Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Bugaksan Mountain (북악산)

Bugaksan Mountain (북악산)

2024-03-04

Cheongun-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0297

Bugaksan Mountain is the mountain that one can see behind the Gyeongbokgung Palace and the Cheong Wa Dae to the north. Hanyangdoseong, the city wall that surrounded the historic capital of Hanyang, was built by connecting the ridges of this mountain. These walls can still be found today, having been preserved quite well. Different trails weave through the area along the Hanyangdoseong, the Seoul City Wall, and one can visit these trails at night as well. Bugak Skyway is a road that connects Changuimun Gate to Jeongneung Royal Tomb, and one can get a great view of Seoul’s city center from the Palgakjeong Pavilion on Bugak Skyway. 

Waryong Park (와룡공원)

Waryong Park (와룡공원)

2020-07-08

192, Waryonggongwon-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-2845

Situated in Myeongryun-dong in Seoul and established in 1984, Waryong Park is located near Malbawi, one of the best overlooks from which to see the city of Seoul. The park is close to natural attractions such as Samcheong Park, Changgyeong Park, and Bugaksan Mountain.

Although it was difficult to grow trees in the park because of the shallowness of the soil, many citizens participated in the nationwide campaign to plant over 10 million trees across the country, transforming places like Waryong into lush areas filled with flowering plants.

In the park, spring blooms forth in a colorful assortment of cherry trees, plum blossoms, azaleas, and forsythias, making it a popular destination for family visitors. There are also a variety of excellent amenities: badminton courts, aerobic fields, fitness facilities, and pavilions, wonderful for exercise, leisurely walks, or simply taking a break.

A famous hiking trail, running between the Seoul Fortress Wall and Samcheong Park, passes right through the park. Flanked by cherry blossoms, the trail attracts nature lovers throughout the year and especially in spring, when the trees are in full bloom. The trail also passes by the Fortress Wall in Bugaksan Mountain.

Pyeongsari Park (평사리공원)

Pyeongsari Park (평사리공원)

2022-08-22

3145-1, Seomjingang-daero, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-883-9004

Situated along Seomjingang River between Gurye and Hadong, Pyeongsari Park was built for the enjoyment of summer tourists to the area. In addition to the beautiful river, the park is home to campgrounds, numerous shaded rest spots, basketball courts, soccer fields, and an abundance of parking space. Decorated with Jangseung (totem poles, which used to be set at the entrance of villages), the spacious park is full of excellent amenities: barbecue grills, benches, drinking fountains, and clean bathrooms. The sandy banks of the river offer a unique opportunity to catch marsh clams.

Pyeongsari Park and its nearby attractions appeared in Toji (The Land), the epic historical novel by Park Kyung-ni. Visitors may want to tour the group of houses that have been reproduced to commemorate the novel, including the famous Choi Champan House.

Nearby attractions include Hwagae Market, Ssanggyesa Temple, and Seomjingang Maehwa Village, host of the Gwangyang Maehwa Festival.

Pocheon Sanjeonghosu Lake (포천 산정호수)

Pocheon Sanjeonghosu Lake (포천 산정호수)

2024-11-01

104 Sanjeonghosu-ro 411beon-gil, Yeongbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-532-6135

Sanjeonghosu Lake is surrounded by the Myeongseongsan and Gwaneumsan Mountains. Its name refers to its location, like a well ("jeong") deep within the mountains ("san"). The lake was originally built as a water source for agriculture. It is circled by a 3 kilometer-long trail, and there is a silver grass habitat in the middle of a hiking trail leading to the summit of Myeongseongsan Mountain. Family-friendly facilities like snow sledding slopes and hot springs can also be found. Nearby tourist sites include the Hantangang River, Herb Island, Art Valley, and the Korea National Arboretum.

Mungyeong Daeseungsa Temple (대승사(문경))

Mungyeong Daeseungsa Temple (대승사(문경))

2020-06-25

283, Daeseungsa-gil, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-552-7105

Situated on Sabulsan Mountain, Daeseungsa Temple is a beautiful building, rich in history. The name of the mountain on which the temple was built was originally called Gongdeoksan, but was later known as Sabulsan. The name, Sabulsan, (meaning “Four Buddhas”) comes from the legend of the Silla Period in which a large stone shrouded with red silk and etched with four faces of Buddha mysteriously descended upon the mountain. Upon hearing the news of this miraculous event, the king at the time (King Jinpyeong) immediately visited the spot and had the temple built next to the sacred stone.

