Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Paroho Lake (Yanggu) (파로호(양구))

Paroho Lake (Yanggu) (파로호(양구))

2021-11-30

545, Ha-ri, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-480-2531

Paroho Lake is a manmade lake that was completed in 1943. The lake was created due to the construction of a hydraulic power plant in Hwacheon during Japanese colonial period. The name was given after President Syngman Rhee designated a plaque in his own handwriting naming the body of water ‘Paroho Lake’ during the Korean War after a victorious feat in a battle against the Chinese army. The power plant has a generation capacity of 105,000 kilowatts, and the lake is one of the top fishing grounds in Korea as it is abundant in freshwater fish.

The area boasts several splendid views and a former president built his country home on the lake. Relics from the Stone Age and New Stone Age were found to be well preserved in the area. Twenty-one dolmens were found on the lake grounds, as well as 4,000 pieces of Prehistoric relics used during Paleolithic age, drawing interest from the academic field. Recently, habitats of mandarin ducks, a national natural monument, were found near the Paroho lakeside.

Gunnam Flood Control Theme Park (군남홍수조절지 두루미테마파크)

Gunnam Flood Control Theme Park (군남홍수조절지 두루미테마파크)

2023-09-20

Gunnam-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do

The Gunnam Flood Control Site is situated near the border between North and South Korea just six kilometers away from the demarcation line. More than 97% of the land around the Gunnam flood control dam is part of North Korea. The site is effective in controlling the flooding of the Imjingang River and improving irregular water flow. This area is a key wintering site for various migratory birds such as white-naped cranes, and hooded cranes, with up to 200 birds spending every winter in the area. Given the unique characteristics created by the geographical condition of the area near the border between South and North Korea and the natural environment of the Imjingang River, the site is a great natural ecological habitat for various wildlife.

The Gunnam Flood Control Theme Park features “The Story of Peace and Love told by Cranes” as its theme. Various story-telling facilities are installed, such as the drum of peace, a wishing tree, and crane structures. There are also outstanding facilities to minimize impact on the environment, such as an alternative habitat for cranes, fishway ecology, and ecological wetlands. The facility makes it a great place to learn about and experience ecology.

Supullo Unsimni (수풀로 운심리)

Supullo Unsimni (수풀로 운심리)

2021-05-15

91, Gangnam-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-774-3603

Opened in 2004, Supullo Unsimni is situated on the Namhangang Riverside. The site used to be a sandpit before it was turned into a wetland. Effluent from wastewater treatment plants, which in the past was released directly into the Hangang River, now passes through several ponds with various aquatic plants and a one kilometer-long waterway so that it can be naturally purified. This has contributed to an improvement in the water quality of the Hangang River. The center was built to restore the Namhangang Riverside area, which was destroyed due to sand extraction, and to restore its natural ecology of willow trees, reeds, and birds. The center organizes a number of ecological excursion programs for children.

Geomdansan Mountain (검단산)

Geomdansan Mountain (검단산)

2021-08-17

Cheonhyeong-dong, Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-790-6341

Geomdansan Mountain (alt. 657 m) is one of the major mountains in Hanam. During the Baekje period, it was a sacred mountain where the kings would offer ceremonial services to the gods. From the summit, one can get a great view of Yangsuri, where the Namhangang River and Bukhangang River meet, as well as Hanam, Seoul, Yangpyeong, and Paldangho Lake area.

Due to its proximity to the Seoul Metropolitan Area, it is a popular day trip course. Getting there is easy and the hiking trails, which are not too difficult, are well maintained. From the summit, one can get a great view of Bukhansan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain in the distance. Hikers can also see Paldang Dam to the east, Yongmasan Mountain to the south, and the Jungbu Expressway to the west.

Yongmunsan Recreational Forest (용문산자연휴양림)

Yongmunsan Recreational Forest (용문산자연휴양림)

2021-06-01

78-14, Yaksusa-gil, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-775-4005

Yongmunsan Recreational Forest offers log cabins, camping sites, a multipurpose playground, walking paths, and hiking trails. The forest offers a great view of downtown Yangpyeong and blends well with the surrounding landscape. The hiking trail leading to Baegunbong Peak (940 meters) is recognized as one of the best trails in the area.

