"What is number one in Korea?" You type it into Google, expecting a simple answer. Maybe BTS. Maybe kimchi.
But here's the thing. That question is a trap. It assumes there's a single, static champion in a country pulsing with dynamic culture, fierce competition, and layers of history. The real answer depends entirely on what lens you're looking through. Are you talking music charts this week? The most visited tourist spot? The dish everyone craves at 2 AM?
I've lived here through three K-pop generations and seen countless "number ones" rise and fade. Let's cut through the noise and look at the undeniable leaders in key categories, but more importantly, let's talk about what that "number one" status actually means for you as a traveler or culture enthusiast.
Your Quick Guide to Korea's Number Ones
The Unrivaled K-Pop Phenomenon: More Than Just a Boy Band
In the global consciousness, the answer to "What is number one in Korea?" is often BTS. And for good reason. But calling them just a "number one K-pop group" is like calling the Great Wall a "nice fence." It misses the scale.
BTS transcended the music charts to become a Billboard-dominating, UN-speaking, cultural paradigm shift. They are the reference point. Their company HYBE became a case study. While other groups like IVE, NewJeans, and Stray Kids routinely top the domestic Melon and Circle charts, BTS's legacy is in a tier of its own.
So, if you're coming for K-pop:
- Visit HYBE Insight in Yongsan: Part museum, part gallery, it's the physical manifestation of their empire. Book tickets online weeks in advance.
- Walk the Gangnam Starfield COEX: See the iconic BTS "DNA" sculpture and the library. It's free, always crowded, and a pilgrimage site.
- Don't expect to just bump into idols. The real culture is in the fan cafes in Hongdae and the specialized album stores in Myeongdong.
The Must-See Historical Landmark: Gyeongbokgung Palace
Ask any Korean tour guide or check the official tourism statistics from the Korea Tourism Organization. The most visited and emblematic historical site is Gyeongbokgung Palace in the heart of Seoul.
Built in 1395, it's the main palace of the Joseon Dynasty. But its "number one" status isn't just about size or age.
Why Gyeongbokgung Beats the Other Palaces
Changdeokgung has the secret garden. Deoksugung is downtown. Gyeongbokgung has the postcard-perfect view of Bukhansan Mountain framing the Gwanghwamun gate. It's the image used in every brochure. The changing of the guard ceremony (held multiple times daily) is the most elaborate. It's also the most accessible, sitting at the end of Seoul's central artery, Sejong-daero.
Plan Your Visit:
Address: 161 Sajik-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul.
Subway: Gyeongbokgung Station (Line 3, Exit 5) or Gwanghwamun Station (Line 5, Exit 2).
Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Closed Tuesdays). Last entry 1 hour before close.
Admission: 3,000 KRW (about $2.20). Pro-tip: Rent a hanbok (traditional Korean dress) from one of the dozens of shops nearby. Entry is free if you're wearing a hanbok. It’s cheesy but makes for incredible photos without crowds in your shot.
The National Dish Debate: It's a Two-Way Race
Kimchi is the national side dish. But the soul of Korean comfort food? That's a battle between two heavyweights.
| Contender | What It Is | Why It's a "Number One" | Where to Try the Real Deal |
|---|---|---|---|
| Samgyeopsal (Grilled Pork Belly) | Unmarinated, thick-cut pork belly grilled at your table. Eaten wrapped in lettuce with garlic, ssamjang (paste), and kimchi. | The ultimate social food. It's the default choice for celebrations, office dinners, and late-night hangs. The ritual of grilling it yourself is central to the experience. | Don't go to a fancy place. Find a packed, noisy local joint in Mapo-gu (known for Mapo-style) or any residential area. Look for signs with a pig icon. Expect to pay 15,000-20,000 KRW per person. |
| Korean Fried Chicken (Chimaek) | Double-fried, ultra-crispy chicken, typically served with pickled radish and beer (hence "Chi-maek"). | It's a modern cultural export that has spawned global chains. The quality and variety (soy garlic, spicy, sweet & spicy) are insane. It's the number one delivery and casual eat food. | BHC Chicken (famous for their "Bburinkle" seasoning) or Kyochon Chicken (known for their soy garlic wings). Ubiquitous. A half-and-half order (two flavors) costs around 18,000 KRW. |
My personal take? Samgyeopsal for the classic Korean experience, fried chicken for the modern, unbeatable flavor.
Number One in Tech & Daily Culture (What You'll Actually Use)
Forget rankings. The true "number one" you'll interact with daily is Korea's digital and convenience infrastructure.
KakaoTalk isn't just an app; it's the operating system of social life. Naver Maps (not Google Maps) is infinitely more accurate for walking and public transit directions. Coupang delivers almost anything before dawn the next day.
And the 24/7 convenience store (CU, GS25, 7-Eleven). You can pay bills, buy concert tickets, heat up a full meal, and get a decent coffee. It's the unsung hero of daily life.
How to Use This Info: Building Your "Number One" Itinerary
Don't try to see all the number ones. It's exhausting and misses the point.
For a 3-day Seoul trip: Pick one from each category. Do Gyeongbokgung in the morning, wear a hanbok. Have a samgyeopsal dinner in Mapo. Spend an evening in Hongdae soaking in the youth culture that fuels K-pop. Use Naver Maps for everything.
For the food-focused: Skip the fancy Michelin spots initially. Do a fried chicken and beer picnic by the Han River. Hunt down the best sundae (blood sausage) or tteokbokki stall in a traditional market like Gwangjang.
The "number one" is a starting point, not a checklist. The magic is in the side streets next to the palace, the local pub near the fried chicken place, the independent design shop in the shadow of the K-pop agency.
Korea's top spots are polished and impressive. But its soul is in the layers just beneath them.
January 21, 2026
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