50 beautiful places to visit in Korea

As these spectacularly photographic spots show, if you've only been to

Seoul, you're missing out big time
By Cin Woo Lee 13 January, 2012

Some 25 million South Koreans -- about half the population -- travel abroad at least once a year,
but it’s safe to assume that most haven't seen all the beautiful sights within the country. 

Seoul only takes up a mere 0.6 percent of South Korea's territory: here are 50 stunning
photographs from the other 99.4 percent of the country that are all worth a visit. 

Here are the flowery spring landscapes, sandy beaches, rocky mountains and quietly stunning
historic sites on your new Korean travel bucket list. And just in case you were wondering, they
are in no particular order. Feel free to add some suggestions of your own in the comment box at
the end of the article.

1. Seongsan Sunrise Peak (성산일출봉)

Cue the cinematic music.Hydrovolcanic eruptions formed this majestic volcanic crater 5,000 years
ago on Jeju Island.

A UNESCO world heritage site, the peak is famous for many things, including numerous rare
plant species, but is best known for the magnificent sight of the sun rising over it (hence the
name).

The climb up the peak’s northwest side ridge (its other sides are steep cliffs) to the 180-meter
highest point takes 30 minutes. 

1 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치

도서귀포시 성산읍 성산리 1 번지)

More on CNNGo: How to visit Jeju Island on a dime

 
2. Ggotji Beach (꽃지 해수욕장)
Time to visit the grandparents.Located
four kilometers southwest from Anmyeon-eup, this cream-
colored beach is the ideal place to go for a drive and watch the sun sink into the ocean between
two large rock formations known as the Granny Rock and the Grandpa Rock.

Legend has it that the wife of a base commanding officer in the Shilla Dynasty became the
Granny Rock when she died after waiting faithfully for her husband.

Seungeon 4 ri, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 태안군 안면읍 승언 4 리)

3. Darangee Village (경상남도 남해 가천 다랭이마을)

What Korean kids did before video games.
Darangee Village, a small well-preserved village in the southernmost area of west Namhae-gun,
features an extraordinary sight of countless tiny fields (over 100 levels) on a steep mountain
slope against the open sea.

Honghyeon-ri, Nam-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 남해군 남면 홍현리)

4. Gwang-An Bridge (부산 광안대교)

Korea loves its stunning, futuristic bridges.
Also known as the Diamond Bridge, this two-story bridge connects Suyeong-gu and Haeundae-
gu and offers an astonishing view of mountains, sandy beaches, hills and city lights. 

Kwang-An Bridge is not for pedestrians, but anyone can enjoy the spectacular night view of the
bridge from afar; its state-of-the-art lighting system allows an exterior lighting of over 100,000
colors.

Suyeong-gu, Busan (부산광역시 수영구)

5. Kyeong-Wha Station, Jinhae (진해 경화역)

All this scene needs is a soldier and a beautiful girl waiting for him at the station.
This small whistle-stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring. 

Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the
train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel. 

The cherry blossom road at Yeojwa stream, (number 17 on this list) is also nearby for those who
want more photo-ops. 

Kyeongwha-dong, Jinhae-gu, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 창원시 진해구 경화동)

6. Upo Marsh (우포늪)

Swimming is probably not recommended.

At 2,314 kilometers squared, Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea and thrice the
size of Yeouido. Formed over 140 million years ago, the marsh is home to 1,500 plants and
animals, some of which are endangered species.

Visitors can bike or walk around this beautiful natural swamp, where migratory birds are known
for flying low. 

Daedae-ri, Yueo-myeon, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 창녕군 유어면 대대리)

7. Jeungdo Salt Farm (전남 신안 증도 염전) 

Salt farming in a slow city.

This treasure island (artifacts from the Song Dynasty have actually been found at the bottom of
the sea) is famous for its clear seawater, soft beach, and salt farms.

The magical sight of huge salt farms is not the only spectacle that can be found here; the mud
flat leisure town allows tourists to experience and observe the marine life of the mud flat. 

Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 신안군 증도면)

8. Gongryong Ridge, Seorak Mountain (설악산 신선대 공룡능선)

From this distance, it looks like a Stegosaurus, but we can't be sure.

Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious
peaks in the Seorak mountain range. 

Thought to be shaped like the spine of a dinosaur (hence the name, "Dinosaur Ridge"), this
rocky ridge offers spectacular views of both inner and outer Seorak. 

