Byeonsanbando National Park (변산반도국립공원)

Byeonsanbando National Park is a 35km stretch encompassing five townships along the coast. Designated as a national park in 1988, it is the only national park in the country that has both a seashore and mountainside. The park is divided into two large sections: the shore area, called Oebyeonsan (Outer Mt. Byeonsan), and an inland area called Naebyeonsan (Inner Mt. Byeonsan). Chaeseokgang Cliffs and Byeonsan Beach are the main tourist attractions of Oebyeonsan. Located to the west of the Byeonsan Peninsula, Chaeseokgang Cliffs includes the rock wall and the sea. The sedimentary rocks formed by the waves over a long time look like piles of hundreds of thousands of books. With its fine sand, Byeonsan Beach is one of the top three beaches on the west coast. The pine forest along the beach attracts the most visitors. There are also many attractions at Naebyeonsan such as Jiksopokpo Waterfall and Gaeamsa Temple. Mt. Naebyeonsan (459m) is especially known for its waterfalls, valleys, and lush woodlands. 

In Byeonsanbando National Park, there are three famous highlights, collectively referred to as "Sambyeon." The first is Byeonjae, the long and straight pine trees. The second is Byeonran, the wild orchids. The third is Byeoncheong, the natural honey produced from the slopes of Mt. Byeonsan. It is very fragrant and sometimes used for medicinal purposes. 

Perhaps the most notable feature of Byeonsanbando National Park is that you can enjoy the sea and the mountains both at the same time. The islands and sunset from the peak of the mountain make for a perfect backdrop. Many people come to see the sunset at Byeonsan Peninsula every year.

Deogyusan National Park (덕유산국립공원(본소,적상분소))

Deogyusan National Park covers Geochang-gun of Gyeongsangnam-do and Muju-gun of Jeollabuk-do. Starting from Mt. Deogyusan's main peak, Hyangjeokbong, the ridges are about 1300m above sea level, and as it stretches southwestward for about 18km, it branches out in many directions to create a long series of mountains. For every branch of the mountain ridgeline, there are matching valleys at Mt. Deogyusan. 

Among these valleys, Mujugucheondong Valley, stretching 25km from the Deogyu peak to Seolcheon River on the north, is the most famous. There are 33 wonderful scenes in the valley that are praised for their beauty, called Gucheondong 33 Kyeong. Susimdae is a valley 400m deep. Because water as clear as jade flows through here, it is also referred to as Suhwa. 

Deogyusan also has three valleys that are grouped together: the Chilyeon, Jeoksang, and Munan. Among them the Chilyeon Valley is the most beautiful. It is famous for its Chilyeon Waterfall, where clear water passes by thick pine forest and winds through a series of rock formations. This water current has created seven ponds, and the way they are all lined up makes up for a very interesting view. Clear water circulates into each of these ponds, and then flows into another pond to create a series of seven segmented waterfalls. The Chilyeon Waterfall complements the surrounding old pine trees and maple trees. In the summer, many vacationers, and in the fall, people looking for autumn colored leaves visit this area. 

Mt. Deogyusan has many beautiful valleys, waterfalls, pine forests, and intresting rock formations. Mujugucheon-dong local officials, in conjunction with the National Park Administration Office, provide visitors with many convenient facilities in order to make for a pleasurable stay.

Dadohaehaesang National Park (다도해해상국립공원)

Dadohaehaesang National Park covers Sinan-gun, Jindo-gun, and Goheung-gun of Yeosu-si and Wando-gun in Jeollanam-do. It became the 14th National Park on December 23, 1981. And with a total area of 2,344.91 sq. km, it is the largest national park in Korea. From the seashore of Yeosu to Heuksando Island and Hongdo Island out west, the Park covers many small and large islands and various shapes of rocks. In the park, the blue sky and the ocean blend well with white sandy beaches, and thick pine forests add to the lovely atmosphere. 

Hongdo Island is a favorite among visitors. Heuksando Island is famous for its camellias and pung reeds, and Geomundo Island is known for its incredible rock formations. Including Wando Island, Bogildo Island, Bigeumdo Island, and Baekdo Island, Dadohaehaesang National Park consisted of 1,596 islands that creates breathtaking views.

