NO ONE CAN DENY that South Korea is one of the highly developed countries not only in Asia but all over the world. The K-pop invasion may have taken over you, but there’s more to discover and explore in the southern part of the Korean Peninsula.

Whenever you hear Korea, you probably think of Seoul and its skyscrapers right away. But if you love nature, you’ll love South Korea for its beautiful mountains. On top of any of them, you’ll get an exhilarating feeling and a spectacular, picturesque view of the surroundings. On sunny days the mountains are carpeted with vibrant flowers, and in winter the forest trees become a fantasy-like backdrop from a fairytale movie.

Mountains

1. Gongryong Ridge, Seorak Mountain

Photo from dailymail.co.uk.

2. Chunwang Peak, Jiri Mountain

Photo from koreajoongangdaily.joins.com.

3. Halla Mountain

Photo from cnn.com.

4. Hwangmae Mountain

Photo from kat-ufo.tumblr.com

5. Suspension Bridge, Daedun Mountain

Photo from cjhan.info.

6. Taebaek Mountain

Photo from korea.net.

Gardens and Villages

South Korea is also home to numerous gardens and villages where you can get up close to ornamental plants and flowers. The villages are also a great place to learn about the country’s history, culture, and people. As a traveler, learning new things about South Korea and the other places you visit is a liberating experience.

7. Darangee Village

Photo from southkoreaa1.wordpress.com.

8. Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon

Photo from Korean.visitkorea.or.kr.

9. Poppy Garden, Simhak Mountain, Paju

Photo from asleepatheavensgate.com.

10. Yang Dong Traditional Village

Photo from whc.unesco.org.

11. The Garden of Morning Calm

Photo from English.visitkorea.or.kr.

Temples and Pavilions

The country also boasts beautifully designed temples and pavilions. Visiting them takes you back to South Korea’s historic past and lets you appreciate Korean architectural aesthetics. You may also do some yoga poses and spend a few minutes meditating, at peace in the tranquil environment.

12. Bomun Pavilion, Gyeongju

Photo from lovesouthkorea.tumblr.com.

13. Haeinsa Temple, Hapcheon

Photo from English.hc.go.kr.

14. Bulguksa Temple

Photo from http://www.flickr.com.

15. Kwanghan Pavilion

Photo from http://www.pinterest.com.

16. Sin-Reuk Temple, Yeo Ju

Photo from m.blog.daum.net.

17. Yongam Temple

Photo from asaitrip9999.blogspot.com.

Malls and the City

Aside from the experience a visit gives, we’re sure you won’t go home without souvenirs (pasalubong), so indulge in leisurely activities like shopping at some of the best malls in Seoul. Aside from traditional souvenir items, you might want to sport fashionable Korean clothes back home. Watch K-pop music videos and Korean TV series for more ideas.

18. COEX Mall

Photo from Korean-products.com.

19. Lotte Mall

Photo from hotelnafore.com

20. Mecenatpolis

Photo from http://www.koreatimes.com.kr.

21. City of Seoul

Photo from qshine.org.

Photo from http://www.getintravel.com.

At the end of every tiring but fun day of exploring South Korea, you can cap it off with a view of Seoul’s dreamy urban landscape from inside your hotel.

*Featured photo from Imagine Your Korea.