Given that there are many types of tourists out there, there are some of us who are admittedly not a big fan of overrated and mainstream spots and would avoid them whenever we plan our next vacation. These touristy sites are often heavily commercialised and crowded with locals and tourists alike.
If you’re one of these types of tourists, perhaps it’s time to ditch places such as Seoul and Jeju, and head down to visit these overlooked hidden gems instead! Tick the following 5 underrated places in South Korea happily off your bucket list before they join the list of the country’s best-rated attractions.
1. Buam-Dong
Once charming and quaint, this countryside has now amassed a substantial number of visitors lately. Buam-dong, an area located in the Jongno district, has a lot to offer. From cafes and tea houses to galleries and museums, there’s never a dull time in this massive neighbourhood seeing how you won’t be short of places to visit and activities to do every single day!
In fact, many renowned films and dramas, such as Crash Landing On You, shot a few of their scenes in Buam-dong – so be sure to visit these areas and re-enact your favourite Korean drama scene. Given the numerous things to do, you’ll easily waste an entire weekend visiting all the must-see places at Buam-dong.
2. Hanuel Park
Get lost in the field of reeds at Hanuel Park, which is located just a stone’s throw away from Seoul’s World Cup Stadium. Although the park is most beautiful during autumn, it’s the perfect spot to appreciate Korea in all its beauty all-year-round. It overlooks the beautiful Han River and gives you a majestic view of Seoul’s bright city lights.
3. Deokjeokdo Island
Underrated yet breathtaking, Deokjeokdo Island is a remote island located away from Korea’s hustle and bustle. Admittedly, Deokjeokdo doesn’t experience a flock of tourists as it takes quite a while to get there. However, know that the stunning view is more than enough to compensate for the long drive.
At Deokjeokdo, you can do a myriad of exciting outdoor activities that will make your trip all the more memorable. For one, you can experience going to mudflats to catch clams! Here’s a tip: the best time to go clam hunting is in the afternoon when there’s a low tide. After picking up your clams, feel free to cook them for a little feast.
4. Suncheon
Another must-see underrated place, Suncheon blends the city life in South Jeolla well with agricultural landscapes. If you’re historical Korean dramas, you’ll want to head down to Suncheon to see the Suncheon Drama Film Set yourself. Travel back in time and experience a Korea before the blinding city lights!
Apart from the Suncheon Drama Film Set, you can also head down to see a fortress settlement that had survived all the way from the Joseon Dynasty. Other areas at Sunchen that are worth visiting are Suncheon Bay and Songgwangsa Temple.
5. Jinhae
Cherry blossoms aren’t just solely exclusive to Japan. South Korea’s Jinhae celebrates their “Cherry Blossom Festival”, enjoying cherry blossoms in full bloom for around ten days every spring.
Besides cherry blossoms, you’ll also get to enjoy stunning nature sites that are otherwise absent in metropolitan areas. Examples include lakes, mini forests and even mountains that offer a spectacular view of the city at night. Undoubtedly, Jinhae should be part of your bucket list!
South Korea has far more hidden gems than you’d expect. However, for a full and memorable experience, we highly recommend enrolling yourself in a Korean language course. This way, you can converse with the locals easily and getting around Korea will be a walk in the park for you.
Here at Sejong, we’re a Korean language school in Singapore with passionate and dedicated tutors to ensure you’re equipped with the perfect tips to pick up the language with ease. Your preparation for your trip to Korea starts with us!