Many travelers planning a trip to Korea tend to center their itineraries on Seoul, but some of the country’s most memorable experiences are found far beyond the capital—from the volcanic island of Jeju to Gyeongju, the former capital of an ancient kingdom. For those ready to discover more of Korea, SONO Hotels & Resorts offers stays in major destinations such as Jeju, Busan, Gyeongju, and Yeosu. As a hotel and leisure platform with facilities tailored to different travel styles including ocean-view rooms, infinity pools, water parks, ski slopes, and golf courses, SONO Hotels & Resorts helps travelers make the most of their time in Korea.
💡 SONO Hotels & Resorts at a Glance-
🌏 Nationwide Travel Hubs
Jeju · Busan · Gyeongju · Yeosu · Goyang · Goseong · Hongcheon
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🎿 Year-Round Leisure
Skiing · Water Parks · Golf · Spas · Horseback Riding
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👨👩👧 For Every Travel Style
Families · Couples · Business · Relaxation · Activities
- 🌊 Oceanfront Views
- 🌿 Jeju’s Natural Beauty
- ✈️ Direct Flight Access
- 👨👩👧 Family Travel
Jeju is a volcanic island crowned by Hallasan Mountain (1,947 m), the highest mountain in Korea. Home to many UNESCO World Natural Heritage Sites, it is also one of the country’s most beloved resort destinations. On the island’s northern coast is SONO Belle Jeju set right by Hamdeok Beach, offering wide-open ocean views. On the southern coast near Pyoseon Beach, SONO Calm Jeju looks out over the blue sea and Hallasan Mountain..
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- • Easy access to UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as Hallasan Mountain and Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone
- • Resort facilities for a relaxing stay, including pools, spas, and leisure activities
- • Plenty of ways to experience Jeju’s nature and culture, from walking the Jeju Olle Trail to visiting local restaurants for grilled black pork
- • A natural underground water sauna at SONO Belle Jeju and an oceanfront outdoor infinity pool at SONO Calm Jeju
- • About an hour away by plane from the Seoul area, including Incheon International Airport and Gimpo International Airport
| Attraction | Description | Travel Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SONO Belle | SONO Calm | ||
| Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone | A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Jeju’s best-known sunrise spots | Approx. 40 min by car | Approx. 30 min by car |
| Hallasan National Park | A national park where visitors can hike Hallasan Mountain, Korea’s highest peak | Approx. 30 min by car | Approx. 40 min by car |
| Seopjikoji | A scenic cape jutting out from Jeju’s eastern coastline | Approx. 45 min by car | Approx. 25 min by car |
| Jeju Olle Trail | A 437 km network of 27 walking routes linking Jeju’s coast and inland areas | Within walking distance | Within walking distance |
| Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls | A 22 m waterfall, one of Jeju’s three major waterfalls | Approx. 1 hr by car | Approx. 35 min by car |
- 🎤 K-Pop Concerts
- 🚇 GTX (KINTEX Station)
- 🏢 KINTEX
- 🌏 Business Travel
SONO Calm Goyang is a five-star hotel located just steps from KINTEX, Korea’s largest exhibition and convention center. With convenient access to both Gimpo and Incheon International Airports as well as GTX-A KINTEX Station, through which one can reach the central part of Seoul in under 20 minutes, the hotel is an ideal base for both leisure and business travelers. It is especially popular among guests visiting KINTEX for K-pop concerts, performances by international artists, trade shows, and global exhibitions, so booking early is recommended.
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- • Ideally located for K-pop concerts, fan meetings, international exhibitions, and other events
- • Within walking distance or a short ride from nearby attractions such as KINTEX and Ilsan Lake Park
- • Fully equipped with conference facilities for business travelers
- • About 16 minutes from GTX-A KINTEX Station to Seoul Station
- • Direct limousine bus service (Bus No. 5600) from Incheon International Airport
| Attraction | Description | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| KINTEX | Korea’s largest exhibition center hosting K-pop concerts, trade fairs, and exhibitions | Approx. 15 min on foot |
| Ilsan Lake Park | A 1.03 million m² artificial lake park that’s popular for walking and cycling | Approx. 5 min by car |
| Aqua Planet Ilsan | An aquarium known for its walruses, the only ones you can currently meet in Korea | Approx. 15 min on foot |
| Heyri Art Valley | A cultural arts village filled with galleries, cafés, and creative workshops | Approx. 20 min by car |
| Imjingak Resort (Pyeonghwa Nuri Park) | A DMZ-area tourist site known for its hill covered with thousands of pinwheels | Approx. 35 min by car |
- 🏖️ Haeundae Beach
- 🌆 Downtown Busan
- 🦞 Seafood Dining
- 🚂 KTX (Sinhaeundae Station)
Haeundae is Korea’s most famous beach and one of Busan’s busiest districts, drawing millions of visitors every year. Located close to Haeundae Beach, SONO Moon Haeundae and Palatium Haeundae offer an urban stay where guests can enjoy both the refreshing waves and the glittering skyline of Busan, Korea’s second-largest city and a major port. Getting there is easy with direct limousine buses from Gimhae International Airport to Haeundae and Haeundae Station on Busan Metro Line 2 just 10 minutes away on foot.
