Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Haeundae Beach (해운대해수욕장)

355952 2021-03-02

264, Haeundaehaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan
+82-51-749-7611

Haeundae Beach is the most famous beach in Busan. The white sand beach is roughly 1.5 kilometers long, over a 30-50 meter wide area, creating a beautiful coastline before a shallow bay, making it perfect for swimming.

People flock to Haeundae Beach every summer. All kinds of accommodations from luxury hotels to private guesthouses have developed in the area around the beach, making this the perfect summer vacation spot. Haeundae Beach is also famous for various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year. Other facilities in the area include Dongbaekseom Island, Busan Aquarium, a yachting dock, BEXCO, driving courses and more.

Bijarim Forest (비자림)

38140 2021-03-02

55, Bijasup-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-710-7911

Designated Natural Monument No. 374, Bijarim Forest is a group of about 2,800 nutmeg yew trees between 500 and 800 years old. The trees measure 7-14 meters in x_height and 50-110 centimeters in diameter, with canopy spread of 10-15 meters. In the past, the trees were harvested for pine nuts, as well as used for the construction of quality furniture and baduk game boards.

In addition to the large colony of nutmeg yew, the forest is also home to many rare orchid species. The trees emit a lot of phytoncide, which is said to strengthen the immune system and boost the natural healing ability of the human body. Nearby attractions include volcanic cones like Abuoreum and Yongnunioruem, perfect for a more energetic walk and a view of Bijarim Forest from above.

Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls [UNESCO Global Geopark] (천지연폭포 (제주도 국가지질공원))

173225 2021-03-02

Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-710-3945

The water of Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls appears to fall from the heavens, giving it its name, meaning "sky connected with land." The wooded area around the falls is home to the wild dampalsu trees, designated as Natural Monument No. 163, as well as a great variety of rare plants such as brambles, and songyeopnan as well as gusiljappam trees, sanyuja trees (Chinese lemon trees), and camellias. All together, this forest is designated as Natural Monument No. 379. The waterfall is 22 meters high, 12 meters wide and 20 meters in depth. The clear and deep water of Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls is designated as Natural Monument No. 27 and is renowned as a habitat for Mutae eels (Natural Monument No. 258).

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

412374 2021-03-02

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.

Windy Hill (바람의 언덕)

84960 2021-03-02

Dojangpo Maeul, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-639-4178

On the way to Haegeumgang Village, one may encounter the fishing village of Dojangpo. On the left side of the village is Dojangpo Wharf, from where one can take a tour ferry to Oedo Island and Haegeumgang River. Looking up from here, one can see a hill covered in grass and overlooking the sea. This is Windy Hill.

A growing number visitors come to the place after it was used a filming site for popular Korean dramas such as "Eve's Garden (2003)" and "Merry-Go-Round (2004)." The name “Windy Hill” was given by those who visited the island and became a fan. Walking toward the hill along the wooden promenade from the wharf, one can see Hakdong Village from a distance.

Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve (순천만습지 (구, 순천만자연생태공원))

93186 2021-03-02

513-25, Suncheonman-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-1577-2013

Suncheonman Bay's reed field covers a total area of approximately 495,867㎡, encompassing the regions of Gyoryang-dong and Daedae-dong in Suncheon as well as Haeryong-myeon's Jungheung-ri, Haechang-ri, and Seonhak-ri. The reed field starts from the confluence of Dongcheon and Isacheon Streams, and stretches along both sides of the stream for approximately 3 kilometers until it reaches the main reed colony at Suncheonman Bay. The reed fields in Suncheonman Bay are thickly covered with reeds taller than a full-grown man. It is the biggest colony of reeds in Korea. The scene of the entire field swaying in the wind is like watching waves on the sea. Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve is a natural habitat for birds of over 140 species, including migratory and endangered bird species such as the hooded crane, white-naped crane, Oriental White Stork, black-faced spoonbill, Eurasian Oystercatcher as well as birds designated as natural treasures.

German Village (독일마을)

89422 2021-03-02

92, Dogil-ro, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-867-8897

The German Village was built for Korean residents who returned from living in Germany. Many Korean lived in Germany where they earned foreign currency during the modernization of Korea in the 1960s. The area is now a unique tourism spot related to German culture. In 2001, the areas of Mulgeon-ri, Samdong-myeon, Namhae-gun, where the Windbreak Forest (Natural Monument No. 150) is located, underwent a development worth 3 billion won ($2 million USD) implemented by Namhae-gun and eventually formed a village spanning over 99,174 ㎡.

