Part of our Korea guide.
This page covers three guides from our Korea coverage: what to do during a long layover, 20 unusual things to do across South Korea, and the 10 best things to do in Gyeongju. Each section gives you specific, actionable suggestions.
What To Do In A Long Layover In Korea
If you have a long layover, step out of the airport. Incheon International Airport offers free transit tours running 1–5 hours, covering temples, markets, and coastal views. For a self-guided option, take the AREX express train to Seoul Station (43 minutes) and visit Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bukchon Hanok Village, or Myeongdong for street food. If you have less than six hours, stay near Incheon: visit Chinatown, Wolmido Island, or Songdo Central Park. All transit tours require a valid visa or visa-free entry, so check your eligibility before leaving the terminal.
South Korea Travel: 20 Unusual Things To Do
Beyond the palaces and shopping districts, South Korea offers unusual experiences. Visit the Trick Eye Museum in Hongdae for interactive 3D art, or explore the abandoned theme park Yongma Land in Seoul. In Busan, hike to the Haedong Yonggungsa Temple on the coast, then walk through the Gamcheon Culture Village’s alleyways filled with murals. In Jeonju, try making your own kimchi at a local cooking class. For nature, hike Seoraksan National Park’s Ulsanbawi Rock trail (about 4 hours round trip) or explore the lava tubes on Jeju Island. Don’t miss the female free divers of Jeju, who harvest seafood without oxygen tanks—a tradition recognized by UNESCO. For a quieter escape, head to the bamboo forest in Damyang or the tidal flats of Suncheon Bay.
10 Best Things to Do in Gyeongju, South Korea
Gyeongju, known as the “museum without walls,” was the capital of the Silla Dynasty (57 BC to 935 AD). Start at Bulguksa Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and the nearby Seokguram Grotto. Walk through Tumuli Park to see the royal tombs, then visit Cheomseongdae, the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. Rent a bike and ride around Bomun Lake, or explore the Gyeongju National Museum for Silla artifacts. Try the local specialty, ssambap (rice wrapped in leaves), at a restaurant near the central market. If you have time, drive to the nearby Yangdong Folk Village, a UNESCO site that preserves Joseon-era houses. For a unique souvenir, pick up a traditional Silla-style ceramic piece—one of the best souvenirs to buy in Korea if you want something historic.