The climb is no picnic: the peak elevation of Gongryong Ridge, the most popular ridge route in
the range, is approximately 1,200 meters. 

Goseong-gun/Yangyang-gun/Inje-gun, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 속초시 고성군, 양양

군, 인제군)

9. Uleung Island Seaside Road (울릉도 해안도로)

Uleung Island was known as Dagelet to Europeans.

Uleung Island, nicknamed "Mysterious Island", is a popular weekend getaway spot for
Seoulites.

Curious rock formations, shore cliffs and numerous waterfalls adorn the island’s Seaside Road.

Anyone planning to walk or bike their way around Uleung Island should make sure they set
aside enough time, as they will inevitably stop countless times to admire the glorious view.

Uleung-eup, Uleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 울릉군 울릉읍)

10. Seopjikoji, Jeju Island (제주도 섭지코지)

A music video just waiting to be shot.

First-time visitors to Jeju island need to plan their trip wisely, as the Jeju bucket list is long and
varied. One of the musts on the list is Seopjikoji, a promontory on the coast famous for its
serenity and romance.

Yellow rape blossoms fill the field in the spring, creating a colorful contrast with the red soil and
cerulean sky.

The best photographs of Sungsan Sunrise Peak (the first item on this list) can be taken here at
Seopjikoji. 

The scenery of Seopjikoji has also been captured by several Korean films and dramas,
including "All In," one of the first Hallyu dramas starring Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo.

261 Seopjikoji-ro, Sungsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별

자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지로 261)

More on CNNGO: The pensive moods of Jeju Island

11. Bomun Pavilion, Gyeongju (경주 보문정)

A pavilion for all seasons.

Gyeongju, an ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, boasts the nickname "a museum with no
walls." 

Bomun Pavilion, a small wooden gazebo standing over a quiet duck pond, is a great spot to
experience Korea’s spring; the cherry blossoms fluttering over the pond provide an exquisite
sight.

In fact, it's the perfect place to view all of Korea's markedly different seasons: summer's lush
green leaves, fall's scarlet and mustard foliage, and winter's blankets of snow.

Bodeok-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 경주시 보덕동)

12. Udo (우도)

 The Korean way of making a wish.

Just 15 minutes away from Jeju Island, Udo is another addition to Jeju's bucket list.

Visitors can hike on Olle road, or opt for a scooter ride along the shore, a submarine excursion
or sea fishing. Just don't forget the sunblock.

Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도 제주시 우도면)

13. Haeinsa Temple, Hapcheon (합천 해인사) 

Haeinsa is one of the three Jewel Temples in Korea.

The world's oldest intact Buddhist canon, the Tripitaka Koreana, is carefully housed in
the 1,200-year-old Haeinsa Temple.

The temple's other landmarks include the oldest wooden Buddha statue in Korea (the Haeinsa
Vairocana) and a UNESCO world heritage Janggyeong Panjeon ( a "storage hall of Buddhist
Sutras").  

10 Chiin-ri, Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 합천군 가야면 치인리 10 번

지)

14. Chunwang Peak, Jiri Mountain (지리산 천왕봉)

Where to look down on clouds.

At 1,915 meters, Chunwang Peak on Jiri Mountain is the second highest peak in South Korea
and the beloved conquest of many a Korean mountain climber.  

The national park on Jiri Mountain stretches over five cities and three provinces, and is home to
quietly dazzling flora and fauna as well as seven national treasures and 26 treasures.

Many tread the trail to Chunwang Peak to watch the sun rise, some simply to enjoy the view
from the top, and others for the pleasure of breathing in the crisp, clean mountain air and
drinking the brain freeze-inducing spring water of Chunwang Spring, which is located just 300
meters below Chunwang Peak.

Samjang-myeon/Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 산청군 시천면, 삼

장면)

15. Juknokwon, Damyang (담양 죽녹원)

 Unfortunately Korea's all out of
pandas.

This dense bamboo thicket is located in Damyang, another "slow city" that welcomes all who
are tired of hectic city life. 

Eight trails around the thicket offer eight different themes to saunter through. 

