South Korea is known for its rich cultural heritage, stunning natural landscapes, and bustling cities, but it also offers an abundance of quirky, offbeat, and downright weird places to explore. Whether you’re looking for Instagram-worthy spots, unusual attractions, or just something out of the ordinary, Korea has plenty to offer for those seeking unique experiences. From odd museums to bizarre theme parks, here are some of the weirdest places to visit in South Korea that will leave you both puzzled and amazed.
1. Loveland (Jeju Island): An Artistic and Risqué Wonderland
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Overview
Located on the beautiful Jeju Island, Loveland is one of the most bizarre yet popular tourist attractions in South Korea. This erotic sculpture park, opened in 2004, features over 140 statues and installations dedicated to sex, intimacy, and human sensuality. It’s quirky, unconventional, and definitely not for the prudish, but for those with an open mind, it’s an intriguing and often humorous place to visit.
What to Expect
As you walk through Loveland, you’ll encounter sculptures in various states of undress, some comically exaggerated, others more artistic. The park’s artwork explores different themes of love and intimacy, from the playful to the explicit. While some might find it a bit shocking, Loveland is celebrated for its boldness and creativity, offering a unique and entertaining experience.
Instagram Tip
Capture photos of some of the more humorous sculptures for a cheeky addition to your Instagram feed. The contrast between Jeju’s natural beauty and Loveland’s provocative artwork creates some truly unexpected visuals.
Pro Tip
Loveland is an adults-only park, so it’s important to note that visitors under 18 are not allowed. It’s also a quick stop, so you can combine it with visits to Jeju’s other attractions like waterfalls and beaches.
2. Bizarre Garden of Morning Calm (Gapyeong): A Surreal Landscape
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Overview
The Garden of Morning Calm is a stunning botanical garden that feels straight out of a fairytale, with over 5,000 species of plants displayed in meticulously manicured gardens. What makes it weird and wonderful is how the garden’s design combines traditional Korean aesthetics with unusual elements, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Twisting paths, brightly colored flowers, and imaginative installations make it a must-see for photographers.
What to Expect
Located in Gapyeong, the Garden of Morning Calm covers a vast area and features a variety of themed gardens. Some are tranquil and meditative, while others feel almost surreal, with oddly shaped topiaries, whimsical sculptures, and fantastical landscapes. It’s the perfect spot to get lost in nature while feeling as though you’ve entered another world.
Instagram Tip
Visit during the winter months when the garden transforms into a magical winter wonderland with thousands of lights illuminating the grounds, creating perfect photo ops for anyone seeking ethereal nighttime shots.
Pro Tip
The garden is located near Nami Island, another popular tourist spot, so it’s worth combining both destinations into a day trip from Seoul.
3. Poopoo Land (Seoul): A Journey Through the Digestive System
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Overview
If you’re looking for a truly weird experience, look no further than Poopoo Land in the Insadong neighborhood of Seoul. As the name suggests, this interactive museum is all about… poop. Yes, you read that correctly. Poopoo Land takes visitors on a humorous and quirky journey through the digestive system, from the food we eat to the (ahem) final product.
What to Expect
The museum features a series of hands-on exhibits and funhouse-style rooms that simulate the inner workings of the human digestive system. Visitors can slide down a giant toilet, pose with poop-themed sculptures, and learn about digestion in the most humorous way possible. The quirky exhibits are designed to be both educational and entertaining, and it’s hard not to laugh while navigating through the whimsical installations. Poopoo Land certainly isn’t your typical museum, but it offers a lighthearted and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Instagram Tip
Make sure to snap a photo with the giant poop sculptures or while sliding down the oversized toilet bowl. These playful installations are perfect for creating silly and shareable Instagram moments that will have your followers doing a double-take.
Pro Tip
Poopoo Land is located in Insadong, a popular cultural district in Seoul, so after your visit, take some time to explore traditional teahouses, art galleries, and street food stalls nearby.
