If you’re a lover of South Korean dramas, many follow the story of the main character returning to the countryside after being disappointed by their lives in bigger cities. In the end, some prefer to reconnect with nature and embrace their old selves, while others accept they’re part of the city but acknowledge their love for the countryside.
Shows like Welcome to Samdal-ri, My Liberation Notes, or Summer Strike have unique storylines and views, luring people like you to move to a small county and find their true love there. But since this may not be that doable, it’s enough to visit the countryside, see how locals live, and eat delicious foods.
Although many beautiful places are in the South Korean rural side, some places are mesmerizing. Here’s a comprehensive list of them.
Pocheon in Gyeonggi Province
The inland city of Pocheon is right between Seoul and the northeastern mountains. Considering that more than half of the area is forest, there’s enough area to explore. One of the best things about Pocheon is the spring water locations that attract numerous tourists, especially the Korea National Arboretum, the biggest in the country.
The Pocheon Art Valley is a unique spot that was once a massive rock quarry and is now an amazing sculpture hub. The crisp air and stunning view might make you hungry, so you must try the local makgeolli drink. Since you may be exploring more remote areas in Pocheon, you need reliable internet speed, which you can get through an eSIM for tourists in Korea.
Gyeongju in North Gyeongsang Province
Gyeongju is a coastal city with an impressive ancient history, which is why many archaeological sites are scattered across the area. Some know the city as the “museum without walls” due to the numerous special sites outside, like the Seokguram grotto, Bulguksa temple, and Yangdong Folk Village.
The ancient city is the most beautiful during spring when plenty of cherry blossoms attract numerous visitors. There are numerous things to visit here, and the cuisine focuses mainly on spicy and salty dishes. While you’re there, you must definitely try Gyeongju bread, a red-bean pastry, and beopju, a traditional Korean liquor.
Daedunsan Mountain in South Chungcheong Province
If you’re in the mood for a scenery hike, you must go to the Daedunsan Mountains in the fall, where the vibrant fall colors will mesmerize you. The regular hike there is about two km, but due to its steepness, it’ll take you up to five hours to complete. Luckily, you can also take the cable car to see the views.
You can cross the suspension bridge that provides a good view of the mountain’s nature, taking you to the Daedunsan Provincial Park to visit temples like Taegosa and Sinsounsa. There are many other things to explore, such as the Daedunsan Recreational Forest, the Surakgyegok Valley, and the Doejae Catholic Church.
Seonjaedo in Incheon City
Seonjaedo is an island connected to the city through a bridge. The “fairy island” is similar to views from Bali or Indonesia, making it a hot spot for tourists. However, you can access the island mostly during low tide as a path emerges.
You could also visit the Jindu dock, across the island of Yeongheung, as it has some of the most beautiful scenery and is great for fishing. If you’re into going to the beach, make sure to stop by Simnipo Beach. The location also offers various hiking trails from where you can see the town.
Besides the island, the Incheon city is also an amazing spot for discovering, especially in:
- Songdo Central Park, an urban but natural spot in the heart of the town
- Chinatown, a famous landmark
- Incheon Grand Park that’s perfect for long walks
- Wolmido, which is a spot for fun and entertainment
- Eulwangni Beach
Seoraksan National Park in the northeastern province of Gangwon
South Korea’s national parks are some of the most impressive in the world, and the Seoraksan one is no exception. Listed as a UNESCO heritage site, the location is renowned not only for its floral diversity but also for Siberian pines and Juniper trees.
The diverse ecosystem within the mountains is also home to a great biodiversity area, where you can safely hike and take the time to admire the views. The park is open from six AM to eight PM year-round, and you can get there by bus or car easily. Visiting the park during spring and summer is best due to good temperatures.
Jeju Island of the Jeju Province
Jeju Island is famous for being the largest insula in the country, as well as for the indigenous population. It’s one of the most special places in the country as it was the result of an underwater volcano eruption that let us now see Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes.
The famous show “Welcome to Samdal-ri” was filmed on Jeju Island. Among the numerous spots of the islands we see in the show, we recall Dodubong from the first episode, Gimnyeong Beach, and Sinchang Windmill Coastal Road.
But Jeju Island has so much more to offer to tourists, including the following:
- The Daepo Jusangjeolli Cliff, whose rock formation looks like geometric shapes
- The Sanbangsan volcano that’s part of the UNESCO Global Geopark
- The Seongsan Ilchulbong volcano crater that is part of the Jeju Volcanic Island and Lava Tubes
What Do You Think About South Korea’s Countryside?
South Korea can be considered one of the most beautiful countries in the world, but the rural side also has something unique to offer in its sights. What’s great is that governments preserve these locations, making them more accessible for tourists. That’s why Korean series are filmed in the countryside; they convey a unique feeling to the overall story. Therefore, if you are in South Korea, we recommend going to the countryside and visiting Pocheon, Daedunsan Mountain, or the Seoraksan National Park.
Hi! We are Jenn and Ed Coleman aka Coleman Concierge. In a nutshell, we are a Huntsville-based Gen X couple sharing our stories of amazing adventures through activity-driven transformational and experiential travel.
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