Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Suwon Hwaseong Fortress [UNESCO World Heritage] (수원 화성 [유네스코 세계유산])

2026-06-19

Yeonghwa-dong, Jangan-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Suwon was one of four main regional government centers during the Joseon dynasty. Hwaseong Fortress, built to protect the city, was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site on December 12, 1997 for its historical value. The fortress offers various performances daily as well as the Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival every fall. The walls stretch for approximately 5.7 kilometers, with Paldalsan Mountain at the center. The fortress, constructed from 1794 to 1796, was built as a display of King Jeongjo’s filial piety towards his father and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power.

Oedo-Botania (외도 보타니아)

2025-12-16

17, Oedo-gil, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

“Botania” is a portmanteau of "botani-" (plants) and "utopia" (paradise), and Oedo-Botania represents a paradise for plants on the sea. It is surrounded by the blue and clear seas of Geoje, and you can see the Haegeumgang Islets, Hongdo Island, and Tsushima Island in the distance. The total area is 148,760㎡ (45,000 pyeong), divided into Seodo Island and Dongdo Island. The former was developed into Oedo-Botania, while the latter (22,017㎡) is preserved in its natural state, home to 64 native plant species and over 1,000 rare subtropical plants from around the world.
Oedo-Botania was designed with Buckingham Palace Garden as its motif, and the Venus Garden—the signature attraction of Oedo-Botania—features twelve Venus statues harmoniously integrated with the plants.
The second Hill of Love observatory is home to a 300-year-old guardian tree where residents once held ceremonies for the village’s well-being and bountiful fishing. From here, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Venus Garden, Lee House, and the Flower Garden.
The “Stairway to Heaven” was originally created by planting 3,000 tangerine trees on land where residents once cultivated fields, along with 8,000 cypress trees planted as windbreaks against the fierce sea winds. However, due to damage from Typhoon Maemi, it is now composed of various ornamental trees, including pagoda trees, arranged in a tapestry-like pattern.
The lighthouse, designed to resemble the shape of Oedo Island, is the only one of its kind to allow visitors to explore its maze-like interior, adding to the fun of exploration.

◎ Travel Information to Discover Hallyu’s Charm
Oedo-Botania appears as the island that Jun-sang, who had lost his sight after a traffic accident, created for his first love, Yoo-jin, in the final episode of the K-Drama "Winter Sonata(2002)." The “Lee House” in particular—the place where the two leads meet in the show—appears as a Mediterranean-style house when viewed from the Venus Garden, but is actually built in the traditional Korean style, divided into anchae and sarangchae.

Seoulland (서울랜드)

2026-02-27

181 Gwangmyeong-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Seoulland was the first theme park in Korea, built at the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain. With more that 50 rides and other seasonal attractions, Seoulland offers thrill and excitement for people of all ages. Luna Land and Jurassic Land are not to be missed. The pride of Seoulland is its wide selection of seasonal festivals and the unique Laser Show held during the evening. Seoulland is a popular destination as it is easily accessible from downtown Seoul and has many nearby attractions, being part of the larger Seoul Grand Park complex. Seoul Grand Park holds various festivals for each season of the year. The Tulip Festival is held from April to May; the Starlight Rose Festival from July to August; the Chrysanthemum Festival from September to October; and the Snow Light Festival from December to February.

Chuncheon Soyangho Lake (소양호 (춘천))

2021-05-06

1128, Sinsaembat-ro, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-242-2455

Soyangho Lake was created by the building of Soyang Dam in 1973. Soyangho Lake is famous for catching freshwater fish, such as trout, carp, smelt, and eel. The waterway stretches all the way to Inje, with beautiful scenic views. Water sports can be enjoyed from the dock near Soyang Dam, with boat rides to Cheongpyeongsa Temple as well as around the lake. Many cafes and restaurants are located around the lake, making it a great vacation spot.

Seoul Grand Park (서울대공원)

2023-03-17

102, Daegongwongwangjang-ro, Gwacheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Seoul Grand Park is a family-friendly amusement park consisting of various themed facilities that promote the growth and preservation of diverse animals and plants.

[Seoul Zoo]
Seoul Zoo aims to provide an ideal environment for animals to grow and live as well as exhibit, preserve, and research rare animals and educate the public. As a result of the zoo's hard work and efforts, it is the only zoo in Korea to be certified as a member of both ISIS and IUDZG-WZO.

[Botanical Garden]
Seoul Grand Park's Botanical Garden was opened in 1985 amidst the lush forest situated at the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain. The garden consists of a greenhouse, exhibition facilities, and themed gardens that boast a collection of over 41,000 plants from 1,262 different species. The greenhouse preserves and exhibits tropical and subtropical plants that are not found in Korea. Moreover, the Botanical Garden offers various activities and experience programs related to plants and forests.

