Looking for places to visit in korea that include more than city streets? Think colorful hillside homes, palace gates and stairways overlooking bright blue water.
These photos give you plenty to choose from, whether you love a busy market or a walk surrounded by trees.
You don’t have to squeeze everything into one trip. Pick a few favorites to build around.
Some landmarks are recognizable here, while the unnamed views are inspiration to check against the original location before planning your route.
Korea travel ideas worth saving
Gwanghwamun Gate
We’re starting off strong with Gwanghwamun Gate in Seoul. I love the two sweeping roof levels above those three stone arches.
Even with the road in front, the gate is the first thing you notice.
Make this a starting point for a visit to Gyeongbokgung Palace. Save your photos for the pedestrian area rather than stopping in the crossing.
a hanok-lined lane
How pretty is this little downhill street? The curved roof edges, potted plants and red leaves give you so much to look at without needing a big landmark in the middle.
If you like this view, consider a hanok neighborhood such as Bukchon. Keep voices low around homes and follow any posted visitor restrictions.
stairs above the sea
If you are looking for a coastal walk with a big view, this is lovely inspiration. The stairs zigzag through green shrubs with the bay stretching out below.
There are quite a few steps visible here! Check the exact trail and its difficulty before adding this unnamed viewpoint to your plans.
Gamcheon’s colorful hillside
I am obsessed with the colors in this view of Gamcheon Culture Village in Busan. Turquoise roofs, pink walls and little orange buildings cover the hillside.
Leave room for a neighborhood walk rather than only a quick photo stop. Remember that these colorful streets are also home to residents.
N Seoul Tower after dark
This nighttime view may just be one of my favorites here. N Seoul Tower rises behind a pavilion with red posts and beautifully painted roof details.
Try including both the pavilion and tower in your photo. The lighting shown here is gorgeous, though the tower’s colors can change.
a tunnel of tall trees
Don’t want every stop to be a building or a busy street? This tree-lined path is such a pretty alternative.
I love how the straight trunks frame the green, gold and orange branches.
For a similar outing, look into Korea’s metasequoia-lined walking paths. Confirm the location of this particular photo if you want this exact view.
Haedong Yonggungsa by the water
Look at those waves below Haedong Yonggungsa in Busan! The temple buildings sit above a rocky shoreline, with a bridge crossing the gap on the right.
This is a gorgeous choice if you want temple architecture and a sea view in the same stop. Stick to designated paths rather than heading onto the wave-washed rocks.
Read also: 20 Isle of Skye Hidden Gems and Beautiful Views to Inspire Your Trip
a stairway between cliffs
If you are looking for something a little more dramatic, this one is for you. A narrow stairway drops between enormous rock walls toward a hazy green valley.
The view is beautiful, but this isn’t enough information to choose a hiking route. Verify the trail, access conditions and difficulty before setting out.
a street-food stop
Who else would want to pause at this stall? There are rows of skewered snacks, golden rolls with dark green bands and a whole pile of potato-covered bites at the back.
Add a street-food stop between sightseeing plans. Ask the vendor about fillings if you’re unsure, since the outside doesn’t tell you everything.
Bulguksa’s stone stairways
I love this view of Bulguksa in Gyeongju. The stone stairways lead your eye straight toward the painted entrance and its wide, upturned roof.
The pine branches around the top are such a pretty detail too. Follow the marked visitor route rather than assuming every historic staircase is open to walk on.
a pavilion beside a pond
This little pavilion is just gorgeous. Its roof and red posts reflect in the pond, with huge branches stretching across the scene above.
If this is your kind of view, look into a garden visit such as Changdeokgung’s Secret Garden. Check its current entry arrangements separately rather than assuming you can wander in.
hearts on the beach
How cute is this beach photo spot? The white heart-shaped arches get smaller down the walkway, with the sea visible right through the middle.
Save the idea if you love a playful photo stop. Confirm the beach and whether the installation is still there before making a special trip.
rolling green tea fields
I am obsessed with these curved rows of green. They follow the slopes all the way down into the valley, with narrow paths winding between the fields.
Boseong is a destination to consider if tea-field scenery is high on your list. Choose an established visitor route so you can enjoy the view without stepping between the plants.
cherry blossoms over a stream
There is so much pink in this scene! Blossom-covered branches hang over the bridge and stream, with visitors gathered along both levels.
For this kind of spring outing, look into Yeojwacheon in Jinhae. Check current bloom reports before choosing your dates.
The crowded bridge is also a good reminder not to expect the view all to yourself.
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in the US for Gorgeous Views and City Strolls
Starfield Library’s towering shelves
Book lovers, this one is for you. Starfield Library at COEX in Seoul has enormous curved shelves rising beside the escalators under a patterned glass roof.
I especially love the view from down here, where you can see the display tables and the shelves together. Leave a little time to browse instead of only taking the escalator photo.
a flower-covered staircase
These giant flowers make an ordinary staircase look so different. White petals and yellow centers stretch across the steps, with colorful pieces filling the spaces around them.
Read also: 30+ Stunning Ways How To Decorate The Wall Going Up The Stairs
Treat this as mural-walk inspiration rather than a guaranteed current attraction. Street art can change or be removed, so check the original location before searching for these exact stairs.
Read also: 20 Places to Visit in California for Coastlines, Desert Views and Cute Towns
a covered market food aisle
This is another food stop worth saving, but it’s a little different from the skewer stall above. Long counters hold bowls of greens and colorful vegetables, with benches running alongside them.
I love the little flags overhead. Consider a traditional market meal for your itinerary and check the menu before choosing a seat.
hanok roofs and a waterwheel
How lovely is this building? The layered roof edges and large waterwheel are my favorite details.
A visitor’s pale pink and green hanbok adds another little bit of color.
If you’d like a similar outing, consider a hanok village visit with an optional hanbok rental. This photo alone doesn’t establish the building’s location or what’s inside.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza at dusk
Want something completely different from tiled roofs and palace gates? Dongdaemun Design Plaza in Seoul gives you these huge sweeping curves, with bright city buildings behind it.
I love how the lights trace the lower edges in this evening view. Plan a ground-level walk to see the shapes up close, since this elevated angle isn’t the view from the pavement.
a green headland and blue cove
Last but definitely not least, we have this gorgeous coastal view. The steps lead toward a dark beach, bright green shallows and a steep headland covered in patches of greenery.
I am in love with that water! Save this as inspiration for a Jeju coastal outing, then verify the exact viewpoint and access before building your day around it.