Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Haeundae Special Tourist Zone (해운대 관광특구)

Haeundae Special Tourist Zone (해운대 관광특구)

2021-03-05

Haeundae-gu, Busan
+82-51-749-5700

Haeundae Beach in Busan is famous both in Korea and abroad. Not only is it popular as the largest summer vacation spot, but it also attracts people even in spring, autumn and winter for its variety of festivals and events, such as the Busan International Film Festival, the International Yacht Race and the Haeundae Sunrise Festival. These festivals help keep Haeundae busy as a popular tourist site all year round.

With Haeundae Beach at its center, Haeundae Special Tourist Zone offers diverse marine leisure activities and fresh seafood. The zone has transformed itself from a typical vacation spot into a destination where one can stay long-term while enjoying leisure activities and cultural events. Today, the zone attracts an increasing number of tourists from around the globe.

The zone not only has natural resources, such as Haeundae Beach, Dongbaekseom Island, Dalmaji Hill and sea water hot springs, but also a convention center and IT complex. Well-equipped with cultural facilities, including movie sets, art galleries and aquariums, it is a qualified destination for MICE (Meeting, Incentive tour, Convention and Exhibition) tourists.

The coastal drive course is another way to enjoy Haeundae Beach. Moontan Road, offering a grand night view and various walking trails, including Galmaet-gil lying along the coastline, should not be missed as well.

The skyline at Haeundae underwent a dramatic change with the advent of Centum City. At night, the city skyline that is brilliantly illuminated by the high-end residential/commercial buildings captivates travelers. Inside Centum City are luxury apartments and a grand shopping complex, including a department store and a retail outlet.

* Current State of Haeundae Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Areas around Jung, Songjeong, Jaesong and U-dong (Centum City), Haeundae-gu, Busan
2) Area: 6,225,000 ㎡

* Tourist Attractions
Haeundae and Songjeong Beach, Dongbaek Island, Oryukdo Island, Centum City, Aquarium, Haeundae Hot Springs, etc.

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone (종로 청계 관광특구)

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone (종로 청계 관광특구)

2021-12-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1861

Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone stretches from Seorin-dong to Changsin-dong between Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jong-ro. It includes Youth Street, Gwangjang Market, Sewoon Electronics Department Store, lighting stores, pharmacy & medical device stores, badge stores, Stamp Street, Stationery · Toy Market, Aquarium Street, Shoes Market, and other markets totalling to approximately 14,000 shops. Nearby attractions include modern high-story buildings as well as Gyeongbokgung, Changdeokgung, Changgyeonggung, Deoksugung, and Unhyeongung Palaces, Jongmyo Shrine, and Insa-dong, merging traditions, modernism, culture, and markets alike.

Thought to be at the heart of Seoul, Cheonggyecheon Stream is located in the dense cultural area of Seoul where various press networks, organizations, bookstores and other major corporations are situated. Walking along Cheonggyecheon Stream is a famous activity for tourists. Also, the area is the venue for the Seoul Lantern Festival every winter. Keeping its traditional scene including narrow alleys, old-fashioned hanok buildings and various stores still fully intact, the tourist zone has enough fun places for sightseeing as well as tasty restaurants in every corner for a more enjoyable visit.

Jeju Island Special Tourist Zone (제주도 관광특구)

Jeju Island Special Tourist Zone (제주도 관광특구)

2025-05-20

Jeju-do
+82-64-740-6000

Located to the southwest of the Korean Peninsula, the island of Jeju is Korea's largest tourist destination. The entire island has been designated as a special tourist zone, and it's easy to see why: there is hardly any spot on the island that is not photogenic. Unlike mainland Korea, which has a temperate climate, Jeju boasts a climate that is closer to subtropical. Hallasan Mountain, lying at the center of the island, is surrounded by 368 parasitic cones, known as "Oreum." Eleven beaches have been designated as tourist beaches, but including those that are not officially designated, the island features nearly thirty beaches in total. Famous beaches include Iho Tewoo Beach, Samyang Beach, Hyeopjae Beach, Geumneung Beach, and Gwakji Beach. Jeju's renowned Olle Trails, a system of hiking paths, span a total length of 425 kilometers and would take about fifteen days to complete in their entirety.

Jeongeup Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone (정읍 내장산 관광특구)

Jeongeup Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone (정읍 내장산 관광특구)

2024-04-07

Naejang-dong, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-539-5193

Jeongeup Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone, which covers Naejangsan Mountain, Baegamsan Mountain and Ibamsan Mountain, is known for the most beautiful fall scenery in Korea. In the autumn, the zone is aflame with autumnal tints. Naejangsan Mountain has been referred to as the “Geumgang of Honam” since the Joseon dynasty.

