Top 10 Places Attracting Most Visitors in South Korea in 2023
The Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has released the official visitor statistics for 2023, revealing the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea.
If you're planning a trip to Korea, we highly recommend researching these top attractions and considering adding them to your travel itinerary.
These locations not only attract millions of visitors annually but also offer unique insights into Korean culture, history, and entertainment.
Here's a look at the top 10 places that attracted the most visitors in 2023!
1. Suncheon Bay National Garden and Wetland
• Location: Suncheon, Jeollanam-do
• Visitors: 7,781,426
📍Highlights: Expansive ecological park featuring diverse gardens, wetlands, and natural habitats
2. Everland
• Location: Yongin, Gyeonggi-do
• Visitors: 5,881,640
📍Highlights: South Korea's largest theme park with thrilling rides, a zoo, and seasonal festivals
3. KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center)
• Location: Goyang, Gyeonggi-do
• Visitors: 5,840,252
📍Highlights: Largest convention and exhibition center in Korea, hosting various international events
4. Gyeongbokgung Palace
• Location: Seoul
• Visitors: 5,579,905
📍Highlights: Main royal palace of the Joseon dynasty, featuring traditional architecture and daily guard-changing ceremonies
5. Lotte World
• Location: Seoul
• Visitors: 5,192,688
📍Highlights: Indoor theme park with an outdoor magic island, perfect for year-round entertainment
6. National Museum of Korea
• Location: Seoul
• Visitors: 4,179,508
📍Highlights: Largest museum in Korea, showcasing the country's rich history and cultural heritage
7. Ganggu Port
• Location: Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk-do
• Visitors: 3,821,529
📍Highlights: Picturesque fishing port known for its fresh seafood and beautiful coastal scenery
8. E-World
• Location: Daegu
• Visitors: 3,110,460
📍Highlights: Urban amusement park featuring a variety of rides, attractions, and a 83-tower observation deck
9. Deoksugung Palace
• Location: Seoul
• Visitors: 3,099,577
📍Highlights: Unique blend of traditional Korean and Western-style architecture, famous for its stone-wall road
10. Dodamsambong Peaks
• Location: Danyang, Chungcheongbuk-do
• Visitors: 2,861,605
📍Highlights: Three rock peaks rising from the Namhan River, offering scenic views and historical significance
This list demonstrates the diverse attractions South Korea offers, from natural wonders and historical sites to modern entertainment complexes and exhibition centers.
It's worth noting that while many popular attractions are in Seoul, there are also significant draws in other regions, showcasing the country's varied landscape and cultural offerings.