Famous Monuments in South Korea | Most Visited Monuments in South Korea

If you want to explore the history of South Korea through the ages there are a number of historical monuments in South Korea including the time-honored buildings, palaces, and parks where you can learn about the glorious past of Phuket. The presence of these monuments of South Korea will take you on a walk through the city’s rich history. If you are willing to have in-depth historical information about South Korea, we recommend that you take a wonderful guided tour to cover the major historical attractions. Also, check the opening and closing time for each so that you can organize your time. Make sure that you go through the complete list of historical sites in South Korea for a great trip.

List of Monuments in South Korea

1. Deoksugung Palace

This is the only palace among Korea’s five palaces that can be visited in the evening. At night, the trees and the palace itself are illuminated with fairy lights, and you can stroll around freely on the grounds. You can imagine just how romantic that is. This historical landmark in South Korea is also perhaps the least traditional among the palaces, with western-style neoclassical buildings mixed in with the more traditional Chinese-inspired structures. If you have time to wait, watch the changing of the guards at 2 pm and 3:30 pm. It’s a fascinating sight to behold.

Address: 99 Sejong-daero, Jeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

2. Gyeongbokgung Palace 

The Gyeongbokgung palace stands out amongst its peers because its vivid design and architecture are built-in 1935. Even though this palace was partially destroyed in a fire, one can’t help but notice the style resemblance of the Joseon dynasty. The complex of this monument in South Korea also hosts the remarkable National Folk Museum and National Palace Museum. Even today, visitors can experience the change of guard just like the olden times. Inside, there is a lot to be explored in terms of various living quarters, sculptures, and architecture. The carefully preserved objects d’art and authentic Korean royal furniture are quite noteworthy. Some of the fascinating facts about this amazing center of attraction in Seoul are that it was the first place in Korea where electric lights were installed.

Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Sejongno, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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3. Seoul City Hall

This important landmark in South Korea was redeveloped recently to add more features inside the structure, such as an eco-wall, which is a vertical garden that reaches up to seven floors. There’s also an impressive art installation made out of twisted white balloons called ‘Metaseosa Seobeol’. And if you want to check out the rest of the City Hall installations, you can ride the glass elevator all the way up to the 8th floor, where the Sky Plaza Gallery is.

Address: 110 Sejong-daero, Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea

4. The War Memorial Of Korea 

One of the darkest phases in the history of this country is extremely well documented in this museum located in the Yongsan-dong area of Seoul. The museum of the Korean War had a number of significant influences on the nation and how it is today. The museum is a huge draw for tourists on a regular basis and houses war memorabilia, military equipment, period art, and exhibits. It is recommended that visitors begin their tours from the outside before heading inwards. This is because the outside of this famous monument in South Korea has a lot of fighter plane exhibits.

Address: 29 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul, South Korea 

5. Incheon Landing Operation Memorial Hall

This memorial hall was built to commemorate the brave soldiers who fought for South Korea in Incheon, led by General MacArthur, in the year 1950. This historical building in South Korea celebrates the 100 year anniversary of the opening of the Incheon port to the foreigners in 1883. This Landing Operation was a huge success for both South Korea and the United Nations. Taking a tour in the memorial hall will give you a glimpse of Incheon, back in those years. The museum has videos showcasing the Battle of Incheon, its weapons, equipment, uniforms, and the lifestyle of both the North and South Korean army.

Address: 138, Cheongnyang-ro, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon 

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6. Myeongdong Cathedral 

This prominent cathedral holds the remains of many prominent priests like Bishop Laurent Joseph Marie Imbert, and priests Peter Simon (1803-19), James (Jacques Honor Chastan, 1803-1839) and Pourthie Jean Antoine Charles (1830-1866) and four other martyrs. The steeple of the church is 45 meters in height whereas the main building, made of bricks stands at 23 meters in height. The interior of this iconic monument in South Korea is decorated intricately with religious paintings and artworks. The stained glass windows are beautifully intricate too. The Gothic architecture of the church is a treat to the eyes and makes this an interesting place to visit.

 Address: 74 Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

7. Ganghwa Peace Observatory 

Ganghwa Peace Observatory like many other tourist attractions of Incheon also holds an important position in this list. It is the only attraction on the popular tourist island, Ganghwa from where you can get an unobstructed view of entire North Korea. Previously, this popular historical landmark in South Korea was a military lookout. Later in September -2008, the friendly relationship between inter-Korean has turned this into a tourist spot. If you are visiting Incheon, the name of this Observatory should be included in your itinerary list. Once you enter the Observatory, on the first floor you will get an outdoor lookout point. From here, you get to see North Korean village. Besides this, there is a restaurant, administrative offices, guest rooms, and specialty shops selling goods related to Ganghwa and North Korea.

Address: San6-1, Chulsan-ri, Yangsa-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon, South Korea

8. Seolleung  

This city is not that well known for its ruins, but this park is one such location where ancient structures seem like the perfect addition to modern settings. This park is not very common among tourists situated in the Gangnam district. But for the nosy traveler, what is out of sight is rarely out of mind. It is strongly advised that you make a trip to this beautiful monument in South Korea in order to get a taste of tranquility right in the heart of the busiest section in town. As one of the graves for the Joseon Dynasty, the park served and mostly for locals and some tourists, this remains a popular place.

