The country has hosted the Seoul Olympics in 1988 and FIFA World Cup 2002 that has displayed the culture and modernity of the nation. South Korea is a land of ancient traditions that is reflected in various forms. Here there are the ancient ruins, the scenic beauty, and the modernity all in a tranquil blend.

The tourist attractions include the Korean Peninsula region with the mountains that is a treasure trove for the traveler who wants to be away from the crowded destinations. The capital Seoul is the most visited area and is the 10th largest city in the world. The city also has got to offer the tourist a variety of attractions to bring them back again. The nightlife that is vibrant and the variety of popular Korean cuisines is nothing but the many unforgettable experiences.

The southeastern region has the many archeological treasures that include Gyeongju (ancient capital of Silla kingdom) dates back to 57 BC. The area is nothing but an open air museum with many tombs, temples, that are attracts travelers. For those of you who want a romantic getaway the Jeju Island also called the little Hawaii has the mesmerizing scenic beauty and the tranquility of the nature. The beaches, the national parks, the man made attractions show cases that every traveler would find something here. The visit would enrich knowledge of the culture of this great place and also the people who are hospitable.

South Korea hotels cater to the needs of the travelers according to their style and budget. The luxury hotels offer modern amenities and excellent services to make the stay memorable. While the budget and the discount hotels offer accommodation that is good value for money.

The different types of hotels in South Korea like the resorts, the 5 Star hotel, apartments, the backpacker, the budget and the discount cater to the needs of the visitors. The hotels are located strategically and cater to the needs of the business and the leisure travelers.

1. The Cities – The capital of South Korea, Seoul is one of the most important cities in the world. It is the perfect mix of industrial development and culture, with a number of different sightseeing attractions that tourists can visit. Seoul has a great number of activities on offer and it is also a great place to visit with family, as it boasts amusement parks and other attractions for children as well.

2. Culture – The culture of South Korea has developed its own distinctive characteristics, and boasts several great dance forms, art exhibitions, dramatic performances and musical genres unique to this region. The music and dance forms are especially famous, with each region in the country having its own style of music and dance. Visitors to the country will be able to view an authentic South Korean dance performance in any of the major cities.

3. Korean Food – South Korean food has gradually become one of the most popular cuisines in the world, with people setting up South Korean food restaurants in different countries. While rice is the staple ingredient used in South Korean cuisine, a typical meal consists of a variety of meats and vegetables along with the rice dish. South Korean food experiments with seafood and rice along with a range of fresh ingredients. Kim chi, Bibimbap and Bulgogi are some of the most famous local dishes that visitors should try.

4. Scenic Beauty – South Korea has so much more to offer than its culture and cuisine, with a number of extraordinarily beautiful natural wonders that are located across the country. The most famous of these places is the Checju-do Island, off the coast of the country, which is host to Mount Halla, the tallest mountain in Korea. Apart from this, there is also Tongnae, which is a hot spring in the South East of Korea.

5. Hospitality – The people in South Korea are well known for their hospitality and they not only have opened up their country but also their hearts to visitors. Tourists to this country will find it hard to find an inhospitable Korean, and it is not uncommon for tourists to be invited to locals’ homes to experience the Korean way of life.

Amusement Parks: It may not be the first thing you think of when you think of South Korea but the country is big on amusement parks and there are some great ones to choose from – making South Korea a great place for a holiday with the kids. One of the best is Everland, just outside Seoul where you can find some of the most exciting rides around.

Shopping: Shopping in Korea is an amazing experience. In a city like Seoul you are able to go shopping at any time of the day and night. Also, the variety of shopping centres, markets, shopping areas and department stores is incredible and caters for every taste, need or pocket. Often shopping in Korea is part of a family day out, as many shopping centres are created near attractions such as amusement parks, aquariums and places of interest for tourists.

Green Tea: It may be all the rage in London and New York with fashionista types but South Korea is the real home of green tea and you can get some delicious varieties here. It’s great for your health and pretty cheap too!

Experiencing Korean culture as a whole – it is worth visiting South Korea, just for the opportunity to experience a culture that is so different from our western cultures. Korea, even if it is a small country, has its unique culture, where traditions and innovations, old and new coexist.

Korean food – even though Korean food has some elements in common with other Asian cuisines, such as the use of soy and soy products (like tofu, soy sauce etc.), some spices and rice, it is entirely unique. There are ingredients, combinations of flavours and recipes that you will not find anywhere else, so, if you are a food lover and interested in experiencing new flavours it is worth visiting Korea. There are Korean restaurants around the world, but you will never find the same flavours and variety of Korean cuisine as in Korea itself.

The best tourist spots in South Korea to visit are Seoul, Busan, Daegu, Ulsan, Jeju, Sokcho, Suwon and Andong. These cities are rich in natural history, cuisine, culture and also sports. Seoul is a popular Olympics destination and is popular all over the world. The tourism population was very high during the Olympics games and this trend is still continuing.

The caves in Danyang are very popular and the beaches in Haeundae and Mallipo are also popular attractions. Other than these there are several cultural festivals which include sports like bull fighting which are gaining popularity in Korea. People visiting from the United States do not need visa for tourism purpose in South Korea.

The most famous landmarks in South Korea are the Serok- San and Jiri San along with the Baekdudaegan, which are all natural landmarks. Since these names are very difficult to remember, it is always advisable to purchase a proper guide book and travel around South Korea. The guide book along with its maps will help you come up with an easy holiday itinerary so that you can enjoy all the best tourist spots in South Korea.

Gangwon is said to be the most popular destination by the Korean government and it is located in the central region in South Korea. Nearly 3/4th of the land is mountainous, and it has two regions each with its own identity. The Eastern runs along the coast, while the western faces Seoul and southern part is the inlands. This is where one begins their climb on the Diamond Mountains and to the Mt Baekdusan which lies in North Korea. This place is beautiful in winter, with snow covering the mountains and there is white snow everywhere.

Seongnamsa is a temple that should be visited and it is regarded a masterpiece. A walk along the 800 meter stone path leads to the park entrance and thereon to the temple. Once you reach there, take a minute to admire the pagoda at the top of the temple, and the various bamboo trees around it. The Korean folk village is situated on the banks of the river and is a quiet place where the locals go about their daily routine. This is a place that gives the visitors the chance to be part of the locals and learn their way of life. Cooking, gardening, local traditions are all displayed by those who live here. There are parades, dance performaces apart from all this, which makes it more fun for families, especially with kids.

Dodong Mineral Spring park is another popular tourist destination. To catch the beautiful sunset and become one with nature, it is best to come to this mineral spring park. The geysers and the park are a visual treat for anyone coming here. There are stories surrounding this park that if one where to drink the water from this mineral spring, it could cure their ailments, since it has medicinal benefits as well. The most beautiful place in all of Seoul, Gyeongbokgung is the grandest palace around. It has been around for nearly 300 years, and there are English tours conducted around this place for interested tourists.