Bugok Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone (부곡온천 관광특구)
2024-02-27
77 Oncheonjungang-ro, Bugok-myeon, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Bugok, named after its cast-iron pot-like terrain, boasts the hottest spring in Korea with a temperature of 78°C. It features various attractions such as Hanol Park and fountain park for performances, a refreshing trail, golf courses, and foot baths. Bugok Hot Springs is believed to be effective for arthritis, skin diseases, and fatigue recovery. Nearby attractions include Uponeup Marsh, Hwawangsan Mountain, and the Gaya Tombs.
Boryeong Beach Special Tourist Zone (보령 해수욕장 관광특구)
2021-07-13
Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-932-2023
The Boryeong Beach Special Tourist Zone consists of three major attractions: Daecheon Beach, Muchangpo Beach and Jukdo Island.
The 3.5-kilometer-long, 100-meter-wide Daecheon Beach is popular as the main venue for the annual Boryeong Mud Festival, which attracts about 2 million domestic and international tourists every year. The soft, white sand and lush pine trees also make this an ideal beach to visit for a walk. Various accommodations can easily be found here since the area has been a popular tourist destination for quite some time.
Located south of Daecheon Beach, Muchangpo Beach is where visitors can witness a sea-parting phenomenon in the summer. The 1.5-kilometer “Mystic Sea Road” between Muchangpo Beach and Seokdaedo Island reveals itself when the water levels go down due to the difference in the ebb and flow of the tides. During the sea parting, visitors will be able to catch clams, crabs and shellfish. The beach also offers a breathtaking view of the sunset.
Jukdo Island is located midway between Daecheon Beach and Muchangpo Beach. This unpopulated fishing island is known for its dense groves of bamboo trees. The waters in front of the island are clean and full of fish, drawing a large number of visitors for sea fishing.
Baegam Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone (백암온천 관광특구)
2021-06-12
Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-789-5480
At the Baegam Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone, visitors can enjoy both the lush mountain terrain of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range and the magnificent scenery of the East Sea.
The hot springs of Baegam are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region and are visited by travelers from across the nation. The water temperature reaches as high as 53 degrees Celsius and contains various minerals and elements, including a strong alkaline content. This makes the water effective in treating neuralgia, arthritis and apoplexy. Recently, it was reported that the water is also beneficial for those with atopic dermatitis, thereby attracting the elderly and families. Recreational facilities for children are also available.
The hot springs are located at the foot of the 1,004-meter-high Baegamsan Mountain. The mountain trails lead to Yeongyang and Bonghwa and are frequented by hikers. Densely covered with pine trees, the mountain also has plenty of deep valleys. Sinseon Valley, where,
according to legend a dragon once lived, has an abundance of water flowing in different directions.
In the vicinity are Jukbyeon Port and Hupo Port, which are known for snow crabs, and Mangyangjeong Pavilion and Wolsongjeong Pavilion where one can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.
[Baegam Hot Spring Special Tourist Zone]
Areas Covered: Onjeong-ri and Sotae-ri, Onjeong-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Area size: 1,740,000㎡
Tourist attractions: Hot Spring Town, Baegamsan Mountain, Sinseon Valley, etc.
Mireukdo Island Special Tourist Zone (미륵도 관광특구)
2021-08-17
Donam-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-648-9133
Mireukdo Island is located in Tongyeong, a city that holds great historical significance for being the home of the Tongjeyeong naval station during the Joseon dynasty. The Tongyeong base served as the central command station for the three other naval bases in the Gyeongsang, Jeolla and Chungcheong regions.
Not only is Mireukdo Island designated as a Special Tourist Zone, it is also a part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park and serves as the center of tourism in the South Coast. The Mireukdo Special Tourist Zone, with the Donam Tourist Complex as its core, is well-equipped with a variety of leisure facilities, tourist accommodations and restaurants. This district caters to visitors with yacht services and a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and water skiing. Exceptionally popular is the ferry cruise that takes visitors to Hansando Island, which is located just off the coast of Tongyeong, and to the other scenic islands such as Bijindo and Maemuldo.
Mireukdo Island is connected to Tongyeong through an undersea tunnel, Chungmu Bridge and Tongyeong Bridge, making it even more accessible to visitors. At the center of the island is the towering Mireuksan Mountain. The panoramic Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, which opened in 2008, takes visitors to the summit of Mireuksan Mountain. The top offers a commanding view of the forests and valleys below. On a clear day, visitors can even see the Japanese island of Tsushima. The mountain’s hiking trails are well-maintained and are suitable for short hikes. The most traveled trail is the one starting from Yonghwasa Temple. Hikers taking this trail pass through Gwaneumsa Temple and Mireukjae Pass to reach the top. The trail leads to Miraesa Temple and a grass field on the way down before finally going back to Yonghwasa Temple.
