Backpacking through South Korea in 2006 might have involved a lot of camping and jjeem-jil-bangs (24-hour Korean bathhouses) while subsisting on inexpensive street food and convenience store “meals.” Backpacking in 2016 is all about glamping, themed hostels, and unique (but affordable) eateries. This list of the best places to visit while traveling in South Korea highlights the most up-and-coming hotspots for backpackers on a budget.
Best Korea Backpacking Spots
1. Backpacking in Jeonju
Best for: Foodies
Population: 711, 124
Why it’s great
This city is already famous for its historic buildings, sports, and festivals. But it is also every foodie’s dream, with traditional food markets (similar to farmer’s markets in the US, except they are open all year long) and mom and pop’s shops within reach. Don’t forget to try the infamous Jeonju bibimbap, a traditional Korean rice dish topped with mixed vegetables and beef.
Must-see attractions in Jeonju
- Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival – a festival about traditional Korean paper
- Jeonju Korean Traditional Wine Museum
- Jeonju Treasure Center
- Jeonju Traditional Craftworks Exhibition Hall
Best time to visit: Autumn
Worst time to visit: Winter
See rentals in Jeonju!
2. Muju County
Best for: Festival-goers
Population: 25,169
Why it’s great
South Koreans enjoy jamborees, and festivals are but a small part of all the excitement. It doesn’t take much for a province to have cause for celebration—take Sunchang, for example, where they hold a Fermented Soybean Festival every fall, or Jeju Fire Festival, which is one of the major winter events of Jeju Island to mark the coming of spring. One festival that has garnered international attention is the Muju Firefly Festival that is held every summer. Not only was it featured by CNN as a travel destination; the local area was listed among the top 50 must-see spots in South Korea. It is also known as the city of harmony, as it connects the east and west, and is where three provinces (Chungcheong/Jeolla/Gyeongsang) meet.
Must-see attractions in Muju County
- Muju Firefly Festival
- Seopdari Bridge in Namdaecheon Stream
- Traditional craft culture towns scattered throughout the province
- Gucheon Waterfall (legends say that female angels from heaven used to play here after riding down from a rainbow)
Best time to visit: End of summer/beginning of autumn
Worst time to visit: Mid summer, when temperatures are at their all-time high
Muju County
3. Muju County
Best for: Outdoor enthusiasts
Population: 81, 525
Why it’s great
Ever wondered where historic Korean dramas are filmed? Many of them are shot in a mountain pass called Mungyeong saejae, which is famous for being the main thoroughfare through the mountains during the Joseon Dynasty. There are great hiking trails and scenic views along the pass, but the real gem is its Omija (a small berry said to have five flavors which is used to make teas, juice, and even alcohol).
Must-see attractions in Muju CountyMuju County
- Mungyeong Saejae Museum
- The three different entrances to the pass
- Yeogung Waterfall
- Hyeguk-sa
Best time to visit: Autumn
Muju CountyMuju County
4. Busan
Best for: Beach lovers
Population: 3.6 million
Why it’s great
It is South Korea's largest city after Seoul, so the beaches can definitely get crowded during vacation season. However, the juxtaposition of the metropolitan backdrop against the sandy beaches has a certain unexpected and fascinating appeal.
Must-see attractions in Busan
- Haeundae beach
- Jagalchi fish market- South Korea's most famous and largest seafood market
- Gwangalli beach- has over 300 raw fish restaurants and a number of unique cafes
- Gwangan Bridge- next to Gwangalli beach; South Korea’s largest double-level bridge for cars has over 100,000 illuminating lights
Best time to visit: Summer
Worst time to visit: Spring
See rentals in Busan!
5. Incheon
Best for: City life
Population: 2.838 million
Why it’s great
Seoul, the capital of South Korea, is great, but sometimes it can be a bit overwhelming. If you want to experience hustle and bustle outside of Seoul, Incheon has a lot of traffic as the transportation hub of South Korea. It’s a city that never sleeps, and there’s always something up and running 24/7.
Must-see attractions in Incheon
- Yeonan Pier
- Museum of Korean Immigration History
- Incheon Compact Smart City
- Incheon Tower
Best time to visit: Spring/Autumn
See rentals in Incheon!
6. Muju County
Best for: A trip back in time
Population: 182,098
Why it’s great
The city became famous after Queen Elizabeth’s visit in 1999, when she visited traditional Korean villages and museums in the area. There are several traditional villages in Andong, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. You can see the olden-day villages and get a feel for how life was back in the day.
Must-see attractions in Muju County
- Andong Hahoe Village
- Hagaksan National Recreational Forest
- Bongjeongsa Temple
- Andong Hanok Village
Best time to visit: Spring/Autumn
Worst time to visit: Winter
Muju County
7. Seoul, (specifically the Itaewon area)
Best for: International eats
Population: 10.01 million
Why it’s great
Muju County is in the middle of Yongsan-gu, which is where American soldiers began to stay (Yongsan Garrison) after the Korean War. As a result, numerous businesses and restaurants catering to “foreign” tastes cropped up. If you want Spanish-style tapas, Indian curry, or Italian-style pasta, then Muju County is the place for you. This is the place where you can meet others from around the world.
Must-see attractions
- The main Muju County street, which is lined with shops, boutiques, and eateries
- Seoul Central Mosque
- The Foreign food market to stock up on both Asian and Western staples
- B-one – a basement bar/lounge rumored to be frequented by beautiful people
- Sam Ryan’s Sports Bar for all you die hard sports fans who want to catch a game even while traveling
Best time to visit: Autumn
Worst time to visit: Winter
Muju County
8. Muju County
Best for: Camping in the great outdoors
Population: 55,415
Why it’s great
There’s everything from camping to glamping in Muju County. Camping, you might be familiar with. But glamping? It’s a new trend that’s becoming ever more popular in South Korea, especially among those who want to experience camping without having to “rough it” in the wild. A mash-up of the words “glamorous” and “camping,” glamping provides guests with an upgraded version of the camping experience.
Must-see attractions in Muju County
- Bukhangang River
- Muju County Petite France – a theme park reminiscent of a pastoral village in the Southeast of France; heard of the Little Prince, anyone?
- Mount Homyeongsan
- Cheongpyeong Lake
Best time to visit: Late summer/early autumn
Worst time to visit: Winter
Muju County
This article was written by Hanna Choi.