South Korea is a land where the past and present blend seamlessly, creating enchanting landscapes and dreamlike destinations that seem pulled from the pages of a fantasy novel. While many travelers flock to major cities like Seoul and Busan, there’s a whimsical side of Korea waiting to be discovered—one filled with misty mountains, ancient forests, ethereal islands, and hidden villages. If you’re looking to experience a side of Korea that feels like stepping into a fairy tale, you’ve come to the right place.
Here are ten magical places in Korea that will awaken your imagination and leave you spellbound.
1. Boseong Green Tea Fields
Nestled in South Jeolla Province, the Boseong Green Tea Fields offer a mesmerizing sight of rolling emerald hills blanketed in vibrant tea plants. As morning mist hovers above the fields and sunlight filters through the fog, the entire area takes on a dreamy, otherworldly glow. Walking through the neatly terraced rows feels like wandering through a storybook landscape.
What adds to the charm is the seasonal beauty—pink cherry blossoms in spring, lush greenery in summer, golden hues in autumn, and snow-dusted fields in winter. Whether you’re sipping fresh green tea at a hillside café or taking in the panoramic views from the observation deck, Boseong is a place that stirs the soul.
2. Garden of Morning Calm
Imagine stepping into a hidden garden bursting with color and enchantment. Located in Gapyeong, the Garden of Morning Calm is a beautifully manicured botanical paradise that lives up to its poetic name. With more than 5,000 species of plants and flowers arranged in themed gardens, the atmosphere is nothing short of magical.
Each season brings a new story. In spring, cherry blossoms and azaleas create a gentle, romantic scene. Summer is lush and vibrant, while autumn adds fiery hues of red and gold. But it’s winter that truly transforms the garden into a fairy tale—twinkling lights, frosted trees, and glowing pathways make it look like something out of a winter fantasy film.
3. Jeju Island’s Manjanggul Cave
On the volcanic island of Jeju lies one of the world’s longest lava tubes, Manjanggul Cave. This UNESCO-listed natural wonder stretches over 13 kilometers, though only about 1 kilometer is open to the public. Inside, the cave is cool, dark, and eerily beautiful.
Stalactites and lava formations loom like natural sculptures, and the largest lava column in the world rises over seven meters in height. Walking through this subterranean realm feels like venturing into a mythical underworld or the lair of an ancient dragon. It’s a quiet, almost spiritual experience—one where the forces of nature reveal their raw, magical artistry.
4. Nami Island
Just a short journey from Seoul lies Nami Island, a crescent-shaped isle in the middle of the Han River that has become an icon of natural beauty and romance. Its towering tree-lined paths change colors dramatically with the seasons, offering a surreal, almost cinematic backdrop.
In spring, cherry blossoms float through the air like pink confetti. Summer is green and lush, while autumn cloaks the island in fiery shades of orange and red. In winter, snow carpets the trails, and the bare branches create a quiet, frosty wonderland. With no cars allowed on the island and whimsical art installations scattered throughout, Nami feels like a tranquil kingdom frozen in time.
5. Seonamsa Temple
Tucked away in the mountains of Suncheon, Seonamsa Temple is one of Korea’s lesser-known Buddhist temples, yet it holds a quiet charm that few others can match. The walk to the temple is a journey in itself—crossing a graceful stone bridge that arches over a gentle stream surrounded by wildflowers and moss-covered rocks.
The temple buildings are set against a backdrop of forested hills, and the atmosphere is peaceful and meditative. What makes Seonamsa truly magical is its timeless aura. The chirping of birds, the rustling of leaves, and the scent of pine all create a sensory experience that makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a sacred forest retreat.
6. Gyeongju’s Bulguksa Temple
Gyeongju, often referred to as Korea’s “museum without walls,” is home to countless historical treasures. Among them, Bulguksa Temple stands out as a masterpiece of ancient architecture and spiritual beauty. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the temple was originally built in the 8th century and has undergone meticulous restorations.
Its pagodas, bridges, and intricate carvings reflect a deep harmony with nature. Surrounded by pine-covered hills and bathed in golden sunlight, Bulguksa feels like a sanctuary from another age. Visiting in the early morning or at dusk, when the temple glows softly in the light, makes the experience feel almost surreal.
7. Jirisan National Park
For those seeking a true escape into nature, Jirisan National Park offers a mystical adventure through dense forests, misty peaks, and hidden waterfalls. It’s the largest mountainous national park in South Korea and is filled with folklore, ancient temples, and some of the oldest trees in the country.
Fog often drapes the trails, creating an ethereal atmosphere that enhances the park’s mystical feel. As you hike through the winding paths, past mossy rocks and chirping streams, you half expect to encounter woodland spirits or wise old sages. In autumn, the forest bursts into a magical explosion of color, wrapping the landscape in crimson and gold.
8. Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike
In the quiet town of Samcheok on Korea’s east coast, visitors can take a rail bike ride that feels like something out of a whimsical travel fantasy. The Samcheok Ocean Rail Bike follows a coastal track that runs along turquoise waters, through tunnels adorned with colorful lights and murals, and past rugged cliffs.
The contrast between the deep blue sea and the green hills makes the entire journey visually stunning. As you pedal gently along the rail, ocean breezes and panoramic views create a sense of freedom and wonder. It’s a peaceful, storybook-like journey along one of Korea’s most picturesque coastlines.
9. Oedo Botania
Off the southern coast of Geoje Island lies Oedo Botania, a secret garden surrounded by the sea. This privately owned island has been transformed into a Mediterranean-style botanical garden with a unique blend of Korean nature and European aesthetics.
Stone staircases, fountains, marble statues, and flower-lined paths give Oedo a surreal, castle-garden feel. Over 3,000 types of plants thrive on the island, and the perfectly sculpted terraces offer breathtaking views of the blue sea beyond. It’s a place where fantasy and reality merge, leaving visitors in awe of its tranquil beauty.
10. Yongma Land
If you’re looking for a magical place with a slightly eerie twist, Yongma Land in Seoul is a hidden gem. Once a bustling amusement park, Yongma was closed in the early 2000s but has since become a popular destination for photographers and adventurous travelers.
The vintage rides, now overgrown with ivy and moss, create a hauntingly beautiful atmosphere that feels like a forgotten fairy tale kingdom. Carousel horses frozen in time, bumper cars lost in the weeds, and faded lights all tell a story of joy and nostalgia. At night, the park can be lit up upon request, turning it into a glowing fantasyland of abandoned dreams.
Bottom line
South Korea is full of surprises, and these ten fairy tale destinations prove that there’s so much more to explore beyond the bustling cities. Whether it’s a serene temple in the mountains, an enchanted forest trail, or a glowing garden on a secret island, these magical places offer travelers a chance to step into another world—one filled with beauty, history, and wonder.
So if you’re planning a trip to Korea in 2025, don’t just stick to the usual tourist spots. Venture into the country’s more mystical corners and let yourself get lost in the fairy tale landscapes that await. You might just find a little bit of magic yourself.