There are several hiking trails, all of which are relatively easy to walk on, and continuous work is underway to improve the trails. The forest is a popular destination in Yangpyeong and a treasure house of nature's beauty where visitors can observe diverse plants all year round.

Unaksan National Recreational Forest (국립 운악산자연휴양림)

Unaksan National Recreational Forest (국립 운악산자연휴양림)

2020-11-27

39, Hwadong-ro 184beon-gil, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-534-6330

Unaksan Mountain rises 934.7 meters above sea level. Oddly shaped rocks and peaks make the landscape particularly beautiful. Historical relics from the Later Goguryeo period, including the site of a fortress for Gung Ye (the first king of the short-lived Later Goguryeo state) can be seen on the mountain. Majestic peaks surround Mangyeongdae, the main peak, and forests of broad-leaved trees turn striking colors in the fall.

The trails are beautiful with purple magnolias in mid-April and azaleas and mountain magnolias in May. The Unaksan Mountain Autumn Leaves Festival is held in mid-October every year as the leaves begin to turn. Together with Gwanaksan, Chiaksan, Hwaaksan, and Songaksan Mountains, Unaksan Mountain is one of the five most rugged mountains in the Central region and a popular one.

Bucheon Botanical Garden (부천식물원)

Bucheon Botanical Garden (부천식물원)

2021-04-08

660, Gilju-ro, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-32-625-4877

Bucheon Botanical Garden houses many rare plants, spread across two above-ground floors and two underground floors in a 27,124 ㎡ building. The building was designed in the shape of a peach flower, the symbol of Bucheon, and has one central garden and five themed gardens: general plant garden, aquatic plant garden, tropical plant garden, succulent plant garden, and indigenous plant garden.

In the central garden, 9,975 trees representing some 310 species are planted. With a forest nearby, the botanical garden offers a great nature learning experience for visitors. Together with the Natural Ecology Museum and Children Zoo nearby, it is also a great cultural and recreational destination.

Chuncheon Mulgil-ro (춘천물레길)

2022-12-22

113-1, Sports town-gil, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-242-8463

The Mullegil Trail is designed to guide tourists to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the waterway in Chuncheon, a lake city. The Mullegil Trail also offers tourists an opportunity to travel around Chuncheon’s lake and river by canoe. With basic instructions, people of all ages can go canoeing easily. Many companies provide diverse canoeing courses, and their common course starts from the Chuncheon Songam Sports Town, continues to canoe toward the Uiamho Lake Skywalk, and returns. Tourists can enjoy canoeing along the Chuncheon Mullegil Trail and use the King Canoe Quay, which is equipped with a facility for the vulnerable people on tourism. Selected as an open tourist attraction, the King Canoe Quay provides canoeing programs for people in wheelchairs and the visually impaired.

Yongsopokpo Falls (용소폭포)

2020-02-05

132, Jomurakgol-gil, Buk-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-582-8830

Three kilometers up Domachigyegok Valley from Sampalgyo Bridge, Yongsopokpo Falls flows peacefully into Yongso Pond. The water originates from Domacheon Stream, which passes through rugged mountains like Seongnyongsan, Domachiryeong Pass, Silloryeong Pass, and Gungmangbong Peak 1,000 meters above sea level. The waterfall is in striking harmony with the surrounding landscape. Yongsopokpo Falls pools into a clear, blue pond, which is surrounded by rocks. In the fall, the pond receives some added beauty in the form of the surrounding autumn foliage, so it is a popular photo spot for hikers.

Seolmaejae Recreational Forest (설매재자연휴양림)

2020-12-03

510, Yongcheon-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-774-6959

Seolmaejae Recreational Forest is located around Seolmaejae Pass, named for the apricot blossoms ('mae') that would bloom in the snow ('seol')-filled pass ('jae'). The forest is only an hour's drive out of Seoul, making it easily accessible for people looking to escape the city. The forest offers sections of pine trees, maple trees, royal azalea, and more beautiful flora, all visible along the various hiking paths. The park also connects with Yumyeongsan and Yongmunsan Mountains, and is close to Yongcheongyegok and Yumyeongsan Valleys.