If you look carefully between the bamboo plants, you can spot the green tea shoots that grow
from the dew that drips off the bamboo leaves, known as Jukro tea. The Juknokwon observatory
in the middle of the thicket occasionally hosts Jukro tea tasting events. 
Hyanggyo-ri, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 담양군 담양읍 향교리)

16. Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon (순천 낙안읍성 민속마을)

We wonder how many people it took to color a single roof.

Straw-roofed houses, government offices, guesthouses and a castle, all from the Chosun
Dynasty, remain perfectly preserved in their original forms in this 22.6 kilometer-squared
historical site.

No, it’s not an exterior set of a historical drama, people actually live in those houses and better
yet, they offer overnight homestays.  

Choongmin-gil, Nagan-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 순천시 낙안면 충민길 30)

17. Yeojwa Stream (경상남도진해여좌천벚꽃길)

This spot is the spring equivalent of mistletoe.

The fifth item on this list already touched on the festival of cherry blossoms in Jinhae, but the
cherry blossom road at Yeojwa Stream is so strikingly beautiful that it deserves another mention
(and another photo).

Lovers visit this site to cross the "Romance Bridge", which has been used as a shooting location
for "Romance," a drama starring Kim Ha-nul and Kim Jae-won.

Bloggers say that these romantic blossoms can be most appreciated at night, when there are
fewer tourists and the pale pink flowers glow against the dark sky.

Yeojwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 창원시 진해구 여좌동)

18. Boseong Green Tea Field (보성 녹차밭)

The most caffeinated field in the country.

Approximately 40 percent of Korea's tea is produced in the rolling fields of Boseong, which has
also provided the backdrop of many Korean dramas and films.

Yes, green tea-related specialties (fresh green tea ice cream and green tea pork belly) are tasty
treats, but the spectacular view of the seemingly endless tea fields is the real reason so many
visitors stop by Boseong.

A green tea festival is held every May while in the winter, the fields are decorated with tiny light
bulbs. 

Bongsan-ri, Boseong-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 보성군 보성읍 봉산리)

19. Bulguksa Temple (경주 불국사)

Where to bookmark your history books.

This UNESCO-listed site is perhaps the most famous historic site in Korea. 

Two granite pagodas on either sides of the temple, Dabotap and Seokgatap, as well as
Seokguram, a man-made grotto just above the temple, add to the splendid grandeur of this
1,500-year-old home of many important relics. 

15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 진현동 15-1)

20. Daegwallyeong Ranch (대관령 양떼목장)

The lamb are there, you're just not looking closely.

This only sheep ranch in Korea doubles as a natural sledge park in winter. 

The dreaminess of the view is as heady as the mountain air. 

Meat-lovers should stop by the restaurants in the ranch village for a taste of the highest grade
lamb.

14-104 Hoenggye 3 ri, Doam-myeon(Daegwallyeong-myeon), Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do

(강원 평창군 도암면 횡계 3 리 (대관령면 횡계 3 리) 14-104 번지)

More on CNNGo: 7 ways to love winter in Korea

21. Cheongdo Bull Fighting Festival (청도 소싸움 축제)

Just don't wear red.

As the biggest bull fighting festival in Korea, Cheongdo Bull Fighting Festival attracts around
half a million people every year.

In addition to the big matches of 130 fighting bulls, there are art contests, cow-play exorcisms,
rodeo experience, and even magic shows to entertain the crowd.

If the sights are a bit too violent for your taste, check out other Cheongdo attractions such as the
Nakdae Waterfall and Unmun Temple. 

Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 청도군)

22. Hyeopjae Beach, Jeju Island (제주도 협재 해수욕장)

We think this beach is one of the main reasons Jeju Island made it unto the seven new wonders list.

This white sandy beach is perfect for families with its shallow water (average depth of 1.2
meters), nearby amenities, and camping in the pine forest surrounding the beach.

Hyeopjae is also particularly known for its delicious abalones and conches, served fresh in the
seafood restaurants dotting the beach. 

2497-1 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeji-si, Jeju Speicial Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치

도 제주시 한림읍 협재리 2497-1 번지)

23. Anapji (Anap Pond) (경주 안압지)

There are lotus flowers under there somewhere.

This man-made pond was created during the Shilla Dynasty approximately 1,500 years ago.

Three buildings stand on three artificial islands while patches of lotus flowers frame the pond.

Gorgeous exterior lighting that go on after sunset create a magical night view. 

26 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 인왕동 26)

24. Seryang-Je (세량제)

All this scene is missing is a fairy.

