Curious where some of the most unique and beautiful places in South Korea are? This ultimate list shares it all: the wacky, the Instagrammable, and more.
Whether found in nature, the city streets, or a cute and memorable cafe – Instagram has a way of sharing the hidden gems of any given place with the world and the spots that are often left outside of standard itineraries and guide books.
After living and teaching English in South Korea for two years, I managed to uncover a lot of these hidden gems throughout this insanely beautiful country. So without further ado, here is my ultimate list for some of the most unique places to visit in South Korea—many of which are gram worthy and wonderfully wacky.
↠ Read More: 20 Travel Tips for South Korea
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101+ Unique Places to Visit in Korea Table of Contents
Wacky and Cool Places in South Korea
Beautiful Natural Attractions
Unique Festivals in South Korea
Instagrammable Places in Seoul
↠ Cute Cafes in Seoul
Instagrammable Places in Busan
↠ Cute Cafes in Busan
Instagrammable Places in Daegu
↠ Cute Cafes in Deagu
Instagrammable Places in Jeju Island
↠ Read More: An Ultimate Korea Itinerary + Travel Guide
Instagrammable Korea: 101+ Unique Places to Visit in South Korea
Let’s start with some of the wackiest and coolest places to see outside of the country’s major cities.
Wacky and Cool Places in Rural South Korea
These are some unique places in Korea that aren’t found in Seoul, Busan, or Daegu.
Teapot Cafe En-Rogel (에느로겔)
Teapot Cafe En-Rogel Tucked away in the countryside of Jangseong county is the most adorable teapot cafe. A bit off the beaten path, it’s near Naejangsan National Park and is worth checking out when in the area.
Mr. Toilet House
Located in Suwon, Mr. Toilet House is a fabulously weird museum that’s shaped like a toilet. Inside, visitors are treated to exhibits dedicated to all things toilet and bathroom related.
Sun Cruise Hotel
The Sun Cruise Hotel is a bucket-list worthy place to stay in Korea. This stationary cruise ship resort is in the Donghae East Side Sea and offers upscale accommodation coupled with a unique experience.
Dreamy Camera Café (꿈꾸는사진기)
Dreamy Camera Café If there’s one thing I’ve come to learn about Korea, it’s the love of cute and unique cafes! This Dreamy Camera Cafe a bit outside of Seoul is no exception.
Imsil Cheese Theme Park
Imsil Cheese Theme Park Imsil Cheese Theme Park While I can’t really say how fun or exciting a cheese theme park is, one thing’s for certain, the towering wheel of cheese building found in Imsil sure is photogenic! You need to Google this place!
Gonjiam Psychiatric Hospital
Recently shared by Atlas Obscura I’d actually never heard of it before then! Touted as one of the most haunted places in the country, the crumbling walls of this old hospital offer a creepy backdrop for any photoshoot! Be careful though – the grounds aren’t technically open to visitors and it’s visit at your own risk.
Wonju Suspension Bridge
A new suspension bridge built in 2018, the bridge in Wonju is now the longest in the entire country and honestly – if you’re a bit freaked out by heights it’s quite a doozy crossing.
Petite France
Petite France is an insta-famous little village styled after French architecture. This cultural village is a fun place to explore and to feel like you’ve been transported to France for even just a day.
Samtan Art Mine
Samtan was once a coal mine back in the day. Today the space has been transformed into an art complex showcasing exhibits from local artists.
Jeonju Hanok Village
Jeonju is home to one of the largest hanok villages in the country! Hanoks are traditional wooden Korean buildings and are beautiful structures. Visit to go back in time while wandering the charming streets of Jeonju.
Pocheon Art Valley
Pocheon Art Valley was once a quarry and is now turned into a culture and art space. The area is very beautiful despite being completely man-made.
Gwangju Penguin Village
The Gwangju Penguin Village is a walkable neighborhood where you can enjoy unique murals, photo walls and more.
Bulguksa Temple
Bulguksa Temple is one of the main attractions in Korea’s ancient capital of Gyeongju. The temple grounds are very serene and picturesque and just ooze history and charm. If you’re ever in Korea long enough, a weekend in Gyeongju is a must.
