Famous Monuments in South Korea You Must Visit

South Korea’s iconic monuments reflect its deep-rooted history, dynamic culture, and rapid modernization. From ancient palaces and sacred temples to memorials and futuristic architecture, each site offers a glimpse into the nation’s resilient spirit and evolving identity.

Whether you’re wandering through royal grounds or standing before symbols of remembrance, these landmarks capture the essence of Korea’s past and present. 

Here’s a look at the must-see monuments across South Korea.

Whether you’re exploring traditional Korean architecture or sites of national significance, each monument reveals a chapter of Korea’s story. Here are the iconic South Korean monuments you shouldn’t miss.

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1. Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is one of the most famous monuments in South Korea. Built in 1395, it served as the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty. It stands as a proud symbol of traditional Korean architecture and history.

• Location:161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Timings: Wednesday to Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
• Time Required: Approximately 2 to 3 hours

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,500)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹220 (approx. KRW 3,000)
• Official ticket site: You can purchase tickets on-site or reserve online. Hanbok wearers can enter free of charge.

Highlight: You’ll experience the Changing of the Guard ceremony, a vivid display of royal tradition. The palace grounds also house the National Palace Museum and the National Folk Museum. 

2. Changdeokgung Palace & Huwon

Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of the top monuments to visit in South Korea. Built in 1405, it served as a primary residence for many Joseon kings. It is known for its architectural harmony with the surrounding nature.

• Location: 99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Time Required: 2 to 3 hours (including Secret Garden tour)

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,500)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹220 for palace + ₹360 for Secret Garden
  (KRW 3,000 + KRW 5,000)
• Tickets and access info: Official ticket site, Secret Garden access is only by guided tour, booking is recommended.

Highlight: The palace’s highlight is the Secret Garden (Huwon), a serene landscape that once served as a royal retreat.

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3. Deoksugung Palace

Deoksugung Palace is one of the most visited monuments in South Korea, located at the heart of Seoul. It blends traditional Korean and Western-style architecture. This palace was the final residence of Korea’s last monarchs during the late Joseon era.

• Location: 99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Time Required: 1.5 to 2 hours

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,000)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,000)
• Admission is free for hanbok wearers and visitors on Culture Day (last Wednesday of each month).

Highlight: What makes Deoksugung special is its elegant stone-wall road and neoclassical buildings alongside traditional palace halls. 

4. Hwaseong Fortress

Hwaseong Fortress, located in Suwon, is one of the top monuments to visit in South Korea. Constructed in the late 18th century, it served as a military stronghold during the Joseon Dynasty. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of innovative Korean engineering.

• Location:910 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
• Timings: Daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
• Time Required: 2 to 3 hours (full walk along the wall)

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹65 (approx. KRW 500)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,000)
• Combined ticket options are available with Suwon Hwaseong Haenggung Palace.

Highlight: You’ll walk along a beautifully preserved wall that blends Eastern and Western military architecture. The fortress features secret gates, observation towers, and artillery bastions. 

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5. Jongmyo Shrine

Jongmyo Shrine is one of the most revered cultural monuments of South Korea. Built in the 14th century, it honors the deceased kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. It is the oldest Confucian royal shrine preserved in its original form.

• Location: 157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Timings: Wednesday to Monday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Tuesdays)
• Time Required: 1 to 1.5 hours

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹65 (approx. KRW 500)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,000)
• Free entry for hanbok wearers and on Culture Day (last Wednesday of each month).

Highlight: Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the shrine is famous for its solemn architecture and ritual ceremonies. The annual Jongmyo Daeje is a key highlight, blending music, tradition, and royal tribute. 

6.Namdaemun (Sungnyemun Gate)

Namdaemun, officially known as Sungnyemun, is one of the most famous monuments in South Korea. Originally built in 1398, it served as the main southern gate to Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. This iconic structure blends historical depth with national pride.

• Location: 40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Entry Fee: Admission is free. The structure can be viewed from the outside year-round.