4. Haesindang Park (Samcheok): The Penis Park
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Overview
Haesindang Park, also known as “The Penis Park,” is a strange but fascinating attraction located in the coastal town of Samcheok. This park is dedicated entirely to phallic imagery, featuring hundreds of penis-shaped statues, carvings, and installations scattered throughout the scenic grounds. The park’s peculiar theme is tied to a local legend about a fisherman and a virgin maiden, and over time, it has become a curious tourist attraction.
What to Expect
The park overlooks the sea, offering beautiful ocean views alongside its eccentric sculptures. The statues come in all sizes and styles, ranging from traditional wooden carvings to more abstract stone and metal interpretations. Despite the somewhat shocking theme, the park maintains a lighthearted and humorous atmosphere, with visitors often giggling their way through the grounds.
Instagram Tip
Don’t miss the chance to take photos with some of the park’s more creatively designed phallic sculptures. The juxtaposition of nature’s beauty with the park’s oddball art creates some truly unique shots.
Pro Tip
The nearby Samcheok Fishing Village is worth a visit for fresh seafood and a glimpse into local coastal life. You can easily combine Haesindang Park with a relaxing afternoon by the sea.
5. Jincheon Bell Museum (Jincheon): A Museum of Giant Bells
Overview
The Jincheon Bell Museum is an offbeat and surprisingly fascinating museum dedicated to bells. Located in Jincheon, this museum showcases an impressive collection of bells from Korea and around the world, with a particular focus on traditional Korean temple bells. Some of the bells on display are massive, making this a truly unique experience for those interested in both history and unusual artifacts.
What to Expect
The museum features a wide variety of bells, from tiny ceremonial bells to gigantic temple bells that weigh several tons. Visitors can learn about the history of bell-making, how bells were used in Korean temples, and even try ringing some of the bells themselves. The highlight of the museum is its giant outdoor bell pavilion, where some of the largest bells are displayed.
Instagram Tip
Stand beside one of the enormous bells for a dramatic photo that showcases just how massive these ancient instruments are. The contrast between their size and the surrounding landscape makes for an impressive shot.
Pro Tip
The museum is located in a quiet countryside area, so it’s a great spot for a peaceful and educational day trip away from the hustle and bustle of the cities.
6. Jeju Glass Castle (Jeju Island): A Glittering Wonderland of Glass Art
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Overview
Jeju Glass Castle is a stunning theme park and museum dedicated to all things glass. Located on Jeju Island, the park features dazzling glass sculptures, installations, and themed zones that range from whimsical to otherworldly. It’s a truly unique attraction that blends art, creativity, and the surreal beauty of glass.
What to Expect
As you wander through Jeju Glass Castle, you’ll encounter intricately designed glass sculptures, including a glass labyrinth, a glass flower garden, and even glass animals. Each installation is meticulously crafted, and many of them sparkle in the sunlight, creating a magical atmosphere. The park also offers workshops where visitors can try their hand at making their own glass creations.
Instagram Tip
The glass flower garden is one of the most photogenic spots in the park, with vibrant colors and intricate designs that pop in photos. The glass sculptures also reflect light in beautiful ways, making for stunning shots at any time of day.
Pro Tip
Visit during late afternoon when the sunlight creates the most beautiful reflections and shadows, turning the park into a truly ethereal experience. Workshops fill up quickly, so be sure to book ahead if you’re interested in making your own glass art.
7. Jeongdongjin Time Museum (Gangneung): A Shrine to Time
Overview
For those with a fascination for clocks and timepieces, the Jeongdongjin Time Museum in Gangneung is a must-visit. This quirky museum is dedicated entirely to time, featuring a massive collection of clocks, watches, hourglasses, and other time-related artifacts from around the world. The museum is located near Jeongdongjin Beach, known for having one of the best sunrise views in Korea, making it a perfect stop for a contemplative day out.
What to Expect
The museum is home to thousands of timepieces, ranging from ancient sundials to modern digital clocks. Some exhibits focus on the science of timekeeping, while others delve into the philosophical and cultural significance of time. The highlight is a giant outdoor clock that dominates the museum’s grounds, and a rooftop observation deck offering stunning views of the East Sea.
Instagram Tip
Capture the juxtaposition of the giant outdoor clock against the stunning beach backdrop. The mix of timekeeping and nature makes for an unusual but striking photo.
