Experience the true face of Korea naturally! Trek the Jeju Olle Trail, relax at a designated "Slow City", visit the 140 million year old Uponeup Wetlands or one of the many UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

NATURAL ATTRACTIONS

Seoraksan National Park - also referred to as Seolsan and Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Seorak because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white. The park is spread across 4 cities and counties: Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak is Daecheongbong which has a view of the magnificent mountain range and a sunrise nothing short of spectacular and should not be missed.

Hallasan National Park - Mt.Hallasan stands tall in the middle of Jeju Island. It is also called Mt.Yeongjusan, meaning a mountain high enough to pull the galaxy. From its warm climate to the cooler areas, Mt.Hallasan is famous for its vertical ecosystem of plants. Over 1,800 kinds of plants and 4,000 species of animals (3,300 species of insects) are known to exist here, and due to the well-developed climbing course, you can carefully observe the surroundings.

Bengdwigul Cave - with a total length of 2.8 miles, Bengdwigul Cave is shaped like a maze and is one of the most complex structures of a lava tube in the world. For geologists, this cave is invaluable since it demonstrates how lava continuously flowed over the surface of the ground and the complex route it took to eventually form a tube deep underground. Created particularly close to the earth’s surface, this cave has a number of entrance holes throughout the length of its tunnel; however it is closed to the general public. Inside, the complex structure of the cave unfolds in the form of double-tiered or triple-tiered rooms. A range of lava formations such as lava columns and lava bridges have developed inside this mystical tube. This cave is a registered as a World Heritage Site of UNESCO.

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak – rising from under the sea, the peak is the result of a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top about 1,968 feet in diameter and 295 feet high. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well. The view of the sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored rapeseed flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold.

Yongcheondonggul Cave - this unique cave is astounding in terms of its geological value and beauty. At a length of 1.5 miles it has a unique topology and rich limestone formations such as lava terrace, lava shelves, lava waterfalls and a lake. There are also items that can be found throughout the cave that appear to have been brought in by people who lived on the island long ago, such as pieces of pottery, animal bones, ironware, charcoal and other substances.

Pyunggang Botanical Garden - located at the entrance of Sanjeong Lake, it exhibits both native plants and around 5,000 species of plants from around the globe. The garden is divided into 12 themed areas, including a Rock Garden, a Wetland Center, a Pond Garden, a Moss Center and a Grass Square.
The Pyunggang Botanical Garden, serves an important role in preserving rare plants, but is also creating a new botanical garden culture, and serving as a center for public ecological education.

Cheonjeyeon Falls - named 'The pond of God', it consists of 3 waterfalls surrounded by a variety of plant life, such as the rare ‘solipnan’ reeds. Visit the Cheonjeru Tower for a view of the falls and a painting detailing the legend of the 7 nymphs and mountain gods.

Cable Car to Dokdo Observatory – this must-see attraction allows for a birds-eye-view of Ulleungdo Island. Located inside the Dodong Yaksu Park, the cable car takes visitors up to Manghyangbong Peak. When the sky is really clear (about 50 days a year), you can see as far as Dokdo Island, 57 miles away. This is also the first place to view the rising sun in Ulleungdo.

FLORA AND FAUNA

The Korean Peninsula is rich in varieties of plant life typical of temperate regions. More than 3,000 species, some 500 of them unique to Korea, have been noted by botanists. Warm temperate vegetation, including camellias and other broad-leaved evergreens, predominate in the south and on Jeju Island. Zoologists have identified more than 130 freshwater fishes, 112 breeds of birds, 49 mammals, and 14 reptiles and amphibians on the peninsula. Bear, wild boar, deer, and lynx still are found in the highlands, but the shrinking of the forested area has reduced the animal population in recent years. Migratory water fowl, cranes, herons, and other birds are visible on the plains.