Naejangsan National Park (내장산국립공원)

Naejangsan is a famous mountain in the Jeolla-do province, and the best mountain in Korea for viewing autumn’s crimson leaves. The park is 76,032 sq. km. in size and became a National Park along with Baekyangsa District on Nov. 17th, 1971. The name Naejang means 'many secrets' in the mountain. Because of the bright crimson leaves that blanket Naejangsan Mountain’s fall scenery, the mountain is also referred to as "Geumgangsan of Honam." 

Inside the park, there are famous waterfalls, such as Dodeok Falls and Geumseon Falls, and temples such as Baekyangsa and Naejangsa temples. If you follow the valley left of the ticket booth, you can see the waters of Dodeok Falls, cascading down the cliff. If you go further along the valley you can see the waters Geumseon Falls where even the gods have supposedly bathed. Baekyangsa Temple is both majestic and serene, surrounded by Gulgeori trees that retain their lush green leaves even in winter, and also the Bija trees. Along with Baekyangsa Temple, the Naejangsa Temple is the place to visit during the fall for its lovely autumn leaves. Besides these, there are about 760 kinds of local plants, designated Natural Monuments, and various wild animals living inside Mt. Naejangsan Park. 

The Park is beautiful not only in the fall, but also in the spring when the azaleas and cherry blossoms bloom, in the summer when the green mountain turns greener, and the winter when the rock cliffs cover themselves with snow. All throughout the year, different kinds of wild flowers bloom here.

Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원)

Mt. Bukhansan is situated in the northern part of Seoul. Designated as a national park in 1983, the mountain is 78.45km wide and has 6 districts and extends out into Gyeonggi-do Province. The name Bukhansan means "big mountain in the north," and it is also called Mt. Samgaksan. Mt. Bukhansan has such smooth curves that the large granite rocks sometimes look as if they would slide down the mountain. The sharp peaks provide contrast to the dozens of valleys and rivers flowing below. The mountain has many different kinds of peaks but its main peak is Baegunbong. The granite peaks blend well with trees, and there are about 1,300 kinds of animals and plants living on the mountain. Among the granite peaks, the best known is Insubong Peak's Giam rocks. The world famous granite rock peak Insubong is over 200m above sea level, and there are about 100 mountain paths leading to the rock. When you stand on Baegundae and look down, sometimes you can see as far as Seoul City and the Hangang River. 

Bukhansan has a rich history as well. Silla's King Jinheung Sunsubi Monument on Bibong Peak, the Bukhansanseong Fortress built along the mountain's ridges, Sangunsa Temple built by the monk Won-Hyo, and numerous other temples occupy the mountain areas. Especially, Bukhansanseong Fortress is a must-see tour site if you are visiting the mountain. The fortress was built with a wall spanning about 8,500m, built specifically to stop foreign invasion. It is one of the representative mountain fortresses of the Joseon Era. In the fall, the view you can get from the fortress of the mountain is spectacular. Temples are also representative of rich culture that flourished on Bukhansan. The Seungasa Temple on the east Bibong Peak, withMaaeseokgayeoraejwasang (seated rock-carved Buddhas) carved into a 5m granite rock, and the Munsusa Temple located halfway up the Musubong Peak, with purified mountain water dropping from the ceiling of Munsugol Cave, are indicative of both Bukhansan's history and culture. 

With its granite peaks and Bukhansanseong Fortress, Bukhansan is perfect for hiking in all seasons. In the spring, all kinds of flowers bloom, and in the summer, lush forests carpet the numerous valleys. The hiking path along the valley is perhaps the best summer mountain climbing course. And the fall is the perfect time to visit the temples and pavilions in their autumn colors. In the winter, the snow-covered mountain scenery is very beautiful. The park averages 5 million visitors and has received the Honor of being in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the national park with the highest number of visitors per square foot.

Hallyeohaesang National Park (한려해상국립공원-거제)

Halleyo Maritime National Park was designated as a National Park in 1968. It is composed of parts of the southern coast and Namhaedo Island and Geojedo Island of the southern coast. Hallyeo Maritime National Park is famous for Odongdo island, which is covered with camellias and subtropical plants, and boasts beautiful sunrises and sunsets over Haegeumgang of Geojedo, Bijindo Island – famous for its native plant, Palsonyi Tree. Hansan Island is especially important because this is the grounds where General Lee Sun-Shin won the Imjinwaeran (War by Japan’s invasion of Korea in 1592). 

