10 Fantastic Outdoor Attractions in South Korea
South Korea has a large number of outdoor attractions and national parks that vary dramatically by season. As a result, you can expect to find beauty from the autumn leaves to the cherry blossoms in beautiful parts of the country! Discover quiet walking paths, take in healing forests, and head out on a family cycling trail. Sounds like bliss, right?
Families said when travel resumes, they want to do it differently and the Korea Tourism Organisation listened. As a result, they compiled a list of 100 attractions that tick all the right boxes. We’re sharing 10 of these lesser-known attractions with a focus on the outdoors and avoiding crowds.
South Korea’s Top 10 Outdoor Attractions
Pyeonghwa Nuri Park
Gyeonggi-do
In South Korea’s border city of Paju, Pyeonghwa Nuri Park is an outdoor attraction featuring unification themed sculptures. Families can enjoy both the artwork and the wide-open spaces in the large, grass-covered park. Pyeonghwa means peace and Nuri means enjoy in Korean, symbolising the park’s design to appreciate and enjoy peace.
Credit – Korea Tourism Organisation
Daecheongho Obaengni (500-ri) Road
Daejeon
Daecheongho Obaengni (500-ri) Road is a 220-kilometre walking path that passes through the Daejeon and Chungcheongbukdo areas. However, don’t worry, you don’t have to stroll the whole distance on this outdoor attraction in South Korea! The road passes small streams, a forest trail, trekking roads, forest trails and Daecheongho Lake, which is surrounded by several mountains with an altitude of 200-300 metres and lots of greenery.
Additionally, this area has themed tours to help you make the most of your family adventure. Experiences include a family trip, meditation, a trekking tour, a bike tour and a rural cultural experience tour.
Credit – Korea Tourism Organisation
Jatyanggi Purunsup Resort
Gyeonggi-do
Jatyanggi Purunsup Resort is a special recreational forest complex located on Chungnyeongsan and Seorisan Mountains between 450m – 600m above sea level. Above all, it is said that the phytoncide emitted from the 80-plus year pine trees create a healing experience.
Credits – Korea Tourism Organisation
Achasan Mountain
Seoul
Achasan Mountain stretches from Seoul to Guri and reaching an altitude of 295m above sea level, it’s one of South Korea’s popular outdoor attractions. Both locals and visitors alike visit for a spot of hiking with great views. Around 40 minutes into the hike, don’t miss this panoramic view of the city of Seoul unfolding around Hangang River.
Credits – Korea Tourism Organisation
Uiamho Lake Skywalk
Gangwon-do
Stretching a length of 190 metres over Uiamho Lakes, the Uiamho Lake Skywalk is certainly the largest in Korea. This is a great photo opp for families and features an observation deck built with a transparent glass floor. It’s sturdy, I promise! The floor is actually made from three separate panes of glass, each 1cm thick.
Credits – Korea Tourism Organisation
Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail
Daejeon
This eco-healing walking trail can be found on the nation’s first mountain, Mount Gyejok. The Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail features views of downtown Daejeon from Gyejoksanseong Fortress, the fresh aroma of pine trees and the chance to walk on the stunning red clay.
The fortress was built during the time of the Three Kingdoms and the 14km trail is believed to help restore the bodies health. Subsequently, this gives families both a therapeutic and unique experience. This is one of South Korea’s amazing healing outdoor attractions!
Credits -Korea Tourism Organisation
Gureopdo Island
Incheon
Gureopdo Island is South Korea’s very own version of the Galapagos. Consequently, the lack of man-made facilities mean this outdoor attraction has retained most of its wonderful natural environment. Families will want to hang out at Gureop Beach!
You can expect to experience stunning views of the Milky Way at night in the area around Gaemeori Hill and as a result, it’s popular with campers in the summer.
Credits – Korea Tourism Organisation
Gyeongcheondae Cliff
Gyeongsangbuk-do
Gyeongcheondae Cliff was often used to hold rituals for rain, offering a stunning view of the winding Nakdonggang River and beautiful rock formations peeking through the branches of the old pine trees.
Families visiting this area can take in the memorable views and enjoy the wide-open spaces and fascinating history, which includes the Muujeong Pavilion built during the Joseon Period.
Credits – Korea Tourism Organisation
Gosalli Forest Trail
Jeju Island
Located on Jeju Island, the hidden Gosalli Forest Trail runs alongside a stream and subsequently, allows families to enjoy the natural environment of Jeju. At only 2.1km, it takes only around one hour to stroll it one way and you can expect to enjoy the sounds of water, birds, the wild forest and see Jatseong, the island’s stone walls. In conclusion, Jeju Island is an outdoor attraction not to be missed in South Korea.
Credits – Korea Tourism Organisation
Geomun Oreum Volcanic Cone
Jeju Island
UNESCO World Heritage-listed Geomun Oreum Volcanic Cone on Jeju Island was given its name due to the unusually black colour of its dirt and rocks. With an altitude of 456 metres and lava tubes spreading out in a streamlined shape, the tube system is the largest of its kind on Jeju island. This is nature being fascinating at its best.
Credits – Korea Tourism Organisation
For the full list of 100 Attractions, check out this page on the Korea Tourism website.
Likewise, for more information on visiting Korea, check out the SeeKorea Facebook page.
PSSST – If you like this article on South Korea, make sure to check out our articles on Japan.
