Pocheon Art Valley
This area near the city of Pocheon was once a working quarry was closed to the public. However, in what was Pocheon's first environmental restoration project, the quarry was transformed into a beautiful park. The turquoise lake lies in sharp contrast to the rock cliff’s sheer faces and is visited by thousands of tourists a year. There is an outdoor stage located next to the water where the art center sometimes holds performances, with numerous events held per year, as well as daily art workshops.
Boseong Tea Fields
The beautiful and rolling green hills of Boseong Tea Fields are the only fields of their kind open in Korea and are just begging for a photo. There are many walking trails and viewing points where you can take in the beauty of the verdant gardens and watch the skilled workers selecting the best tea leaves. Tea is an integral part of Korean culture and you can experience a traditional Korean tea ceremony while you are here. It is a great way to dive into learning about Korean culture and get a chance to sample some fresh tea too. Before you leave, don’t forget to check out the beautiful bamboo forest on the outskirts of the fields.
Hallasan National Park
Hallasan National Park is home to South Korea’s tallest mountain: Hallasan Mountain. Traditionally, Hallasan Mountain was called Mount Yeongjusan, meaning ‘the mountain high enough to pull the galaxy’. The park is situated in South Korea’s Jeju Island. There are trails suited to every fitness level snaking around the area. Even the hike to the summit of Mount Hallasan is pretty relaxing and suited to intermediate level hikers. This mountain was once an active volcano; at the summit, you can find evidence of this in the form of a stunning crater lake.
DMZ
The demilitarized zone between North and South Korea is one of the tensest borders in recent times. For some visiting the area, the DMZ zone is the only glimpse of the mysterious and brutal country, North Korea, that they will ever get. There are various viewing platforms from the South Korean side that look northward toward North Korea. The strip that borders each country was decided at the end of the Korean Wars as part of the Korean Armistice Agreement. The area is often used as a place of self-reflection: to reflect upon the state of our political systems and the freedoms we enjoy today. Guided tours are available at the DMZ, which explain in detail the political and social atmospheres of each distinct country.
Jindo Sea Parting
South Korea has its own modern version of the famous biblical story of Moses. Every year, visitors from around the world flock to Jindo to witness this natural phenomenon of the ‘sea parting’. However, it is not as magical as it might first appear; the natural bridge is the result of a yearly accumulation of pebbles and sand which have collected due to the tide. In total, the sea parting is 2.8 kilometers long, and at low tide, 40-60 meters wide. A number of exciting exhibitions and programs take place for the duration of the festival; including parades and cultural events.
Ganghwado Island
Located in the West Sea, Ganghwado Island is brimming with history. It has been occupied since prehistoric times and even enjoyed a period when it was the capital of Korea in the 13th century. In the 19th century, the island was used strategically to defend against the French and Japanese. Aside from historical sites, Ganghwado Island offers impressive scenery, with several trails leading around the island; including Manisan Mountain with its expansive sea views. Only a short 90 minutes from Seoul, the island is close to the North Korean border and connected to the mainland via a bridge, so it is very accessible.
Seoraksan National Park
Seoraksan National Park is an unspoiled landscape of sharp, rocky outcrops and windswept pine trees. There are crystal clear streams and rivers that run through the park’s valley, providing hydration for the 2000 plus animals that live within its boundaries. The area is extremely popular for hiking, with well-marked trails varying in difficulty. Near the entrance of the park, visitors are greeted by a massive Buddha statue, situated at Sinheungsa Temple. At times, hikers can hear monks chanting in the distance as they explore. There are plenty of food and drink options within the park boundaries, but they tend to more expensive than dining facilities outside of the park.