There are some truly gorgeous national parks to be found in southeast Asia, for outdoor enthusiasts looking for an adventure. Cambodia has the jungles and a rugged wilderness feel around their parks, which is charming. But the trails can be tough. Trekking through South Korea's national parks are a lot more manageable and easier on you.
Mainland South Korea doesn't have the dense tropical jungle rainforests that Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam have but there is still wildlife. Nature is as beautiful. For these best national parks in South Korea, our guide has handpicked those national parks we've found to offer the best overall holiday experience. Because there are so many national parks, we've restricted our guide to just five due to space. Read on to discover which park is suitable for you and your holiday plans.
South Korea's largest national park, it spills over an Island archipelago to the south and west of the country. It is also one of the parks with the largest deposit of historical sites. Beautiful volcanic rock formations and natural sandy beaches are waiting for you, and the coastal views are stunning. The Islands aren't the Jeju tropics but were you honestly expecting that?
What you do have is decent beaches, tranquility and amazing fauna and flora experiences. Set off and explore the virgin pine forests. Trekking through the South Korea's national parks doesn't mean you've to "rough it", nor do you require a guide. The park trails are very people orientated: they're very accessible. If you enjoy sea fishing back home, set sail for Heuksando Island which has some of the best fishing in South Korea. There is a suspicion though, many of you would prefer Jindo Island for its cultural heritage.
The third largest Island belonging to South Korea and thankfully it retains its natural beauty, untouched. It's a restful place to seek solitude. All over South Korea people love trekking and you'll see that for yourself. Whole families participate in this activity. The Island has diverse trekking trails, and once spent, reveal astonishing views out over the Island.
You can set off immediately by coming off any ferry. When trekking on this Island be ready for the crowds. You won't have to push past them though; Korean's are very friendly and they'll let you pass. One of the best things about Jindo are the sunsets, and sunrises, if you stay overnight. The Island catches the best of both worlds:
Rise really early in the morning before everyone else and climb to the top of your nearest peak and sit down, and wait. The sun rises over the horizon, adding beautiful colors to the surrounding Islands. It's an experience that'll take something else to better it. If you have come to South Korea, camping then this Island is the best place for it in the Dadohae National Park. Many Koreans will fire up a barbeque on one of the beaches, and they're not stingy either when it comes to sharing their food.
Tuck in and enjoy their hospitality and banter.
If you ever find yourself in Seoul during March, then head to this Island to pay witness to the parting of the sea. For almost 2km the sea gives way, making it possible to walk from Jindo Island to its neighbor, Modo Island. It's a popular annual event, or excuse, for a festival atmosphere on the Island, pulling in almost half a million visitors.
The east side of South Korea has favorable beaches and coastal shorelines, that's common knowledge. They're often crowded, but. The west side of South Korea has its own beaches and they're lesser crowded, and it's where the Taean National Park is found. A 3-hour leisurely drive out of Seoul, there are kilometers of sandy beaches and trails to follow. A mecca for camping fanatics, by the way.
This national park lays claim to 130 Islands and dozens of beaches. You come because you have a love for beaches, the sun and an ocean breeze. There is little strenuous trekking involved here: the soft sandy beaches make light work for you.
Running alongside Sinduri Beach are the Sinduri Coastal Sand Dunes. You can easily walk on these 15,000-year-old dunes as there are wooden paths laid out for you. With kilometers upon kilometers of sand and dunes there are very few people in sight and it is easy to lose the whole morning here.
The highlight of the park and probably why you've traveled here is the numerous Haebyeongil trails. Those trails, of which there are seven of them, stretch for 100km along the coast. Treks last for a day, or days, across beaches and over roads, hills and cliffs. Passing through village after village you cannot get lost on this one as it's signposted all the way. Absolutely amazing and are you not glad you brought along camping gear?
The trails and raised walkways lead you past 100-year-old pines, a quality wood that once was used to build royal palaces. This forest is a significant part of your holiday in terms of the natural green beauty you'll come across in the Taean National Park.
South Korea's ancient city, a cultural destination that hasn't been blotted out by the high-rise skyscrapers, neon lights and hectic lifestyles. Gyeongju is home to the best Buddhist artistry found in Asia, without a doubt. But our guide is about Namsan Mountain, Gyochon Hanok Village must play second fiddle to your trekking ambitions.
South Korean's love the great outdoors, it's why there are so many trails found out of their cities. There are trails for all age groups and for everyone: backpackers, campers and families. This national park has no less than eight mountains to discover:
We cannot comment on the others, only Namsan Mountain because our time in Gyeongju was limited. You will find Namsan being the most attractive for tourists. The further you ascend the mountain the greater number of pagodas, Buddha statues and rock carvings you come across.
There are trails on all sides of the mountain but for the best sights of the statues and temples, we suggest you venture on the trail to Chilbuam Hermitage. The trek is easy going and enjoyable with nice scenery as expected. Pack a picnic and bottled water for there are lots of resting places to admire the views, besides there are no cafes or restaurants on the mountain for the hungry.
The national park hosts the Juknokwon Bamboo Garden. Some of the bamboo in the forest is more than 20m tall. Turning your head to look up gives you an incredible look into the canopy. Throughout this forest of endless bamboo are pathways showing you the trail to follow. The saving grace of the bamboo being so tall is the sun's heat is somewhat muted. It's cool walking through one of South Korea's most popular bamboo forests.
You can walk if you want or you can cycle. It's up to you because the trails are level with no rough ground. At some point you will wish to stop and rest, and why you pack a picnic. In South Korea it's common to see locals sitting enjoying a picnic, under some trees for shade. The forest trail will fill your morning or afternoon, at over 2km in length.
You will come across an ice cream parlor next to the bamboo museum. Even though you'll have never tried bamboo ice cream before you'll be seriously tempted to do so. The Korean heat will pressure you. Go ahead and buy a cone, it'll bring you much relief and a smile.
On the outskirts of Seoul, the mountain's three peaks offer a multitude of trails suitable for beginners to intermediate and expert level experienced trekkers. The mountain is very scenic and it's a pure pleasure walking up the trails, and back down obviously. Having completed your trek, you will have surely encountered a number of temples.
The mountain is littered with them. What is also on the mountain are signposts to what trail you are on and where that trail goes to, onto the next trail. The easiest trail, for beginners, is 6km total and takes several hours to complete. But there are more difficult, time-consuming trails ― such as Winmun taking you to Baegundae Peak.
On your first stint on the mountain, take it easy and find your way around the mountain. You are holidaying in Seoul so you'll have a few more chances to come back and conquer the more difficult trails. Enjoy the views and natural tranquility, and space your treks out because in the heat you tire quickly.
You've got to ask yourself why do you go to the national parks. For most of us, it's nature and wildlife and the open spaces away from the asphalt and concrete. It's one of the best forms of relaxation and you can be snap happy with a smartphone, capturing digital memories you'll cherish for many years.
The great thing about South Korea's national parks is they're family friendly. Not all of them but most of them, and more so than some national parks found elsewhere in southeast Asia. It's the top reason why so many Koreans remove their family from the city at the weekend. We really do like South Korea ― in the same sense that the Philippines are also very family orientated.
Further to this, South Korea's excellent rail system means you can reach any part of the country from the central hub of Seoul, quickly.
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Hello, we are George and Elle Mae Melyre.
Over the years, amidst work and family life, we have traveled extensively throughout Asia. Any chance to briefly escape or properly holiday in our beloved Asian destinations is eagerly seized, motivated by the enduring dream of leaving behind the UK's dreary cold for tropical climes.