Hallyeo Maritime National Park is well known for the beautiful sea, islands and pristine seashores. Since there are many sites to visit, many visitors come in summer on vacation, and others return in spring or autumn on excursion trips. Among these sites, Geoje Haegeumgang river and Oedo Island Marine Tourism Farm, also known as the Paradise of Korea, are highly popular tourist courses.

Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원)

Mudeungsan Nationtl Park (무등산국립공원) is a mountain at the edge of Hwasun-gun, Damyang-gun and Gwangju. Mt. Mudeungsan (1,186m) features three rock peaks called Cheonwangbong, Jiwangbong, and Inwangbong, also known as the “Jeongsang Three."

Mudeungsan’s gradual slope makes it an easy climb for all. Locals once worshiped Cheonwangbong Peak as it was considered a mountain of God. Among the more majestic of these sites are the Seoseokdae, Gyubong, and Ipseokdae peaks. At the base of the mountain are several famous temples including Yaksaam, Jeungsimsa, and Wonhyosa. Mt. Mudeungsan is also known for its beauty throughout the year. The fall autumn leaves of Gyubongam and Eoksae grass of Baekma ridge is quite spectacular. In the winter, snow and ice on the mountains create exquisite scenery as well. 

Below the mountain, there is a variety of recreational facilities and tourists sites for visitors. This includes the Gwangju National Museum, a traditional Korean style building with exhibition space and artifacts on display. These items total 2,000 artifacts and include treasures excavated from the sea of Sinan, items from Honam province (made during the Seonsa, Baekje, and Silla periods), and paintings from the Joseon Period. 

Deogyusan National Park (Namdeogyu) (덕유산국립공원-남덕유분소)

Designated as National Park in 1975, Deogyusan National Park (덕유산국립공원, 1,614m) covers four counties. The ridgeline from the Hyangjeokbong peak of Mt. Bukdeogyusan to Mt. Namdeogyusan is 17.5km, and the altitude is 1,200m high. There are five peaks over 1,330m above sea level and eight large valleys. Mt. Deogyusan is one of Korea's tourist highlights and boasts temples, relics as well as a ski resort. Of the many wonderful sites, Mujuguchon-dong, the 25km valley range from Najetong gate to Baekryeonsa Temple, is especially noted as one of the 10 best tourist areas of Korea. Every valley has scenic spots and Gucheon-dong is particularly famous. Baekryeonsa Temple is located at the end of Gucheon-dong Valley. It is famous for the Stone Samjon Buddha, cerated during the Goryeo Dynasty and many monks came from this temple before and after the Injinwaeran War (1592~1598). Also, Jeoksangsanseong Fortress, Anguksa Temple, Guebul and many other relics are scattered throughout the park. Mt. Deogyusan boasts an abundance of beauty throughout all four seasons, and the 600 species of animals and plants, including the unique landscape of the yew trees are especially eye-catching.

Baengnokdam Lake (한라산 백록담)

Baengnokdam is a crater lake that sits on top of Hallasan Mountain at the center of Jeju Island. It spans 3㎞ in circumference and 500m in diameter, and is surrounded by over 300 parasitic cones. Baengnokdam is accessible from Seongpanak and Gwanemsa trails, which offer fantastic views of Jejudo.

Sobaeksan National Park (Chungcheong Area) (소백산국립공원-북부)

Sobaeksan Mountain (소백산) is renowned for its natural splendor and mystery, standing tall in the middle of the Korean peninsula, and offering several magnificent peaks such as Hyeongjebong, Sinseonbong, Gukmangbong, Birobong and Yeonhwabong. Its captivating seasonal beauty (royal azalea in spring, wildflowers in summer, autumn foliage in fall, snowscape in winter) attracts visitors year-round. The open grass field on Birobong Peak (비로봉, 1,439m in elevation) is reminiscent of a scene from the Swiss Alps. The National Planetarium located upon Yeonhwabong Peak (1,349m in elevation) is the historic cradle of Korean astronomy. The nationwide Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival is held near Danyang-gun in early June every year.