[Theme Garden]
The Theme Garden is one of the most representative facilities of Seoul Grand Park. The Theme Garden consists of a Rose Garden and Children's Zoo. Seasonal plants and flowers as well as diverse themed garden programs are offered.

[Healing Place]
The Healing Place is a forest formed at the foothills of Cheonggyesan Mountain that surrounds the border of Seoul Grand Park. Main facilities consist of Healing Forest Walkway; Water, Wind & Sunshine Healing Zone; Barefoot Road; Aroma Garden; and Forest Plaza.

[Healing Forest Walkway]
Healing Forest Walkway is a walking path lined by diverse trees that form a lush forest serving as a habitat for small animals like squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, and more. The walking path is approximately 8 kilometers long and divided into four sections. The shortest course takes approximately 30 minutes to complete, while the full course requires 3 hours.

[Campsite]
The campsite within the Seoul Grand Park is the perfect place to camp out, hold picnics and enjoy recreational activities with friends and families. The main facilities consist of a campsite, volleyball court, basketball court, snack bar, and shower facilities. The campsite is open from March to November, except in the case of harsh weather conditions.

Songjeong Beach (송정해수욕장)

2024-11-11

62 Songjeonghaebyeon-ro, Haeundae-gu, Busan

Songjeong Beach stretches for 1.2 kilometers with a x_width ranging from 30 to 60 meters. The white sandy beach is ideal for families with young children because of its shallow waters. The beach is very popular as a photography venue for pre-wedding photoshoots. The area around the beach offers many hoe (sliced raw fish) restaurants. Jukdo Park is located north of the beach at the entrance to Songjeonghang Port. The white and red lighthouses of the harbor are a popular photo spot, as well as the view of the beach from Songiljeong Pavilion at the peak of Jukdo Park. The path leads through a grove of evergreens. Fishermen often line the breakwaters to the lighthouses.

Suwolbong Tuff Cone and Chagwi Coast (수월봉과 차귀해안)

2023-04-07

1013-70, Noeulhaean-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do

Located at the western end of Jeju Island, Suwolbong Tuff Cone, a small mountain, is famous for being a favorite sunset viewing place. The mountain has vertical cliffs spreading out like a scroll painting, created from the sea waves gradually cutting inland.
To the north, off the coast, is Chagwido Island, where only the top peak area has grass growing, and the rest of the island is made up of dark basalt rocks and cliffs. Around sunset, Chagwido’s seashore turns crimson red from the sun and is truly an amazing sight to behold.

Achasanseong Fortress (아차산성)

2023-04-05

Gwangjang-dong, Gwangjin-gu, Seoul-si

Achasanseongseong Fortress boasts magnificent views of the Hangang River and skyline. The 200m-high mountain fortress wall was built to face southeast, towards the Hangang River. It is also called Janghan-seong or Gwangjang-seong. A fierce battle was once fought here among Gogury, Baekje and Silla because of its strategic location during the period of the Three Kingdoms. King Gae-Ro of Baekje (r. 455-475) died in the war by the Goguryeo forces sent by King Jang-Su (r. 413-491) and General Ondal of Goguryeo was also killed in a battle with the Silla army in 590.

Achasan Mountain is popular as a citizens’ resting place with a historical trail and a natural park including various facilities such as walkway, mountain walkway, a badminton court, a wrestling range, an archery range, various amusement facilities for children, benches, and pavilion.

Sogeumganggyegok Valley (오대산 소금강계곡)

2021-08-10

Sogeumgang-gil, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Sogeumganggyegok Valley is located on the east side of Odaesan Mountain. The valley is also referred to as Cheonghak Dongsogeum because the scenery resembles a crane (cheonghak) spreading its wings. The rock formations standing in between the lush valley forests will draw the eyes of any visitor. Several attractions are found along the valley path such as Mureunggyegok Valley, Myeonggyeongdae Post, Guryongpokpo Falls, Gunjapokpo Falls, and more.

Oryukdo Islets (Busan National Geopark) (오륙도 (부산 국가지질공원))

2026-05-20

137 Oryukdo-ro, Nam-gu, Busan

Oryukdo Islets consist of six rocky islets located in the sea at the southern end of Igidae Park, appearing as either five or six depending on the tide. The islets, closest to the mainland, are named Bangpaeseom Island, Solseom Island, Suriseom Island, Songgotseom Island, Gulseom Island, and Deungdaeseom Island, with only the Deungdaeseom Island accessible to visitors. From the Oryukdo Skywalk at Oryukdo Sunrise Park, visitors can enjoy even better views of the islets.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information