Korean residents in Germany directly imported materials from Germany to build German-style houses. Some villagers who make frequent visits to Germany operate their vacant house as a tourist guesthouse.

Also nearby is the Windbreak Forest and the Mulmi Coastal Road, one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Korea.

Hwadam Botanic Garden (화담숲)

22317 2021-03-02

278-1, Docheogwit-ro, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31–8026–6666

Hwadam Botanic Garden is an eco-friendly arboretum located within Konjiam Resort in Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do, a 40-minute drive away from Seoul. In effort to revive the country's forest ecosystem, LG Evergreen Foundation brought in approximately 4,300 types of exquisite and domestic plants to form a forest park divided into 17 themes. "Hwadam" can be translated into "a friendly communication," a name given to the forest in hopes that the area serves as a mean for people to communicate with nature. While the forest is designed to offer an environmentally friendly atmosphere, the ecosystem and habitats of the forest are well-preserved, serving as a home to many living species.

Ulleungdo Island (울릉도)

134007 2021-03-02

236, Taeha-gil, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-790-6454

Ulleungdo Island is the seventh largest island in Korea. The volcanic island has various size rocks to form 44 annexed island around Ullengdo Island. With many cliffs, the island is a popular spot for rock climbing. Many walking trails that connects the sea to the mountain and rivers are also available. A Walk along the Ulleung Haedam-gil offers visitors a chance to see the life of people in the island as well as natural beauty of the island.

Dokdo Island (독도)

65722 2021-03-02

55, Dokdoisabu-gil, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-790-6644

Located 87.4 kilometers away from Ulleungdo Island, Dokdo Island is an isolated group of volcanic islands and rocks on the east coast of Korea. The two major islands of Dokdo are named Dongdo Island, located at a latitude of 37°14'N and a longitude of 131°52'E, and Seodo Island, located at a latitude of 37°14'N and a longitude of 131°51'E. Designated as Natural Monument No. 336, Dokdo Island is a protected natural reserve that serves as a home to several rare and endangered bird species. Civilians' access to Dokdo Island was prohibited in accordance with Article 33 of Cultural Heritage Protection Act until March 24, 2005, when adjustments were made with the law, granting the public access to Dongdo and Seodo Islands under certain conditions. Since then, continuous adjustments have been made, such as abolishing the number restriction of daily visitors, allowing more visitors to appreciate the beauty of Dokdo Island.

Dongdo Island, located on the southeastern coast, has a circumference of 2.8 kilometers and a surface area of 73,297 ㎡ with its highest peak reaching 98.6 meters. It also has a lighthouse and a wharf along with other marine and fishery facilities. As for Seodo Island, located on the northwestern coast, it has a circumference of 2.6 kilometers and a surface area of 88,740 ㎡ with the highest peak reaching 168.5 meters. Seodo Island houses living quarters of Dokdo Island's residents, where fishers seek shelter in case of an emergency. Several uniquely shaped rock formations are scattered surrounding the two major islands, such as Gajaebawi Rock, Chotdaebawi Rock, and Eolgulbawi Rock to name a few. The total surface area of all the rocks combined is 25,517 ㎡.

Gangneung Coffee Street (강릉커피거리)

20693 2021-03-02

20-1, Changhae-ro 14beon-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-640-4537

Gangneung in Gangwon-do is the first local district in Korea to host a coffee festival and support coffee artisans as well has promote development of coffee related facilities and contents such as a coffee museum, coffee street, coffee factory, barista academy, etc. With almost all coffee shops in the area roasting their own coffee beans, Gangneung is well-recognized as the "city of coffee."

Odongdo Island (오동도)

68593 2021-03-02

222, Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-659-1819

Despite being an island off the coast, visitors can simply walk along the breakwater installed from Yeosu Port all the way to Odongdo Island. There are 70 species of wild flowers that flourish here, a hill commemorating the plantation of the very first tree and a spacious grassy field making this place great for ecological education.

Odongdo Island of Yeosu is one of the most spectacular spots to appreciate camellias. The camellias on Odongdo Island begin to bloom in November and color the entire island in scarlet until April the following year. Indeed, during this period the entire island looks like a huge camellia blossom. The promenade that stretches across the entire island is popular dating spot among couples.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information