Everland
Everland is a very popular amusement park a bit outside of Seoul that attracts crowds of locals and tourists. However, the photo spots in this park are endless and the park has lots of fun things to do.
Pohang Homigot Sunrise Square (호미곶 해맞이광장)
Pohang is well known as a beach and coastal town north of Busan. One of its most popular destinations is Homigot Sunrise Square, where a giant hand reaches out from the sea towards the sky.
Saseongam Temple
Saseongam Temple is another unique temple in Korea, and this may be one of my favorites I’ve had the opportunity to visit. The temple is held up by extremely tall stilts and built into a cliffside overlooking the lush landscape below.
Garden of the Morning Calm
A huge arboretum spanning 300,000 m² of land, the Garden of the Morning Calm is home to over 5,000 species of plants. Located just to the east of Seoul, folks love the break from city life.
Daewonsa Dragon Temple
There are countless Buddhist temples in Korea, but none are as unique as Daewonsa. This temple has a dragon structure as an entryway and is quite a sight to see!
↠ Read More: 25+ Worthwhile Things to Buy in Korea
Beautiful Natural Attractions in South Korea
I’m a sucker for beautiful nature, and South Korea doesn’t sleep on picturesque mountains, forests, and unique landscapes. The country is 70% mountains afterall, and there are unreal hiking trails in South Korea that any nature lover should consider exploring.
Boriam Temple + Geumsan Mountain, Namhae
One of my first weekend trips in South Korea was to Namhae and it really left an impression on me. This charming oceanside county has so many beautiful things to see and the whole area is def one of the most instagrammable places in Korea! I highly recommend hiking to Boriam Temple and beyond for epic views.
Bamboo Forest with Lights at Taehwagang National Garden (태화강공원)
Taehwagang National Garden in Ulsan is a pretty park boasting a lovely and out of this world bamboo forest that lights up at night into a spectacular sight!
Byeongbangchi Skywalk (병방치 스카이워크)
Located in the north of the country near Pyeongchang, you’ll find the epic views from Byeongbangchi Skywalk. The longest zip line in Korea is also here offering a thrilling experience zipping along 3,900 feet of line in this beautiful part of the country.
Seoraksan National Park
The nature and hiking opportunities found at Seoraksan National Park are unrivaled, especially in the fall when the leaves change colors. Two of the most unique landmarks in Seoraksan are the Ulsanbawi lookout over the jagged cliffs, and Geumganggul Cave where a Buddhist shrine and sometimes a Monk offers blessings within the face of a cliff.
Wolchulsan Cloud Bridge
As far as exciting and challenging hikes go, the trail to the cloud bridge and beyond at Wolchulsan National Park is wild! Hikers must climb the steepest steel ladders/staircases to reach the peak – but not before taking advantage of the wonderful photo opps along the way.
Daedunsan Cloud Bridge + Ladder
After cafes, Koreans love a good hiking trail complete with picturesque boardwalks and cloud bridges. While the hike at Daedunsan is much more tame compared to Wolchulsan, the park boasts not only a cloud bridge, but also a suspension stairway from one peak to another.
Woraksan National Park
Climbing to the top of Woraksan is a challenging but super gorgeous hike in Korea. You’ll probably need to rent a car to get there, but the epic views from the top of the ridge are jaw-dropping and include mountains against water.
Bukhansan National Park
Another very popular hike in Seoul, Bukhansan boasts cool city views as well as a huge rock face people come to sit and enjoy the views. Don’t forget to pack some sturdy hiking shoes and a bottle of soju!
Boseong Green Tea Fields
The lush green tea fields of Boseong are a must-visit on any long-term trip to Korea. The plantations are beautiful to see and there are tons of yummy green tea treats to enjoy while there!
Geumosan Provincial Park
If you couldn’t tell, I was a little obsessed with hiking in Korea – and for good reason! These mountains are BEAUTIFUL! And Guemosan in the little town of Gumi is no exception. It’s just a short and easy train ride away from Daegu.
Nami Island
Nami Island is a tiny piece of land in Chuncheon surrounded by the Han River. Today it is often bustling with visitors looking to enjoy a break in nature and to enjoy the photo zones.
