Far from the madding crowd: 25 tucked-away summer vacation spots

Korea Tourism Organization selects some of the most serene spots in Korea for summer getaways

 

Metasequoia Forest Park in Mapo-gu, Seoul (Korea Tourism Organization)

Although the COVID-19 vaccination is speeding up in Korea, for individuals balancing the need to continue observing social distancing precautions and the desire for a real summer vacation after more than 18 months of living through a pandemic is a difficult task.

Providing some solutions to the complex question of how to enjoy the long-awaited summer break in a safe manner is a list of 25 domestic destinations compiled by the Korea Tourism Organization.

Classified into four categories -- sea, island, valley and forest -- the selections are lesser known spots waiting to be discovered.

The desinations on the KTO list are likely to be less crowded, but following social distancing guidelines is still a must. The relevant safety measures for safe travels can be found at korean.visitkorea.or.kr.

Following is the list of 25 uncrowded vacation destinations selected by KTO.

Yokjido Monorail in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province (Korea Tourism Organization)

Cheongnyeongpo in Yeongwol, Gangwon Province (Korea Tourism Organization)

(1) Mapo-gu, Seoul

     Metasequoia Forest Park

Rain or shine, this beautiful urban forest trail is lined with Metasequoia trees.

(2) Goyang, Gyeonggi Province

     Janghang Wetland

The only wetland protection area at the mouth of the Han River is open to general public by reservation

(3) Gimpo, Gyeonggi Province

     Laveniche March Avenue

Waterfront park with beautiful night views, romantic scenery along the waterways

(4) Ongjin, Incheon

     Gulupdo

A jeweled island in the West Sea with a beach and hiking course

(5) Hoengseong, Gangwon Province

     Cheongtaesan National Recreational Forest

A pine tree forest with walking paths and hiking trails

(6) Yeongwol, Gangwon Province

     Cheongnyeongpo

A historical site that still maintains the spirit of Danjong, the sixth king of Joseon era

(7) Samcheok, Gangwon Province

     Deokbongsan Coastal Ecological Trail

A coastal walkway surrounding Deokbongsan that is open for the first time in 53 years

(8) Jung-gu, Daejeon

     Root Park

A family name-themed nature park created in the city center with a night view

(9) Goesan, North Chungcheong Province

     Gallon Valley

A walking course where one can enjoy the scenic beauty while finding nine hidden spots in Gallon Valley

(10) Okcheon, North Chungcheong Province

       Okcheon Hyangsu Lake Road

An ecological trail that offers a magnificent view of Daecheong Lake

(11) Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province

      Nanjiseom

 A summer attraction with a beach and mudflat experience.

(12) Nam-gu, Daegu

      Apsan Park

Romantic mountain trails and an observatory that overlooks the downtown area

(13) Andong, North Gyeongsang Province

      Seonseonghyun Cultural Heritage Complex

A traditional culture village with a picturesque walkway over the lake

(14) Uljin, North Gyeongsang Province

      Nagok Beach

A beach suited for leisurely vacations

(15) Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province

      Yokjido Monorail

The best vantage point to capture the scenic beauty of Yokjido

(16) Miryang, South Gyeongsang Province

      Gajisan Soejumgol Valley Road

One of the three major valleys of Gajisan Provincial Park

(17) Hadong, South Gyeongsang Province

      Hadong Pyunbaek Natural Recreation Forest

A healing destination filled with dense cypress trees

(18) Hamyang, South Gyeongsang Province

     Seonbi Culture Expedition Road

Traditional scholars’ paviliions are ween walking along the road in Hwarimdong Valley.

(19) Gochang, North Jeolla Province

      Gochang Ramsar Ungok Wetland

A chance to explore wetland ecosystems and biodiversity

(20) Muju, North Jeolla Province

      Gucheon-dong Eosa-gil

Valley trekking with a scenic view

(21) Jinan, North Jeolla Province

     Unilam Banilam Forest Road

Valley trekking with ecological exploration decks

(22) Yeosu, South Jeolla Province

      Jangdo Island

An art island of gentle hills off the coast of Yeosu.

(23) Gokseong, South Jeolla Province

      Dorimsa

Soothing nature surrounds the temple with water flowing through the valley

(24) Boseong, South Jeolla Province

      Jeamsan Recreational Forest

Outdoor facilities such as zip lines, tents and recreational halls are available with Yulpo Beach over the mountain.

(25) Haenam, South Jeolla Province

      Haenam Forest (4est) Arboretum

Arboretum with the largest hydrangea garden in the country

By Kim Hae-yeon (hykim@heraldcorp.com)

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