Highlight: This gate is a symbol of Seoul’s resilience and tradition. After a devastating fire in 2008, it was restored to its original splendor. As 

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7. Cheomseongdae Observatory

Cheomseongdae Observatory is one of the top monuments to visit in South Korea. Built during the 7th century under Queen Seondeok’s reign, it is the oldest surviving astronomical observatory in Asia. This scientific structure symbolizes Korea’s early advancements in astronomy and architecture.

• Location: 839-1 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
• Timings:Daily: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM Best viewed in daylight hours.
• Time Required: 30 to 45 minutes
• Entry Fee: No ticket required; site is open and free to the public.

Highlight: Made from 362 stones, said to represent the days of the lunar year, it’s a blend of science and spirituality. 

8. Bulguksa Temple

Bulguksa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous monuments in South Korea. Built in the 8th century during the Silla Dynasty, it represents the pinnacle of Buddhist art and architecture. The temple is deeply spiritual and historically rich.

• Location: 15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
  Timings: Daily: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Time Required: 1.5 to 2 hours

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,000)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹260 (approx. KRW 2,000)
• Tickets can be purchased on-site; some guided tours are available.

Highlight: The temple features stunning stone pagodas, bronze Buddhas, and wooden halls surrounded by pine-covered hills. You’ll witness a fusion of serenity and craftsmanship. 

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9. Seokguram Grotto

Seokguram Grotto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most revered traditional monuments in South Korea. Carved into a mountainside in the 8th century, it houses a serene stone Buddha statue. This grotto reflects the spiritual depth of Korean Buddhist culture.

• Location:999 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, South Korea
• Timings:Daily: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Time Required: 1 to 1.5 hours

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,000)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹260 (approx. KRW 2,000)
• Tickets are available at the site entrance. The grotto involves a short uphill walk.

Highlight: Inside the grotto, you’ll see a massive seated Buddha facing the East Sea, surrounded by guardian deities and Bodhisattvas. The craftsmanship is intricate and spiritually powerful. 

10. King Sejong Statue

The King Sejong Statue stands prominently in Gwanghwamun Square, Seoul, and honors one of Korea’s most respected leaders. King Sejong is best known for creating Hangul, the Korean alphabet. This modern monument is a cultural symbol and national tribute.

• Location:172 Sejong-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul, South Korea (Gwanghwamun Square)
• Timings: Outdoor statue: Open 24/7, Exhibition Hall: Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Time Required: 30 minutes to 1 hour
• Entry Fee: No tickets required; both the statue and the exhibition are free to the public.

Highlight: The statue features King Sejong seated with a book, symbolizing knowledge and leadership. Beneath it lies an exhibition hall showcasing his inventions and achievements. 

11. Independence Hall of Korea

The Independence Hall of Korea is one of the most famous monuments in South Korea, commemorating its struggle for sovereignty. Opened in 1987, it documents Korea’s resistance to Japanese colonial rule. The site preserves national pride through seven extensive exhibition halls.

• Location: Dongnipgwan-ro, Mokcheon-eup, Dongnam-gu, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea
• Timings:Daily: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM (Closed on Mondays and national holidays)
• Time Required: 2.5 to 3 hours
• Entry Fee: Admission is free; group reservations and exhibitions may require prior booking.

Highlight: You’ll walk through powerful exhibits showcasing independence movements, cultural identity, and historical records. 

12. Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) & Third Tunnel

The DMZ and Third Tunnel are among the most visited monuments in South Korea, marking the tense divide between North and South Korea. This heavily guarded area is a living relic of the Korean War. It offers a rare glimpse into geopolitics and military history.

• Location: Seoul, South Korea
• Timings: Tour schedules vary by provider; common time slots, 8:00 AM – 3:30 PM (Half-day or full-day guided tours)
• Time Required: 4 to 6 hours (tour dependent)

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 3 years): Usually free (check with operator)
• Child (4–12 years): ₹2,200–₹3,000 (approx. KRW 35,000–48,000)
• Adult (13+ years): ₹3,000–₹4,000 (approx. KRW 50,000–65,000)
• A passport is required, and tours must be booked via licensed operators.

