I visit South Korea almost every year. Seoul is great, but I recommend visiting these 4 lesser-known cities instead.

"I always go the distance for Busan About four hours south of Seoul lies Busan. Growing up, my family visited this city over the summer to swim in the sea, soak up the sun, and eat incredibly fresh seafood. You don't have to treat Busan exclusively as a warm-weather getaway, though: My favorite season to visit Busan is actually in the fall, when the days are sunny and the nights are breezy with sea-salt air."

"My favorite destination in Busan is Gamcheon Culture Village, a steep slope dotted with hundreds of colorfully painted homes. During the Korean War, this area was created as a settlement for refugees. Gamcheon was later restored and enhanced with brightly colored exterior paint to attract tourism. Today, Gamcheon Village stands as a beloved landmark in Busan, where visitors can get lost in the twisted alleyways and enjoy stunning views overlooking the hilly scenery."

"I was born in South Korea and moved to the United States when I was 5 years old. I've traveled back almost every year since. Usually, when people ask me for South Korean travel recommendations, what they really want are ideas for things to do in Seoul. I can understand why tourists flock to the capital city of South Korea: Seoul is a hub for incredible culture, technology, entertainment, fashion, and cuisine."

A lifelong connection to South Korea informs regular return visits and travel recommendations. Seoul draws visitors for culture, technology, entertainment, fashion, and cuisine. Other cities provide distinct, rewarding experiences worth visiting. Busan lies about four hours south of Seoul and offers seaside activities, fresh seafood, and pleasant fall weather. Gamcheon Culture Village features colorfully painted homes on steep slopes, restored from a refugee settlement and now offering winding alleys and panoramic views. Early mornings at Haeundae Beach present memorable sunrises. Favorite lesser-known cities include Suwon, Incheon, and Gyeongju, each contributing to the country's character.

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