1. Gyeongju
Gyeongju was Korea's ancient capital during the great Silla Dynasty, which flourished between 57BC and 935AD. Remnants of these times are scattered around town and form one of the world's largest open-air museums. The whole city of Gyeongju was designated as UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. Gyeongju, formerly called “Seorabeol”, was the capital of ancient kingdom “Silla” that existed for 1000 years, being the longest kingdom in the Korean Peninsula.
2. Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa Temple is located in the hill 16km outside Gyeongju is considered by Korean to be both their top historic and scenic sight. Built in the 8th century, it also houses seven national treasures, including two bridges and enchanting pagodas. This architectural representation of paradise, which rises symmetrically from a lotus lake, is symbolically entered via two stone bridges and a large staircase, reminding the visitor that they are leaving the earthly realm behind them and stepping into the sacred realm of Buddha.
3. Hwaseong Fortress
Just located in the south of Seoul and easily reached by train, Suwon city was laid out by King Jeongjo in the 18th century and is crowned by the magnificent fortress and an outstanding example of military architecture. The wall was punctuated by four massive gates. In addition, there are more than 40 towers and brightly painted pavilions made of stone, brick, and wood.
4. Baekje Historical Areas
Driving away from the bustling city of Seoul to the south for about 2.5 hours, you’ll reach a peaceful small county called Buyeo, which constitutes the Baekje Historical Areas, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site designated in 2015. Buyeo, once the capital of a prosperous ancient kingdom “Baekje”, has plenty of historic sites and relics that have been well conserved in the area for 1,500 years. Gungnamji Pond is Korea’s very first artificial pond where the king of Baekje and his officers discussed political affairs and spent their free time over tea. If you visit Gungnamji pond in summer, you can see lotus flowers in the pond in full bloom.
5. Changdeok Palace
If you have to choose only one place to visit, Changdeokgung Palace comes first. It is the only palace listed as UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site among the five royal palaces in Seoul. While the other palaces were damaged and demolished during the Japanese colonialism and the Korean War, hence lost their original form, Changdeokgung Palace is the one that has been preserved well. It served as the principle palace for about 500 years in Joseon Dynasty. Also, the last princess of Joseon dwelt until 1989 in the palace even after the fall of her own nation.
6. Haeinsa Temple
The temple of reflection, Haeinsa Temple is surrounded by mountains deep inside Gayasan National Park in south-central Korea. One of the three temples known as "jewel temples" in Korea, Haeinsa is a storied sacred site that leads the visitor through symbolic gates and shrines up to its most important building. It also has fine sculptures and paintings. However, this is still an active monastery and visitors are welcomed to stay and join monks in their daily rituals.