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5 Must-Visit Places In Korea This Summer As Featured In K-Pop Music Videos

Who needs a tour guide when you have these K-pop music videos?

Cover image via wp.com

1. Landmarks of Seoul city in Super Junior and SNSD's "Seoul Song"

What better place to start your summer holiday in Korea than with its capital city? No need to worry about not knowing what to see or where to start, follow in the footsteps of Super Junior and SNSD as they wander around the city and you're sure to cover all the must-see locations in Seoul!

Here's a few to get you started:

Image via Trazy

What it is: N Seoul Tower A.K.A Namsan Tower marks the highest spot in Seoul and is popular date location for couples. Some must-do experiences here include taking a cable car ride up Mt. Namsan to get to the tower, visiting the Teddy Bear Museum and adding to the 'Locks of Love' display. Don't forget to have dinner at the Western-style rotating restaurant on the top level of the tower and enjoy a breathtaking view of the entire city sprawled out beneath you.

Where it is: 105, Namsangongwon-gil, Yongsan-gu, Seoul.

Where it appeared in the MV: You see some aerial shots of it right when the MV starts and you can also see it in the distance in the scenes of Sooyoung stretching.

Image via Nomad

What it is: The Moonlight Rainbow Fountain on Banpo Bridge uses its 10,000 LED nozzles that release 190 gallons of water per minute to create mesmerizing displays. But the kind of movement you'll see depends on what time you go: the water's movement is configured to mimic waving willow branches and leaves during the day while in the evening the fountain makes the rainbow-coloured jets of water it shoots out dance along to music.

Where it is: In downtown Seoul, over the Han River.

Where it appeared in the MV: Donghae is seen walking and dancing under it and the group shots of all the Super Junior and SNSD members singing are in front of it.

Image via Mix Tourist

What it is: Gwanghwamun Plaza is not only home to statues of historically significant Korean figures such as Admiral Yi Sun-Sin and King Sejong the Great, it's also a great place to just walk around and lose yourself in the sights of the city.

Where it is: Sejong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul (easily accessible by public transport).

Where it appeared in the MV: It's the area that traffic cop Shindong is in charge of so most of the scenes involving him and Sunny take place here.

2. The Han River in DICKPUNKS' "Let's Play In The Han River"

As the boys of DICKPUNKS point out in this song, the Han River is the place to be for a perfect laid-back summer night! All you need is a picnic blanket, some yummy food and refreshing drinks, and a couple friends.

Image via TNC Company
Image via TNC Company
Image via TNC Company

What it is: The most iconic river in all of Korea where Koreans love to spend their free time. If you have friends or family with you, you can just sit and chat or do fun activities together like play frisbee and ride bicycles. Or if you’d rather fly solo you can always just take a stroll while enjoying the cool river breeze. You may even be lucky enough to catch a live performance just like the people in this MV were!

Where it is: Downtown Seoul.

Where it appeared in the MV: EVERYWHERE!

3. Caribbean Bay Water Park in 2PM & SNSD's "Cabi Song"

Hey hey... stop drooling and focus on the water park!

Image via Everland
Image via The Korea Times
Image via The Korea Times

What it is: One of Korea’s most popular water parks and it's no wonder why, just look at it! It has five themed zones that consist of everything you could possibly want in a water park, including a spa for you to unwind in after you’ve spent the day having a blast.

Its most popular attraction is the wave pool, where the waves get as high as 2.4 meters plus the new Mega Storm slide which is said to be as exhilarating as a roller-coaster, complete with an 18-meter-diameter funnel slide at the end!

Where it is: 199 Everland-ro, Pogog-eup, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do.

Where it appears in the MV: The entire music video takes place in Carribean Bay.