Seryang-Je, a reservoir built in 1969 in Hwasun, is another famous spot for both professional
and amateur photographers for its ethereal mist and reflections of colorful blossoms and
leaves. 

Seryang-ri, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 화순군 화순읍 세량리)

25. Kwanghan Pavilion (광한루) 

This picture probably would work upside-down as well.

Kwanghan Pavilion is the setting of Chunhyangjeon, one of Korea's most famous folk tales.

Chunhyang, the young, beautiful daughter of a gisaeng (Korean geisha), and Mongryong, the
handsome son of the local governor, first met and fell in love in this beautifully designed
pavilion, which was designated a treasure in 1963.

77-1 Cheongeo-dong, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do (전북 남원시 천거동 77-1)

26. Seomjin River Train Village (섬진강 기차마을)

Where it's safe to walk along the tracks.

Kudos to the Gokseong district office, which has managed to create a lovely tourist attraction
out of abandoned railroads. 

A brief steam train ride (they don’t make ’em like this anymore, literally) is available for tourists,
who can also enjoy a bike hike on a trail bike or a romantic walk beside the train track. 

770-5 Oji-ri, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 곡성군 오곡면 오지리 770-5)

27. Cheongsando (청산도)

We prefer the word "leisurely."

For a small country road, Cheongsando marks a lot of "firsts" -- it is the world’s first "Slow Road"
in Asia’s first "Slow City". 

It doesn’t take long to realize why it is called "Slow Road" -- one’s pace naturally slackens to fall
in with the pace of the rest of the island.

Rape blossoms (in spring) and Mexican Asters (in fall) in full bloom are bordered by simple
stone walls.

Cheongsan-myeon, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 완도군 청산면)

28. Halla Mountain (한라산)

What Narnian skies must have looked like under the grip of the White Witch.

This fairy-tale sight of snowflakes and icicles covering tree branches on Halla Mountain were
the inspiration for the Halla Snow Festival that was held late January/early February every year.

Unfortunately, the festival was halted a few years ago because whenever they set a date it
would rain and people would get mad.

But the snow-covered trees are still there, and you are welcome to go sledding, snow rafting
and ice sliding on your own. 

Halla Mountain, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도 한라산)

29. Terraced Fields, Hamyang (함양 다락논)

Who knew there were so many shades of green?

This small village at the foot of Jiri Mountain displays a curious sight of terraced rice paddies.

In spring the water in the paddies reflects the sky, while in autumn the paddies glow with golden
grains.

Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 함양군 마천면)

30. Nuri Peace Park (임진각 평화누리공원)

Primary colors in full bloom.

This artistic park located in Paju embodies South Koreans’ yearning and longing for peace in
the Korean peninsula.

Yes, it’s a rather heavy subject, but even those who couldn’t care less about the death of Kim
Jong Il can still enjoy the beauty of this park, which is well-known for its colorful display of
pinwheels and the giant bamboo colossi.

618-13 Majeong-ri, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 문산읍 마정리 618-13)

More on CNNGo: DMZ: Road trip to the world's most heavily armed border

31. Silk Fall, Jiri Mountain (지리산 뱀사골 실비단폭포)

 This waterfall is camera-shy.

This mossy waterfall is in a now-restricted area of Jiri Mountain, which means a ₩500,000 fine
for anyone caught venturing near here.

Think of it as a really long sabbatical for nature. 

Baemsa-Valley, Jiri Mountain, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do (전북 남원시 지리산 뱀사골)

 
32. Young-san River (영산강)

One of the four major rivers (4 대강) in Korea.Among

the many beautiful river views in Korea, those from
the Young-san River rank among the top and give those from Han River some serious
competition. 

For dedicated cyclists, there is a 132 kilometer-long cycle path following the river from Damyang
to Mokpo.

Yongso-ri, Yong-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 담양군 용면 용소리)

33. Poppy Garden, Simhak Mountain, Paju (파주 심학산 꽃밭)

Running around with flowers in your hair seems like the logical thing to do here.

The poppy-dotted scenery at Simhak Mountain looks like it's straight out of a Claude Monet
painting. 

One of the few places where you can see poppies in Korea, the local town hosts a Poppy
Festival here every year around June. 

Simhak Mountain, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 심학산)

34. Royal Azalea Festival, Hwangmae Mountain (황매산 철쭉축제)

The color of royalty.

