Summer Vacation, Let's Explore South Korea's Stunning Trekking Destinations!
Many people want to escape the hot weather and rejuvenate their bodies and minds by going to the mountains during the summer. In the mountains, they can enjoy the cool breeze and the beauty of nature, as well as engage in healthy exercise through hiking. However, not all mountains are suitable for trekking. Steep or rugged mountains can pose a risk of injury, and overly crowded mountains may not provide a pleasant experience.
This time, we have selected five domestic courses in Korea that are perfect for summer trekking. These places have a moderate difficulty level, beautiful scenery, and plenty of attractions to see. We hope this will be helpful for those planning their summer vacations.
Taean Anmyeondo - Sinduri Coast - Cheonripo Arboretum - Baeksanghang Port - Namunjae Cafe
Taean is a beautiful travel destination surrounded by blue seas on three sides, creating a spectacular view with its stunning natural landscapes. It offers various beaches, museums, and attractions such as Anmyeondo Island.
As a recommended travel course in Taean, we suggest visiting Anmyeondo Island - Sinduri Coast - Cheonripo Arboretum - Baeksanghang Port - Namunjae Cafe.
Anmyeondo Island
Located about a 30-minute boat ride from Taean, Anmyeondo Island is a pristine island often referred to as the "Maldives of Korea." The entire island is equipped with bicycle paths, making it enjoyable to rent a bike and take a ride around. Notable attractions on the island include the Maritime and Natural History Museum, Anmyeondo Beach, Anmyeondo Lighthouse, and Anmyeondo Bridge.
Sinduri Coast
On the way back from Anmyeondo Island to Taean, you can encounter Sinduri Coast. It boasts a breathtaking scenery where the sea meets cliffs. There is a 4-kilometer coastal walking trail that allows you to enjoy a pleasant walk while feeling the sea breeze.
Cheonripo Arboretum
Located about a 10-minute drive from Sinduri Coast, Cheonripo Arboretum is a arboretum with over 100 species of flowers and trees. The arboretum features various themed gardens and walking trails, offering a delightful time. Particularly, Cheonripo Beach, located at the entrance of the arboretum, impresses visitors with its white sandy beach and pristine sea.
Baeksanghang Port
About a 20-minute drive from Cheonripo Arboretum, Baeksanghang Port is a small fishing village. The port is filled with dozens of boats, and there is a market nearby where you can buy fresh seafood. From Baeksanghang Port, you can take a boat to visit other attractions in Taean, such as Anmyeondo Island, Gageodo Island, and Socheongdo Island.
Namunjae Cafe
Located about a 10-minute drive from Baeksanghang Port, Namunjae Cafe is a representative cafe street in Taean. The cafes, situated amidst the sea and cliffs, boast unique interiors and atmospheres. How about enjoying a cup of coffee while overlooking the ocean?
Gyejoksan Hwangto Trail, Daejeon
Gyejoksan Mountain, located in the eastern part of Daejeon Metropolitan City and spanning across Daejeon's Daejeok-gu district, is named after its resemblance to a chicken's foot with three hiking trails branching out. The trails are relatively gentle, allowing for comfortable walks or treks. As a result, it is recommended for visitors, especially families with elderly or young children.
With a total of eight sections, the trail offers the advantage of choosing a starting point based on the difficulty level. If you want to climb to Gyejok Fortress in a short time, I recommend starting from the Forest Bathing Center's administrative office.
The trail is paved with yellow soil, and overall, it has a mild slope, allowing you to experience the health benefits of walking barefoot on the yellow soil. Yellow soil is known for its positive effects on skin conditions and arthritis.
Upon reaching the fortress, you can see the fortress walls, gates, and watchtowers dating back to the Joseon Dynasty. From the fortress walls, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Daejeon's cityscape and the Han River.
Gyeryongsan National Park
Gyeryongsan is a national park that spans across Gongju City, Gyeryong City, Nonsan City, and Daejeon Metropolitan City in Chungcheongnam-do, South Korea. The park is popular among locals due to its diverse starting points and trekking difficulty levels, allowing visitors to explore without feeling overwhelmed. One of the appealing aspects of Gyeryongsan is its distinct scenic beauty that changes with each season.