The temple was partially destroyed by fire in the summer of 1922, but was restored in 1927 thanks to the efforts of Monks Uiun, Chwiwol, and Deoksan. In January 1958, the temple once again suffered fire damage, leaving only a few buildings (Geukrakjeon, Myeongbujeon, and Sansingak) untouched. Monks Daehyu, Seolwol, and Jeongam helped to restore the temple and the temple has remained well-preserved ever since.

Joryeongsan Mountain (조령산)

Joryeongsan Mountain (조령산)

2019-11-19

Munyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-550-6414

Joryeongsan Mountain divides Mungyeong (Gyeongsangbuk-do) and Goesan (Chungcheongbuk-do), and is situated at the far end of Baekdudaegan Mountain Range that connects Baekdusan and Jirisan Mountains. The mountain is picturesque with its surroundings of dense forest, steep rocky areas, strangely shaped peaks and old trees. It has a grand scale of mountain ridge and high altitude. However, as the hiking trail starts at 529 meters on Ihwaryeong, it is not that tough. Nearby locations include Sinseongbong Peak and Mapaebong Peak, as well as Joryeongsan Recreational Forest.

Juheulsan Mountain (주흘산)

Juheulsan Mountain (주흘산)

2019-07-12

Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-550-6414

Juheulsan Mountain was once considered to be a sacred place and was the site of annual, royal mountain rituals during the Joseon Dynasty. It is situated in Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do and surrounded by six large villages (Sangcho-ri, Hacho-ri, Sang-ri, Jigok-ri, Palryeong-ri, and Pyeongcheon-ri). The mountain was believed to have produced talented scholars. Meaning “Chief, Majestic Mountain,” Juheulsan Mountain is still seen as the heart of Mungyeong and Mungyeongsaejae.

Gujora Beach (구조라해수욕장)

Gujora Beach (구조라해수욕장)

2023-04-06

2056, Geoje-daero, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-639-4178

Gujora Beach is not only known for its natural beauty and crystal clear water, but also as a beach that can be reached conveniently. It was initially used by U.S. soldiers when a prisoner-of-war camp was established in Geoje in the aftermath of the Korean War. After the beach was opened to the public in the 1970s, it became better known for its natural beauty than its military history. The beach is relatively shallow with warm water and stretches 1.1 kilometers long and has a x_width of 30 meters. It has many nearby attractions such as Mangsan Mountain, Sujeongbong Peak, Anseom Island, and Yundolseom Island, creating a beautiful view.
Situated farther inland, partially encircled by the coastline, the water at Gujora Beach is calm and serene. A number of restaurants can be found nearby, mainly selling fresh hoe (sliced raw fish) as well as famous local produce such as anchovies and seaweed. Visitors can enjoy the nearby attractions such as Gujora Fortress as well as Haegeumgang, Naedo, and Oedo Islands by taking a cruise tour.

Bundang Jeongja-dong Café Street (분당 정자동 카페거리)

Bundang Jeongja-dong Café Street (분당 정자동 카페거리)

2024-02-29

234 Jeongjail-ro, Bundang-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-1330

Jeongja-dong Café Street, located in the Geumgok-dong area, boasts 40-50 cafés and restaurants on the ground floor, reminiscent of European street cafés. This street, known for its exotic vibe, attracts visitors who enjoy brunch and reading by day or strolling by night. The nearby Namhansanseong Provincial Park and its scenic valley are also worth exploring.

Ttukseom Hangang Park (뚝섬한강공원)

2024-07-09

139 Gangbyeonbuk-ro, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3780-0521

Ttukseom Hangang Park was a famous resort site even before its rebirth as part of the greater Hangang Park. The park consists of various amenities: music fountains, a riverside square, a rose garden, playground, and a nature learning center.

The park boasts an exquisite cultural complex called Jabeolle (J-Bug), offering plenty of art and rest facilities as well as a magnificent view of the Hangang River. Conveniently located near Ttukseom Resort Station, Jabeolle houses a café, tea house, and gift shop, as well as exhibitions by media artists.

Ttukseom Hangang Park is open all year round and has a variety of attractions that change with each season. During the summer season, visitors can enjoy the thrill of windsurfing, waterskiing, and motor boating. During spring and fall, the park has a number of seasonal flower exhibitions. In winter, sledding and skating await.

In addition, the park offers facilities for X-Games, artificial rock climbing, cruise ships, a Saturday Flea Market, a nursing mothers’ rooms, and women's lounges, making the park a popular place for Seoul citizens.