Suncheon Bay National Garden.
Suncheon Bay is a wetland reserve where people can come to marvel at the unique plant growth in the bay. The National Garden a short drive away from the bay is also very nice! If you’re looking for a pleasant day spent in nature, I recommend a trip to Suncheon.
Bijindo Island
Bijindo Island is known as a small and tranquil island off of the coast of Tongyeong. Travelers come to enjoy the fresh seafood, ocean views and the peaceful atmosphere.
Oedo Island
Oedo Island is another small island near Tongyeong. The entire island has actually been transformed into a botanical garden.
Ulleungdo + Dokdo Islands
Two small islands off of the mainland of Korea, catching a ferry to these beautiful destinations can actually be quite challenging as tickets are limited and in high demand. If you’re fortunate enough to score a ticket, you’ll be rewarded with some pretty nature views. Dokdo Island is especially interesting because they’re internationally contested between Korea and Japan.
Lotus Flowers in Summer
Lotus flowers pop up during the summer heat. There are countless fields to check out and enjoy the beauty of this iconic Asian flower. Some of the best places to see lotus flowers in bloom include Semiwon Botanical Garden and Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju.
Cosmos Flowers in Late Summer/Fall
Korea is also home to bright orange, pink and white cosmos that bloom in the late summer and early fall. Koreans love a good photo opportunity (and flower) and the cosmos are no exception! You can find countless fields all throughout the country, often at local parks. Some big name places to spot them are Olympic Park and Haneul Park in Seoul.
Pink Muhly Grass in Fall
Another beautiful botanical worth seeing in South Korea is muhly grass, a plant that grows in tufts and turns bright pink in September or November. The best places to see pink muhly grass in Korea are Seoul’s parks, Gyeongju, Busan, and Jeju Island.
Unique Festivals in South Korea
If there’s one thing you should know about South Korea, it’s that there are hundreds of incredibly unique festivals throughout the year. Koreans need little reason to celebrate and plan a gettogether, and here are some of the most unique festivals in South Korea worth your time.
Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival
The entire country blooms in spring with lovely and delicate cherry blossoms. The blooming dates change every year and vary throughout the country with the warmer south experiencing the first blooms and the colder north last. The most famous cherry blossom festival in Korea is the Jinhae Cherry Blossom Festival.
Boryeong Mud Festival
The Boryeong Mud Festival is probably one of the most well-known events in Korea! Every summer, usually in July, people flock to Daecheon Beach to consume alcohol, play in the mud and have a great time.
Jindo Sea Parting Festival
Another Pinterest famous festival in Korea, the Jindo Sea Parting Festival is truly a unique experience. Every year, usually in May depending on the tides, the ocean parts to create a sand crossing path from the main island of Jindo to a smaller island across the way. Don’t forget your bright orange waders!
Seoul Lantern Festival
The Seoul Lantern Festival is an annual event held every winter in Seoul over New Year. The festival transforms the Cheonggyecheon stream with hundreds of lanterns and art pieces that come to life after the sunsets.
Samgwangsa Temple Lantern Festival
Samgwangsa has got to be the largest temple I’ve visited in South Korea. If you can time it well, visit during Buddha’s birthday in May when the entire area is filled with thousands of lanterns.
Daegu Lantern Festival
Buddha’s birthday is a big deal, and there are celebrations for it in Daegu too! Every spring, the Daegu Sky Lantern festival takes place at Duryu Park where hundreds of lanterns are sent soaring into the sky. It is a magical experience.
Busan Canola Flower Festival
Another popular spring boom is the yellow canola flowers. There is a festival in Busan every year where folks come from all over to enjoy the pretty fields and take advantage of the photo opp. A perfect activity to add to any spring Busan itinerary!
Biselsan’s Pink and Purple Azalea Festival
My all-time favorite time of year in Korea is when the azaleas come to bloom. I really think it should be on everyone’s bucket list to come to Daegu to experience the Biseulsan Azalea Festival and see the mountainside turn all shades of pink and purple. It is such a sight to see!
Instagrammable Places In Seoul
Korea’s capital city is such a treat to visit. There are countless amazing things to do and see, and if you can spend at least three days in Seoul during your visit to Korea, you should be able to fit in the best sights. Here is an all encompassing list of the best / non-touristy things to do in Seoul that are worthy of your Insta feed.
