Korea is a country blessed with abundant natural landscapes, offering visitors a diverse range of attractions such as national parks, recreational forests, and urban green spaces.
1. National Parks:
Korea has established and maintained national parks to preserve its natural ecosystems and cultural wonders. These parks offer visitors a unique blend of healing benefits, allowing them to immerse themselves in natural ecosystems, landscapes, and historical treasures. Serving as sanctuaries for biodiversity, national parks are home to 45% of Korea's native species and 65% of endangered species.
With 22 national parks across the country, popular choices for relaxation and enjoyment include Naejangsan National Park, Odaesan National Park, Jirisan National Park, and Hallasan National Park, each offering its own distinctive charm.
2. Recreational Forests:
For those seeking to rejuvenate their bodies and minds in pristine natural surroundings, Korea boasts 170 recreational forests scattered throughout the nation. These forests are designed to provide visitors with the best possible experience, attracting summer vacationers with their diverse valleys and excellent facilities such as forest parks, hiking and walking trails, auto campgrounds, and water parks.
Among the famous recreational forests is Yumyeongsan Recreational Forest in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do. As the first recreational forest in Korea, it has been contributing to people's physical and psychological revitalization for over 30 years. With convenient access from the bustling Seoul metropolitan area and well-equipped facilities, it is one of the most visited recreational forests in the country. A forest commentary program is available to provide visitors with insights into the forest's ecosystem and guide them to a meaningful experience.
Jungmisan Recreational Forest in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do, is also easily accessible from Seoul and boasts well-maintained trails. Visitors can enjoy stargazing at Jungmisan Observatory during the nighttime.
Cheongtaesan Recreational Forest in Hoengseong, Gangwon-do, is a forest park filled with large conifers like nut pine trees. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely forest bath, breathing in the phytoncide released by these trees, and appreciate the beautiful snowy landscape during winter.
Namhae Recreational Cypress Forest in Namhae, Gyeongsangnam-do, is a lush forest with hinoki cypress trees, offering a stunning view of the southern coastal waters and opportunities to observe rare animals and plants.
Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest in Chungju, Chungcheongbuk-do, located at the northern foot of Gyemyeongsan Mountain, is a popular destination as it is situated near Woraksan National Park and the eastern shore of Chungju Lake.
3. Urban Green Spaces:
Namsan Park, located in Jung-gu, Seoul, is a must-visit destination for tourists and locals alike. Serving as a neighborhood park for Seoul citizens and nearby office workers, it provides a recreational area for people to take leisurely walks and relax during their free time, especially on weekends and during lunch breaks. Recently designated as an urban forest park, its value as a green and recreational area is further increasing. Namsan Mountain, standing at 265 meters above sea level, offers a one-hour hike to the summit from the park entrance. At the top, visitors can find Namsan Seoul Tower, a landmark of Seoul, and an octagonal pavilion. Nearby attractions such as the National Theater of Korea, Seoul Metropolitan Library, and Namsangol Hanok Village offer opportunities for visitors to rest and unwind during their leisurely walk. An eco-friendly circulation bus or cable car is available for easy and fast access to the area near the summit.
Seoul Forest, located in Seoul, is akin to Central Park in New York or Hyde Park in London. Formerly an amusement park, it was transformed into a vast forest and theme park for the citizens in 2005 through a redevelopment project. The park covers a massive area of 430,000 square meters and consists of various themed spaces, including Seoul Forest Plaza, Culture and Art Park, Educational Experience Park, Eco-forest Park, and Riverside Park. Well-maintained trails are also popular among couples, and bikers can be seen riding through the park in spring and fall.
4. Jeju Island
Jeju Island, the beloved gem of South Korea, beckons travelers with its breathtaking landscapes and unique natural wonders. Located approximately 90 km south of the Korean Peninsula's southwestern tip, this island offers a mesmerizing escape from everyday life. Its allure is derived from a harmonious blend of natural factors, including the clear and translucent emerald sea, the scenic splendor of Hallasan Mountain, volcanic parasitic cones, extraordinary rock formations sculpted by wind and waves, and vibrant tangerine farms. It's no wonder that Jeju Island has gained popularity as a sought-after global recreation destination, attracting visitors from China, Japan, and beyond.
Formed through volcanic activity, Jeju Island is a living museum of diverse and distinctive volcanic landforms. A remarkable 368 large and small parasitic cones dot the island's landscape, while 160 lava caves lie hidden beneath the surface.
The island's exceptional geographical features earned it the prestigious title of a biosphere reserve in 2002. Furthermore, in 2007, Jeju Island was inscribed as a World Natural Heritage site and in 2010, certified as a UNESCO Global Geopark.
Hallasan Mountain, the crowning glory of Jeju Island, stands as its representative tourist destination. As the highest peak in South Korea, it offers a serene retreat where visitors can rejuvenate their bodies and minds amidst the embrace of nature. The mountain boasts an array of volcanic landforms, such as the awe-inspiring Yeongsil Rocks, 40 parasitic cones, and the picturesque Baengnokdam Crater Lake atop Hallasan Mountain. Its slopes are predominantly adorned with basalt rocks.
