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Beyond Seoul: 7 Best Nature Destinations in Korea

· 2 min read
Kai Miller
Kai Miller
Cultural Explorer & Photographer

South Korea is technically a peninsula, but in reality, it is a spine of mountains rising from the sea. 70% of the country is mountainous. If you only visit Seoul, you are missing the lungs of the country.

Here are the 7 best destinations to trade neon lights for starlight.

Beyond Seoul: 7 Best Nature Destinations in Korea

1. Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve (The Golden Sea)​

Located in the south, this is one of the world's few coastal wetlands listed by UNESCO.

  • The Vibe: Endless fields of tall reeds swaying in the wind.
  • Best Time: Autumn (October-November) when the reeds turn golden.
  • Wildlife: It’s a sanctuary for the rare Hooded Crane.

2. Damyang Juknokwon (The Bamboo Ocean)​

A massive 310,000sqm bamboo forest.

  • Therapy: The sound of wind rustling through the bamboo leaves (called "Juklimyok") is said to lower stress.
  • Eat: Tteok-galbi (Grilled short rib patties) and Bamboo Rice (steamed inside a bamboo stalk).

3. Boseong Green Tea Fields (The Emerald Waves)​

You’ve seen this on Instagram. Daehan Dawon is the most famous plantation.

  • The View: Perfect terraced rows of green tea bushes rolling over the hills like waves.
  • Treat: Do not leave without eating Green Tea Ice Cream at the plantation cafe.

4. Seoraksan National Park (The Granite Peaks)​

The crown jewel of Korean mountains.

  • Uniqueness: Unlike the rolling hills of the south, Seoraksan is sharp, jagged white granite.
  • Autumn: It is the first place in Korea to see autumn foliage.

5. Geoje & Tongyeong (The Archipelago)​

Known as the "Naples of Korea." The ocean here is dotted with hundreds of tiny islands.

  • Tongyeong: Take the cable car to Mt. Mireuksan for the best archipelago view.
  • Geoje: Visit "Windy Hill", a grassy cliff with a windmill overlooking the sea.

6. Jeju Island (The Volcanic Wonder)​

The obvious choice, but essential.

  • Hallasan: The shield volcano at the center of the island.
  • Seongsan Ilchulbong: A tuff cone crater rising straight from the ocean.

7. Pohang Homigot (The Hand of Harmony)​

Located on the easternmost tail of the korean peninsula.

  • The Landmark: A giant bronze hand rising from the sea.
  • Symbolism: It represents coexistence. It is famous for sunrise photos where the sun sits in the palm of the hand.

Korea is small, but its landscape is mighty.