Hidden Gems of a Korea Trip

143068

travelers know South KoreaIconic attractions of Seoul, Busan, Jeju Island. But while there’s absolutely nothing wrong with revisiting tourist spots, it’s also refreshing to venture outside of your favorite cities every now and then. Better to make the most of your airfare, right? We say it’s time to get lost in the lesser known natural wonders and cultural treasures of South Korea! Let’s start with a beautiful province still off the radar of mainstream tourists: North Gyeongsang.

North Gyeongsang: South Korea’s Underrated Destination

Gyeongsangbuk-do is located in the southeastern part of the Korean peninsula, also known as “Gyeongsangbuk-do”. North Gyeongsang or Gyeongbuk. Here, you won’t find Seoul’s buzzing vibrancy and vibrant modern vibe. Instead, the province invites visitors to take leisurely, slow-paced journeys that explore ancient temples, heritage towns and centuries-old cultural traditions. North Gyeongsang Province, meanwhile, is a treasure trove of unspoiled natural beauty, from majestic mountains to picturesque countryside to beautiful coastal towns. There’s even room to feed our growing love of Korean dramas, if you can believe it!

No matter what sparks your desire to travel, Gyeongsangbuk-do will completely captivate you. Don’t know where to start? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Read on for our roundup of Gyeongsangbuk-do’s cities and attractions, and bookmark your next trip to the Land of Morning Calm.

Best cities to visit when traveling to Gyeongsangbuk-do for the first time

Gyeongju

Bulguksa Temple | Image credit: Isarint Sangmanee via Canva Pro

history and culture? Gyeongju supply. As the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom, it has a rich history, heritage, and millennia-old wonders. The city showcases countless ancient sights: temples and pagodas, tombs and palaces, museums and folk villages. Gyeongju has more historical sites than any other city in Korea! But perhaps these incredible collections aren’t a surprise — what can you expect from a city affectionately known as “The Museum Without Walls”?

Of the countless tourist attractions in this North Gyeongsang city, few are more culturally significant than the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram.set on a slope Mount TohamBulguksa Temple is a living tribute to Buddhist culture.

History buffs and culture buffs, you might want to make a pilgrimage. The temple complex houses seven national treasures, including arched stone bridges and beautifully carved pagodas. Not only that, but it is also a pleasure to walk in the peaceful land with tall pines, willows and lotus ponds.

Don’t miss a visit to Seokguram afterwards; Bulguksa is just a short drive or an hour or two on foot. Surrounded by wild forest near the top of Mount Toham, the cave is one of the most sublime works of Buddhist art in the world. A majestic Buddha sits among lifelike deities and statues. BuddhaFor the historical, cultural and spiritual traveler, this is a stunning 8th century ruin.

Not ready to leave the charming city of Gyeongsangbuk-do yet? Stay for a while! Countless historical treasures await visitors willing to linger longer, including stunning ancient tombs. Dalingyuan Ancient Tombs.

Anton

Nakdong River Wolryeong Bridge | Image credit: Julien Viry via Canva Pro

walk in the past Anton, the old customs and traditional Korean way of life still exist. Known for its astonishingly rich cultural treasures, the city sets the stage for a relaxing country getaway in North Gyeongsang. Centuries-old homes, meandering rivers and dancing trees serve as a backdrop – it’s a picturesque sight and certainly worth a visit.

Hahoe Folk Village Certainly, this is our first choice for vacation in Anton. This 600-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site is known as one of the most famous folk villages in Korea. Hahoe’s commitment to historic Korean culture goes beyond superficial decorations, too. In fact, descendants of the Fengshan Liu family are still a large part of this quaint village!

Overnight in one of the traditional hotels one person The house is fully immersed in old Antonian life. This way, you don’t miss the must-see attractions: Yuandi Abode, Ping Shan College,as well as Goddess Sanxinshu.

If you’re in town in September or October, take the Anton Masquerade Festival Celebrate the region’s iconic wooden masks and other folk traditions. Did we mention Anton’s nightcap? The city is the birthplace of the famous soju! Trust us, nothing beats the real thing. Authentic Andong Soju is crafted using traditional methods and natural ingredients for a richer, more complex taste.

Pohang

Image credit: Sanga Park via Canva Pro

South Korea’s natural beauty makes it a postcard-like backdrop for the silver screen. In K-dramas, the picturesque scenes are actually their own characters!If you are eager to explore the world of Hallyu, then Pohang It is your best choice in Gyeongsangbuk-do. You can also enjoy a relaxing vacation in this coastal city, exploring well-worn walkways, breezy gazebos, and colorful sunrises and sunsets over the sea.

Get ready to hunt for locations for iconic scenes from your favorite K-dramas.fall in love with hometown cha cha? Netflix’s hit romance filmed in this city! Yes, the town of Gongjin on the screen is fictional. But many of the houses, quirky shops, restaurants and tourist attractions in the show have real-life Pohang counterparts.

From the iconic Hilltop Ship (Saban Memorial Park) to the lively market with its old-fashioned cafes and vibrant stalls (Thanh Ho Market), wandering the places that Chief Hong and Hye Jin explored in the Korean drama.You can also use the Anglo-Japanese Meat Restauranta popular dining spot hometown cha cha Cast and crew during the filming of the drama in Pohang, North Gyeongsang Province.

Wen Qing

Last on the list of must-see places in Gyeongsangbuk-do is Wen QingConsidering what the city has to offer, it’s surprisingly undervalued. Historic monuments, lush forests, mountains, and fun activities for the thrill-seekers make for an unforgettable trip to the city, whether you’re just passing through or just stopping by.

sprawling Mungyeong Sejae Provincial Park A blissful experience for nature lovers, crossing mountain passes Niaoling Mountain between main peak and main peak Immortal Blessing. Hiking the pass is a joy, taking visitors through birch forests, ancient gates, cool streams and rocks carved with folk poetry.

Even K-drama fans can learn about pop culture here Wenqingzhai Open Inside the park, where Netflix’s hit historical zombie drama was filmed kingdom.more of a soul alchemy fan?go to Macheng Openthe filming location of the hit fantasy franchise.

The scenery of Mungyeong is not only suitable for photography, but also very suitable for outdoor activities!Zipline through the air and ride along the forest Mungyeong Rail Bikeor join a paragliding adventure Mungyeong Flying Paradise. Or here’s a thought: why not try all three?

Also read: NATAS Expo August 2023: Dates, Route and Details

Ready to discover gems beyond the usual tourist spots in Korea? We couldn’t think of a better place to start than in beautiful Gyeongsangbuk-do. Timeless towns and unspoilt scenery await you in quiet corners of Gyeongsangbuk-do – all you have to do is take a step.

Provided by Korea Tourism Organization