Address: Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

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9. Bangudae Cliff  

If you are looking for an ideal spot to enjoy the serene beauty of Ulsan, come to Bangudae. Because the shape of the cliff looks like a turtle that is lying on the ground with its head down that’s why the name Bangudae has been given to it.  Bangudae cliff has been a popular tourist location of Ulsan for a very long time and has been designated as Korea’s National Treasure no 285. It is because of the prehistoric rock painting, traces of early human life, and the ancestral tablet that has been found on the cliff. Tourists from all over the world come here to see such historical monuments in South Korea. 

Address: San 234-1, Daegok-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulju-gun, Ulsan, South Korea

10. Unhyeongung Palace  

This popular monument in South Korea may be overshadowed by the other grand palaces of Seoul but it surely has its own unique character and personality. The palace became grand in its design and architecture, the Queen Mother Jo saw to it. Under her, around the structures, four gates were made that were glammed up to look more like a palace. Once inside, visitors will be able to see various sections of the pace like the servants quarters, the women’s quarters, the main building for the wife of the royal, Irodang, and the men’s quarters Norakdang. It is one of the top monuments in Seoul. Don’t forget to check out the small but interesting exhibition hall that displays fascinating memorabilia.

Address: 464 Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

11. Gatbawi 

On the top of the Palgongsan mountain in South Korea Gatwabi Buddha is a magnificent Buddha statue placed on it. It is a shrine constructed during the Unified Silla Kingdom era. Well-constructed stairs take you to the top of the mountain where a beautiful view of the valley awaits you. The peaceful atmosphere and the scenic sights of this most beautiful monument in South Korea make this trip worth the long climb.

 Address: Gongpyeong-dong, Daegu, South Korea 

12. Changdeokgung Palace 

This palace has been the principal residence of many kings from the Joseon dynasty built-in 1405. At this palace, the marriage of nature and architecture is a stunning sight. Many of the buildings here are hand-painted. This most visited monument in South Korea was once burned down in 1592 when an angry mob vented its frustration over the absconding king during the Japanese invasion. During the reign of King Taejong, perhaps the most well-known part of this palace is the Huwon or secret garden that was built. It is surrounded by gorgeous trees and fountains and is absolutely heavenly in all seasons, especially autumn.

Address: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

13. Gyesan Catholic Cathedral

Gyesan Catholic Church is another stunning historical landmark to visit in South Korea that is located in the heart of Daegu. The church is nestled in the North Gyeongsang Province. Gyesan Catholic Church is considered to be the oldest Catholic church in Daegu with an architecture showcasing the Gothic style. Gyesan Catholic Church has a beautiful setting in the center of the city in addition to the impressive architecture. While the Gothic elements like stained-glass windows and pinnacles are liked by the visitors, its Romanesque features such as the Latin-cross shape and transepts are quite fascinating too.

Address: 10 Seoseong-ro, Seongnae 2(i)-dong, Jung-gu, 대구광역시 South Korea

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14. Jogyesa Temple

For Zen Buddhism, Jogyesa Temple is the main temple in Korea. This historical religious monument in South Korea holds a very important place in the religious identity of the city and the nation itself. This temple invokes peace and spirituality almost instantly surrounded by mature trees. The main building is said to be close to 500 years old. The temple has been given the status of a national treasure because of the Baeksong tree that surrounds it. The temple holds rituals and ceremonies periodically and is an active religious place. It is particularly beautiful in the evening when it is illuminated by lamps by the monks. Outside, there are shops selling Buddhist trinkets.

Address: 55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea.

 

15. Gwanghwamun 

This is one of the main gates of the Gyeongbokgung Palace. One of the most important pieces of historical architecture in South Korea, the gate is a constant reminder of some of the most illustrious phases of the history of the city. This gate has seen its fair share of mismanagement and disrepair built during the Jonseon Dynasty. The government undertook restorations of this most famous monument in Seoul in 2010 after which it has been restored to its former glory.

Address: 161, Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea 

16. Jongmyo Shrine  

Dedicated to the memorial ceremonies of the royals from the Joseon dynasty, this is a very sacred shrine. This memorial service is called JongmyoJaerye because of the oldest complete ceremonial service in the world this most important monument in South Korea has been designated as UNESCO World Heritage. In the old times, during the twelfth lunar month of the year, this ceremony was held at the change of seasons. Currently, on the first Sunday of May, this ceremony is re-enacted. Dating back to hundreds of years, it’s truly a sight to reckon with music and rituals. 

Address: 157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea

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17. Incheon Bridge Memorial Hall

This memorial hall was opened on March 5, 2010, in honor of the makers who worked behind the construction of the Incheon Bridge. This historical building in South Korea is located at one end of the Incheon Bridge, towards Yeongjongdo Island. The hall displays audio and video data documenting the entire construction process of the bridge. You can also see the materials on display illustrating the construction of the bridge and its role as a great gateway connecting Korea with the rest of the world.

 Address: Incheon City, Choong-gu, Unnam-dong 1113-70, South Korea 




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