↠ Read More: 45 Best Things to Do in Seoul
Seoul Sky Observation Deck at Lotte World Tower
Seoul Sky is an incredible observation deck where floor to ceiling windows lookout onto the sprawling cityscape. The Lotte World tower is the fifth tallest building in the world and measures an impressive 1821 feet tall (555 meters).
Seodaemun Prison History Hall
Seodaemun Prison is a unique museum in a red-brick building. This historic prison was used during the Japanese occupation of South Korea, a particularly tumultuous period of time in the nation’s history.
Common Ground
Common Ground is a hip shopping center built from bright blue shipping containers. The grounds feature unique shops selling cool souvenirs and handmade items, plus there are food trucks where you can grab a bite to eat and something to drink. Come do some shopping and take your next insta pic.
Hello Beautiful Sign on Myeongdong Shopping Street
The most famous shopping street in Seoul, Myeongdong, is lined with countless shops and an overwhelming amount of signage and neon lights. It’s a fun place to come practice your street photography. And be sure to snap a pic at the Insta-famous Hello Beautiful sign at banila co.
Starfield Library at Coex Mall
A place that’s growing in popularity as one of the most instagrammable places in South Korea, Starfield Library has become so popular because of its insanely high shelves and unique building. Come marvel at the books and even pick one up to read in your spare time. The famous Gangnam Style statue is just outside the shopping center, offering another Seoul Insta spot to add to your list.
Dongdaemun Design Plaza
The Dongdaemun Design Plaza is a pretty common tourist destination in Seoul, but its futuristic design and eye-catching architecture make it a notable photo spot. After you have fun snapping pics, be sure to pop inside to shop and admire the space.
Colorful Umbrellas at Hapjeong Station
Connected to Hapjeong Station is a shopping mall with colorful flowers and umbrellas strung along the upper levels of the building. It’s a great place to grab a bite to eat, do some shopping and snap a pic.
Balloon Statue at Euljiro station
Located behind the Lotte Department Store in Myeongdong is a fun and colorful balloon structure that gives off serious Up vibes! If you’re in the area already, it’s a cool place to take a photo. To reach the statue, go to the 1 entrance of the Euljiro Metro stop.
Leeum Samsung Museum of Art
The Leeum Samsung Art Museum in Itaewon is a hip and artistic place to marvel at traditional Korean art as well as the modern. The building itself is even an artistic masterpiece. It’s a great way to enjoy a cultured day.
Hanboks in Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung Palace is the largest and most famous of the 5 palaces of Seoul, this complex is a great place to wear rented hanboks, traditional Korean outfits and have a photoshoot with friends. Both men and women can rent the garb!
Changdeokgung Secret Garden
The second most popular palace in Seoul, the secret garden at Changdeokgung is stunning. You have to pay an extra fee to enter, but it’s definitely worth it. The garden grounds feature Korean pavilions, ponds, and lush greenery.
Old Fortress Walls at Inwangsan
Inwangsan is a great free activity to see the ancient fortress walls of the city and to see an epic view of the skyline. It’s a mini hike with a bit of up, but it’s totally manageable for most people.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon Hanok Village is a charming escape from the modern city streets without actually leaving the city. Be sure to be respectful of the residents who call the neighborhood home and avoid being too loud or disruptive!
Jogyesa Temple
Jogyesa Temple is a Buddhist temple in Insadong that features a large seated Buddha statue. The temple grounds are very beautiful and often feature light displays, garden sculptures, and colorful hanging lanterns that have caught the eye of Instagrammers.
Yongma Land
Yongma Land is another one of those hidden gems that has come to light as one of the most instagrammable places in South Korea. An abandoned amusement park now turned photographer’s paradise, Yongma Land is a fun place for a photoshoot.
Anyang Art Park
Anyang Art Park is about an hour train ride outside of the city, and is home to countless very Instagrammable art installations. Aside from the park, the nearby village has cute cafes and restaurants along an idyllic streamside. It makes for a great day trip from Seoul.
