Top 10 Underrated Experiences in Korea – Why Buyeo’s Hot Air Balloon Is a Must-Do
South Korea is filled with stunning destinations and exciting activities.
But beyond the popular palaces of Seoul, the neon buzz of Hongdae, or Jeju’s beaches, there’s a world of underrated experiences in Korea that most travelers miss.
As a local pilot in Buyeo, I meet many visitors who tell me they had no idea such experiences existed in Korea.
That’s why today I want to introduce you to one of the top 10 most underrated experiences in South Korea – Buyeo’s hot air balloon adventure over the ancient Baekje kingdom.
Why Buyeo’s Hot Air Balloon Is Korea’s Best-Kept Secret
Buyeo, located in Chungcheongnam-do, was once the glorious capital of the Baekje Kingdom.
Today, it remains a peaceful, soulful town that few tourists visit.
But what makes it truly special is Korea’s only commercial hot air balloon ride over a UNESCO World Heritage site.
✨ Reasons why Buyeo’s balloon experience is underrated yet unforgettable:
- Exclusive: The only place in Korea where you can float above a royal kingdom’s historic grounds.
- Slow Travel Perfection: A gentle, slow-paced adventure ideal for reflection and peaceful moments.
- Seasons of Beauty: From cherry blossoms in spring to golden fields in autumn, the view changes with every flight.
- Hidden Location: Most tourists skip Buyeo, making the experience personal and intimate.
- Run by Locals: Our team is made up of passionate local pilots (including me!) who love sharing Buyeo’s skies.
This isn’t your typical tourist activity.
It’s an experience that connects you with Korea’s forgotten beauty – softly, quietly, and meaningfully.
A Local Pilot’s Story – My Life in Buyeo’s Skies
As someone who flies Buyeo’s skies every day, I still feel a deep connection to this place.
Watching the sunrise over Busosanseong Fortress, seeing the mist curl over the Geumgang River, and floating gently over the ancient royal ponds of Gungnamji – these are moments that stay with you long after you land.
Visitors often tell me that flying over Buyeo feels like stepping back in time, into a Korea that few know still exists.
And that’s why Buyeo’s hot air balloon ride deserves to be on every Korea travel blog and bucket list.
How to Make the Most of Your Buyeo Experience
Buyeo isn’t just about the balloon.
After your flight, I always recommend exploring:
- Baekje Cultural Land, where you can walk through life-sized replicas of Baekje’s royal city.
- Buyeo Traditional Market, where you can taste local favorites like grilled fish and Baekje-style rice cakes.
- The riverside cafes, where locals relax with a view of the fortress walls glowing at sunset.
- Jeongnimsa Temple Site, for peaceful walks among ancient pagodas and temple ruins.
Buyeo is where Korea’s slowest, softest, and most soulful experiences wait for you.
How to Get to Buyeo and Join a Hot Air Balloon Flight
Buyeo is easy to reach and perfect for a day trip from Seoul or a peaceful overnight stay.
🚍 By Express Bus from Seoul
- Take an express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Buyeo Bus Terminal (Approx. 2 hours).
- From the terminal, it’s a 10-minute taxi or 20-minute walk to Baekmagang Leisure Park.
🚗 By Car from Seoul
- Drive south via the Seohaean Expressway.
- Exit at Seocheon IC and follow signs to Buyeo.
- Total driving time is about 2 hours.
🚍 From Incheon International Airport
- Take an Airport Limousine to Seoul Express Bus Terminal.
- Continue with the bus route to Buyeo.
✨ Pilot’s Local Tip:
Try to arrive early for our sunrise flights, then spend the day exploring Buyeo at your own peaceful pace.
📍 Find Us on Google Maps
Here’s the exact location of Baekmagang Leisure Park:
https://www.google.com/maps/place/백마강레저파크/@36.264183,126.912607,17z
Search “백마강레저파크” on Naver Map or Kakao Map for easy local navigation.
Final Words – See Korea from the Sky
If you’re tired of crowded palaces and tourist-packed streets,
Buyeo’s hot air balloon offers an experience in Korea that feels deeply personal, emotional, and unforgettable.
This is Korea at its most soulful – floating over rivers, temples, and fields, guided by locals who love sharing their skies with you.
So, for your next adventure, skip the typical and choose one of the most underrated experiences in Korea – Buyeo’s sky.
Let’s meet above the kingdom.