Amidst the lively cities and vibrant civilizational stories, there lies an otherworldly side of Korea that can melt any hardened heart with its celestial natural beauty. Dotted with hills and mountain ranges that are nestled away from the usual crowd– South Korea is home to some of the most spectacular landscapes on this planet. For a relatively small nation, South Korea is bestowed with countless vivid landscapes that echoes the ethereal voice of the spirit of this grand peninsula.
Enriched with a diverse variety of flora & fauna, the choices are endless to explore the hidden natural gems of Korea that are secluded in its wild valleys. Experience a fantastic voyage through the mystics of South Korea to embrace the sweeping vistas of solitude. Here are the 12 Best Natural getaways in South Korea to enjoy a refreshing vacation.
Changwon
In the high season of spring when the slow breeze caresses the streets of Changwon, time smells with splendors of the exquisite pink cherry blossoms. Attracting over 2 million visitors, the Jinhae Gunhangjae Festival in Changwon is the biggest spring celebration in Korea and is surely one of the best vacation spots in South Korea. Starting from the end of March to the first week of April the wind here carries the tales of this wonderland.
Bright rays of beauty fade down on the fallen flowers in the Gyeonghwa Station– A currently non-operational train station with tracks lined with rows of cherry trees. Yongji Lake is another one of the best natural getaways in South Korea to experience the wealth of the spring season in Changwon blooming with elegance.
Jirisan Mountain
Named as “the mountain of the odd and wise people”, the largest mountainous national park in Korea is a flawless beauty. Being treated as one of the three legendary mountains in Korea, the Jirisan Mountain in the National park has attracted many hermits through the ages to seek truth and wisdom. Hiking along the serene streams and waterfalls of Baemsagol valley is one of the many great outdoor activities awaiting in one of the best National parks in South Korea.
The Jirisan National park is one of the best natural getaways in South Korea to enjoy a refreshing holiday. Established in 1967, the Jirisan National Park is one of the oldest official National parks in Korea. The national park has numerous sky-high peaks across many provinces, such as Cheonwangbong, Bangabong, and Nogodan rolling out like a panoramic film.
Sambuyeon Falls
Unplug from modern material goods to feel the serene solitude in one of the best natural getaways in South Korea. Sambuyeon falls is a surreal three-stage waterfall that harmonizes with the enchanting landscape of Mount Myeongseong. Legends say that a dragon ascended to heaven from this place. And being home to many folklores of antiquity, the sound of whispering fairy tales instills in the atmosphere of Sambuyeon.
Sambuyeon falls is a three-stage waterfall formed by the water cutting down the granite hills of the mountains. The water here flows down around the year without drying up, and for this obvious reason people in the locality sets up an altar under the waterfall to hold rituals for rain in the event of drought. This majestic waterfall stands tall in the list of best vacation spots in South Korea.
Upo Wetlands
Upo wetland is one of the easy to explore best natural getaways in South Korea. Engulfed by rich biodiversity, the Upo wetland is the largest natural wetland in South Korea. Upo is designated on the Ramsar wetland list as a heritage site and is spread across four marshy expanses. The wetland possesses a story of 140 million years of geological changes in the peninsula, Sejin-ri near Upo where tourists can get a glimpse of the Dinosaur’s footprints is another testament to this grand story.
Upo is a birdwatcher’s paradise, and even the sparrows here argue about the gorgeous landscape that it flaunts. The diverse landscape of the wetland illuminates with different colors through different seasons which makes it an ideal destination for migratory birds from all around the planet. Enjoy a misty morning wildlife tour in the Upo wetland to allow yourself time and space for a healing experience.
Marado Island
Surrounded by blue seas, the magnificent Marado island is located just a few kilometers off the south coast of Jeju island. Out of all the best natural getaways in South Korea, Marado Island with its long shores and cool breeze is the most suited for taking long peaceful walks. In fact, one can easily walk around the whole Island in just 90mins. The island is filled with visual treats for the tourists to experience, such as the Cheonyeodang temple in the backdrop of unusual rock formations.
In 1884 a small family moved into this isolated island in search of new wealth from the wide seas, thus becoming the first-ever inhabitant of this secluded natural paradise. Marado island is protected as a national reserve to safeguard the island’s rich marine diversity. If you are in search of the best vacation spots in South Korea then the coastal cliffs of the island are always welcome for the new age of explorers.
Samhwasa Temple
Samhwasa temple is where the followers of Korean Buddhist followers gather to explore the selfless spiritual world away from everyday annoyances. Isolated from the hectic outside world, all that breaks the silence in the Samhwasa temple is the voice of serenity retreating through the souls of lively lush green surroundings. The literal meaning of the word Samhwasa is “Harmony of the three”, illustrious of the cultural and historical significance of Korean civilization.