Fairytale Village
A neighborhood in Incheon where the buildings and streets have been brightly decorated, the Fairytale Village screams Instagram. It’s a bit of a trek outside of the city center of Seoul, but is a nice day trip for those interested.
Namhansanseong Fortress
Namhansanseong Fortress is a historic landmark that offers great views of Seoul’s skyline from ancient fortress walls. It’s a bit of a hike to get to, about a 30 min drive from the city center, but when the sky is clear and the weather is nice, it makes for a nice morning trip!
Oil Tank Culture Park and Haneul Sky Park
The Oil Tank Culture Park is a public park where previously-used oil tanks have been turned into cultural and art installations. The grounds are pretty big and a cool place to spend a sunny day. Not far from the Oil Tanks is Haneul Sky Park, another large park complex made up of five smaller parks. This area next to the Seoul World Cup Stadium is a pretty place to enjoy the outdoors you should visit while you’re in the area.
Seoul Botanic Garden
The botanic gardens in the Magok area of Seoul are a fairly new addition to the list of things to do in Seoul! Entrance is only 5,000 won for adults and offers some cool photo ops amongst the lush greenery and florals. The gardens are a bit outside of the city center but can be reached via metro.
L7 Hotels in Myeongdong and Hongdae
Managed by Lotte, the L7 hotels in both Myeongdong and Hongdae are not only excellent places to stay in Seoul, but they’re insanely stylish. The decor at both is fun and artsy, and they both have awesome rooftops with great city views. The L7 in Hongdae even has a rooftop pool.
Gwangjang Market
Gwangjang Market is a traditional street market that’s a great place to sample Korean foods and experience Korean culture. I highly recommend sitting down at a build-your-own bibimbap bar, eating some mandu soup, and grabbing a mung bean pancake.
Instagrammable Cafes In Seoul
Some of the coolest places to visit in South Korea are cafes, and Seoul has no shortage of Insta-worthy spots to grab a coffee.
GREEM CAFE
GREEM CAFE is a 2D cafe that’s another notable Instagram spot in Seoul. The interior of the cafe features black and white lines designed to make all surfaces appear two-dimensional. The optical illusion plays tricks on your eyes and photographs very cool!
C. Through
C.Through Cafe in Itaewon has a substantial Instagram following because of the artistic talents of the owner. He creates stunning latte art and recreates famous masterpieces with ease! If you’d like your own masterpiece, you must make a reservation. He only creates one a day outside of the standard menu.
Poop Cafe (또옹카페)
What’s more Instagrammable than a poop themed cafe with lattes out of toilet mugs and poo shaped treats?! You’ll find the sensational Poop Cafe in Insadong’s Ssamziegil Mall, another really cool and unique place to visit in South Korea.
Thanks Nature
Animal cafes are all the rage in Korea at the moment. Thanks Nature is a cafe famous for their food, beverages and the sheep who call the cafe home.
Stylenanda Pink Hotel
The Stylenanda Pink Hotel is a super girly and super pink cafe and clothing store that’s long been a popular Instagram spot in South Korea. The interior features various unique staging areas and of course great shopping!
ARC.N.BOOK
ARC.N.BOOK is a cute and very stylishly decorated mall and cafe located inside Seoul City Hall. It has plenty of space for reading, studying, working and snapping pics. Be sure to nab a photo at their famous arc of books!
Seoulism
Seoulism is an Insta-famous cafe with an incredible front-seat view of the Lotte Tower framed by a marquis sign that reads “Seoul”. The cafe is known to be pricey, but it’s worth it for the view.
Banh Mi Phuong + Cong Cafe
Find a little corner of Vietnam in Mapo-gu and enjoy a classic Banh Mi sandwich at Phuong and a coconut coffee at Cong Cafe! They are seriously tasty and are famous chains straight from Vietnam!
Instagrammable Places In Busan
Oh, Busan – Korea’s lovely seaside town that’s home to one of the best traditional fish markets in the country and the famous rainbow Gamcheon Culture Village has a lot to offer visitors. While there are many more things to do in Busan than the below list, here are some of the most picture perfect.
Haeundae Beach
Probably one of the most iconic places in Busan, Haeundae Beach is a great place to spend the day in the sun. The area is home to lots of cafes and restaurants as well.
