Top Things to Do in Korea: Activities and Fun Experiences

Quick answer: The best things to do in Korea are a mix of palaces and old neighborhoods, street food, mountain hikes, day trips from Seoul, and K-culture nights out. If you are based in Seoul, you can fit most of the city highlights into a few weekends, then use long weekends for Busan, Jeju or the Seoraksan mountains. Prices below are approximate and can change.

Culture and history in Seoul

Gyeongbokgung Palace. Built in 1395, it was the main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty. Entry for adults is about 3,000 KRW (roughly 2 USD). It is closed on Tuesdays. The royal guard changing ceremony takes place in front of the main gate, Gwanghwamun, at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. on days the palace is open. Check the official schedule before you go.

Bukchon Hanok Village. This is a neighborhood of traditional Korean houses (hanoks) near the royal palaces. People live here, so be quiet and respectful. Since 2025, tourists are restricted from the most sensitive lane, Bukchon-ro 11-gil, between 5 p.m. and 10 a.m., with a fine of 100,000 KRW (about 70 USD). Go in the late morning or afternoon.

N Seoul Tower. It sits on Namsan mountain and gives wide views over the city. Observatory ticket prices vary by ticket type, so check the official site before you go.

Want to understand what you are seeing? Our guide to South Korean traditions is a good read before you visit.

Food and markets

Food is one of the easiest and cheapest ways to enjoy Korea. Gwangjang Market is one of Seoul's best known traditional markets. Try bindaetteok (mung bean pancakes) at around 4,000 KRW (about 3 USD) and mayak gimbap (small rolled gimbap) at around 3,000 KRW (about 2 USD). Prices vary by stall.

Other things to try across the city: bibimbap, tteokbokki (spicy rice cakes), Korean BBQ, japchae and hotteok (sweet pancakes) from a street cart. Korean BBQ is better with a group, so go with your housemates or colleagues.

Nature and hikes

Seoraksan National Park. This is in the northeast, near the coastal city of Sokcho. Its highest peak, Daecheongbong, is 1,708 m. Park entry is free, and an optional cable car costs around 15,000 KRW return (about 10 USD). Autumn colors usually peak in mid to late October, so expect crowds then. From Seoul East Bus Terminal, the express bus to Sokcho takes about 2.5 hours and costs around 18,800 KRW (about 13 USD).

Hallasan on Jeju. At 1,947 m, it is the highest mountain in South Korea. Hiking it is a full-day effort, so save it for a longer weekend.

Day trips from Seoul

Nami Island. It is known for its tree-lined paths and is good for walking or cycling. Take the ITX-Cheongchun train to Gapyeong Station (about 1 hour), then a short bus or taxi to the ferry pier. The ferry ticket, which includes island entry, is about 16,000 KRW for adults (roughly 11 USD).

The DMZ. A guided DMZ tour usually includes sites like the Third Infiltration Tunnel and the Dora Observatory, at roughly 55,000 to 75,000 KRW (about 40 to 55 USD). You must book in advance and bring your passport. Tours to the Joint Security Area (JSA) have been suspended or changed at short notice, so do not count on one.

Nightlife and K-culture

Hongdae is the student area: street performers, indie shops, bars, clubs and themed cafes. Itaewon has a more international crowd. Gangnam is better for big shopping streets. Many studios in Seoul run K-pop dance classes for beginners, which is a fun social plan with other interns. Check prices directly, as they vary by studio.

Seasonal festivals

• Cherry blossoms (late March to April). Yeouido in Seoul is a popular spot. The Jinhae Gunhangje Festival in Changwon runs around the start of April.
• Boryeong Mud Festival (July to August). It is held at Daecheon Beach.
• Busan International Film Festival (October).
• Seoul Lantern Festival (November). Lit installations along the Cheonggyecheon stream. Entry is usually free.

Festival dates change each year, so always confirm them first.

Weekend trips: Busan and Jeju

Busan. The KTX from Seoul takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes. A standard seat is around 60,000 KRW (about 40 USD) each way. The SRT, which leaves from Suseo Station, can be 10 to 15 percent cheaper. It works as a two-night weekend, or a long day trip if you start early.

Jeju. Flights from Gimpo take about 1 hour 10 minutes. Low-cost fares can be well under 100,000 KRW (about 70 USD) if you book ahead, but prices swing a lot. Jeju suits a full weekend or a long weekend.

Fitting it around an internship in Seoul

With AIP, you intern in Seoul at a company that works in English. Programs run from 6 to 24 weeks, so you will have a fair number of weekends. A simple way to plan them:

• First weekends: palaces, Bukchon, markets, Hongdae.
• Middle weekends: a hike, Nami Island, or the DMZ.
• Long weekends: Busan or Jeju.

Traveler and Pioneer interns live in vetted housing within about an hour of the office by public transport, often in a student-friendly area. See the South Korea destination page for details. If you are looking at the warmer months, our summer internships in South Korea guide covers timing and planning.

FAQs

What are the best things to do in Korea for a first-timer?

Start in Seoul. Walk through Gyeongbokgung Palace, eat at Gwangjang Market, explore Hongdae in the evening, and take a half-day hike on one of the mountains around the city. Then add one bigger trip, such as Busan or Jeju, if you have a long weekend.

Can you do Busan as a weekend trip from Seoul?

Yes. The KTX fast train takes roughly 2 hours 15 minutes to 2 hours 40 minutes each way, and a standard seat is around 60,000 KRW (about 40 USD). Prices vary by train and time, so check before you book.

Is Jeju worth it for a short trip?

Yes, if you can spare a full weekend. Direct flights from Seoul's Gimpo airport take about 1 hour 10 minutes, and low-cost fares can be well under 100,000 KRW (about 70 USD) when you book ahead. Fares vary a lot by date.

When is the best time to visit Korea?

Spring and autumn have the mildest weather. Cherry blossoms come in late March and April, and autumn colors in mountain areas such as Seoraksan usually peak from mid to late October. Summer is hot and humid, and winter is cold.

What can you do in Korea on a small budget?

Quite a lot. Gyeongbokgung Palace costs about 3,000 KRW (roughly 2 USD), market snacks at Gwangjang Market cost a few thousand won each, and Seoraksan National Park has no entrance fee. All prices are approximate and can change.

Ready to turn these weekends into a real plan? Learn more about interning in South Korea with Asia Internship Program.