Naejangsan Mountain is about 11 kilometers away from downtown Jeongeup, and its name means "many secrets in the mountains." The highest peak of Naejangsan Mountain is Sinseonbong Peak, which is 763 meters above sea level. The nine peaks of the mountain stand in a circle, similar to the shape of a horse’s hoof. As one of the eight scenic views of the nation, it boasts grand scenery. Geumseongyegok Valley, which embraces Geumseonpokpo Falls, Dodeokpokpo Falls and Baegamgyegok Valley, is also famous.

Since there are more than ten trekking courses, hikers can choose a course after taking their physical stamina or personal preference into consideration. The length of each course varies from 1.5 to 14 kilometers. For those who are not able to trek long distances, walking the 3.6 kilometer-long nature trail that leads to the flatland is a good option. Visitors can reach the observation platform easily by riding a cable car from the ticket office.

The number of tourists has been steadily increasing since the KTX train began to stop at Jeongeup Station. When the autumn colors are at its peak in particular, taking the KTX makes the trip to Naejangsan Mountain much easier for travelers, and prevents traffic jams. The Donghak Peasants Revolution Commemoration is held in May and the Naejangsan Fall Foliage Festival takes place in October.

* Current State of Jeongeup & Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Naejang Districts (Naejang and Ssangam-dong) and Yongsan Districts (Yongsan and Sinjeong-dong), Jeongeuop-si, Jeollabuk-do
2) Area: 3,448,365㎡

* Tourist Attractions
Naejangsan National Park, Okjeongho Lake, Jeongeupsa Park, Jeongeupcheon Stream, Chungyeolsa Shrine, Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Hall, etc.

Yuseong Special Tourist Zone (유성 관광특구)

Yuseong Special Tourist Zone (유성 관광특구)

2021-09-07

480, Daedeok-daero, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon
+82-42-611-2126

Daejeon is the center of state-of-the-art science and technology in Korea, where the nation’s top-tier venture enterprises, including Daedeok Special Research and Development Zone, run their businesses. As the representative city of science and technology for the nation, it is comparable to Silicon Valley in the United States.

Yuseong Special Tourist Zone, which is located in Daejeon Metropolitan City, has won a nationwide reputation as a tourism and resort district rich in hot springs and tourism resources. Yuseong Special Tourist Zone includes a hot springs water source that yields high quality water in copious streams; therefore, there is no need to dilute the water or raise the temperature.

With its healing effect proven, Yuseong Hot Springs has been the place for treatment and recuperation since the Three Kingdoms Period, and today, it is a popular travel destination for those seeking rest. The water is supplied to the hotels and other hot springs in the zone, and there are many restaurants serving a variety of dishes. There is also a facility where visitors can take a foot bath for free. Since Gyeryongsan National Park is near Yuseong-gu District, hikers take the opportunity to visit the nearby hot springs.

Science museums and pavilions, including Expo Science Park, around Yuseong Special Tourist Zone are popular destinations for families with children. Bordered by Gongju City which was the capital of Baekje during the period of Three Kingdoms, visitors can see the cultural heritage of Baekje.

* Current State of Yuseong Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Areas around Yuseong Hot Springs and Expo Science Park (Jangdae, Guam, Gung, Eoeun, Doryong and Bongmyeong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon)
2) Area: 5,858,972 ㎡

* Tourist Attractions
Yuseong Hot Springs, Daedeok Science Complex, Kumdori Land, Expo Science Park, Art Museum, museums, ferry tour, amusement park, etc.

Wolmi Special Tourist Zone (월미 관광특구)

Wolmi Special Tourist Zone (월미 관광특구)

2021-02-19

81, Wolmimunhwa-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
+82-32-760-6481

Wolmi Special Tourist Zone is a historic and cultural site where visitors can learn about Korea’s modern history and culture through a tour of Incheon. The area has plenty of modern architecture and cultural heritages embracing the history of the open port era. Incheon Port is conveniently located to facilitate the flow of products from other civilizations.

Included in the open port, Incheon Chinatown has various Chinese restaurants, a modern history museum, and exhibition hall where visitors can look into the past and current life of Chinese people living in Korea. Jayu Park Cultural Tourism Festival and Songwol-dong Donghwa Village Festival are held here every spring.

In addition, the Museum of Korea Emigration History, date courses, and Wolmi Cultural Street, offering up various sliced raw fish restaurants, and fine cafes are all available in the zone. Wolmi Observatory offers a view overlooking the port and downtown at once. The coastal pier approaching the port offers the active atmosphere of coming and going ships and the lively fish market. Enjoying various fish dishes and sea-fishing, or walking along the ocean square are recommended activities.

