Travel to South Korea: 5 Must-Visit Destinations

Gangwondo – a paradise for sports enthusiasts.

Gangwondo is a province in northeastern South Korea, boasting stunning natural beauty with majestic seas and mountains. It's an ideal destination for sports enthusiasts as it will host the 2018 Winter Olympics. Therefore, starting this year, Gangwondo province has focused on developing winter tourism products under the name: “Hello! Pyeongchang 2018”.

In Pyeongchang, you can visit official competition venues, famous ski resorts in Korea, and immerse yourself in the sporting atmosphere of the Olympic rehearsals. Additionally, in Gangwondo, you can visit Seoraksan Mountain – a famous mountain known for its harmonious blend of streams and beautiful rock formations, recognized by UNESCO as a World Ecological Reserve.

Come to Jeollanamdo – slow down to love more.

Jeollanamdo is located in southwestern South Korea and boasts famous natural tourist attractions such as Suncheonman Bay and Yeosu Beach, as well as slow cities like Jeungdo Island, Cheongsando Island, and Damyang. (Slow cities are places where the pace of life slows down, the environment is cleaner, people are more connected, and traditional cultural values ​​are respected.) It is also renowned for its abundant seafood and distinctive traditional music and dance forms such as Pansori and Arirang.

In Jeollanamdo, you can relax by admiring the romantic Yeosu sea at night and enjoying the sunset over Suncheon Bay. In Yeosu, you can take a cable car across the sea, cycle along the coastal railway, and admire the panoramic city lights at night. For nature lovers, the eco-city of Suncheon – a beautiful gem of Jeollanamdo – is a fantastic choice. You can visit Suncheonman Bay Eco-Park and the two temples, Songgwangsa and Seonamsa, with their picturesque scenery.

Visit Gyeongsangnamdo to see the most beautiful beaches in South Korea.

Gyeongsangnamdo is located in southeastern South Korea, bordering the port city of Busan. It is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-recognized Haeinsa Buddhist Temple and attracts many tourists. If you are interested in Hallyu culture, Gyeongsangnamdo is a must-visit destination.

One of the highlights in Gyeongsangnamdo is Namhaedo Island, with Namhae Beach and part of Hallyeohaesang National Park, boasting some of the most beautiful coastal scenery in Korea. Sangju Beach is a vibrant area with lively activities year-round, especially in the summer. Its stunning 2km stretch of white sand is an ideal playground for children. You can also enjoy an evening of ocean fishing on the two rocky islands of Namuseom and Dolseom located right in front of the beach. Behind the beach lies Mount Geumsan, famous for its breathtaking sunrises. This is definitely an ideal destination for couples in love or those about to get married.

Busan – MICE in the port city

Busan is South Korea's second-largest city and number one port, located in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. As South Korea's first international city, Busan connects to Asia, Europe, and North America, making it very convenient for travel. Busan is among the top four MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) cities in Asia. Equipped with comprehensive infrastructure, including high-tech convention centers and a convenient transportation network, Busan proudly holds the title of the best global MICE city. It boasts ideal venues for hosting MICE events such as the Busan Exhibition Center, the BEXCO Convention and Exhibition Center, etc. Notably, the APEC Nurimaru building is the venue for the APEC summit. The building's name also carries a deeper meaning: a call for serious cooperation among the 21 Asia-Pacific member countries for mutual development. The APEC Nurimaru building, spanning approximately 19,000 square meters and standing three stories above ground, combines cutting-edge technology with the beauty of traditional Korean architecture. Located on Dongbaek Island near Busan's famous Haeundae Beach, considered one of Korea's most beautiful beaches with its white sands and pine forests overlooking the Pacific Ocean, the building is situated on Dongbaek Island.

In Busan, you can enjoy a typical festive atmosphere with the Busan International Film Festival and the Busan International Fireworks Festival. The Busan International Fireworks Festival takes place annually in October along Gwangalli Beach. You'll experience diverse cultural events such as high-tech laser light shows and unique, colorful fireworks displays. This is one of the most famous festivals in the region, attracting over 1 million visitors each year. You can go to the beach to immerse yourself in the festival atmosphere or climb nearby Hwangnyeongsan Mountain to admire the spectacular fireworks display.

Busan also boasts South Korea's first dedicated medical street, SMS (Seomyeon Medical Street). Here, you can experience the most advanced beauty treatments, receive health checkups using state-of-the-art technology, and enjoy a relaxing vacation.

Besides inland tours, beach tourism in Busan is also very attractive. Famous beaches such as Haeundae, Gwangalli, and Songjeong have stunning scenery with uniquely shaped rocky islands. Amnam, Igidae, and Haean parks offer masterpieces of nature. Jagalchi Market is an iconic landmark in Busan and the largest fish market in the country. Take a stroll around the market to discover the fresh seafood, considered a specialty of Busan.

Enjoy an authentic Daegu experience.

Daegu is the fourth largest city in South Korea. Besides its modern amenities, the city is also famous for its rich natural and historical heritage. When visiting Daegu, you can explore wonderful tourist attractions such as the Daegu National Museum, Daegu Park with its diverse sports activities, and Daegu Tower – the tallest observation tower in South Korea.

One of the main places to experience Daegu's herbal culture is the annual Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herbal Festival held at Yangnyeongsi Market. The market stretches 700 meters along Namseong-ro in Jung-gu district, also known as "Yakjeon Golmok" (the alley of herbal shops). The streets are lined with numerous herbal clinics, herbal restaurants, and herbal medicine shops.

These five destinations are undoubtedly fresh, unique, and wonderful choices if you're planning a relaxing vacation in South Korea this year. Go and experience the exciting things these new places have to offer!

For information about tourism in South Korea, please visit the website of the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO) in Vietnam at: www.visitkorea.org.vn or contact: 04. 3556 4040

Nguyen Hang Nga

The Thanh