At 1,108 meters, Hwangmae Mountain is the highest peak in the Sobaek mountain range, and is
covered by royal azalea blossoms every spring. 

The festival runs from the beginning of May for two weeks, and organizers recommend coming
at dawn to capture the most intense images on camera. 

1 Mountain, Beoppyeong-ri, Chahwang-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 산

청군 차황면 법평리 산 1 번지)

35. Sin-Reuk Temple, Yeo Ju (여주 신륵사)

Had enough of breathtaking views? Go shopping at the Yeoju outlets nearby.

This old riverside temple is relatively unknown to the public and features quite a few treasures
including stone pagodas, a stone bell and a grove of zelkova trees.

The temple and its surrounding area also hosts a sweet potato festival early every January. 

282 Cheonsong-ri, Yeoju-eup, Yeoju-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 여주군 여주읍 천송리 282)

36. Daedun Mountain Suspension Bridge (대둔산 구름다리)

"Whatever you do, don't look down."

Daedun Mountain is famous for its bright autumn colors and its 81-meter-high Geumgang
Suspension Bridge.

The red bridge that connects Imgeum Rock and Ipseokdae makes mountain climbing seem
easy. 

Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do / Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (전북 완주군, 충남 금산군)

37. Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장)

Unfortunately, you'll almost never find the beach as empty as it is in this photo.

Hundreds of thousands frequent to this renowned beach every summer, but summer is not the
only season you can see some flesh at Haeundae -- the Polar Bear Festival is held every
January, when contestants leap in the cold ocean screaming and laughing.

Around 2,000 people attended this year's festival, marking the largest number of participants to
date. 

Woo 1-dong,Joong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산 해운대구 우 1 동 , 중동)

More on CNNGo: Pocket guide to Busan: 11 best eats and sights

38. Yongam Temple (옥천 용암사) 

This sight brought tears to one prince's eyes.

Originally built in 552, this temple takes its name from a nearby rock that was supposed to have
been shaped like a dragon but was destroyed along with most of the temple during the
Japanese occupation.

According to legend, the last prince of the Shilla Dynasty wept here after glimpsing a view of his
hometown. He was on his way to Geumgang Mountain after the fall of the dynasty.

On brisk fall mornings, the mountains surrounding this temple are slathered with a sea of
clouds, and the sight of the sun rising through this dense whiteness of clouds renders the viewer
speechless. 

Samcheong-ri, Okcheon-eup, Okcheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (충북 옥천군 옥천읍 삼청리)

39. Snow in Taebaek Mountain (태백산 설경)

Mountain country.

Gangwon province is famous for catastrophically heavy snows in the winter.

While driving there may be rough, the snowfall makes for the best skiing in the country. 

The High1 Resort features the highest peak (1,345 meters) and puffiest snow among ski and
snowboard resorts in Korea. 

The 18th Taebaek Snow Festival will take place January 27-February 5 this year and will
feature sledding, snow rafting, ice slides and snowball fights. For more information, click here. 

Mungok-dong, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 태백시 문곡동)

More on CNNGo: 7 best ski and snowboard resorts in Korea 

40. Yang Dong Traditional Village (양동 한옥마을)

The hottest brunch spot in Yangdong Village.

The nature and culture of this village remains the same as it was during the Chosun Dynasty.

One of the most recent additions to the UNESCO world heritage list, the village has featured
famous guests such as Prince Charles and Ban Ki-Moon. 

Yangdong-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 경주시 강동면 양동리)

41. Nami Island (남이섬)

 Fans of "Winter Sonata" will recognize
this famous road.

Despite the fact that Nami Island is a place of historical interest (the island is named after
Minister Nami, a Minister of War during the Chosun Dynasty), most visitors come to stroll down
the famous Metasequoia road or see where Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo stood or sat during
the filming for the original Hallyu drama "Winter Sonata."

Fun fact: Nami Island was not an island until the 1940s, when the Cheongpyeong dam was
built.
Bangha-ri, Namsan-myeoon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 방하리) 

42. Suncheon Bay (순천만)

The perfect respite from city life.

One of the biggest coastal marshes in the world, Suncheon Bay is home to countless plants and
marine life and features the biggest field of reeds (5.4 kilometers squared) in Korea.

The Suncheon Bay Reed Festival is held every year in October, but the bay is just as beautiful
and charming any other month of the year.

