8 Best Romantic Destinations in Korea

Seoul, South Korea's capital, is the city where all of the country's newest trends are born. It's the perfect place for young couples who are always on the hunt for new, exciting experiences. Despite being a megalopolis, nature is never far away thanks to destinations like Mt. Nam and the Han River. Plus, the night-time views of the city from places like N Seoul Tower and Lotte World Tower are unrivalled and must be seen to be believed. You can enjoy fun activities such as rock climbing and escape rooms, and then explore the city's many famous restaurants and speciality eateries. There are also many ways to immerse yourself in nature within the city, such as hiking up Mt. Namsan or Mt. Bukhan or taking a short cruise on the Han River. A leisurely bicycle ride along the Han River can be an especially memorable experience. You can also attend a variety of festivals held all across Seoul, so be sure to time your trip for a special festival that you don't want to miss. If you're looking for something a bit more relaxed, a quiet date at one of the city's most beautiful libraries, such as Jeongdok Library or Namsan Public Library, is a great idea.

Whether travelling with family, friends, or a significant other, Jeju Island is a favourite travel destination for many, and it's especially popular for honeymoons. The island is full of scenery not readily seen elsewhere in Korea, such as crystal-clear waters, blue skies and the fantastic Mt. Halla. But that's not all, because it's also home to many cute cafés, charming museums and fun theme parks. Some must-see places include Osulloc Tea Museum, where you can enjoy delicious desserts while taking in some wonderful Jeju scenery, and the Teddy Bear Museum, which is just as cute and cuddly as it sounds. Because day trips can be difficult due to Jeju being an island, you'll want to plan for a longer trip and check out the unique accommodation, from inexpensive guest houses to themed rental cottages and luxury hotels. Jeju Island is extremely traveller-friendly thanks to its official tourism website and many available travel guides, so it's highly recommended as a first-time destination for those travelling with a partner.

Gangneung is a must-see destination for all sea lovers. It's full of famous beaches where you can really revel in the beauty of the East Sea, such as Gyeongpo Beach, Anmok Beach and Sacheon Beach. Jeongdongjin Beach is particularly popular when the year-end and New Year holidays approach, due to couples who rush to Gangneung's coast to enjoy the first sunrise of the year. It's a good idea to book accommodation well in advance if you plan to travel to Gangneung around this time. For the more active couples, surfing and other fun marine and coastal activities are available. For foodies, fresh seafood at the lively Jumunjin Port fish market is highly recommended. You can head to Ojukheon, the birthplace of a famous Joseon-era scholar and his artist mother, or Gangneung Solhyang Arboretum for a quiet date with your partner. Sometimes, all you need is a simple stroll through peaceful nature while holding hands with your loved one.

Among the many romantic spots along the beautiful coast, no place has a more unique landscape than Haeundae, in Busan. The melding of towering skyscrapers and the expansive sea is quite a sight to behold. Plus, Haeundae's nightscapes are world renowned for their impressive displays of colourful lights illuminating the dark sea. Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach are considered to be two of the best beaches in Korea, while Haedong Yonggung Temple is always popular with couples looking to catch a glimpse of the spectacular seaside temple. Be sure to check out the Gamcheon Culture Village and Huinnyeoul Culture Village, where narrow, colourful alleys and quaint houses nestled along coastal hillsides create plenty of photo opportunities. You'll discover something new at every turn as you walk along the maze-like paths. Pack your bags and get ready for Busan, a city where tradition and modernity, as well as the seas and mountains, are in perfect harmony.

The dark, calm night seas of Yeosu and the nearby rows of food stalls create a unique atmosphere popular with couples on a romantic night out. It's no wonder that this vibrant place inspired Jang Beom June to write his hit song "Yeosu Night Sea". But Yeosu isn't only beautiful at night. Odong Island, famous for its gorgeous camellia flowers, and Angel Mural Village in Goso-dong are great destinations for a daytime outing with your partner. If you're seeking a bit of a thrill, you can take a ride on the dizzying Yeosu Cable Car, where you can really see how the city changes its appearance throughout the day via the see-through floor. For a more relaxed experience, head over to Mongdol Beach and savour the sound of the waves as they strike the stones along the coast. The serene city of Yeosu is the ideal destination for an all-day trip with your partner. Plus, it's easily accessible thanks to the airport and KTX station within the city limits.

Nothing compares to beautiful seascapes like those in Yangyang when you're looking to spend some romantic time with a partner. You're in luck because Naksan Beach is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the east coast, offering jaw-dropping views. You can easily spend a full day here just admiring the gorgeous views of the sunrise and sunset. If you want to comfortably enjoy the seascape during your trip, it's a good idea to book your accommodation early. Naksan Temple, famous for the Haesugwaneum Statue, is another must-visit spot in Yangyang. There's no better place for capturing memories in some stunning photos with your partner. Another great photo spot is the exotic Surfy Beach, which is ideal for taking some casual photos. You can even partake in some surfing nearby, making it the perfect spot for active couples.

Gyeongju is a great destination for short weekend getaways as well as long summer holidays. Historical Silla-era sites, such as Cheomseongdae, Seokguram and Donggung & Wolji, are great spots if you want to add a bit of history to your dates, while natural attractions such as Bomun Lake and Oryugo-ara Beach, as well as water parks and museums, make Gyeongju the ideal destination for escaping your daily routine and revelling in their rich charms. When the sun goes down, the palace and pond at Donggung & Wolji offer one of the most romantic night-time views of Gyeongju. Restaurants and cafés built in traditional hanok houses are plentiful and one of Gyeongju's unique charms. The alluring atmosphere is matched only by the incredible food, coffee and tea. Be sure to check out Gyeongju World, a theme park where you can add a bit of thrill and excitement to your date.

To fully appreciate Namhae's picturesque coastline and archipelago, plan to visit Namhae, Tongyeong and Geoje together. It doesn't matter where you start your trip, but a drive along the coastal road must be experienced while here. Just take your partner by the hand and soak in the natural beauty that's on display. Seomi Garden and Namhae Sangsang Sheep Farm make for some great romantic destinations on your coastal drive. If you're looking for something unusual, check out any one of the several mud flat experiences available. Just let loose, laugh and capture some moments to be cherished. Geoje Island is home to many famous beaches like Mongdol Beach, so be sure to check some out. The island is great for a spontaneous getaway due to the abundant accommodation and variety of amenities such as shopping centres.