Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Cheonggyecheon Stream (청계천)

2024-05-16

Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Cheonggye Plaza was built on Sejong-ro Street, where Cheonggyecheon Stream begins. It was built between Dong-A Ilbo, the starting point of the Cheonggyecheon Stream restoration, and Sindap Railroad Bridge, with a length of 160 meters, a x_width of 50 meters, and a total area of 6,962 meters squared. The plaza is decorated with fountains, waterfalls, and walking paths. It was created as a place for meetings, harmony, peace, and unification, to celebrate the significance of the restoration of Cheonggyecheon Stream. A miniaturized version of Cheonggyecheon Stream is displayed here, providing an overview of the restored stream. There are also interpretive panels about the 22 bridges that cross Cheonggyecheon stream. Fountains of various shapes create beautiful scenery. Cheonggyecheon Stream is accessible from the square through stairs on the left and Cheonggye Trail on the right. There is also an 18-meter tunnel on the Cheonggye Trail, providing a unique experience for citizens entering Cheonggyecheon Stream from the plaza. After constructing Cheonggyecheon Plaza, the Seoul Metropolitan Government made it a car-free street on public holidays so that the plaza, waterside area, and streets could be used as cultural spaces for citizens to relax. A spectacular sight is created by three-color lights illuminating the fountains and a two-tiered waterfall coming down from a x_height of four meters. Palseokdam, made of eight stones from eight provinces in Korea, was laid along the waterfall's sides.

Gugokpokpo Falls (구곡폭포)

2021-04-28

254, Gangchongugok-gil, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-261-0088

Located at the foot of Bonghwasan Mountain in Chuncheon, Gugok Falls with a x_height of 50 m is one of the representative tourist destinations in the Gangchon area. It was named “Gugok” because the falls twist (gok) and turn nine (gu) different times before dropping down, and is also called “Guguripokpo.” Gugok Falls flowing down from a huge stone wall create fantastic scenery. Many tourists visit the falls every year to enjoy cool, refreshing water to overcome the heat wave in summer and to admire a majestic view of the giant ice wall in winter. The road from the ticket booth to the falls is gentle and requires about 20 min walk. It is an easy walking path surrounded by woods and the valley. Visitors can also try to find the nine wooden panels inspired by the spirit of Gugok and designed with Hangeul alphabet “ㄲ” letters (such as 꿈, 끼, 꾀, 깡, etc.). If you go up for about 40 min along the Kkalttak Pass, which is on the right side of the Gugok Falls entrance, you will find Munbae Village, nestled in a basin. The village restaurants are known for local dishes, such as wild vegetable bibimbap and folk liquor. Visitors can also stay overnight at the National Leisure Campground built in the Gukgok Falls Tourist Area.

Paldangho Lake (팔당호)

2021-05-25

Namjong-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do

Paldangho, a man-made lake, lies beside the townships of Toechon-myeon and Namjong-myeon in Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do. Completed in 1973, this reservoir stores approximately 250 million tons of water, which is supplied to the Seoul and Gyeonggi regions. It is also one of Gwangju's tourist attractions, offering an inspiring view and a scenic lakeside drive. Don’t miss a stop at the Paldang Observatory for a breathtaking view of Paldangho Lake.

Jangheung Jeongnamjin (정남진(장흥))

2026-06-30

Gwansan-eup, Jangheung-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Jangheung-gun’s Jeongnamjin is the warmest place on the Korean mainland. The region has a diverse natural environment including stunning views of mountains, fields, the ocean, lakes, rivers and streams. It also has several cultural and tourist sites such as Cheongwansan Mountain, Bangchon Cultural Village, and Borimsa Temple, one of the three Borimsa Temples in Asia.

The Jeongnamjin district has a wide variety of tourist attractions nearby such as the Samsan Embankment; a provincial park on Cheongwansan Mountain; a literature park; and Sodeungseom Island, a famous sunset attraction often used as a filming location and festival grounds. A number of festivals are held around the area to promote the region's diverse produce and beauty.

Saemangeum (새만금)

2026-06-10

6 Saemangeum-ro, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk-do

Saemangeum is an area created by the reclamation project to build a sea wall connecting Gunsan and Buan. After 20 years of construction, the Saemangeum Seawall was completed in 2010. Stunning sunsets can be seen from the dike, and various facilities such as campgrounds and the Saemangeum Project Office are well prepared for visitors experience. It is also known as a filming location for BTS's music videos.

Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream (영월 청령포)

2026-04-14

Gwangcheon-ri, Nam-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do

Cheongnyeongpo Meandering Stream, located in the upper reaches of the Namhangang River in Gwangcheon-ri, Nam-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, is the place where King Danjong stayed after being dethroned and exiled to Yeongwol. Danjong, the 6th king of the Joseon dynasty, abdicated the throne to his uncle, who became King Sejo. However, in 1456, the following year, there was a movement by six court officials to restore King Danjong to the throne, resulting in his demotion and exile to Cheongnyeongpo area. Cheongnyeongpo was surrounded by water on three sides—east, south, and north—and a rugged cliff known as Yukyukbong Peak rose to the west, making it impossible to enter or leave without using a boat. King Danjong lived a life of exile cut off from the outside world in this secluded place; it is said that at the time, there was a house available for him to stay in, and the local official, Eom Heung-do, would secretly visit at night to pay his respects. (Information courtesy of Yeongwol Cultural Tourism)

Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위)

2022-12-26

Donghae-si, Gangwon-do

Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do is one of Korea’s most famous tourist attractions. The beautifully formed rock towers high into the sky and resembles a candlestick, from which it gets its name. Chotdaebawi Rock and the nearby rock formations seem to change the shape they resemble along with the waves that crash against the rocks. The view of the sunrise from behind Chotdaebawi Rock is so popular that it attracts photographers and tourists nationwide.

* The Legend of Chotdaebawi Rock
Once upon a time, there was a man who lived in Chuam who had a concubine. His wife was jealous of the second wife and the conflict between the two women continually escalated. One day, god became enraged over their continual quarreling and threw lighting down from heaven, striking both women dead. The newly-made widower missed his wives so much that he remained frozen in his loneliness and eventually turned into a rock, which is now called Chotdaebawi Rock.

Korean Peninsula Terrain [National Geopark] (한반도지형 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

2024-04-08

555 Hanbando-ro, Hanbando-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do

Korean Peninsula Terrain was formed by soil transported from upstream to the curvature of the confluence of two rivers. It is often referred to as Mini Korean Peninsula because it resembles the shape of the Korean Peninsula. It is said to have this appearance due to the erosion of the incised stream flowing around the terrain. It takes a 15-minute walk along the pine forest trail for about 800 meters from the parking lot to reach there. The well-maintained trail with many wildflowers and plants creates a welcoming atmosphere. Upon arriving at the observation point, visitors will be amazed by the beautiful curved river and the topography taking the same shape as the Korean Peninsula. Designated as the Gangwon Paleozoic National Geopar, this area has excellent geographical value because it shows the characteristics of the incised mender river as well.

Orijangnim Forest in Jacheon-ri, Yeongcheon (영천 자천리 오리장림)

2021-06-11

1421-1, Jacheon-ri, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Orijangnim Forest is approximately 2 kilometers long, the same length as the Korean measurement of five ri (O-ri). It is also called Jacheon Forest due to its location near Jacheon-ri. The forest was split into two parts after a national roadway was built through the forest. Later, much of the forest was lost due to additional building construction, road expansion, and typhoon. Only some areas in front of Jacheon Village retain the old ambience.

Orijangnim Forest was established to block the strong winds from entering the village, as well as provide bank protection and flood prevention. It is comprised of 280 trees from 12 different species including oriental oaks.

Andong School of Korean Etiquette (안동예절학교)

2023-04-07

1333-5, Toegye-ro, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Andong School of Korean Etiquette, which is located in Andong, is a mecca of Korea's Confucian customs and provides an opportunity to experience traditional Korean etiquette.

In addition to Korean traditional etiquette, Andong School of Korean Etiquette also teaches tea etiquette and traditional Korean music using instruments such as janggu and gayageum. Students can also experience the joy of learning how to play folk games such as yunnori and kite-flying. The school offers a wide variety of hands-on programs related to Korea's traditions and customs such as mask dance, paper craft, cooking, wedding, and eco-rafting on Nakdonggang River.

There are other popular tourist attractions nearby such as Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, Forest Science Museum and Yi Yuk-sa Literary Hall.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information