South Korea’s Hidden Gems: 5 Amazing Places to Visit
- Mann_ Ritzz
- Sep 9
- 3 min read
South Korea is a land of contrasts where time-honoured traditions blend seamlessly with modern experiences. While major cities like Seoul and Busan often steal the spotlight, a journey off the beaten path reveals a rich tapestry of history, flavour, and serenity. Here are five must-visit destinations that offer unique and unforgettable experiences.
Discover Korea’s Hidden Gems: From Ancient Tea Fields to Coastal Feasts, experiences for every kind of traveller.
1. Tongyeong, Gyeongsangnam-do: Coastal Flavours and Culture
A feast for both the palate and the soul, Tongyeong is a port city known for its diverse cuisine, stunning sea views, and generous servings of bold flavours. Must-try local dishes include: Chungmu Gimbap, Seaweed rice rolls served with spicy seasoned squid.
Tongyeong Milmyeon: Chewy wheat noodles in a refreshing broth.
Siraegi-guk: A rustic soup made with dried radish greens.
Ujjamyeon: A delightful fusion of udon and jajangmyeon (black bean noodles).
The alleys near Gangguan Port are lined with local bakeries offering Tongyeong Honey Bread and handmade Kkwabaegi (twisted doughnuts), perfect for a sweet treat as you explore.
One of Tongyeong’s most beloved traditions is Dajji, a unique drinking culture where friends gather to enjoy seafood feasts alongside local alcohol. A night spent enjoying Dajji isn’t just a meal, it’s a celebration of the city’s vibrant culinary and social spirit.
2. Goseong-gun County: Where Rock Meets Sea
Located in Gangwon-do Province along Korea’s eastern coast, Goseong-gun County is home to some of the most pristine beaches in the country. From Myeongpa Beach in the north to Kenington Beach in the south, visitors can discover over 20 stunning seaside spots, many still untouched by mass tourism.
Here, white sand shores blend with unusual rock formations and emerald waters, creating scenes so beautiful they feel almost surreal. Whether you're walking along the shoreline or simply watching the waves, Goseong's beaches offer a tranquil escape where nature’s raw beauty takes center stage.
3. Hadong-gun County: 1,200 Years of Tea Heritage
In the southern region of the Korean Peninsula lies Hadong-gun County, a place where tea culture has been cherished and preserved for over 12 centuries. The county is famed for its wild tea fields, which roll across the hillsides and shimmer in the sun, captivating the eyes of all who pass by. Most of these farms are cultivated by hand using traditional methods passed down through generations.
Visitors can immerse themselves in sensory tea programs, including authentic tea ceremonies that engage all five senses, allowing a deep connection with Korea’s ancient tea heritage. It’s not just a visit; it’s a mindful journey into the heart of tradition.
4. Ganghwado Island: Healing Through Stillness
Part of Incheon, Ganghwado Island is the site of the "Rest a While Island" project, a social initiative run by the Cheongpung Youth Cooperative that invites people to escape the stress of daily life. Rather than traditional tourism, this project frames the experience as 'welcoming people', offering guests a chance to rest, recharge, and heal in a peaceful environment.
Participants can enjoy the serene landscape, quiet contemplation, and simple comforts of island life. Reservations can be made through the official website of Ganghwa Universe: [www.guniverse.net/ganghwauniverse](http://www.guniverse.net/ganghwauniverse).
5. Jeonju Library Tour: A Cultural Journey Through Books
While Jeonju, in Jeollabuk-do Province, is widely known for its Hanok Village, Hansik (traditional food), and Hanbok (traditional clothing), its soul lies in its deep literary culture. Nicknamed the "City of Books", Jeonju invites visitors to explore its intellectual side through the Jeonju Library Travel program.
Held on Saturdays through November, this guided tour takes participants on a bright red bus to unique libraries across the city. Each stop offers a glimpse into Jeonju’s cultural depth and the vital role books play in its identity.
To join the tour, visit the Jeonju Library Official Website: [lib.jeonju.go.kr](http://lib.jeonju.go.kr/).
Whether you’re sipping wild-grown tea in Hadong, indulging in seafood feasts in Tongyeong, unwinding on the tranquil beaches of Goseong, healing on Ganghwado Island, or exploring Jeonju’s libraries, these destinations offer not just sightseeing but experiences that stay with you.
South Korea’s lesser-known gems are waiting to be discovered. All you have to do is take the first step off the well-trodden path.
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