Jordan is rich in ancient history and culture, offering rock-carved cities and well-preserved Roman ruins. The country’s compact size makes it easy to explore multiple sites, and renting a car in Jordan makes it more convenient. With a car, you can drive from Amman to Petra, stop by hidden spots, and explore at your own pace.
Here’s a list of the top cultural sites in Jordan for Korean travelers.
The best time to visit Jordan is spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November), when the weather is mild and ideal for exploring cultural sites and natural landscapes. Spring brings blooming wildflowers and cooler temperatures perfect for walking tours in Petra or Jerash. Autumn offers clear skies and comfortable conditions for desert and city visits. These seasons also avoid the extreme summer heat and the chilly winters in elevated areas like Amman.
These six cultural highlights are perfect for Korean tourists wanting a deeper connection with the region.
Petra isone of the most iconic cultural sites in Jordan, known for its striking rock-carved architecture and deep historical roots. Located in southern Jordan, this ancient city was built by the Nabataeans over 2,000 years ago and served as a major trade hub between Arabia, Egypt, and the Mediterranean. The entire city is carved into rose-red sandstone cliffs, giving Petra its famous nickname—“The Rose City.”
Walk through the Siq, a narrow gorge flanked by towering cliffs that leads to the Treasury (Al-Khazneh), Petra’s most photographed monument. This first glimpse of the Treasury through the canyon’s opening is often described as magical. Beyond this, Petra opens up into a vast archaeological park with dozens of impressive ruins.
Key highlights include:
Petra’s size surprises many first-time visitors. Exploring the main trail from the entrance to the Monastery can take 3 to 5 hours on foot, depending on stops and detours. Hiring a local guide or joining a site tour helps you understand the significance of each area.
How to Reach Petra
To reach Petra by car, start from Amman and drive south on the Desert Highway (Highway 15) toward Ma’an. After about 3 hours, take the exit toward Wadi Musa, the town nearest to Petra. Follow local signs into Wadi Musa, where parking areas and visitor services are located near the Petra Visitor Center.
Jerash is also known for its seasonal events, such as the Jerash Festival of Culture and Arts, which features music, poetry, and folk dancing performed right inside the ancient ruins.
The site is easily accessible and visitor-friendly, with signage, shaded areas, and walking paths. Plan for about 2 to 3 hours to explore it comfortably. Mornings or late afternoons are the best times to visit, especially in the warmer months.
In the heart of Jordan’s capital city, Amman is one of its most significant cultural sites—the Amman Citadel. Perched on Jabal al-Qala’a, a hill overlooking downtown, this archaeological site offers a layered view of the city’s history. It has been continuously inhabited since the Bronze Age. Today, it showcases ruins from the Roman, Byzantine, and Umayyad periods.
At the Citadel, you can explore key landmarks such as:
Beyond the ruins, the hilltop location provides sweeping views of Amman’s modern skyline. It’s a contrast of ancient stones in the foreground and urban sprawl in the distance. Visitors often spend time here just soaking in the atmosphere and photographing the panoramic scenes.
Just below the Citadel is another must-see site. The Roman Theater was built in the 2nd century and carved directly into a hillside. It seats 6,000 people and remains a popular venue for concerts and cultural events. Visitors can climb the steep stone steps for a top-down view or visit the adjacent Folklore Museum to learn about traditional Jordanian life.
How to Reach Jerash
To reach Jerash by car from Amman, head north on Highway 35 (also called Jerash Road). The drive takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic. Once you arrive, follow signs to the archaeological site, where parking is available near the main entrance.
Madaba is a peaceful town just south of Amman. It is best known for its stunning Byzantine mosaics and deep-rooted Christian history. It’s one of the most visually rich cultural sites in Jordan, offering art, craftsmanship, and religious significance.
The town’s most famous attraction is the Madaba Map, located inside St. George’s Church. This 6th-century mosaic is the oldest known map of the Holy Land, created from over two million tiny colored tiles. It shows cities like Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Jericho with remarkable detail. This masterpiece has made Madaba a key stop for biblical scholars and art lovers. The town is small and easy to explore on foot. Madaba is lined with local markets and restaurants.