[Mireukdo Special Tourist Zone]
Areas Covered: Part of Sanyang-eup (Mireukdo Island and Obido Island), areas of Misu-dong, Bongpyeong-dong and Donam-dong in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Area size: 32,900,000 ㎡
Tourist Attractions: Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, Ferry Cruise, Tongyeong Concert Hall, Undersea Tunnel
Mokpo Special Tourist Zone (목포 관광특구)
2024-03-08
Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-270-3513
Mokpo Tourism Special Zone spans a 6.9km stretch from the North Port to Yudalsan Mountain, old downtown area, Samhakdo Island, Gatbawi Rock, and the Peace Plaza in the new city center. It features historical sites from the Japanese colonial era, such as the Former Japanese Consulate and Mokpo History and Culture of Modern Times. Visitors can explore attractions like the Mokpo Natural History Museum and the Korea National Maritime Museum. Being a coastal city, Mokpo offers a variety of seafood dishes including sliced raw croaker, braised cutlassfish, skate, pork, and kimchi combo, raw thin-legged octopus, and blue crab salad.
Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong, Da-dong and Mugyo-dong Special Tourist Zone (명동 남대문 북창동 다동무교동 관광특구)
2021-12-30
40, Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3396-4622
Myeong-dong, Namdaemun, Bukchang-dong and Da-dong are widely known among international visitors as hot spots for shopping and food.
Myeong-dong is a popular destination for shopping, culture, arts and fashion. Major shopping malls such as Lotte Department Store, Shinsegae Department Store, Myeong-dong Migliore and Samik Fashion Town are located here. Shoppers can find a variety of products here from high-end items to relatively inexpensive clothes. There’s also no shortage of street food, traditional restaurants, coffee shops and fancy cafes.
Namdaemun Market is the biggest traditional market in Korea. Visitors can purchase souvenirs and local produce at an affordable price in the shopping complex crowded with stores and street stalls. The market sells a variety of clothes, kitchenware, toys, accessories, food, flowers and imported goods.
Bukchang-dong and Sogong-dong have high-end accommodations including Lotte Hotel Seoul and Westin Chosun Seoul, duty-free shops, and restaurants serving traditional dishes.
[Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong Special Tourist Zone]
Areas included: Myeong-dong, Bukchang-dong, Mugyo-dong and Da-dong, Seoul
Area size: 872,809 ㎡
Tourist attractions: Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market and Bukchang-dong, Department Stores (Lotte Department and Shinsegae Department Store, etc.), Traditional Market, Duty-free Shop, Hanok Village, N Seoul Tower, etc.
Daegwallyeong Special Tourist Zone (대관령 관광특구)
2022-11-08
Hoengseong-gun, Pyeongchang-gun, Donghae-si, Samcheok-si & Gangneung-si in Gangwon-do
+82-33-330-2799
The Daegwallyeong Special Tourist Zone is made up of five cities and counties in Gangwon-do, including Pyeongchang-gun, which hosted the 2018 Winter Olympics. Blessed with picturesque highland scenery, the Daegwallyeong Special Tourist Zone includes Gangneung, Donghae, Samcheok, Hoengseong and Pyeongchang.
Gangneung is located the nearest to Daegwallyeong. Famous attractions in Gangneung include Gyeongpoho Lake and Gyeongpodae Pavilion. Two of Gangneung’s historic villas, Ojukheon House and Seongyojang House, have been beautifully maintained for centuries.
Donghae’s two ports, Donghaehang Port and Mukhohang Port, are always buzzing with the energy of coastal life. Donghaehang Port is a base for the distribution of materials, industrial development, and trade. Cruise ferries take passengers to Russia and Japan. Meanwhile, ferries going to Ulleungdo Island depart from Mukhohang Port, which is located near Mukho Lighthouse and the Bukpyeong Fifth-day Market.
Samcheok is a coastal city in the southernmost part of Gangwon-do. With National Road No. 7 at the center, Samcheok is bordered by Donghae to the north and Uljin to the south. Hwanseongul Cave, the biggest limestone cave in Korea, and Daegeumgul Cave are some of the city’s major attractions.
Hoengseong is famous for its local hanu (Korean beef) and the diverse agricultural experience programs the county offers. The lush forests and the road with a scenic view of Taegisan Mountain attract many tourists.
Located 700 meters above sea level, Pyeongchang is home to many ski resorts, making it a major destination for winter sports.