Amnam Coastal Walk + Songdo Beach SkyWalk
The Amnam Coastal Walk is one of the most beautiful boardwalks following the coast in Busan. The beginning of the trail starts at Songdo Beach so while in the area I suggest you explore the Songdo Beach SkyWalk too!
Gamcheon Culture Village
Another iconic part of the city, Gamcheon Culture Village is a colorful cliffside neighborhood overlooking the ocean. It’s definitely one of my favorite instagrammable places in South Korea and should be high on your Korean bucket list.
Seokbulsa Temple (석불사)
Seokbulsa is also known as the stone temple for the giant Buddhist figures that are carved into the stone of the mountainside.
Busan Skyline from Lotte Department Store
If you’re looking for free sweeping views of the city as well as Busan Tower, let me tell you a little secret. From the top of the Lotte Department Store in Nampo, there is a free observation deck on the roof offering stunning views of Busan.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple (해동 용궁사)
Arguably one of the most famous temples in Korea, Haedong Yonggungsa faces the ocean and lies right on the coastline. The views of the spraying waves and jagged cliffs is a sight to see.
Jalgalchi Fish Market
Jagalchi Fish Market is a traditional Korean market selling the freshest seafood. Come check out all of the sea creatures Koreans eat and even try a couple of dishes yourself!
Jangsan Hike
Located a 10-minute walk from the Jangsan subway station, Jangsan Mountain has some very cool hiking. With signs warning of still active landmines, giant rock falls and views of the city, it’s a nice way to spend a morning.
Museum 1
Busan’s Museum 1 is a modern art museum that is a photographer’s dream. There are a variety of exhibits in the large open concept space, many of which utilize bright colors, projectors, music/sounds, and more.
Instagrammable Cafes In Busan
The Bay 101
The Bay 101 offers some of the best night views of Busan’s skyline, and is a fun place to grab a coffee or a beer. Pro tip: find a puddle (or create your own) to create this incredible mirrored effect.
Brown Hands Design Cafe
The decor of Brown Brown Hands Design Cafe is truly wonderful. A great place to have good conversation with friends or channel your creative juices, come prepared to have an enjoyable experience.
Lounge at the Park Hyatt Busan
Located high above on the 42nd floor of the Park Hyatt is a cafe offering a fanciful afternoon tea set and sweeping views of the city below. I recommend coming for their afternoon tea offering, and timing it for sunset to enjoy golden hour.
Waveon Coffee
One of the most instagrammable cafes in Busan, Waveon offers more than just picturesque views. The desserts and the coffee also come highly recommended.
Instagrammable Places In Daegu
My Daegu <3 Living in Daegu for two years was an unbelievable experience and I got to learn so much about this little Korean city. I explored every inch that I could and feel pretty confident that I know what the best things to do in Daegu are, especially the most Instagram worthy.
E-World Tower
E-World is an amusement park in Daegu that has a lot of fun rides and photo spots. The park’s E85 Tower is an iconic landmark to the city that you can climb to the top for sweeping views of Daegu. The best views are during cherry blossom season.
Apsan Observatory
A steep but worthwhile hike, Apsan is another great place to check out the city from above. At the top there’s a designated platform where lovebirds put locks. I recommend coming for sunset as well as taking the hiking route up rather than the street. This way you can enjoy nature and a more quiet trek up.
Gatbawi + Donghwasa + Palgongsan
As a city, Daegu is surrounded by mountains, and these mountains are incredibly fun to hike and explore. In particular, I recommend hiking Palgongsan to see the holy sites of Gatbawi and Donghwasa. The ridge is gorgeous and challenging, and the giant rock statue of Gatbawi is a sight to see.
Kim Kwang Seok Street
Kim Kwang Seok Street is an artsy alleyway filled to the brim with street performers, cafes and more. If you come to snap an Insta pic, stay to soak up Kim Kwang Seok Street’s charm.
Suseong Lake
Suseong Lake is a pretty lake that offers a great place to enjoy greenery in Daegu. The lake is in a neighborhood of the city known to be where more wealthy people live, and is home to a great restaurant scene. While at the lake, you can rent paddle boats and check out the fountain show. In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom along the shores.