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- • Ocean-view rooms just 5–10 minutes away on foot from Haeundae Beach
- • Convenient day trips to Busan’s top attractions, including Gwangalli Beach and Gamcheon Culture Village
- • Signature Busan coastal experiences from night cruises and surfing to seafood tours
- • Convenient business stay for guests attending events at BEXCO
- • About 30 minutes by taxi from Busan Station (Busan Metro Line 1 / KTX)
| Attraction | Description | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Haeundae Beach | Most visited beach in Korea, one of its best-known seaside destinations | 5 min on foot |
| Gwangalli Beach | A night-view hotspot with views of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, home of Busan Fireworks Festival | 15 min by car |
| Gamcheon Culture Village | A colorful mountainside mural village, often called the “Santorini of Busan” | 30 min by car |
| Jagalchi Market | A seafood market where visitors can pick out live fish and seafood and enjoy it on the spot as sliced raw fish | 25 min by car |
| Haedong Yonggungsa Temple | A seaside temple built on rocky cliffs, known for its spectacular sunrise views | 20 min by car |
- 🌊 Southern Coast Ocean Views
- 🚂 KTX (Yeosu Expo Station)·Flights
- 🎆 Yeosu Night Views
- 🐟 Seafood Dining
Yeosu, whose name means “beautiful waters,” is a southern coastal city that lives up to its name. Surrounded by deep blue seas on three sides and dotted with more than 360 islands, the city offers a stunning view of Korea’s southern coast. Built for Expo 2012 Yeosu Korea, SONO Calm Yeosu is a five-star hotel and one of the region’s premier stays. It is an ideal base for exploring the southern coast since it is just 5 minutes away from Yeosu Expo Station and about 20 minutes away from Yeosu Airport, both by car.
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- • Ocean-view accommodations overlooking the southern sea and nearby islands
- • Within walking distance of major attractions such as Yeosu Maritime Cable Car and Odongdo Island
- • Opportunities to enjoy Yeosu specialties, including gejang (marinated crab), gatkimchi (leaf mustard kimchi), and fresh seafood
- • Well-appointed resort facilities in Yeosu, a former World Expo host city
- • About 10 minutes away by car from KTX Yeosu Expo Station
| Attraction | Description | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Yeosu Maritime Cable Car | A 1.5-kilometer overwater cable car connecting Jasan Park and Dolsando Island | 5 min on foot |
| Odongdo Island | A scenic island known as “Camellia Island,” where camellia groves meet beautiful coastal views | 25 min on foot |
| Hyangiram Hermitage | A cliffside hermitage renowned for stunning sunrises over Korea’s southern coast | 35 min by car |
| Expo Ocean Park | A marine culture space with plenty to enjoy, from a sea fountain show to an aquarium | 5 min by car |
| Dolsangat Daeyul Village | An experience village where visitors can make Dolsan gatkimchi, one of Yeosu’s local specialties | 20 min by car |
- 🏔️ Seoraksan Mountain
- 🌊 East Coast Ocean Views
- 🍂 Fall Foliage Spot
- ⛷️ Skiing·Snowboarding
Stretching across Sokcho, Goseong, Yangyang, and Inje in Gangwon State, Seoraksan Mountain rises 1,708 meters above sea level and serves as one of Korea’s most iconic mountains with more than 700 majestic peaks. SONO Calm Delpino sits close to Seoraksan Mountain, offering beautiful mountain views, while Rene Bleu by Sol Beach opens out onto the vast East Sea. Together, they make for an ideal resort destination for enjoying nature every season—from azaleas and royal azaleas in spring and beach days on the East Coast in summer to colorful foliage in autumn and skiing and snowboarding in winter.
