Eulji Observatory (을지전망대)

19.1Km 25718 2022-10-14

621, Hu-ri, Haean-myeon, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-481-9021

Eulji Observatory, located near the Military Demarcation Line along the ridge of Gachilbong Peak, is now one of the most informative sites dating back to the Korean War. From Eulji Observatory, visitors can see North Korean land from afar as well as Birobong Peak of Geumgangsan Mountain. It is the northernmost DMZ attraction and over 100,000 people visit this observation platform every year.

Naerincheon River Pothole-Gangwon Peace National Geopark (내린천 포트홀-강원평화지역 국가지질공원)

19.5Km 18291 2019-09-04

Buk-ri, Girin-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-249-3881

Naerincheon River starts out as a small stream on Bungnyongsan Mountain and flows down Sogyebangsan Mountain before joining with other small valley streams to create the larger river that most people know. The river has created a valley with many interesting and uniquely shaped rocks as it flowed down the mountainside over the years. The waters are so pure, the small pebbles and sand lining the bottom of the stream can be seen clearly. There are a number of areas along the stream perfect for relaxing and enjoying some time in nature. Many families visit and enjoy fishing and the pure environment. The river is also well-known for rafting.

Seorak Special Tourist Zone (설악 관광특구)

19.6Km 7795 2020-03-25

Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-249-2775

Seorak Special Tourist Zone is a vast zone included in 3 administrative districts, encompassing the entirety of Seoraksan Mountain. In this zone, visitors have various ways to enjoy Seoraksan Mountain and the natural environment of the East Sea region.

Sokcho, which occupies the largest area in the zone, comes first when talking about Seoraksan National Park. Tourists can appreciate the picturesque scenery of the sea and coastal lakes as well as the mountain scenery of Seoraksan Mountain. Hikers can climb the mountain or ride a cable car. Sokcho Beach is a hot spot that attracts young people who fill the place with energy and life all through the summer.

Abai Village, which appeared in several TV dramas for its unique atmosphere, and Sokcho Jungang Market offer local specialties, such as abai sundae (Korean sausage) and dak gangjeong (glazed fried chicken bites).

Goseong, which is bordered by Seoraksan Mountain and Geumgangsan Mountain, is part of the Northern Limit Line (NLL) that offers a unpolluted, beautiful landscape around the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Hwajinpo Beach near Hwajinpo Lake, which is a lagoon, and Songjiho Beach near Songjiho Lake are the best places to spend a peaceful vacation. At Hwajinpo Lake, tourists can visit the summer house used by the first South Korean President Syngman Rhee and Castle of Hwajinpo, visited by the former North Korean leader Kim Il-sung before the division of the Korean Peninsula. Lastly, although it is a relatively small part of Seorak Special Tourist Zone, Yangyang has resources for mountain tourism and maritime culture, such as Seoraksan National Park and Naksan Provincial Park. Naksan Beach, Naksansa Temple and Hajodae are popular tourist sites. It is also famous as a district producing high quality pine mushroom.

* Current State of Seorak Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Areas around Sokcho-si and parts of Goseong and Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do
2) Area: 138.2k㎡(Sokcho 104.9k㎡, Goseong 30.5k㎡, Yangyang 2.8k㎡)

* Tourist Attractions
Seoraksan National Park, Sokcho Beach, Naksan Provincial Park, Hwajinpo Lake, Songjiho Lake, Hajodae Pavilion, Naksansa Temple, Osaek Mineral Spring, etc.

Paroho Lake (Yanggu) (파로호(양구))

19.6Km 20844 2021-11-30

545, Ha-ri, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-480-2531

Paroho Lake is a manmade lake that was completed in 1943. The lake was created due to the construction of a hydraulic power plant in Hwacheon during Japanese colonial period. The name was given after President Syngman Rhee designated a plaque in his own handwriting naming the body of water ‘Paroho Lake’ during the Korean War after a victorious feat in a battle against the Chinese army. The power plant has a generation capacity of 105,000 kilowatts, and the lake is one of the top fishing grounds in Korea as it is abundant in freshwater fish.

The area boasts several splendid views and a former president built his country home on the lake. Relics from the Stone Age and New Stone Age were found to be well preserved in the area. Twenty-one dolmens were found on the lake grounds, as well as 4,000 pieces of Prehistoric relics used during Paleolithic age, drawing interest from the academic field. Recently, habitats of mandarin ducks, a national natural monument, were found near the Paroho lakeside.

Seoraksan Heullimgol Valley (설악산 흘림골)

19.7Km 4277 2024-02-16

San1-71, Osaek-ri, Seo-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do

Yangyang’s Heullimgol Valley, named for its cloud-like, foggy appearance due to the surrounding high mountains and deep valleys, offers a spectacular view and serves as the gateway to Deungseondae. This spot provides an expansive view of the southern side of Seoraksan Mountain. Notable sites near Heullimgol Valley include Yeosimpokpo Falls, Deungseondae, Deungseonpokpo Falls, Geumgangmun Gate, and Jujeongol Valley. Access to Heullimgol Valley is strictly limited to 5,000 visitors per day, with entry based on time reservations. Therefore, visitors must make a reservation through the Korea National Park Service's reservation system before visiting.

Youth Yanggu Gomchwi Green Festa (청춘양구 곰취축제)

19.9Km 42737 2024-04-25

Sang-ri, Yanggu-eup, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-10-2708-9172

Youth Yanggu Gomchwi Green Festa takes place in May and celebrates gomchwi, an edible wild green that grows in abundance in Yanggu. The green grows high in the mountains and is said to be favored by bears, giving it it's name ("gom" means "bear" in Korean). Gomchwi is highly sought out for its various medicial benefits.

Yanggu Center Festival (국토정중앙 양구 배꼽축제)

19.9Km 14932 2022-12-28

366-33, Parksookeun-ro, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
• 1330 Travel Hotline: +82-2-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) • For more info: +82-33-482-9172

Held at the center of the Korean Peninsula, the Yanggu Center Fesitval is the main summer festival of Yanggu-gun. The festival takes place around Seocheonbyeon Leports Park.

Soyangho Lake (Yanggu Section) (소양호(양구))

20.0Km 9550 2023-09-14

Seokhyeon-ri, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-480-7204

Soyangho Lake is a man-made lake that was created when Soyang Dam, the biggest rock-filled dam in Asia, was built in 1973. The lake is a hotspot for aquatic tourism and the lakeside road is an important route that connects Chuncheon and Yanggu. It is also a popular fishing spot as over 50 types of fishes can be found.

Eulji Observatory (을지전망대) - Area information - Korea travel information