If you are looking for a light stroll or hike in the city center, Sujeonggol is recommended. It is conveniently located in downtown Daejeon and easily accessible by subway and bus, making it a great advantage. There are environmental education programs available, especially for students, so don't miss the opportunity to learn about the environment. The Happy Exploration Trail, located near the entrance of the hiking trail, is well-maintained and wheelchair and stroller-friendly, providing an inclusive travel destination. Anyone can enjoy a walk without hesitation, as the path is accessible to people of all ages.
The summit of Gyeryongsan, Cheonwangbong, stands at an elevation of 845 meters. There are several routes to reach Cheonwangbong, but the most popular course starts from Cheonwangsa Temple. Cheonwangsa is a representative temple of Gyeryongsan, exuding a serene atmosphere and dating back to the Goryeo Dynasty. The distance from Cheonwangsa to Cheonwangbong is about 3 kilometers and along the way, you will pass through Gyeryong Valley and a pine forest. Once you reach Cheonwangbong, you can stand on the spacious rocky platform, admire the surrounding mountains and the sky, and feel the refreshing breeze.
Daewangam Park, Ulsan
If you want to take a peaceful walk while enjoying the sea in Ulsan, I recommend the hiking trails of Daewangam Park. The path leading to Daewangam is beautifully landscaped, and it is adorned with approximately 15,000 pine trees, allowing you to experience the refreshing healing power of phytoncides. Moreover, the lush forest and expansive sea views in the urban area add to its appeal.
The perimeter trails of Daewangam Park consist of four sections: Songnim-gil, Saggwijeol-gil, Legend Path, and Beach Path. In particular, places like Yonggul, Amak Gujigi, and Halmi Rock on the Legend Path have associated legends, adding to the enjoyment of the walk. The Beach Path section also features a camping ground, allowing you to enjoy camping while overlooking the vast beach.
Each section has its own charm, so I recommend selecting your desired course and embarking on a walking journey. Songnim-gil offers a mysterious atmosphere of the forest, while Saggwijeol-gil allows you to appreciate different flowers and trees throughout the seasons. The Legend Path lets you hear fascinating stories about rocks and caves, and the Beach Path allows you to walk along the coastline while listening to the sound of the waves.
Jangsan, Haeundae-gu, Busan
Jangsan, located in Haeundae-gu, Busan, offers a great advantage of panoramic views of the stunning Haeundae district. From the summit of Jangsan, you can enjoy the harmonious view of the sea, mountains, and the cityscape while taking a rest. Additionally, there is a unique Jangsan Wetland situated halfway up the mountain, where you can appreciate an exotic scenery.
For beginners in hiking, I recommend the Slow Climb Course, which allows you to take your time and offers plenty of attractions along the way, including a small waterfall and grassy fields. You can enjoy trekking while observing various natural sights. Take a break and capture some memorable photos in the grassy fields you encounter during the hike. Take your time to experience the charm of the Grass Field Course at a leisurely pace.
Jangsan offers various starting points for hiking, allowing you to choose the difficulty level and starting point that suits you. The easiest course starts from the entrance of Jangsan Park, while the most challenging course begins from Haeundae Beach. There are also moderate difficulty courses starting from Songjeong-dong and Gwangalli Beach.
In the summer, explore the wonderful places we introduced, where you can enjoy trekking while experiencing the beauty of mountains and nature. Taean's various courses, Daejeon's Hwangtot Trail in Gyeryongsan, Ulsan's Daewangam Park, and Busan's Jangsan with its panoramic view of Haeundae, offer diverse destinations for relaxation and scenic enjoyment.
These places have the advantage of being located within South Korea, allowing you to visit without the need for flights or ferries. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced hiker, you can choose from a range of courses suitable for your skill level and preferences. Each location has its own unique charm and stunning scenery, providing an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of nature and find moments of tranquility along the walking paths.
If you are planning your summer vacation, consider these destinations for a memorable trekking adventure. You can appreciate the beauty of the sea, mountains, and cities while walking and taking breaks. These places will offer you a sense of healing and joy.
Take this opportunity to rejuvenate your body and mind in the mountains and nature, escaping the heat of the summer. Enjoy new experiences and beautiful landscapes during your summer vacation.
