All South Korea

The Atlas Obscura Guide To South Korea

88 Cool, Hidden, and Unusual Things to Do in South Korea

Updated March 22, 2023

Email

Cities

Top Cities
All Cities
  1. Andong
  2. Gangneung
  3. Gumi
  4. Gwangju
  5. Gyeongju
  6. Jeju Si
  7. Jeongseon
  8. Paju
  9. Pohang
  10. Seogwipo
  11. Seoul

Unusual Attractions in South Korea

See All 88 Things To Do in South Korea

Cool Places to Eat & Drink in South Korea

See all 10 Places to Eat in South Korea
In partnership with KAYAK

Plan Your Trip

In partnership with GetYourGuide

Unforgettable Experiences Nearby

Explore South Korea

History & Culture 14
Buddhism 12
Architectural Oddities 11
Temples 9
Water 8
Pagodas 6
Islands 5
Art 5

South Korea Leaderboard

Recent South Korea Activity

Stories About South Korea

7 Recent Atlas Obscura Podcast Episodes You Just Have to Hear

For our two-year pod-iversary we're headed back to some of the coolest places we've taken you recently.
by April White

How 'Fist Rice' Became a Symbol of Korean Democracy

In the city of Gwangju, this food fueled a fight for freedom.
by Jia Jung

Podcast: Cranes of the DMZ

Join us for a daily celebration of the world’s most wondrous, unexpected, even strange places.
by The Podcast Team

Why Were Human Sacrifices Buried Beneath Ancient Korea's 'Moon Castle'?

Remains sealed in the foundations suggest builders would do anything to protect the heart of a fledgling kingdom.
by Bridget Alex

Students Are Getting Paid to Poop at a South Korean University

The project transforms human waste into biogas, and allows participants to buy everything from bananas to socks.
by Jessica Leigh Hester

The Oldest Cookbook in Korean Was Written by a Genius Noblewoman

A poet and artist, she penned the recipes in her old age.
by Hahna Yoon

On Streets and Subways in South Korea, Poetry Hides in Plain Sight

You'll find poems in hostels, restaurants, and even on mountain trails—if you know where to look.
by Jimin Kang

For Centuries, Massive Meals Amazed Visitors to Korea

Scholars, writers, and missionaries all exclaimed over how much food was available.
by T.K. Park

Lists Featuring South Korea

Third Tunnel of Aggression. (Wikimedia Commons)
Heyri Art Valley
The not-at-all bustling entrance to Dorasan Station.
Bridge of No Return

7 Places Worth Trying to See on a Visit to the Korean DMZ

One of the world’s most historically contentious borders is peppered with intriguing attractions.

7

Including Third Tunnel of Aggression, Heyri Art Valley, and Dorasan Station

See Fewer Ads

Become an Atlas Obscura member and experience far fewer ads and no pop-ups.

Learn More