The unique ecosystem and biodiversity of Halla Mountain unfold as visitors ascend its elevations. Different plant species are distributed according to altitude, showcasing warm climate vegetation at lower levels and alpine flora at higher reaches. Another highlight is the stunning Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone. This 182-meter-high tuff cone crater, designated as a natural monument in 2000, offers a panoramic view of the sea from its spacious crater rim. Home to over 200 plant and animal species, including the beautiful silver grass, this bowl-like crater is renowned for its spectacular sunrise, earning it the nickname "Sunrise Peak." The Seongsan Sunrise Festival, held annually on December 31st, is a celebration not to be missed.
Just south of Seongsan Ilchulbong Tuff Cone lies Udo, another volcanic island known as "a small Jeju island." Udo's alluring charms captivate visitors with its dazzling Seobinbaeksa Beach, characterized by white pebbles, and intriguing sea caves sculpted by the waves. The Udo coastal road is a popular route for scooter tours, offering a memorable journey along the island's scenic coastline.
The lava tubes of Jeju Island provide a mysterious and captivating experience. Over 160 lava tubes, formed by flowing lava beneath the surface of a volcanic eruption, beckon curious travelers. Among the notable ones are Manjanggul Cave, Gimnyeonggul Cave, and Bengdwigul Cave, where visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature's artistry. The 2.5 km-long Yongcheon Cave is an exceptional rarity, uniquely combining the features of lava tubes and limestone caves. Unfortunately, access to the lava tube is restricted to prevent damage and preserve its pristine condition.
Venturing into the captivating Gotjawal, aptly nicknamed "Fantasy Forest" in the Jeju language, visitors encounter a striking terrain characterized by large and small lumps of rock formed by volcanic eruptions. This rare forest is an extraordinary natural wonder where tropical northern limit plants coexist with polar southern limit plants, resulting in a unique and diverse ecosystem. It is often referred to as the "lungs of Jeju Island" due to its dense primeval forests and well-preserved ecosystems.
For a journey that seamlessly combines exploration of nature and culture, Jeju Olle offers a series of 26 walking trails covering a total distance of 425 km. Travelers can freely choose from these routes based on their physical strength and preferences, with the recommendation to select one route per day. The trails take you along picturesque beaches, up parasitic cones, past waterfalls, farms, and salterns, offering an authentic and immersive experience of Jeju's pristine beauty. Wheelchair accessible areas are also available for inclusive exploration.
5. Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island
Prepare to be captivated by the awe-inspiring allure of Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo Island, two exceptional natural wonders representing the heart and soul of South Korea.
Ulleungdo Island, situated 130 km east of the mainland, is a volcanic paradise where untouched nature reigns supreme. The island boasts a plethora of wonders not found on the mainland, including crystal-clear seas, stunning coastal panoramas adorned with sheer cliffs, the breathtaking Nari Basin, and a unique primeval forest. As you explore, you'll be enchanted by the distinct village structures that have adapted to the island's rugged terrain, creating a spectacle to behold. One of the highlights is Seonginbong Peak, from where valleys cascade in different directions, forming a truly mesmerizing landscape.
Just 87.4 km southeast of Ulleungdo Island lies the far-eastern gem of South Korea - Dokdo Island. Designated as Natural Monument No. 336, Dokdo Island exudes grandeur with its magnificent views and unique natural scenery, including stunning columnar joints.
6. Explore the DMZ
The Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) is a symbol of a cease-fire on the Korean Peninsula. As the Korean Armistice Agreement was signed in 1953 to end the Korean War, the Military Demarcation Line (DML) was drawn between the two Koreas. A 4 km–wide strip of land, extending 2 km north and 2 km south of the MDL, was designated as the DMZ. There is a village called Tae Sung Freedom Village inhabited by civilians, which lies within the Korean DMZ. Public access is usually prohibited but only allowed with permission from the military authorities. Foreign tourists can also visit there. The natural environment of the Korean DMZ is perfectly preserved, as human access to the area has been strictly restricted for more than six decades since the end of the war. It is in the spotlight as an ecological axis of the Korean Peninsula and a repository of animal diversity. It is also now an important subject of academic research worldwide.
In terms of nature and ecology, the DMZ is largely divided into three zones: a mountainous zone composed of high mountains and dense forests, an inland zone encompassing plains and rivers, and a brackish water zone with large wetlands and mudflats. These three forms of nature reveal ever-changing primordial energy, and the zones adjacent to the DMZ incorporate excellent vegetation and rare plant habitats. A total of 30% of the animals and plants on the Korean Peninsula live here, including 82 species of endangered species.
7. Suncheonman Bay Area
Embrace the coastal magnificence of Suncheonman Bay, a mesmerizing wetland located on South Korea's southern coast. This bay features a captivating S-shaped waterway and an extensive reed field stretching across 5.4 km² - the widest and best-preserved in the country. In autumn, the reed beds sway gracefully in the wind, painting the landscape with vibrant autumn colors.
8. Hwadam Botanic Garden
Hwadam Botanic Garden, located in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, has recently emerged as a new natural and ecological tourist destination. Opened in 2013 with the aim of protecting the ecosystem, this garden is intended to collect and exhibit 4,000 species of endangered animals and plants.
The forest of pine trees and maple trees in harmony continues along the valleys and the foot of the mountain, and low-slope trails run gently around it. This allows visitors to enjoy a leisurely stroll. The largest Pine Tree Garden and the unique Moss Garden are the pride of Hwadam Botanic Garden. Riding an electrically powered eco-friendly monorail helps visitors reach the top more easily.
