Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Odaesan National Park (오대산국립공원)

2024-02-28

Odaesan-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

Odaesan National Park, home to the towering Birobong Peak at an altitude of 1,563 meters and five other significant peaks, is a treasure trove of natural beauty and cultural heritage. The park is renowned for its attractions including the Sangwonsa and Woljeongsa Temples. It also holds historical significance as the site of the Odaesansago National History Archives, where the Veritable Records of the Joseon Dynasty were once stored. The park's natural scenery is breathtaking, and its ecosystem is meticulously preserved, making it an ideal destination in any season. Visitors can explore various trails across Odaesan Mountain and participate in seasonal festivals.

Hanwha Resort Seorak Waterpia (한화리조트 설악 워터피아)

2024-02-28

111 Misiryeong-ro 2983beon-gil, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-630-5800

Hanhwa Resort Seorak Waterpia is a theme park where visitors can enjoy both hot spring baths and water parks. Using natural hot spring water, Seorak Waterpia is divided into a spa zone and a water zone. Its main facilities include indoor saunas, swimming pools, and a rooftop spa, with the outdoor sauna being the most popular. The park is open all year round and offers a variety of attractions.

The Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원)

2024-11-28

432 Sumogwon-ro, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-1544-6703

The Garden of Morning Calm, nestled against the splendid backdrop of Chungnyeongsan Mountain, is a horticultural haven that blends the essence of Korean beauty with a diversity of themed gardens. Designed by Professor Han Sang-kyeong from Sahmyook University, this arboretum, which opened in May 1996, offers a tranquil retreat with forest paths and a dense pine nut grove for those escaping the bustle of the city. Its twenty thematic gardens are interwoven with well-kept grassy expanses, vibrant flower displays, and inviting nature trails. Among these, the Sunken Garden stands out, artfully representing the Korean Peninsula and its stunning landscapes using a rich array of blooming flowers, capturing the admiration of those who visit. Beyond this, the arboretum is home to an impressive collection of plant life, featuring more than 5,000 different species, including more than 300 varieties native to Baekdusan Mountain.

Jirisan National Park (Sancheong) (지리산국립공원(산청))

2025-03-28

320-2 Jirisan-daero, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

* Please be advised that this is located in one of the areas affected by the recent wildfire (as of March 27, 2025).

** For real-time wildfire information and emergency upates, visit the Korea Forestfire Information website and the National Disaster and Safety Portal.

Jirisan National Park is the first national park established in South Korea, featuring peaks like Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915m), Banyabong Peak, and Nogodan Peak, which rank as the next highest after Halla Mountain. It's a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts, offering beautiful natural landscapes such as Naewonsagyegok Valley. The park also provides convenient facilities like Jirisan Recreational Forest, Naewonsa Temple, mountain lodges, campgrounds, and pensions.

Changnyeong Upo Wetland (창녕 우포늪)

2023-02-13

220, Uponeup-gil, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-530-1533

Upo Wetland is the largest natural wetland in Korea. The wetland takes up three different areas of Changnyeong-gun with a total size of 2,314,060 square meters. Created approximately 140 million years ago, the wetland was formed when the soft ground collapsed and water filled the area to form swamps and lakes, where dinosaurs played. Dinosaur footprints can be found at Sejin-ri near Upo Wetland.

Seongeup Folk Village (성읍민속마을)

2024-03-11

3294, Seongeup-ri, Pyoseon-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-710-6797

Seongeup Folk Village has been designated and protected as a folk village, preserving the characteristics of Jeju's old private houses. Various tangible cultural heritage and intangible cultural heritage such as folk songs and games, local foods and craftmanship, and Jeju dialect are being passed down. The village offers traditional culture and traditional house experiences, and holds cultural events every October and November.

Seoraksan National Park (Outer Seorak) (설악산 국립공원 (외설악))

2024-04-08

1 Daecheongbong-gil, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

Seoraksan Mountain is renowed for its natural splendors and breathtaking views. It holds the distinction of being Korea's first UNESCO Biosphere Reserve and is also listed on the IUCN Green List. The mountain is divided into Inner Seorak, South Seorak, and Outer Seorak, which includes Daecheongbong peak (1,708 meters above sea level), ranking as the third highest peak in Korea. The area is celebrated for its popular hiking trails, with the sunrise and sunset views from the top being particularly spectacular.

Sinheungsa Temple (Seoraksan Mountain) (신흥사(설악산))

2024-03-12

1137 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-636-7044

Sinheungsa Temple is a temple located in Seoraksan Mountain near Sokcho. It belongs to the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. It was originally founded as Hyangseongsa Temple by the monk Jajang in the Shilla dynasty (A.D. 652). Within the temple grounds, cultural heritage sites such as Geungnakbojeon Hall, a wooden structure from the mid-Joseon period, and the Three-story Stone Pagoda at Hyangseongsa Temple Site. The temple offers a templestay program where visitors can experience temple life firsthand. Participants can engage in various activities such as Buddhist ceremonies, Buddhist prayer, 108 prostrations, and lotus lantern and rosary making.

Seopjikoji (섭지코지)

2025-03-31

107 Seopjikoji-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

Seopjikoji gets its name from its shape, jutting out to sea, with 'koji' being the Jeju dialect for a cape. Located just south of Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone, the cape is a popular tourist attraction. The tuff cone along with a beautiful vista of the ocean and fields of canola flowers can easily be seen from the peak of Seopjikoji. On top of the hill stands a beacon fire station, reaching 4 meters in x_height with a diameter of 9 meters, built using volcanic rocks. Behind the beacon fire station is Bulgeunoreum Volcanic Cone, vibrant with red soil. The white lighthouse atop the cone stands out in contrast. Seopjikoji has been used as a filming site for many Korean movies and dramas.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone [UNESCO World Heritage] (성산일출봉 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2024-10-29

284-12 Ilchul-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-710-7923

Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone rose 180 meters above sea level due to a magma flow under the sea over 5,000 years ago. It was originally a separate island, but a build-up of sand and soil has connected it to the main island. A large crater, formed by the hot lava mixing with cold ocean water, is located at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone. The crater is about 600 meters in diameter and 90 meters deep. It has been featured in films, and was originally used for agriculture, but has now been given over to a field of silver grass. From the summit, visitors can see Udo Island, as well as take in the magnificent sunrise. The tuff cone area was designated as a natural reserve on July 19, 2000.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information