The most beloved breed of dog in Korea is the Jindo Dog, named after the island from which they are said to originate. The breed has been designated a national treasure, and great efforts are made to keep the bloodline pure. For example, any non-Jindo dog that comes to Jindo Island must be sterile. Jindos were originally hunting dogs, raised to take down prey. They are known for their extreme loyalty and keen homing sense. The Jindo dog is registered with the Federation Cynologique International and the British Kennel Club.

ANNUAL EVENTS AND CELEBRATION

Boryeong Mud Festival
(July)
Daecheon Beach, with the longest coastline on Korea’s west coast, holds an annual mud festival featuring a variety of fun programs. With its fun-filled programs, the Boryeong Mud Festival offers visitors opportunities to receive massages as well as bags filled with packs of pure, well refined sea mud.

Hwacheon Mountain Traut Ice Festival
(January)
The Hwacheon Sancheoneo (Mountain Trout) Ice Festival will be taking place in Hwacheon in Gangwon province. This virtually untouched region is known as the first area in Korea that freezes over in winter, and the river is covered with a thick layer of ice.
Visitors can try out ice fishing, and those who are feeling brave can try to catch mountain trout with their bare hands. As well as fun activities and performances, there is also an exhibition of ice sculptures that took 20 weeks to prepare. Visitors can sample raw and grilled mountain trout, both of which are delicious.

Mystic Sea Parting Festival
(March or April)
This festival is held where the sea parts between Jindo and Modo Islands when the tide drops and the see parts. It is referred to as the "Moses’ Miracle".

POPULAR OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

Golf - Golfing is a very popular sport in Korea, and many Korean golfers have had huge success internationally. As such, there are a large variety of golf courses in Korea and many more are in the construction process.

Hiking - each of the 37 mountains in Seoul has a unique beauty all its own. At 2,700 feet high, Mt. Bukhansan is the highest in Seoul, and attracts a large number of hikers from all over the nation. Apart from Mt. Bukhansan, there are seven mountains including Dobongsan and Suraksan that are over 1,900 feet high. In addition to these steep mountains, there are also some with trails that make climbing as easy as a downtown stroll.

Water rafting – the Gangwon-do Province is a popular destination for river rafting and kayaking offering tracks at every level and budget.

Yachting - Yachting and boating are becoming more and more popular among locals, and Korea's strategic location on the East Sea makes it an ideal port for international visitors. There are many new marinas being developed around the coast and also on the Hangang River which runs through Seoul. In addition, the Korea Sailing Federation offers sailing lessons for a wide variety of boats from yachts to right down to dinghies.

Skiing - Being a mostly mountainous country, it is no surprise that Korea boasts more than 15 ski resorts. They have spa and accommodation facilities as well, making them a great place for a winter getaway.

Wind surfing - Being a coastal nation, of course it is possible to wind-surf many places, but the most popular places are Hangang, Busan, and Jeju. Lessons are available.

Biking - there are a variety of cycling paths all over Korea, and many more in development. One of the most popular routes is along the Han River. Bikes can be rented at many places along the river including Jamsil and Yeoido.

Tobogganing - Seoul has a number of areas that are designated for sledding. Places like Muju Resort even offer water sledding in the summertime.

Skating – indoor and outdoor skating is popular in Korea. Lotte World offers an indoor skating rink that is known to be the best in Korea, while every winter the front lawn of city hall transforms into an outdoor skating rink complete with skate rentals.
 

TRADITIONAL SPORTS

Taekwondo - Korea’s traditional martial art and a globally recognized sport that improves both physical ability as well as mental strength.

Ssireum - is a Korean wrestling style and is the traditional national sport of Korea. In the modern form each contestant wears a belt that wraps around the waist and the thigh. The competition employs a series of techniques, which inflict little harm or injury to the opponent: opponents lock on to each other's belt, and one achieves victory by bringing any part of the opponent's body above the knee to the ground.

IMPORTANT SPORTING EVENTS

Formula 1, Korean Grand Prix
(October 22-24, 2010)
Formula 1, Korean Grand Prix the highest class of single-seated auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).

 

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE VISIT THE KOREA TOURISM ORGANIZATION