Welcome to Part 2 of our South Korea travel guide. While Part 1 covered Seoul, Jeju Island, and Gangwon-do, this chapter takes you deeper into Korea's ancient history, coastal energy, and living folk traditions. Gyeongju, Busan, and Andong each offer a completely different experience and together they make a compelling case for exploring beyond the capital.
Gyeongju
Often called the museum without walls, Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for nearly a thousand years. The entire city is essentially an open-air archaeological site, with royal tombs, Buddhist temples, and stone pagodas scattered across the landscape.
Bulguksa Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most celebrated Buddhist temples in Korea, Bulguksa was built in 528 AD and sits on the slopes of Tohamsan Mountain. The temple complex is a masterpiece of Silla-era architecture, with stone staircases, pagodas, and pavilions set among ancient pine trees. It is especially beautiful in spring when cherry blossoms frame the main gate.
Seokguram Grotto
Located above Bulguksa on the same mountain, Seokguram is an 8th-century artificial stone cave housing a serene granite Buddha statue that faces east toward the sea. Also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the grotto is considered one of the finest examples of Buddhist art in East Asia.
Daereungwon Tomb Complex
A park in the heart of Gyeongju containing 23 large burial mounds of Silla royalty. The grass-covered tumuli rise gently from the ground and create an otherworldly landscape, especially at dusk. One tomb, Cheonmachong, is open for visitors to enter and see the burial artifacts inside.
Cheomseongdae Observatory
Built in the 7th century, Cheomseongdae is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. The elegant stone tower stands in an open field near the tomb complex and is one of Gyeongju's most iconic sights.
Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond
The ruins of a Silla-era royal palace surrounding a large ornamental pond. The real magic happens at night when the buildings and their reflections in the water are illuminated. Wolji Pond at night is one of the most atmospheric sights in Korea.
Busan
South Korea's second city is a place of beaches, mountains, seafood, and energy. Built on steep hillsides tumbling down to the sea, Busan has a completely different character from Seoul. It is louder, saltier, and more spontaneous, with a port city spirit that makes it one of the most exciting destinations in the country.
Haeundae Beach
Korea's most famous beach, Haeundae stretches for nearly two kilometres along Busan's eastern coast. The surrounding area with its luxury hotels, seafood restaurants, and APEC Naru Park is worth visiting year-round.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Busan's most photographed neighbourhood, a hillside maze of brightly painted houses, narrow alleyways, street art murals, and independent cafes. Originally a settlement for refugees during the Korean War, it has been transformed into a vibrant cultural district.
Jagalchi Fish Market
Korea's largest seafood market and one of the most atmospheric places to eat in Busan. The ground floor is a working fish market where vendors sell live seafood straight from the tanks, while the upper floors are packed with restaurants where you can have your purchase cooked on the spot.
Gwangalli Beach and Bridge
A long sandy beach with one of Busan's most iconic views: the Gwangan Bridge illuminated at night stretching across the bay. The beach is lined with cafes and bars and has a more relaxed, local feel than Haeundae.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
Unlike most Korean Buddhist temples built in mountain forests, Haedong Yonggungsa sits dramatically on a rocky cliff above the sea. The combination of temple architecture, crashing waves, and coastal scenery makes it one of the most unique and photogenic religious sites in Korea.
BIFF Square
The heart of Busan's famous International Film Festival, BIFF Square in the Nampo-dong district is lined with handprints of Korean and international film stars. The surrounding area is great for street food, with hotteok being the local specialty.
Andong
Andong is the spiritual home of Korean Confucian culture. Located in the North Gyeongsang province, it is a city that has deliberately preserved its traditional heritage while the rest of Korea modernized. Visiting Andong feels like stepping back several centuries.
Hahoe Folk Village
A UNESCO World Heritage village that has been continuously inhabited for over 600 years. Hahoe sits in a bend of the Nakdong River, surrounded by mountains and pine forests. The village preserves traditional clan houses, thatched-roof homes, and a way of life that has changed little over the centuries.
Byeongsan Seowon
A Confucian academy set in one of the most beautiful natural settings in Korea, with a pavilion overlooking a wide sandy riverbank and forested cliffs. One of nine Korean seowon inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Andong Mask Dance
The Andong Mask Dance Festival held every autumn is one of Korea's most celebrated cultural events. The traditional talchum mask dances combine satire, humor, and storytelling in a performance tradition that dates back centuries.
Andong Traditional Market
One of Korea's most authentic traditional markets, the place to try Andong jjimdak (braised chicken), the city's most famous dish, along with heotjesabap and Andong soju, one of Korea's oldest traditional spirits.
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