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- • Close to Seoraksan National Park hiking trails and Seoraksan Cable Car station
- • Hot spring-fed infinity pool at Delpino and beach walks along Songjiho Beach near Rene Bleu
- • Convenient day trips to K-drama filming locations and food spots, including Abai Village and Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market
- • Seasonal ski and snowboarding packages available in winter
- • About 2.5 hours away by express bus from Dong Seoul Terminal or Seoul Express Bus Terminal
| Attraction | Description | Travel Time | |
|---|---|---|---|
| SONO Calm | Rene Bleu | ||
| Seoraksan National Park | One of Korea’s most iconic mountains, accessible by Seoraksan Cable Car or trekking trails | 15 min by car | 30 min by car |
| Abai Village | A village where refugees from North Korea settled during the Korean War | 20 min by car | 30 min by car |
| Sokcho Tourist & Fishery Market | A traditional market known for local favorites such as dakgangjeong (deep-fried and braised chicken) and Abai sundae | 15 min by car | 25 min by car |
| Cheongchoho Lake·Yeongnangho Lake | A natural lagoon in downtown Sokcho, separated from the sea | 15 min by car | 25 min by car |
| Naksansa Temple·Uisangdae Pavilion | A thousand-year-old temple overlooking the East Sea and a cliffside spot that’s famous for sunrise views | 25 min by car | 35 min by car |
- 🏛️ UNESCO World Heritage
- 🌏 APEC 2025
- 🌸 Cherry Blossom Spots
- 🚂 KTX (Gyeongju Station)
Gyeongju was the capital of the ancient Silla Kingdom for nearly 1,000 years beginning 57 BC. With cultural heritage sites throughout the city, it is often called an open-air museum. Gyeongju came into the global spotlight in 2025 as the host city of the APEC Summit. During the event, SONO Calm Gyeongju hosted leaders and delegations from around the world, reaffirming its reputation as a premium resort. Enjoy a quiet stay in rooms that reflect Korean aesthetics, including a toenmaru (narrow wooden porch)-style living area inspired by the traditional wooden porch that connects indoor and outdoor spaces.
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- • Premium facilities chosen as one of the main official accommodations for the 2025 APEC Summit
- • Spa facilities using weakly alkaline hot spring water drawn from 680 meters underground
- • Convenient day trips to UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto
- • Located in Bomun Tourist Complex, with lakeside walking trails and cycling routes nearby
- • About 2 hr 10 min away by KTX from Seoul Station to Gyeongju Station, about 30 min away from Busan Station
| Attraction | Description | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Bulkguksa Temple | A Silla-era temple inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List together with Seokguram Grotto | 15 min by car |
| Seokguram Grotto | A dome-shaped stone grotto that’s considered the pinnacle of Silla Buddhist art | 30 min by car |
| Gyeongju Historic Area | A historic district where visitors can explore Asia’s oldest astronomical observatory Cheomseongdae Observatory and Gyeongju’s largest cluster of ancient tombs, Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex, all on foot | 15 min by car |
| Bomun Tourist Complex | A tourist complex that’s home to Bomunho Lake trails, thrilling rides of Gyeongju World, and Gyeongju Expo Solgeo Art Museum, visited by BTS’s RM | 10 min on foot |
| Tomb of King Munmu | The underwater royal tomb of King Munmu, the 30th king of Silla, set in the middle of the East Sea | 35 min by car |
- ⛷️ Skiing · Snowboarding
- 💦 Water Park
- 🏇 Horseback Riding
- ⛳ Golf
Vivaldi Park is a major resort complex in Hongcheon, the closest part of Gangwon State to the Seoul metropolitan area. It offers something to enjoy every season, from horseback riding and golf in spring and autumn to water park fun in summer and skiing and snowboarding in winter. With direct shuttle buses from Seoul and surrounding metropolitan area, it is one of the most popular resorts among Koreans for day trips and quick overnight getaways.
✅ Why You’ll Love It
- • Ocean World, a large water park located within the resort
- • 10 ski and snowboard slopes for all levels, from beginners to advanced riders, during the winter season
- • Year-round activities including horseback riding, golf, sledding, and luge rides
- • Spacious rooms as well as a wide range of leisure facilities, ideal for families and groups
- • About 1 hr 30 min away by direct resort shuttle bus from Seoul and surrounding metropolitan area; prior reservations required
| Attraction | Description | Travel Time |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean World | A year-round water park featuring wave pools, water slides, outdoor baths, and more | Within the resort |
| Sutasa Temple | A peaceful temple nestled at the foot of Gongjaksan Mountain | 50 min by car |
| Chuncheon Samaksan Mountain Lake Cable Car | A 3.6-kilometer cable car connecting the shores of Uiamho Lake with Samaksan Mountain | 15 min by car |
| Chuncheon Myeongdong Dakgalbi Street | A street lined with dakgalbi restaurants serving spicy stir-fried chicken and makguksu, a local buckwheat noodle dish | 40 min by car |
| Nami Island | A scenic island known for its metasequoia-lined paths and as a filming location for the classic K-drama “Winter Sonata” | 50 min by car |
- VISITKOREA and SONO Hotels & Resorts have teamed up for a special promotion for travelers to Korea. Enjoy generous benefits from discounts on rooms and packages to activity vouchers—everything you need for a more rewarding trip. Don’t miss this special offer!
- • Key Benefits: Up to 20% off rooms, 10% off breakfast, up to 40% off water parks entrance fees, and more
- • Eligible Properties: SONO Hotels & Resorts properties nationwide (excluding select locations)
- • Promotion Period: Up to Dec. 31, 2026
- >> Go to VISITKOREA X SONO Hotels & Resorts Promotion
- - Original article by Lee Su-lynn / Translated by KTO
- - Photos by SONO Hotels & Resorts and KTO