Instagrammable Cafes In Daegu
Cafe culture in Korea is next level, and the wonderful cafes in Daegu are no exception. So if you’re looking to snap your next Instagram pic while sipping a killer cup of Joe, look no further than these very photogenic cafes in Daegu!
Starbucks Daegu Jongro Goteak
The newest addition to the Daegu cafe scene is the beautiful Starbucks in Jongro. It’s a new location that opened October 2022, and is housed inside a traditional wooden Hanok, a building style that’s been around in Korea for centuries.
%percent 14-3 (퍼센트 14-3)
The quaint and homey set up of %percent 14-3 cafe looks just like your grandmother’s living room. Most seating options are sofas or plush chairs, and there are many nooks and crannies where groups can enjoy some privacy in a cool traditional building. Come get comfy and enjoy a cake and coffee.
Four and Twenty Rooftop Bar
There’s nothing better than a great cocktail on a rooftop bar in summer. And when that rooftop is also super photogenic, woo it’s a perfect storm! Four and Twenty was one of my fave places to grab a drink in Daegu and I can’t recommend it enough. Try the Korean classic cocktail – catharsis.
Mansion 5
Built in a traditional hanok, Mansion 5 is well known as one of the best places for brunch in Daegu. And better yet – they’ve recently started selling smoothie bowls!
Instagrammable Places In Jeju
Jeju Island is a beautiful volcanic island that lies to the south of mainland South Korea. While most of the things to do in Jeju involve beaching, fishing, and surfing, there’s also some killer hiking in Jeju via the Olle Trails and other fun things to check out. There are a lot of good Instagram spots here!
Robot Starbucks
There are many unique Starbucks in Korea (and just many locations in general), but one cool spot to check out while in Jeju is the Robot Starbucks. This unique building features a giant robot head perched atop the cafe, scanning the surroundings. Be sure to stop in and grab one of their unique offerings specific to Jeju.
Seongsan Ilchulbong Sunrise Peak
A volcanic crater jutting into the ocean, Seongsan Ilchulbong is one of the best things to see in Jeju. No visit is complete without hiking to the top and seeing the famous Korean diving women do their thing on the shore below.
Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls
Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls are famous for their bright blue and clear waterfalls. It was a shock how close they were located to the street and parking lots, but once you walk down the path you forget the city around you and enjoy the pretty nature.
Seonimgyo Bridge
Seonimgyo Bridge is a famous structure on Jeju located in between the Cheonjiyeon Waterfalls.
Hallasan
No trip to Jeju is complete without hiking to the top of Hallasan, the tallest mountain in Korea. The hike is pretty long, but it’s fairly flat until the last kilometer or so. The view of the lake at the top makes the long walk worth it.
Jusangjeolli Cliffs
The Jusangjeolli Cliffs was one of my favorite sights in all of Jeju. These cliffs are made up of jet black basalt rocks formed into columns. And the waters that surround the cliffs are bright blue, contrasting wonderfully against the black rocks. It was truly stunning!
Loveland
Looking for some giggles on your trip to Jeju? Check out Loveland, an amusement park filled to the brim with genitals and sexual statues. Definitely one of the more goofy instagrammable places in South Korea!
Olle Trails
The Olle Trails are walking trails that encircle the entire island of Jeju. Each segment is unique and shows a different side of the island. It’s a great place for a meditative walk.
I’ll always cherish the opportunity I had to teach English in South Korea. It allowed me to see so much of the country and to travel to parts of Asia I hadn’t ever considered before – and it gave me the necessary intel to put together this beefy list of the best Instagram spots in South Korea 😉
But if you’ve ever considered living abroad, I can personally recommend it! And if you’ve heard of the EPIK program in South Korea – it may just be a good option for you, it surely was for me.
Have I missed any unique places to visit in South Korea that belong on this list? Share below!
Thanks for featuring me in this one girl – love this list and will be adding a bunch of them to my list of must-see’s! Let’s please get coffee when you get back from your trip so we can exchange stories.
My pleasure! And yes please! Just got back this morning. Let’s meet up this week or next if you’re free ????