Established in 642 at the top of Mt. Dutasan, Samhwasa is a Buddhist temple of the Jogye Order in Korean Buddhism. Noted as one of the best natural getaways in South Korea the temple comes lively during the annual festival of the Suryukjae ceremony. Apart from the highly spiritual ambiance the temple also accommodates an Iron seated Rocana Buddha that contains an Idu script behind its back.
Hwadam Botanic Garden
When the autumn sky comes down, the natural canvas of South Korea gets painted with the colors red and yellow, transforming itself into a fine piece of art. And in Hwadam Botanic Garden nature sheds its utterly charming skin for the visitors to experience one of the best natural getaways in South Korea. “Hwadam” as the name implies is literally “having a friendly conversation” with nature.
With 15 themed gardens and 4,000 species of plants, the walking trails in Hwadam is worth more than anything. Hwadam Botanic Garden is an arboretum that is home to the largest number of hydrangeas, cherry trees, water lilies, and azaleas in the world. Visitors can make use of the wonderful monorails from different parts of the garden to enjoy a wide perspective.
Suncheonman Bay
For a relatively small nation, South Korea never fails to impress the pioneers of nature lovers with the multitudes of stellar destinations it beholds. The one such shining pearl among the best natural getaways in South Korea is the first coastal wetland of the nation. Designated as a highly conserved national park, the Suncheonman bay area is abundant with magnificent natural life and biodiversity. Especially during the migration period in autumn when a large number of rare birds flock to the bay in search of food.
Suncheonman Bay is thickly covered with tall reeds that rise above the horizon swaying in the cold sea wind. This is also a place where the steep hiking trails are open to be explored in what may become an unforgettable experience with the treat of an amazing panoramic view of the bay.
Cheongsando Island
The hinterlands of Cheongsando Island where the ephemeral spring season covers the beautiful rapeseed flower fields with a yellow caveated blanket. Cheongsando is Asia’s first “slow city” and is home to the annual “Slow walking festival” in the month of April. This gorgeous-looking island which is part of the Dadohaehaesang National Park is also a famous filming site in Korea. The island has several adventurous hiking trails that lead to wonderful viewpoints.
When the month of October arrives in the blue mountains of this majestic island, an oasis of unique traditional culture arises in the flat & terraced rice fields of Cheongsando, where the old stone walls still stand tall since the time of antiquity. The scenic walks through the long shores of Sinheung beach should not be missed in the long list of best natural getaways in South Korea.
Palgongsan Provincial Park
South Korea has no lack of national parks, and among the numerous designated national parks, Palgongsan is an attractive destination for the flocks of nature loving birds. Located close to the majestic Palgongsan mountain, the national park is ruled by cloud forests and rugged hills carpeted with azaleas during the spring season. At the top of the Palgongsan mountain sits the 13ft tall Gatbawi or Stone Seated Medicine Buddha and many other precious sights to explore.
As the fresh mountain air flows down comfortably along the pleasant valleys of Palgongsan, the giant peaks of Birobong, Dongbong, and Seobong gaze down upon the scenic countryside terrain of the elevated Taebaek mountain range. Palgongsan national park is one of the best natural getaways in South Korea to experience the morning mist rising over the lush green mountains.
Pink Muhly Field’s
When the seasons change swifter than the monsoon clouds, Korean nature sheds the costumes of alluring charm. And when the dawn of October arrives, the grasslands of South Korea waves with fluffy clouds of pink grass. Tufts of pink grass called muhly paints the romantic hue of pink throughout South Korea in the months of October and November. This event is one of the best natural getaways in South Korea to drench down the river of picturesque frames to memorize forever.
The pink muhly clouds graze the meadows of South Korea throughout the nation. But in some places, the spectrum of pink deviates to more flamboyant shades. And such places can be found in every main city such as the Haneul park in Seoul, Eulsukdo island on the western end of Busan, and the ancient Cheomseongdae astronomical observatory in Gyeongju.
Homigot
If South Korea is the land of the rising sun, then Homigot is its holy temple. Because Homigot is the easternmost end of the country and the first place in all of Korea where the eyes meet the Sun. Homigot is arguably one of the best vacation spots in South Korea to enjoy a peaceful vacation by the side of the vast East sea, but for those Looking for an unforgettable experience, the annual Sunrise Festival held at the first light of the new year is a day worthy of celebration.
Most of the best natural getaways in South Korea is an intricate marriage between ancient culture and undeniable modernization and Homigot is no exception. There are many iconic attractions to explore in Hormigot such as the “Hand of Harmony”, a sculpture featuring two hands—one on land, one in the ocean—reaching upward in a symbol of harmony. Homigot Lighthouse, the tallest in South Korea, is another major tourist destination.
