its buckwheat production so be sure to slurp down a refreshing bowl of makguksu (cold buckwheat noodles).

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