162-2 Daedae-dong, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 순천시 대대동 162-2)

43. Inje Smelts Festival (인제 빙어축제)

How to catch some rest at an ice fishing festival.

The Inje Smelts Festival takes place on Soyang lake every winter and offers families and
couples (and the occasional single visitor) some major fun on ice.

Even if fishing is not your idea of fun, you'll enjoy the eating part. 

January 28 - February 5; www.injefestival.co.kr

Soyang Lake, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 인제군 소양호)

44. Ulsan Rock, Seorak Mountain (울산바위)

Who needs carved faces when you've got legends?

This six-peaked rocky mountain has five urn-shaped holes at the top and is named "Crying
Mountain," due to legends and ancient records that claim the rocks on the mountain cry just
before a big wind is about to blow.

Another legend behind the mountain's name says that a rock was wandering around looking for
Geumgangsan but settled in Seoraksan when it couldn't find it, and became the Ulsan rock.

Seorak National Park, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (강원 속초시 설악동 설악산국립공

원)

45. Bangwhasuryujeong, Suwon Hwa Seong (화성 방화수류정)

A literal setting for poetry.

Bangwhasuryujeong is one of four polygonal pavilions in Hwa Seong. 

During the Joseon dynasty, this pavilion was used to keep a lookout and for performances of
King Jungjo’s archery skills; now people hold recitals of Korean traditional music and poetry
surrounded by the duck pond, the willow trees and the flowers. 

Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구)

46. Namdae Stream, Muju (무주 남대천 섶다리)

Headbanging, Korean style.

Traditionally, a seop bridge -- a temporary bridge fashioned out of logs, mud, and pine branches
-- was built to let the villagers cross Namdae River from early winter until the summer, when
heavy rains would wash the bridge away.

Behold the traditions of yore at the seop bridge festival, which is part of the Muju firefly festival
and will take place this year from June 8-16.

firefly.or.kr

Namdae Stream, Muju-eup, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 무주군 무주읍 남대천)

47. Donglim Reservoir, Gochang (고창 동림저수지)

Approximately four fifths of the migratory birds that can be seen every year at the reservoir are teals.

Every year, more than 200,000 spectacled teals (the color takes its name from the bird) fly
about in an orderly manner above this beautiful reservoir, which was voted "Kingdom of
migratory birds" in 2004 in a national survey. 

Built in 1935, the 3.82-square-kilometer reservoir is also famous as a fishing hole. 

Heungduk-myeon/Sungnae-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전북 고창군 흥덕면/성내면)

48. The Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) 

A new kind of horticulture lecture hall.

The Garden of Morning Calm is a beautifully designed and balanced arboretum in Gapyeong,
run by a professor of horticulture. 

The garden features more than 20 themes and 5,000 different kinds of plants, and will be
hosting a luminarie--a decorative structure studded with 6 million LED lightbulbs--until March 1. 

When there is a luminarie, the garden is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to
10 p.m. on weekends. The luminarie lights turn on at sundown. 

When there is no luminarie, the garden is open from 8:30 a.m. until sundown. 

Tickets cost ₩8,000 for weekends and holidays, ₩7,000 for weekdays from April to November
and ₩6,000 from December to March. 

255 Mountain Haenghyeon-ri, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 상

면 행현리 산 255 번지)

49. Chok-suk Pavilion (촉석루)

Where a dip in the river turned dramatic.

This beautiful, historical pavilion overlooking Nam River is most famous as the place where
Nongae, the concubine of a government official in the Chosun Dynasty, jumped into the river
with a Japanese general after the castle of Jinju fell into Japan’s hands.

Check out the view from the pavilion on the cliff, but don’t jump; they won’t be telling your story
in the same way.

573-1 Bonsung-dong, Jinju-si, Kyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 진주시 본성동 573-1)

50. Samkwang Temple (삼광사 연등축제) 

The festival of lights is not just for Buddhists.

Every year, around Buddha’s birthday, the biggest Lotus Lantern Festival in Busan is held at
Samkwang Temple.

The entire temple is strung with countless lotus lanterns and lanterns of other creative forms. 

This year, Buddha's birthday falls on May 28. 

131 Mountain, Choeup-dong, Busan Jin-gu, Busan (부산광역시 부산진구 초읍동 산 131)

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