[Daegwallyeong Special Tourist Zone]
Areas included
- Areas around Hoengseong, Pyeongchang, Gangneung, Donghae, and Samcheok in Gangwon-do
Total area: 428.3 ㎢
- Gangneung 90.4 ㎢, Donghae 48.4 ㎢, Samcheok 11.3 ㎢, Hoengseong 63.5 ㎢, Pyeongchang 214.7 ㎢
Tourist attractions
- Yongpyong Resort, Alpensia Resort, Phoenix Pyeongchang, Daegwallyeong Sheep Farm, Donghaehang Port, Mukhohang Port, Seongyojang House, Cheongokdonggul Cave, etc.
Danyang Special Tourist Zone (단양 관광특구)
2020-03-27
3-11, Gosudonggul-gil, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-420-3035
Danyang is known for its Danyang Palgyeong (eight wonders of Danyang). The scenery around Chungjuho Lake, including Dodamsambong Peak, Gudambong Peak and Oksunbong Peak, can all be enjoyed from a ferry cruise. The meandering stream and the majestic view of Sainam Rock and Sangseonam Rock create a soothing, tranquil ambience.
Situated at the center of the Korean Peninsula is Sobaeksan National Park, from which one can admire the beauty of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range. The mountain’s many trails that lead to Birobong Peak and to other peaks are popular among hikers.
Darian, Cheondong and Ondal are great choices for family trips. These places are known for outdoor camping sites and drama filming locations.
The Danyang Special Tourist Zone holds special events that promote the county’s nature and history. The Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival is held in May, while the Ondal Culture Festival takes place in October.
Plenty of accommodation options and facilities are available in the area of Dojeon-ri, Byeolgok-ri, Sangjin-ri and Gosu-ri of Danyang-eup.
[Danyang Special Tourist Zone]
Areas included: Areas around Danyang and Maepo-eup in Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
Area size: 4,448,737㎡
Tourist attractions: Sobaeksan National Park, Dodamsambong Peak, Sainam Rock, Gosu Cave, Buddhist Museum of the Cheontae Order, Daeseongsan Natural Recreation Forest, etc.
Gurye Special Tourist Zone (구례 관광특구)
2020-03-18
539, Hwaeomsa-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-780-2450
The vast region of the Gurye Special Tourist Zone comprises Toji-myeon, Gwangui-myeon and Sandong-myeon, which has a river and an open field surrounding the mountainous area. Every part of Gurye deserves the title of Special Tourist Zone for offering many things to see. Well-known for its rich soil, the most outstanding natural resources of Gurye is Jirisan National Park, the first to be designated as a national park, and Seomjingang River.
Every year, many hikers visit Jirisan National Park, also called the “bosom of a mother.” The park is cherished for its unpolluted scenery, such as its deep and wide geographical features and crystal clear valleys. The park offers diverse hiking trails and has mountain retreats for backpackers.
Jirisan Dulegil Trail that runs along the periphery of Jirisan Mountain is where one could enjoy the experience of mountain glens, different from mountaineering. On their way hikers and trekkers can see groups of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) in spring as well as the autumnal tints of the mountain and valley in autumn.
Another strength is that the park has different types of accommodations including Hanok (Korean traditional house) homestay and a guest house, apart from leisure facilities including hot springs in Jirisan. The park is a great place for historical inquiries as it is filled with historic temples, including Hwaeomsa Temple and Yeongoksa Temple, and historic relics. Flowing from Gokseong to Hadong, Seomjingang River creates a tranquil ambience. The cleanest ever in Korea, a large number of marsh snails and sweetfish live in this river. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic view from the riverside road and various festivals which are held all year round, such as the Sansuyu Festival, the Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival and the Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival.
* Current State of Gurye Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered / Areas around Toji, Masan, Gwangui and Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
2) Area / 78,024,000㎡
* Tourist Attractions
Jirisan Mountain, Seomjingang River, Jirisan Spa Land, Piagol Valley, Sansuyu Theme Park, Hwaeomsa, Cheoneunsa and Yeongoksa Temple, Hanok Village, etc.
Dongducheon Special Tourist Zone (동두천 관광특구)
2024-02-29
131-13 Sangbongam-dong & 427 Bosan-dong, Dongducheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-860-2093
The Dongducheon Special Tourist Zone is known for its diverse attractions, including the scenic Soyosan Mountain and the historical Camp Bosan area, which has transformed into a bustling shopping district. This area offers a unique blend of various ethnicities and cultures. In spring, azaleas paint Soyosan Mountain in shades of pink, while autumn brings a palette of stunning fall colors. Visitors can also explore the striking rock formations, enjoy the serene valleys, visit the Jajaeam Hermitage, and indulge in forest baths. Near Camp Casey military base in Bosan-dong, there are more than 230 establishments, including foreign cuisine restaurants, art studios, and custom-made clothing stores, reflecting the long-standing influence of the US military in the area.
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