Off the Beaten Path Things to do in South Korea

Have you always wanted to take a cruise but get horribly seasick? South Korea’s Sun Cruise Hotel is the answer to your problem. Perched dramatically atop a coastal cliff, this 211-room resort is the world's first "on-land cruise ship," designed to look like a massive ocean liner that's somehow sailed right onto the clifftop.

The illusion is masterfully crafted—half the structure extends over the ocean, providing stunning sea views, while speakers throughout the hotel play the sound of crashing waves and seabirds. You’ll get all the ambiance of an ocean voyage without the nausea-inducing feeling of actually being on one.

If you don’t want to book a room on this faux voyage to nowhere, you can stop by for a drink or meal at the Sun Cruise’s bars or restaurants, including the 360-degree rotating observatory lounge.

Give us a choice between a regular amusement park and a cheese-themed amusement park, and we’ll pick the cheese one every time. Imsil-gun, South Korea, is home to every dairy lover’s dream destination: Imsil Cheese Theme Park.

Some may find this theme park cheesy, but we think it strikes the right balance between fun and informative. You can feast your eyes on buildings shaped like giant wheels of cheese, ride fromage-themed rides, and take cheese-making classes. And, of course, what would a cheese theme park be without plenty of sampling opportunities?

Ever stood at a beautiful overlook and thought, “This scenery is stunning, but it needs more phallic statues?” No? Well, someone in South Korea did, and the result is the utterly unique Samcheok Haesindang Park.

Located in the coastal town of Sinnam, this unconventional attraction wasn’t created just to raise eyebrows—it actually honors an ancient local legend and is believed to bring good fortune to the region’s fishermen.

And when we say this park commits to its theme, we mean it! From a towering penis lighthouse to benches shaped like, well, you can guess, the park's creative installations manage to be both amusing and oddly artistic. But don't worry if you need a G-rated break from all the anatomical architecture—the park also offers some more traditional attractions. You can visit a museum that showcases everyday life in a traditional fishing village, or head to the observatory for spectacular coastal views.

Looking for a cure for what ails you—or just want to explore one of South Korea's most fascinating markets? Welcome to Gyeongdong Market, the country's largest medicinal herb bazaar and a treasure trove of natural remedies. Walking through the bustling stalls, you'll discover an amazing array of traditional healing ingredients, from aromatic spices and exotic herbs to medicinal mushrooms and therapeutic teas.

But this historic market, which dates back to 1905, offers much more than just natural medicine. As South Korea's first permanent street market and one of its busiest, Gyeongdong is a sensory adventure where you can find everything from colorful fabrics and kitchen essentials to fresh produce and quality meats. Be sure to stop by the market’s ground floor, where you’ll find plenty of food stalls and restaurants.

Depending on your perspective, exploring an abandoned theme park might sound like the start of a horror movie or a thrill-seeker’s dream. This fascinating time capsule has remained virtually untouched since its closure in 2011, with all its original rides still standing exactly as they were left on the final day of operation.

For just a small entrance fee, you can step into this eerily preserved slice of the past. Post-apocalyptic photoshoot, anyone?

Looking to add a bit of spice and scandal to your South Korean adventure? Then you won't want to miss Jeju Loveland, a cheeky adults-only park that takes sculpture to provocative new heights. This unique attraction features 140 decidedly X-rated sculptures that make for some seriously memorable photo opportunities (though maybe keep those snapshots off your social media!).

But Jeju Loveland isn't just about the risqué artwork—it's also an educational experience. Between admiring the provocative installations, visitors can check out informative sex education films and explore interactive exhibits. Just remember, this one's strictly for the grown-ups.

Are you obsessed with kimchi? Well, you're in for a treat! This beloved Korean staple—a mouthwatering combination of salted and fermented vegetables—is such an integral part of the country's cuisine that you'll find unique variations on practically every restaurant menu across Korea. For true kimchi enthusiasts who want to take their passion to the next level, Museum Kimchikan in Seoul is an absolute must-visit destination.

Think of it as a temple dedicated to all things kimchi, where you can dive deep into the fascinating history of this fermented favorite. You'll discover the countless ways it can be prepared and even roll up your sleeves and learn to make your own in one of their hands-on cooking classes. It's the perfect place to transform your kimchi curiosity into genuine kimchi expertise.