Identified for the flicker and flash of Okay-pop, the trendy aptitude of Okay-drama and the flawless veneer of Okay-beauty – all with megacity Seoul looming massive – South Korea may not strike the unsuspecting customer as all that “nature-y” of a vacation spot.
However this small nation of 100,000 sq km (concerning the measurement of the US state of Indiana) is made up of a shocking variety of nationwide parks, 22 to be precise. That’s 6.7% of South Korea’s whole land mass. By comparability, the USA’s 63 nationwide parks comprise 3.6% of its land.
South Korea’s first nationwide park, a mountainous territory, got here underneath formal safety in 1967. Within the years since, 17 different rocky areas have risen to the identical standing. However the nation’s nationwide park system isn’t restricted to strictly hilly terrain: it additionally contains three marine and coastal nationwide parks and one historic nationwide park, all designated as such to protect the pure surroundings and historic tradition of South Korea.
Whether or not you’re searching for a day journey of straightforward strolling, or a multi-day tour by way of a number of the peninsula’s most difficult mountain passes or perhaps a boat journey on the ocean, you’ll discover it inside South Korea’s nationwide park system. You’ll should pay a nominal entrance charge (most cost round ₩2000 to ₩4000 for maintenance, about US$1.60 to US$3.20, although some are free), and don’t overlook to pack up your trash to take out with you (public rubbish bins aren’t a fixture).
Jirisan
Greatest nationwide park for mountain climbing fans
Because the nation’s oldest and largest nationwide park (terrestrially at the very least), Jirisan holds a particular place in lots of Koreans’ hearts. At 472 sq km (182 sq miles), Jirisan is so expansive that it occupies three of the nation’s 9 provinces: Gyeongsangnamdo, Jeollanamdo and Jeollabukdo. The peaks are certain to exhilarate thrill-seekers – Jirisan incorporates the tallest mainland mountain, Cheonwangbong – whereas the valleys will soothe and calm these much less vertically inclined. Choices for trekking abound, with 18 completely different trails to select from. Most memorable is the Jongju Course, a three-day, two night time hike that traverses 13 peaks and 25.5 km (15.8 miles) and is outfitted alongside the best way with in a single day shelters which can be bookable prematurely.
Jirisan is well-known for its variety of wildlife and vegetation. Preserve an eye fixed out for elk among the many cherry, millennium pine and Korean winter hazel timber. In the event you’re fortunate, you may additionally spot an endangered Asiatic black bear.
Bukhansan
Greatest nationwide park for vacationers staying in Seoul
A brief bus journey from Gupabal subway station (Line 3), Bukhansan is the capital metropolis’s nearest nationwide park, incomes it the moniker “the lungs of Seoul.” It’s additionally South Korea’s hottest nationwide park, with greater than 5 million guests yearly. For Seoulites, Bukhansan presents an opportunity to flee their grueling nine-to-five lives as firm staff and, for a short while, be creatures within the wild, capering alongside the park’s streams, gorges and peaks (the best being Baegundae), as one of many greater than 1300 completely different species that decision this web site dwelling.
However a lot public curiosity in Bukhansan has taken its toll on its ecosystem, so vacationers would possibly think about combining their go to with a cleanup day or park upkeep expertise. Pay shut consideration to any entry restrictions underway. Different noteworthy points of interest at Bukhansan embody its namesake fortress Bukhansanseong, together with previous Buddhist temples and monastic cells.
Dadohaehaesang
Greatest nationwide park for island hoppers
One among South Korea’s three marine and coastal nationwide parks, Dadohaehaesang can be its largest park general, overlaying almost 2000 sq km (772 sq miles) of water and 335 sq km (129 sq miles) of land. Amongst Dadohaehaesang’s seven coastal areas within the Yellow Sea are Heuksando, a smattering of 100 comparatively unvisited – and some completely uninhabited – islands; Jindo, the isle of the quintessential Korean canine breed; and Cheongsando, the legendary land of Taoist fortunes and everlasting energies. Get from island to island aboard passenger ships, which run 12 months spherical.
Along with spectacular rock formations, Dadohaehaesang additionally options lush evergreen forests and uncommon finless porpoises, making for a mystical, virtually legendary environment.
Seoraksan
Greatest nationwide park for households and kids
Cherished by mountain climbing consultants and novices alike, Seoraksan Nationwide Park has a path for everybody in your visiting strolling group – and even a cable automotive if that’s extra your pace. Set within the northeasternmost stretches of the nation, Seoraksan is a first-rate spot to see the solar rise over the Land of Morning Calm and to catch the colours altering in fall.
Specific factors of curiosity embody Biryong, Daeseung and Yongso waterfalls (all mushy, slight climbs with barely any incline); the six-peaked rock formation Ulsan Bawi (way more extreme and strenuous) and Daecheongbong (the best summit at Seoraksan).
Hallasan
Greatest nationwide park for winter guests
For vacationers coming to see Korea in all its winter splendor, no place is extra magical than Hallasan, the defend volcano on the heart of Jeju Island. Because the tallest mountain in all of South Korea, Hallasan cuts an imposing determine throughout the sky, particularly hanging within the snowy season when the slopes glitter to crystalline impact and the endangered Korean fir timber are blanketed in white. Hallasan Nationwide Park isn’t confined to only the mountain itself. Surrounding the primary peak are a whole bunch of parasitic cones, the legacy of millennia of eruptions that lasted into the eleventh century.
On the high of Hallasan is the crater lake Baengnokdam. It’s often reached by Seongpanak, accessible in three-hour increments by reservation on the Hallasan Nationwide Park web site.
Gyeongju
Greatest nationwide park for historical past buffs
The nation’s solely historic nationwide park is Gyeongju Nationwide Park, spanning eight separate districts in southeastern South Korea. Ornamented with relics relationship again to the Shilla dynasty (57 BCE to 935 CE) when the town was the traditional capital of Korea, Gyeongju’s panorama is an schooling unto itself. Encircling the downtown in clusters, the park options all kinds of regional hallmarks, starting from the ecological (greater than two dozen endangered species) to the religious (Buddhist pagodas, statues and temples, together with the famed cave temple Seokguram).
For an outside museum journey, observe considered one of Namsan, Tohamsan or Danseoksan districts’ eight historical past and tradition trails. These with a penchant for non secular research would possibly check out Samneung, Bonghwagol or Sinseonsa, all recognized for his or her rock-carved Buddhas, sitting meditatively and overlooking the expanse. Sinseonsa additionally covers the location the place historic Hwarang warriors, the elite fighters of the Silla Kingdom, underwent their coaching. Most of those are mild walks that take wherever from 90 minutes to 4 hours, however some are visitable by reservation solely to guard the surroundings.
