Goseong Unification Observatory (고성 통일전망타워) - Area information - Korea travel information

Goseong Unification Observatory (고성 통일전망타워)

.0M    2025-03-26

481 Geumgangsan-ro, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-682-0088

The Goseong Unification Observatory stands as the northernmost observatory in South Korea. It provides panoramic views of the DMZ, the East Sea, and North Korea's Geumgangsan Mountain. Established as a symbol of hope for the reunification of the Korean Peninsula, it features an exhibition hall dedicated to educating visitors about the Korean War (1950-1953). Due to its location near the DMZ, visitors must bring an ID, such as a passport or foreigner resident card, for entry.

DMZ Peace Trail (Goseong A/B Course) (DMZ 평화의 길(고성 A/B코스))

.0M    2024-03-18

481 Geumgangsan-ro, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

The DMZ Peace Trail is a trekking path created with the hope of fostering peace in the Korean DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). This trail offers views of the renowned Geumgangsan Mountain and the Haegeumgang Islets. To access the trail, visitors must first register their visit at the Goseong Visitor Registration Center, confirm their identity, and then acquire a visitor pass at the Jejin Checkpoint. After these steps, visitors can proceed to the Unification Observatory, which is the starting point of the trail.
[Course A] Unification Observatory → Geumgang Access Gate → Geumgangsan Observatory → Unification Observatory (2.7km on foot + 5.2km by car)
[Course B] Unification Observatory → Anho Checkpoint → Geumgangsan Observatory → Unification Observatory (7.2km by car)

Unification Security Park (통일안보공원)

46.1M    2025-01-13

481 Geumgangsan-ro, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

Unification Security Park serves as the entry point to the Unification Observatory. Before entering the observatory, visitors can watch a video at the Education Security Hall, which has a seating capacity of 700 people. In front of the Education Security Hall, stands the Peace Bell, a symbol of hope for peaceful reunification. Additionally there is a monument commemorating the army unit members who sacrificed their lives to stop the invasion of North Korean guerillas just before the Korean War.
 
◎ Due to its location within the Civilian Control Line area, visitors must complete the required procedures before entering. 

The Korean War Exhibition Hall (6.25 전쟁체험전시관)

78.1M    2021-04-17

481, Geumgangsan-ro, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-682-0088

The Korean War Experience Hall, located next to the Unification Observatory, offers lessons learned through the tragedy of civil war and provides hopes for a peaceful reunification and harmony in the homeland. Visitors can get a deeper understanding of the Korean War and the hardships it led to through videos, materials, and relics on display in this hall.

Daejinhang Port (대진항)

1.8Km    2025-01-13

Daejinhang-gil, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do

Daejinhang Port is located at the northernmost tip of the east coast of Korea. Since the opening of North-Eastern Railways in 1935, the port has become a transportation hub, facilitating the transport of seafood and agricultural products to Wonsan.

Hwajinpo Lake (화진포)

3.4Km    2024-12-10

Hwajinpo Lake is one of the most famous lagoons in Korea. It is connected to the East Sea and blessed with natural light, with dense pine forests spreading like folding screens around the vast lake, which covers an area of 238ha. The beach is shallow, clear, and has a great view of the Geumgudo Island, making it popular among tourists. In winter, the area also serves as a refuge for migratory birds, including Natural Monuments like swans. Indeed, the view of the swans dancing over the lake brings to mind Tchaikovsky’s masterpiece. The reason why migratory birds head to Hwajinpo Lake is because of its clean water and the abundant food within its reed beds. The surrounding areas are home to the Castle of Hwajinpo (Villa of Kim Il-sung), Villa of Syngman Rhee, and Hwajinpo Maritime Museum, home to nearly 40,000 exhibits of 1,500 rare shellfish, coral, fish species and fossils, along with historic sites like dolmens. The area is a vital habitat to many aquatic creatures like carp, grey mullet, leather carp, and snakehead.

Hwajinpo Beach [National Geopark] (화진포 (강원평화지역 국가지질공원))

4.4Km    2021-06-23

Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-249-3881

Hwajinpo Lake is the largest lagoon in Korea, created by a section of the ocean being closed off when two opposing sand spits merged. This unique formation and the ecosystem that came to live on the sand bar are highly valued. The water in the lagoon was a mix of fresh and salt water, creating a special environment for aquatic animals of both types to live together. The lake is in the shape of a figure eight, with the southern lake being larger than the northern lake, although the northern lake is still connected with the ocean through a small stream.

Villa of Lee Ki-poong (이기붕별장)

4.9Km    2022-09-08

300-1, Hwajinpo-gil, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-680-3677

The villa of Lee Ki-poong is located between the villas of Rhee Syngman and Kim Ilsung on the shores of Hwajinpo Lake. The villa was originally built by foreign missionaries in the 1920s. It was used as vacation villa by the Northern communist party's executives before the Korean War broke out, and was turned into a private residence by Lee, the Vice-president to President Rhee, and his wife Maria Park after the cease-fire agreement.