Highlight: You can walk through the Third Infiltration Tunnel, visit the Dora Observatory, and stand inches from North Korea at the Joint Security Area. 

13. Jeonju Hanok Village

Jeonju Hanok Village is one of the top monuments to visit in South Korea, showcasing over 700 traditional Korean houses (hanok). Located in the city of Jeonju, it offers an authentic glimpse into the nation’s architectural and cultural heritage. The village blends tradition with local cuisine, art, and crafts.

• Location:99 Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeollabuk-do, South Korea
• Timings: Open daily: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Shops and museums may have individual hours.
• Time Required: 2 to 4 hours (or full day for complete experience)

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): Free (general entry)
• Adult (19–64 years): Free (general entry)
• Museum or experience fees: ₹130–₹520 (KRW 1,000–4,000)
• Entry is free, but cultural activities, museums, and rentals are charged individually.

Highlight: You’ll explore tiled-roof homes, artisan workshops, teahouses, and cultural museums. Wearing a hanbok while strolling through the village is a must-do experience. 

14. Seodaemun Prison History Hall

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is one of the most powerful historical monuments in South Korea. Built during the Japanese colonial period, it once held Korean independence fighters. Today, it stands as a museum honoring their sacrifice and struggle.

• Location:251 Tongil-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, South Korea
• Timings: Tuesday to Sunday: 9:30 AM – 6:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Time Required: 1.5 to 2 hours

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹65 (approx. KRW 500)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,000)
• Tickets are available on-site, and group and educational discounts are offered.

Highlight: You’ll walk through preserved prison cells, interrogation rooms, and execution grounds that share stories of courage and resistance. Multimedia exhibits add emotional depth. 

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15. Haeinsa Temple

Haeinsa Temple is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most famous monuments in South Korea. Founded in the 9th century, it is home to the Tripitaka Koreana, the world’s most complete collection of Buddhist scriptures carved on wooden blocks. This mountain temple is a sacred symbol of Korea’s spiritual heritage.

• Location: 10 Chiin-ri, Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea
• Timings:Daily: 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM. 
• Time Required: 1.5 to 2.5 hours

Entry Fee:

• Infant (under 6 years): Free
• Child (7–18 years): ₹130 (approx. KRW 1,000)
• Adult (19–64 years): ₹220 (approx. KRW 1,500)
• Tickets are available on-site; temple stay programs may require pre-registration.

Highlight: You’ll explore centuries-old wooden halls and the Janggyeong Panjeon, the depository housing over 80,000 woodblocks. Set within Gayasan National Park, the temple offers both spiritual tranquility and architectural mastery. 

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FAQs

What is the most famous monument in South Korea?

Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul is the most famous monument in South Korea. It’s the main royal palace of the Joseon Dynasty and a must-see for any visitor.

Are there any historical monuments in South Korea?

Yes, South Korea has many historical monuments like Jongmyo Shrine, Hwaseong Fortress, and Seodaemun Prison History Hall, all reflecting its royal and modern-era history.

Are any South Korean monuments free to visit?

Several major sites, such as Gwanghwamun Gate, King Sejong Statue, and Dongdaemun Gate, are completely free and open to the public.

Is Gyeongbokgung Palace considered a historical monument?

Yes, it is one of the top historical monuments in South Korea. Built in 1395, it represents Korea’s royal and architectural legacy.

Do I need tickets to visit South Korean monuments?

Some monuments require tickets (e.g., Gyeongbokgung Palace, Bulguksa Temple), while others, like city gates and public statues, are free to access.

Can I take photos at monuments in South Korea?

Yes, photography is generally allowed. However, flash and tripods may be restricted in sacred areas or museum interiors.

Do South Korean monuments have cafes or rest areas nearby?

Yes, major monuments often have on-site or nearby cafes and rest zones. Palaces, village sites, and museums offer food stalls and seating areas.