Asan-si Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone (아산시 온천 관광특구)

Asan-si Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone (아산시 온천 관광특구)

2024-03-15

1459 Oncheon-daero, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-540-2689

The Asan-si Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone encompasses three major hot springs: Onyang, Dogo, and Asan Hot Springs. Onyang Hot Springs is the oldest hot springs complex in Korea, and Dogo Hot Springs is famous as a therapeutic destination. Asan Hot Springs is situated north of Asan and features a unique water park that utilizes the natural hot springs water. All three locations are equipped with hotels that provide guests with direct access to the therapeutic waters.

Songnisan Special Tourist Zone (속리산 관광특구)

Songnisan Special Tourist Zone (속리산 관광특구)

2025-01-14

405, Beopjusa-ro, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-540-3393

With Songnisan National Park at its center, Songnisan Special Tourist Zone offers picturesque scenery and cozy resorts. At 1,058 meters above sea level, Songnisan Mountain is one of the 8 scenic wonders in Korea, and its steep peaks and deep valleys create a fascinating view. A variety of hiking trails that set out from Beopjusa Temple offer superb mountain scenery from every angle.

A tourism complex around Songnisan National Park offers various types of accommodations, and the area's attractions, such as Beopjusa Temple, Seowongyegok Valley, Mansugyegok Valley and Solhyang Park are not to be missed. In fact, the mountain is a habitat for rare animals and plants, including flying squirrels and Berchemia Berchemiaefolia, and is called a “treasure house of natural resources.”

The convenient accessibility should be noted as well. The highway between Dangjin and Yeongdeok goes through the zone, and it takes only 30 minutes from Cheongju International Airport. This helps foreign tourists from China, Taiwan and Singapore as well as Korean visitors to easily access the zone.

A variety of events, including the Songni Festival, the Songnisan Maple Music Festival and the Songnisan Hiking Festival, are held every year, and the largest number of tourists visit in autumn to appreciate a view of the mountain tinged with red.

* Current State of Songnisan Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Areas around Sangpan, Jungpan, Galmok and Sanae-ri, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
2) Area: 43,745,528 ㎡

Yongdusan Jagalchi Special Tourist Zone (용두산 자갈치 관광특구)

2021-03-11

52, Jagalchihaean-ro, Jung-gu, Busan
+82-51-600-4000

Yongdusan Jagalchi Special Tourist Zone is an attractive tourism area embracing history and culture. Vendors in the traditional market welcome tourists with their warm hearts, selling their famous street food such as rice cake, ssiat hotteok (sugar-filled seeded griddlecake), bibim dangmyeon (spicy glass noodles), pat juk (red bean porridge), and pat bingsu (shaved ice with sweetened red beans). Bosu-dong and 40-Step Culture & Tourism Themed Street also show the history of each street to people traveling in the area. Including Yongdusan Park, the special tourist zone includes traditional markets like Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, and Bupyeong Market, and historical cultural resources like Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Bosu Book Street, and Busan Modern History Museum. The restoration of Yeongdodaegyo Bridge in November 2013 has created a unique sightseeing attraction that is hard to see in other regions and has emerged as a new famous spot. Bupyeong (Kkongtong) Market and Gukje Market are also special markets full of things to see. Various festivals including Busan International Film Festival, Busan Jagalchi Festival, and Busan Christmas Tree Festival are held for all kinds of visitors. The view from Yongdusan Park and fresh seafood from Jagalchi Market, as well as peaceful strolling at Bosu Book Street and 40-Steps make a trip to Busan memorable and happy.

Current State of Yongdusan and Jagalchi Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Areas around Gwangbok, Nampo and Bupyeong-dong, parts of Donggwang, Daecheong, Bosu and Jungang-dong, Busan
2) Total Area: 1,079,836 ㎡
3) Designated on May 14, 2008

* Tourist Attractions
Yongdusan Park, Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, Jagalchi Market, Gukje Market, Bupyeong Market, Bosu Book Street, etc.

Suanbo Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone (수안보온천 관광특구)

2024-03-25

12 Jujeongsan-ro, Suanbo-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-846-3605

Suanbo Hot Springs, in existence for nearly 30,000 years, feature weak alkaline water with a temperature of 53°C that originates from 250 meters below ground. The water is rich in substances beneficial to the human body. Visitors can enjoy the hot springs at hotels or resorts, as well as in public baths, outdoor baths, and family baths. Other attractions in the area include the Suanbo Insect Museum, a traditional market, and Multang Park.