Beyond the map, the town offers several mosaic-filled landmarks:
How to Reach Madaba
To reach Madaba by car from Amman, head southwest on Airport Road (Route 35) and follow signs for Madaba. The drive covers approximately 35 kilometers and typically takes 30 to 40 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.
Mount Nebo is one of Jordan's most meaningful historical places, combining biblical heritage with natural views. Located just a short drive from Madaba, this hilltop site is believed to be where the prophet Moses saw the Promised Land before his death.
As you walk to the summit, you’ll find markers pointing out major landmarks. On clear days, you can see the Dead Sea, the Jordan River Valley, and even Jerusalem far in the distance. The calm, open atmosphere invites quiet reflection and appreciation of the land’s historical and religious depth.
Main features of the site include:
How to Reach Mount Nebo
To reach Mount Nebo by car from Amman, take the Desert Highway (Route 35) south toward Madaba. After approximately 30 kilometers, follow signs directing you to Mount Nebo. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes.
Nestled across three hills northwest of Amman, As-Salt is one of the most culturally rich historical places in Jordan. This Ottoman-era town was recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its architectural harmony and long-standing tradition of religious coexistence. Unlike other destinations that focus on ruins, As-Salt offers a living experience of heritage—where historic homes, friendly communities, and daily life continue side by side.
The town is known for its signature yellow limestone buildings, many of which date back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These homes feature arched windows, colorful shutters, carved balconies, and peaceful inner courtyards. Some have been transformed into museums, guesthouses, and community centers.
Top sites and activities include:
How to Reach As-Salt
To reach As-Salt from Amman by car (Highway 30), head northwest on the Amman-Salt Road. The journey covers approximately 23 kilometers and typically takes 45 minutes.
Located in northern Jordan, Umm Qais is one of the most atmospheric cultural sites in the country. Perched high on a ridge, it provides sweeping views of the Jordan Valley, Sea of Galilee, and Golan Heights. This rare vantage point connects three modern nations in one unforgettable panorama.
Umm Qais is built on the ruins of ancient Gadara, one of the ten cities of the Roman Decapolis. This Greco-Roman city was once a philosophy, poetry, and politics center. Today, its black basalt ruins offer a quiet yet powerful reminder of its once-thriving presence.
Must-see highlights include:
The site’s rural setting adds to its charm. Surrounded by olive trees and quiet farmland, Umm Qais is a peaceful contrast to Jordan’s busier attractions. It’s also ideal for travelers who enjoy open spaces and dramatic horizons.
How to Reach Umm Qais
To reach Umm Qais from Amman by car, drive north on Highway 35 (King's Highway) toward Irbid. After passing Irbid, follow signs for Umm Qais. The journey covers approximately 108 kilometers and takes about 1 hour and 45 minutes.
Traveling to a new country is always easier with some local insight. Here are some travel tips for Koreans visiting Jordan to help you enjoy these cultural sites to the fullest:
Jordanians are very welcoming. A friendly greeting in Arabic (“Marhaba” for hello) is appreciated. Dress modestly when visiting historical or religious sites. For example, wear clothing that covers shoulders and knees, out of respect for local customs.
Always ask permission before photographing local people. In Jordan’s culture it’s polite to exchange a few pleasantries; saying thank you (“Shukran”) goes a long way.
While Arabic is the official language, many Jordanians speak English, especially in tourist areas. At major sites like Petra or the Citadel, you’ll find signs and information in English. Still, it’s helpful to carry a guidebook or have a translation app on hand for more remote areas. You won’t find Korean language signage, so consider hiring a local guide who speaks English or deeper context at the sites.
Jordan’s weather can be hot in summer, so plan outdoor site visits for early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat. Purchase a Jordan Pass before arrival. This covers your tourist visa and entrance fees to most attractions, saving you money. Finally, consider self-driving. Roads connect all major tourist spots for Koreans of interest, and renting a car with GPS will allow you to explore beyond the typical tour routes.
Jordan offers an immersive journey through time, from Roman ruins in Jerash to mosaic art in Madaba. With so much to see, flexibility matters. Renting a car with Finalrentals gives you access to a wide range of vehicles, easy pickup locations, and 24/7 support, making every stop more convenient.