Pssst, no guarantees that the lifeguards will be as flawlessly gorgeous as the members of SNSD and 2PM but you never know, keep your eyes peeled and you may be lucky enough to have a summer romance :P

4. Landmarks of Busan in Apink's "Remember"

Time to get out of Seoul! Take a leaf out of Apink’s book and drop by Busan, popular for its spectacular beaches and cultural attractions. Though this music video was only partially filmed in Busan, it still manages to showcase just why Busan is known as the summer capital of Korea.

Image via Shiva Setyawan

What it is: Gwangandaegyo Bridge offers spectacular views of the ocean and surrounding islands during the day and of a glorious lit-up cityscape by night. It acts as the backdrop to the annual Busan International Fireworks Festival during which tens of thousands of fireworks are set off from the nearby Gwangalli Beach. Laser lights are also incorporated and the whole show is timed to a theme song to create an unforgettable show! You can also indulge in various boat rides and water sports if you're feeling adventurous.

Where it is: 203, Suyeonggangbyeon-daero, Haeundae-gu, Busan.

Where it appeared in the MV: Throughout the MV, Apink can be seen on a yacht that takes them past the bridge before sailing out into the open sea.

Image via Get It K

What it is: Dadaepo Beach sets itself apart from all the other Busan beaches with its shallow water and wide sand fields that are made from sands deposited by Nakdonggang River. These conditions have made this beach a perfect spot for kiteboarding, thus making it an extremely popular hangout for enthusiasts of this extreme sport. It also plays host to the the Busan Sea Festival and the custom of daljip (brushwood) burning on Jeongwol Daeboreum (first full moon of the Lunar New Year).

Where it is: Gamcheonhang-ro, Saha-gu, Busan-si (on the west edge of the city).

Where it appeared in the MV: All the scenes of Apink dancing/playing/chilling on the beach.

5. Landmarks of Jeju Island in Infinite's "She's Back" (Jap Ver.)

So technically this is a Japanese song but it's by a top K-pop group and the song was originally released in Korean so it still counts! Especially because the entirety of this music video was filmed on Jeju Island.

The very definition of 'getaway', Jeju Island is known for its scenic landscapes and natural wonders. Mountains, valleys, forests, fields, beaches, waterfalls: you name it, Jeju’s got it! If you’re looking for a place to escape from it all, chill out, and just enjoy the very best of nature then Jeju’s the place for you.

Image via All About Jeju
Image via Panoramio

We're not 100% sure which location was used but they're both amazing so why not check them both out?

What it is: Halla Ecological Forest (top) is a designated conservation area which houses over 288,000 trees representing 333 indigenous plant species. It's a great opportunity to observe and learn about Jeju's diversified ecosystem.

Hallim Park (bottom) is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Jeju which has themed gardens and paths such as Palm Tree Road, Jeju Stone and Bonsai Garden, Water Garden, Subtropical Botanic Garden for you to explore at your leisure. It also features a folk village and children's amusement park.

Where it is: 2596, 516-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (Halla Ecological Forest) & 300, Hallim-ro, Hallim-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju-do (Hallim Park).

Where it appeared in the MV: All the scenes where the Infinite members are walking through paths lined with lush greenery.

Image via OhmyNews

What it is: Jeju Olle trails are walking paths that allow for a picturesque look at the natural beauty of Jeju Island and the lives of its residents as it passes through small villages, farms and orchards, beaches, forests and low parasitic volcanoes.

Where it is: There are various trails that start at the east point of the island and wind their way along the coast all the way to the island’s southwest point.

Where it appeared in the MV: The scenes of the Infinite members riding bicycles, penny-boarding, and walking with their surfboards to the beach. It can also be seen in the background while they're playing with the model sailboat and swimming in the pool.

So what are you waiting for? Now that your itinerary’s set, all that’s left to do is pack your bags and book your tickets.

Hyang-Wonjong Pavilion in Gyeongbokgung Palace.

Image via La Vie En Style

You could be walking in the footsteps of K-pop stars this summer!

Once is never enough, rediscover Korea again and again. You're sure to experience something different everytime: