Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Sobaeksan National Park (Northern Section) (소백산국립공원(북부))

2021-06-15

494, Namhangang-ro, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Sobaeksan Mountain is renowned for its natural splendor and mystery, standing tall in the middle of the Korean peninsula, and offering several magnificent peaks, such as Hyeongjebong, Sinseonbong, Gungmangbong, Birobong, and Yeonhwabong. Its captivating seasonal beauty attracts visitors year round. The moutain's recreational forest was designated as the third national park in Chungcheongbuk-do in 1987, following Songnisan Mountain and Woraksan Mountain in 1970 and 1984 respectively. The open grass field on Birobong Peak (1,439 meters) resembles the Swiss Alps. On Yeonhwabong Peak (1,349 meters) is Sobaeksan Optical Astromony Observatory (SOAO), which laid the foundation for Korea's astronomy.

Cheongtaesan National Recreational Forest (국립 청태산자연휴양림)

2022-09-06

610, Cheongtaesan-ro, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do

The 1,200-meter-high Cheongtaesan Mountain is a mountain where planted and naturally growing trees flourish in harmony, creating dense forests that provide a habitat for woodland creatures. In the summer, the forest is a convenient stopover for vacationers headed for the East Coast and both children and adults can enjoy learning about the local ecology at the Forest Education Facility.

Paroho Lake (Hwacheon) (파로호(화천))

2022-12-26

36-8, Baeteo-gil, Gandong-myeon, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do

Paroho Lake is a manmade lake created when Hwacheon Dam was built in the valley of the Bukhangang River. The lake was once referred to as Daebungho Lake for its resembling image of an imaginary phoenix rising with its wings spread wide open when seen from afar. The area was a territory of North Korea after Korea's independence, but became a South Korean territory after the Korean War.

Sambong National Recreational Forest (국립 삼봉자연휴양림)

2022-12-27

276, Sambonghyuyang-gil, Hongcheon-gun, Gangwon-do

Located in Odaesan National Park, Sambong National Recreational Forest is filled with large acicular trees like fir and broad-leaved trees like birch. Lenoks, a species of freshwater fish that are considered a Korean natural treasure, found only in the cleanest water, thrive in the waters of the deep valley running through the park. The park is surrounded by three peaks – Gachilbong Peak (1,240 meters), Eungboksan Mountain (1,155 meters), and Sasambong Peak (1,107 meters). Sambong Mineral Spring is found In the middle of the three peaks. The spring’s waters are said to ease stomach complaints. The park is also popular since visitors can see beautiful fall foliage in autumn while enjoying the mountains and sea at the same time in summer.

Taebaeksan National Park (태백산 국립공원)

2021-09-11

4778, Taebaeksan-ro, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do

Taebaeksan Mountain range encompasses several peaks such as Yeongbong Peak (alt. 1,560 m), where in the past, people would conduct rites to venerate Heaven at Cheonjedan Altar; Janggunbong Peak (alt. 1,567 m), Munsubong Peak (alt. 1,517 m), and its summit of Hambaeksan Mountain (alt. 1,572 m). Taebaeksan Mountain serves as a home to diverse wild animals and plants, including several endangered species. The higher plains are covered with alpine vegetation. The mountain becomes hot pink with mountain rhododendron and azalea in the spring; green with thick forest and pristine waters in the summer; rainbow colored with changing leaves in the fall; and white with snow in the winter.

Sundamgyegok Valley (순담계곡)

2025-01-07

143-3, Sundam-gil, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do

Located 5 kilometers northwest of Cheorwon-gun Office, Sundamgyegok Valley is one of the most beautiful valleys among the branches of the Hantangang River. It offers fantastic scenery of fascinating rock formations, steep cliffs, and ponds. The valley is filled with abundant water, trimmed by rare naturally white sand. Also, the stream behind the valley attracts many rafters each year.

Sogeumgang River [National Geopark] (소금강 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

2021-05-24

San 109-1. Morun-ri, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

Sogeumgang River is lined with high rock cliffs topped with lush forests. This section of river is so beautiful, it is called "Little Geumgangsan River," with Geumgangsan Mountain being known as the most breathtaking location in all of Korea. Visitors can find a number of famous rocks along the river.

Hwaamdonggul Cave [Gangwon Paleozoic Geopark] (화암동굴 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

2020-12-05

12, Hwaamdonggul-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-560-2379

Hwaamdonggul Cave was originally a gold mine that was commercially operated from 1922 to 1945 as the nation’s fifth largest gold mine. However, the cave was found to have natural stalactites, and was later developed into the only theme-based cave that combined gold and nature. The ticket booth and the cave's entrance is located apart from each other, and visitors can either hike or ride on monorail to the entrance point. Hwaamdonggul Cave is not only a tourist attraction but also an educational venue where visitors can learn about the subterranean ecology of a stalactite cave and the process of gold mining and refining.

Cheorwon Plain (Migratory Bird Habitat) (철원평야(철새도래지))

2021-11-29

Cheorwon-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do

After the fall harvest season, the fields of Cheorwon Plain are littered with fallen grains, providing an abundant source of food for migratory birds. Moreover, the well-preserved ecosystem of the Demilitarized Zone provides clean water and a healthy habitat, making the Cheorwon area a paradise for migratory birds.

Cranes stalking around the fields and birds taking off en masse from the reservoir make bird watchers exclaim in awe. In Cheorwon, which boasts the biggest white-fronted goose population in Korea, visitors can see observe 110 species of birds, some of which are protected as national treasures. Examples include red-crowned cranes, vultures, white-tailed sea eagles, and golden eagles as well as mallards and spot-billed ducks, which migrate to Korea for the winter.

Jeongseon Morundae Cliff (몰운대 (정선))

2026-05-27

1330, Yaksu-gil, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

Morundae Cliff is one of the Eight Scenic Sites of Hwaam. The tip of the steep cliff is adorned with three specimens of 500-year-old pine trees. Legend has it that gods would perch on the cliff’s top and enjoy the beautiful view. At the foot of the cliff lies a large sheet of rock that can accommodate hundreds of people. ◎ Travel information discovering the charm of Hallyu - Film This location represents the summit of the fictional Homisan Mountain, featuring a 500-year-old dead tree standing at the edge of a cliff. At Molundae, where even clouds are said to stop and rest because of the beautiful scenery, a book-shaped sculpture displays a poem that says, “The end of the world is the beginning of another love.” It brings to mind Hae-jun and Seo-rae finally facing each other on a snowy night.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information