Taeanhaean National Park (태안해안국립공원)

Taean Coast National Marine Park (태안해안국립공원) consists of about 130 islands near Anmyeondo Island (안면도) and the Taean Peninsula (태안반도) itself offers a picturesque landscape of beautiful beaches, splendid rock formations, fascinating mountain peaks and precipitous sea cliffs. The area (328.99㎢) was designated as a national park in October, 1978, and at present, nearly 250 different species of plants grow within its boundaries.

Songnisan National Park (Munjangdae Peak) (속리산국립공원 - 문장대)

Munjangdae Peak (문장대), located in Sangju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is a rock summit 1,054 meters above sea level. The peak is so broad that 50 adults can sit on it at the same time. Within the rocks, you will find Seokcheon Pond, which never dries up. The peak used to be called “Unjangdae” because the summit is always covered with clouds and mist. A legend says that King Sejo of Joseon Dynasty supposedly recited a poem on the summit. 

Munjangdae has a great view of Cheonhwangbong, the highest peak of Mt. Songnisan (속리산), and you can also see Gwaneumbong, Chilseongbong, Sirubong, Tugubong, Munsubong, and Birobong peaks. In autumn, you can enjoy breathtaking fall foliage along the trail, which begins at Hwabuk-myeon, Sangju. You can also find many cultural heritage sites including Janggak Falls, Seongbuksa Temple, Osong Falls and Gyeonhwon Fortress.

Gayasan National Park (Baegundong Area) (가야산국립공원-백운동 지구)

Gayasan Mountain (가야산) in Gyeongsangbuk-do was designated as a national park in 1972. Chilbulbong Peak towers at 1,433 meters. It borders Seongju-gun, Hapcheon-gun and Geochang-gun. In particular, Suryun-myeon, Seongju-gun is famous for its scenic nature. Furthermore, the beautiful Gayasan Drive, which extends from Suryun-myeon to Gayasan Mountain, highlights the splendor and grandeur of the precipitous crimson cliffs. The drive also offers the humble beauty of the rolling mountain, while the beautiful trails along the valley and nearby waterfall are fascinating as well. 

In Baegundong area, you will encounter Beopjusa Temple. This temple was built during the Silla period and is said to have been a huge temple consisting of approximately 100 chambers. Now, only a stupa, cornerstones, and flagpole supports remain. Yonggigol Valley offers a scenic mountain trail along which you can enjoy the stunning beauty of Gayasan Mountain.

Dadohaehaesang National Park (Narodo Area) (다도해해상국립공원-고흥)

In Dadohae (다도해) there are 1,700 islands including Hong-do, Heuksan-do and Wan-do. It has a unique maritime topography created by coastal erosion over a long period of time. It is endowed with beautiful natural scenery in harmony with warm-region plants growing in abundance. 

Dadohae is also where Jang Bo-go, a historical maritime figure, built a maritime kingdom in the Silla period and it served as a maritime trade road in Goryeo times. In addition, in the Joseon era, it was a battlefield where Admiral Yi Sun-shin defeated the Japanese troops. The area near Balpo Beach in the southern Goheung-gun and the entire oe-naro-do are designated as a national park zone.

Jirisan National Park (Gurye) (지리산국립공원 - 구례)

On December 29, 1967 Jirisan Mountain (지리산) was designated Korea’s top national park. Jirisan is the largest mountain national park in the nation. You can get a full view of the Seomjingang River (섬진강), which runs alongside the mountain and into the Namhae Sea. If you’re lucky you can also spot some various plants and animals, including the Asiatic Black Bear, making Jirisan Mountain an even more interesting and inviting place to visit. 

As Jirisan Mountain changes with the different seasons, hikers can enjoy various aspects of the mountain’s terrain. However, there can be heavy rain and snow in the summer and winter, so some areas will be closed off in case of drastic changes in the weather and temperature. In the spring and fall, you can explore the mountain relatively freely. However, access may be limited to some areas for fear of forest fires in the dry season. 

If you want to hike up Jirisan Mountain it is recommended that you visit the homepage of the Korea National Park Service or contact the Jirisan Mountain Management Office before planning your trip.

