Top 80 Things to do in Korea OUTSIDE of Seoul (2022)

Korea has lots to offer outside of Seoul. Over the last decade, I’ve published, updated, and expanded this list many times. For 2022, here what I think are the “Top 80 Things to do in Korea OUTSIDE of Seoul.” This year, I’ve have added a Kakao Map with instructions at the bottom of this post to help you find these places. Let the countdown begin!

Things to do in Korea Countdown: #80-61

Skip Ahead: Top 61-80, Top 41-60, Top 21-40, Top 1-20

80) Chuja-do Island / 추자도

Chuja Rope Factory
Chuja’s main industry is fishing. It is supported by mini-factories like this one that makes fishing rope. I am kind of a sucker for industrial places and workshops.

Chuja Island is a set of twin islands between Jeju and the mainland. This small island doesn’t get many visitors outside of two daily boats. The best way to explore it is to hike Olle Trail 18-1 which does an 8 loop around the island. Many claim it is the most challenging of the 26 Jeju Olle Trails, so try it if you’re up to the challenge. Around the island are interesting mosaics, beautiful natural scenery, and plenty of friendly locals.

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Less Touristy Things to do in Seoul

Finding an off the beaten spot makes any trip feel a tad bit more personal. Even if you’ve visiting a place with millions of tourists, your trip suddenly becomes unique when you don’t just do what everyone else does. Every year (with the exception of 2018), I’ve revised and republished what I honestly believe is the best countdown to the coolest things to do in Seoul and in Korea as a whole. However, I am still often asked to recommend “less touristy things” and well, the time has come. The style of this list will be similar to the “Eat this, not that” diet books which I never read, but thought were was a cool concept. Here are some touristy things to do in Seoul and their far less touristy alternatives.

 

Seoul Palaces -> Skip Gyeongbokgung, go to Gyeonghuigung

If you’re looking for a palace in Seoul to roam around all by yourself, there are a grand total of five. However, Gyeongbok, Changdeok, Changgyeong, and Deoksu all Read more

Korea Itinerary for 1, 3, 7 and 14 day trips

You’re too lazy or confused to make your own damn itinerary? No problemo, I’ve got you covered. The reason I’ve never done a post like this is because, well, I don’t know you and have no idea what you would like or dislike, but I’ll just assume you’re a mini-me and would like what I like. Let’s get started.
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Korea’s Five Best Festivals, Period

If I am quite honest, most Korean festivals are two steps short of being great or even good for that matter. They are either too crowded (Seoul’s International Fireworks Festival), completely lost objectivity (Boseong Green Tea Festival), or a foreign drunk-fest (Boryeong Mud Festival). If you’re looking for something worthy of traveling half way across the world, the following festivals will not disappoint.

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Top 40 Things to do OUTSIDE of Seoul, Korea (2017 Edition)

So you’ve visited Seoul and love it with all of its palaces, shopping districts, and nightlife, but now… you’re looking for something new. You grow weary of this Seoul-centric Korea and want to see what else is out there. Well, I’m here to tell you that the rest of the country does not disappoint. Here is your countdown to the 40 best things to do OUTSIDE of Seoul (2017 Edition).

Note – A couple of places overlap with  the list of Top 80 Things to do in Seoul. This was done on purpose for two reasons. First, many of these lie in the greater Seoul metro network, making a separation impractical for a guide. Secondly, it is a good benchmark for you to compare how these places stack up to places in Seoul!

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