Quick answer: The most popular places to visit in Korea for Malaysian travellers are Seoul (Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon, Myeongdong, N Seoul Tower, Itaewon), Nami Island, Seoraksan, Busan (Haeundae, Gamcheon) and Jeju. Itaewon in Seoul is the easiest area for halal food, and meat dishes from Malaysia cannot be brought into the country.
Korean dramas and music make many Malaysians want to see the palaces, old villages and islands that keep showing up on screen. Korea is also easy to get around because its subway and high-speed rail systems are well organised. This guide groups the places to visit in Korea by city, covers the best seasons to go, and gives tips on halal food and what food you can bring.
Places to visit in Korea: Seoul
Gyeongbokgung Palace
Gyeongbokgung is the largest palace of the Joseon Dynasty and Seoul’s main landmark. The changing of the guard ceremony at the main gate draws plenty of visitors. Many travellers rent a hanbok from shops nearby to take photos inside the palace grounds.
Bukchon Hanok Village
Bukchon is an area of traditional hanok houses between Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung Palace. People still live here, so keep your voice down as you walk. Parts of the area now have visiting hour limits, so check before you go.
Myeongdong
Myeongdong is a shopping area for beauty products and street food. Late afternoon to night is the liveliest time, when the stalls open. Read labels or ask the seller, because a lot of the street food here contains pork.
N Seoul Tower and Namsan
The tower sits on top of Namsan mountain and gives a view over the whole of Seoul. You can take the cable car or walk up the park trails. Dusk is the best time, as you can watch the city lights come on.
Itaewon and Seoul Central Mosque
Itaewon is an international area and the centre of the Muslim community in Seoul. Seoul Central Mosque sits on a hill here, surrounded by halal restaurants and halal grocery shops. Many Malaysian travellers choose to stay nearby so finding food is easy.
Places to visit in Korea outside Seoul
Nami Island
Nami Island in Gapyeong is known for its tree-lined walkways, which appeared in the drama Winter Sonata. It makes a good day trip from Seoul by tour bus, or by train and ferry. Autumn and winter are the most popular seasons for photos.
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan in Gangwon province is known for its granite peaks and a cable car up to a viewpoint. Autumn is the best time, when the whole mountain turns red and yellow. Bring food and water, because there is almost no halal food here.
Places to visit in Korea: Busan
Haeundae Beach
Haeundae is Busan’s best-known beach, lined with tall buildings along the shore. It is a nice place for a relaxed walk in the morning or at night. Busan can be reached from Seoul on the KTX high-speed train.
Gamcheon Culture Village
Gamcheon is a hillside village of colourful houses, murals and small lanes. Pick up a map at the information centre and follow the marked art trail. Wear comfortable shoes, because there are lots of stairs and steep paths.
Jeju, one of the best places to visit in Korea for nature
Seongsan Ilchulbong
Seongsan Ilchulbong, or Sunrise Peak, is a volcanic cone on Jeju’s east coast and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The climb to the top is short but steep. Many visitors go up early in the morning to watch the sunrise.
Hallasan
Hallasan is the highest mountain in South Korea and stands in the middle of Jeju Island. There are short trails for beginners and long trails to the summit for experienced hikers. Start early and check the weather, because conditions on the mountain change quickly.
Best time to go to Korea
- Spring (early April): cherry blossoms in Seoul, Busan and Jeju.
- Autumn (October to November): red leaves at Seoraksan, Nami Island and the palaces in Seoul. Cool and pleasant weather.
- Winter (December to February): snow and skiing. Temperatures can drop below freezing, so bring thick clothes.
- Summer (June to August): hot and humid, with a rainy season around July.
Halal food around places to visit in Korea
Itaewon is the easiest choice, with halal restaurants serving bulgogi, dakgalbi and Middle Eastern food. Busan and Jeju have fewer options, so plan ahead. Restaurant categories, Korean words on labels and other tips are in our guide to halal food in Korea.
What food you can bring to Korea
South Korea gives heavy fines for undeclared meat products, including meat flavouring in instant noodles, according to a report by Asia Economy. So chicken, beef, rendang and serunding cannot be brought.
Only bring food without chicken or beef. Retort white rice goes well with halal dishes from Itaewon. Our Laksa Johor and Spaghetti Laksa Thai are fish and prawn based. Fish products follow different rules, so declare them on your arrival form if you are unsure.
Travel tips for places to visit in Korea
- Buy a T-money card for the subway, buses and convenience stores.
- Download a local map app such as Naver Map or KakaoMap, as they are more accurate in Korea.
- Combine Gyeongbokgung, Bukchon and Insadong in one day, because they are close together.
- For Nami Island and Seoraksan, bring meat-free food because halal options are limited.
- Check prayer times with an app, and mark Seoul Central Mosque and the mosques in Busan and Jeju on your map.
A list of things to pack is in our travel packing tips. Rules on food in the cabin are in our guide to bringing food on a plane.
FAQ about places to visit in Korea
How many days are enough for a first trip to Korea?
Six to eight days is enough for Seoul, Nami Island and Busan. Add two or three days if you want to visit Jeju.
Seoul or Busan, which is better for Muslim travellers?
Seoul is easier because Itaewon has many halal restaurants. Busan has a mosque and a few restaurants, but fewer choices.
When is the best season to visit Korea?
Spring (April) and autumn (October to November) are the most comfortable. Choose winter if you want snow.
Can I bring food from Malaysia to Korea?
Chicken and meat dishes cannot be brought because the fines are heavy. Bring meat-free food and declare it if you are unsure.
Do I need to visit Jeju on my first trip?
Not necessarily. Jeju suits people who love nature, but Seoul and Busan are enough for a first trip.
Still have questions?
WhatsApp the MakanHubb team at 012-540 0263. We reply during office hours, Monday to Friday.