Hallyeohaesang National Park (Namhae) (한려해상국립공원-남해)

Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park (한려해상국립공원) is a national sea park that encompasses the most beautiful stretch of Korea’s south coast, covering parts of Sacheon, Geoje, Tongyeong, Hadong and Namhae of Gyeongnam Province and Yeosu of Jeonnam Province. Its 510,323㎢-wide area covers Dadohae Islets, Bijindo Island and Haegeumgang. The Donam Complex in Tongyeong is being continually developed as a world-class marine tourist attraction. 

The sea-view of the Namehae section of Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park is particularly breathtaking. Here visitors will be captivated by the view of Sejondo Island, the Pipe Organ Valley and Ssangyonggul Cave. 

Sangju Beach, at two kilometer-long and 150 meter-wide, is the biggest beach on the south coast and is covered with silver-white sand. The pine forest carpeting the surrounding environment also offers visitors a refreshing atmosphere. 

Located nearby is 681-meter-high Mt. Geumsan, making the beach a place where vacationers can appreciate both the sea and the mountain at the same time. Other attractions available in this area are the 38 Attractions of Mt. Geumsan, and Irak Shrine (Historic Site No.232) and Chungryeol Shrine (Historic Site No.233) dedicated to the great Admiral Sunsin Yi.

Cheonwangbong Peak of Jirisan National Park (지리산 천왕봉)

Along with Geumgansan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named ‘Jiri’ because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla, On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam Province; Gurye in Jeonnam Province; and Namwon in Jeonbuk Province. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryong National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido. 

At 1,915.4 meter-high, Cheonwangbong Peak(천왕봉) is the second highest peak in Jirisan Mountain. From Cheonwangbong Peak begin several valleys such as Chilseon, Tongsin, Cheonwang and Jungsan. The big sheet of rock on the very top of the peak looks as if it is supporting heaven. Sunrise observed from Cheonwangbong Peak is extremely beautiful so much that the old Korean lore says it is a view reserved for people whose family conducted good deeds for three consecutive generations.

Hallyeohaesang National Park (Tongyeong) (한려해상국립공원-통영)

Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park (한려해상국립공원) covers Gyeongsangnam-do Province’s Sacheon, Geoje, Tongyeong, Hadong and Namhae, and Jeonnam Province’s Yeosu. The 510,323㎢-wide sea park encompasses Dadohae Islets, Bijindo Island and Haegeumgang. The Donam Complex in Tongyeong is being developed as a world-class marine tourist attraction. 

On Hansando Island there are many historical sites dedicated or related to the great Admiral Sunsin Yi such as battlefields where the Admiral defeated Japanese naval forces. Other sites include those related to the Imjinwaeran War such as Jeseungdang, Chungryeolsa and the turtle lighthouse. The Sanyang Road is a great driving course along which you can look around the entire Mireukdo Island and appreciate the scenery. From Dalma Park you can enjoy the great view of Dadohae Islets. Major attractions include Hansando Island (main island), Bijindo Island and Maemuldo Islands; the latter two are often said to be the focal point of this scenic sea park.

Jirisan National Park - Hadong (지리산국립공원 - 하동)

Along with Geumgansan Mountain (금강산) and Hallasan Mountain (한라산), Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla. On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam Province; Gurye in Jeonnam Province; and Namwon in Jeonbuk Province. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park (계룡산국립공원) and 52 times that of all of Yeouido (여의도). 

The Hadong (하동) part of Jirisan National Park is full of great tourist attractions such as Ssanggyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, Bulil Falls, Hwagye Valley, Cheonghak-dong Village and Doinchon Town.

Jirisan National Park (Namwon)

Located on Jirisan Mountain, the Jirisan National Park is Korea's first official national park. The Jirisan mountain range extends across five cities in three provinces: Gurye-gun in Jeollanam-do; Namwon-si in Jeollabuk-do; Hadong-gun, Sancheong-gun and Hamyang-gun in Gyeongsangnam-do. The Jirisan has over 10 peaks including Nogodan (1,507m), Banyabong (1,732m), Jeseokbong (1,806m) and Cheonwangbong (1,915m), several valleys including Baemsagol and Chilseon, and waterfalls including Guryong, Buril, Yongchu and Chilseon. Also, it is home to such cultural assets as Hwaeomsa, Ssanggyesa and Daewonsa Temples.