If you’re looking for places to visit in Korea where you can learn more about Korean culture and history, we’ve got your back. Here are some places that we visited that you should check out the next time you’re in Korea. Just make sure you’re ready for a looooot of walking!
6 Interesting Places to Visit in Korea to Learn More About Korean Culture and History
Solmoe Catholic Shrine of Martyrdom
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Although not a huge amount of the South Korean population is Catholic, the country still ranks among the most strongly Catholic countries in Asia. If you’re Catholic yourself, you might want to check out the birthplace of Korean Catholicism, Solmoe.
The Shrine of Solmoe in Dangjin, Chungcheongnam-do, is the birthplace of the first Korean Catholic priest, St. Andrew Kim Dae-geon and is one of the places to visit in Korea on our list because the chapel is absolutely stunning as are the overall grounds, so we would recommend adding this place to your must-visit places in Korea and admire them in their entirety if you can.
Haemieupseong
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
More beautiful grounds to explore and wander around can be found at Haemieupseong. The fortress is located in Haemi-eup near Seosan, South Chungcheong Province, and was built to protect against Japanese pirates.
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Thousands of Catholics were actually executed here during the French Invasion in 1866, and you can learn more about the history behind it through signs located around the grounds. They even have umbrellas at the entrance so you can protect yourself from the sun as you walk around.
Ppuri Park
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Whether you’re interested in learning more about the history behind certain Korean surnames or simply want to soak in some nature and bond with your loved ones, Ppuri Park is another one of the best places to visit in Korea.
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
The place is absolutely beautiful starting from the mere entrance itself. It’s really no wonder why so many people visit Ppuri Park for a stroll or to hang out with their loved ones.
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Ppuri Park was actually created under the theme of filial piety and is full of unique art pieces that showcase the family ties of all of the different Korean families (and there are a lot!).
Presidential Archives
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Get to know more about Korea’s presidents at the Presidential Archives in Sejong. Another one of the places to visit in Korea, the Presidential Archives holds Korea’s presidential records to help visitors better understand the country’s history.
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Here, you can find various documents, gifts, and artifacts of Korea’s previous presidents on display. Plus, there are a lot of areas for photo ops as well.
Cheongnamdae Presidential Villa
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
For places to visit in Korea that perfectly match the previous must-visit spot, the Cheongnamdae Presidential Villa will give you a glimpse of how Korean presidents live.
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
Once an actual villa used by former Korean presidents, Cheongnamdae is now open to the public in Cheongwon. The area is massive and aside from the villa itself, there are a lot of areas with gorgeous views of nature that serve for stunning photo ops.
Strawberry Makgeolli Workshop
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
If you drink alcohol – makgeolli, in particular – then you should try doing a strawberry makgeolli workshop in Cheongju. Not only will you be able to learn the art of making strawberry makgeolli and the history of makgeolli in general here, but they will also give you a taste of the different types of makgeolli available in the region.
Photo by Angeline Rodriguez
If you happen to be in Korea for a longer period of time, you may even be able to pick up your finished product once it’s done. This usually takes up to two weeks on average so might as well take a longer vacation. 😉
Special thanks to Aero-K and the Korea Tourism Organization for showing us these places to visit in Korea and teaching us more about Korean culture and history.
Korea Tourism Organization
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KoreaTourismManila
Instagram: @ktomanila
Got any places to visit in Korea or other countries that you’d like us to feature? Email me at angeline.wheninmanila@gmail.com or send me a direct message at When in Manila Angeline on Facebook. Interact with the team and join the WhenInManila.com Community at WIM Squad! Join our WhenInManila.com community on Viber, as well!