Pro Tip
Plan your visit to coincide with sunrise at Jeongdongjin Beach, known as one of the most beautiful sunrise spots in Korea. Watching the sun rise before visiting the museum adds a poetic touch to your day centered around time.
8. Yongma Land (Seoul): A Creepy Abandoned Amusement Park
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Overview
If you’re into eerie and atmospheric locations, Yongma Land, an abandoned amusement park in Seoul, is a dream come true. Once a bustling attraction in the 1980s, the park closed down in the early 2000s and has since become a popular spot for urban explorers, photographers, and filmmakers. The decaying rides, overgrown vegetation, and ghostly ambiance make Yongma Land a truly unique (and spooky) destination.
What to Expect
Though the park is no longer in operation, visitors can still wander through the abandoned grounds, which are filled with old carnival rides, rusty roller coasters, and faded signage. The park has become a favorite backdrop for photo shoots, K-pop music videos, and even wedding photography due to its eerie yet nostalgic atmosphere.
Instagram Tip
The park’s famous carousel, with its chipped paint and haunting beauty, is one of the most iconic spots for photography. The contrast between the decaying rides and vibrant graffiti makes for surreal and memorable shots.
Pro Tip
You’ll need to pay a small fee to enter the park, but it’s well worth it for the chance to explore this hauntingly beautiful location. Yongma Land is particularly atmospheric in the late afternoon or early evening, just as the light begins to fade.
9. Oedo Botania (Geoje Island): A Strange Botanical Paradise
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Overview
Oedo Botania is a unique botanical garden located on a small island near Geoje. What sets it apart from typical gardens is its eccentric design, featuring a mix of tropical plants, Greek-style statues, and bizarre landscaping. The island feels like a fantastical blend of cultures and styles, offering an unusual and picturesque setting for nature lovers.
What to Expect
Visitors to Oedo Botania are greeted by perfectly manicured gardens, sculptures of gods and goddesses, and stunning views of the ocean. The garden’s quirky design, with its mixture of Mediterranean and tropical themes, makes it feel like something out of a dream. It’s a photographer’s paradise, with colorful blooms, ornate fountains, and endless Instagram-worthy corners.
Instagram Tip
Head to the Venus Garden, where statues of mythological figures are surrounded by lush greenery and ocean views. The contrast of the Mediterranean-inspired sculptures with the Korean landscape creates a unique and captivating photo.
Pro Tip
Oedo Botania can only be reached by boat, so plan your visit in advance and check the ferry schedules. The island is especially beautiful in the spring when the flowers are in full bloom.
10. Jangsaengpo Whale Museum (Ulsan): A Dive into Korea’s Whaling History
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Overview
For a weird yet intriguing dive into Korea’s whaling history, visit the Jangsaengpo Whale Museum in Ulsan. This museum is dedicated to the history of whaling in Korea, showcasing everything from whaling tools to whale skeletons. It’s a fascinating look at a controversial industry, but it also offers insights into Korea’s maritime history and conservation efforts.
What to Expect
The museum houses a variety of exhibits, including full-sized whale skeletons, historic photos, and models of whaling ships. Visitors can learn about the whaling practices of the past and the efforts to protect whales today. The museum also has an outdoor park with a life-sized replica of a whaling ship, offering visitors a hands-on experience.
Instagram Tip
Snap a photo with the giant whale skeletons or inside the replica whaling ship. These massive exhibits make for impressive and unusual Instagram shots.
Pro Tip
Combine your visit to the museum with a whale-watching tour in Ulsan’s coastal waters, where you might catch a glimpse of the gentle giants still inhabiting the seas around Korea.
Final Thoughts
From erotic sculpture parks and poop-themed museums to eerie abandoned amusement parks and massive bell collections, South Korea offers a plethora of weird and wonderful places to explore. Whether you’re seeking Instagram-worthy photo ops or just a chance to experience something completely out of the ordinary, these quirky destinations will not disappoint. Embrace the strange side of Korea, and you’ll be rewarded with unforgettable adventures and stories to tell.
