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The roads leading to rivers, lakes, and seas always seem to be crowded with vacationers during the summer months. Yet, in the fall, the roads leading to the mountains become especially busy. Korea’s best autumn travel destinations are the mountains colored with autumn foliage. The skies turn cobalt blue and the leaves a deep crimson color creating a beautiful contrast. Although the leaves change their hues at slightly different times every year, it usually begins in the northern regions in late September and moves southward.
The best time to see the autumn leaves change color is from mid-October to mid-November. Koreans enjoy the autumn foliage during this particular time of year with their friends, families, and loved ones in the form of hiking trips. Then after taking in the beauty of the autumn scenery, they soak in some hot springs to finish off the day. Although this can be enjoyed all year round, the best time to visit the hot springs are during the fall and winter. The warmth of the hot springs in the chilly air offers an experience you don’t want to miss! The various minerals in the hot springs are good for both your general health and skin. Let’s take a journey to some of Korea’s best spots for checking out the fall colors and the most popular hot springs.
[Related Article] Festivals from September to November, 2009 |
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| In Search For Korea’s Most Beautiful Autumn Scenery |
 Seoraksan Mountain |
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Seoraksan Mountain is the first thing that springs to most people’s inds when they think about autumn leaves. Seoraksan is beautiful throughout all four seasons. However, autumn is arguably the best time to visit. The major Seoraksan peaks include Daecheongbong Peak, Jungcheongbong Peak, and Socheongbong Peak. It is here where the leaves first begin to change their color. The beautiful crimson color extends all the way to Gongnyongneungseon Ridge.
You can choose from many hiking paths as well, but the path going through Cheonbuldong Valley, Osaek Springs, Jujeongol, and Baekdam Creek is the most scenic. The Daeseung Falls, also known as the longevity valley and the Jeombongsang Jujeongol, which reaches from the Osaek Springs offers the best view. If you enjoy mountain climbing, try the 9-hour course from Osaek – Seorak Falls – Daecheongbong – Socheongbong – Hoeungak – Cheongbuldong – Biseondae – Sogongwon – Seorakdong.
Seoraksan takes about 5 hours by bus from Seoul, and is not recommended for a one-day trip. Seoraksan Mountain itself takes at least 2 days to enjoy; that is if you do not plan to explore everything Seoraksan has to offer. To explore the area to the fullest you should give yourself more time. It is recommended you visit Seoraksan’s surrounding areas, which have many famous attractions.
You can stop by Naksan Beach and Gyeongpodae, and Yongpyong Resort. Seorak Waterpia is the ideal place to stop by and enjoy the hot springs where you can rest your tired body after a day of mountain climbing and sightseeing.
Seoraksan’s proximity to the ocean means it’s best cuisine is its fresh seafood. The Ojingeo Sundae (Stuffed Squid) is a local specialty, made of squid stuffed with diced sprouts, onions, tofu, and peppers and fried to perfection. The fried half-dried Walleye Pollack is also a nice treat all through the winter season.
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[Accommodations]
Seoraksan is a famous tourist attraction; therefore there are many hotels, motels, condos, and hostels in the area to choose from.
[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Sokcho from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Subway Line No. 2, Gangbyeon Station) (Operating Hours: 06:25~23:00) / Travel Time: 3.5 to 4 hrs / Bus Fare: 16,700~18,300 won) →Take the city bus No. 7, 7-1 (bound for the entrance of Seoraksan) from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal and get off at Seoraksan Mountain entrance →Walk about 10 minutes to Sinheungsa Temple ticket box.
[Hiking Course]
▶ Gwongeumseong Course – Sinheungsa Temple District
Take the 10-minute ride on a cable car from Sinheungsa Temple, and climb for around one hour. This is an ideal course for those traveling with younger children and elders.
One way: 1.5km (30 min up and 25 min down)
▶ Biryong Falls Course – Sinheungsa Temple District
After purchasing admissions tickets at the Sinheungsa Temple ticket box, take the one and half hour course (roundtrip) where you can pass by valleys and falls. If you are short of time, it’s recommended to take the 2.4km course.
One way: 2.4km (50 min up/ 40 min down)
▶ Biseondae Cliff Course – Sinheungsa Temple
After exiting the ticket booth near Sinheungsa Temple go straight towards Iljumun Gate. This course is a pleasant but invigorating walk. The Biseondae Course is one of the most beautiful courses for hiking.
▶ Ulsanbawi Rock Course – Sinheungsa Temple District
The course up to Heundeulbawi Rock offers the most magnificent views of Seoraksan’s beauty, and is mostly easy, but the 30-minute climb up to Ulsanbawi is somewhat challenging. The autumn months make this particular course one of the most enjoyable on Seoraksan Mountain. However, the climb is well worth the effort because from Ulsanbawi you can see all of Seoraksan as well as panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.
One way: 3.8km (2hr 20min up, 1hr 40min down)
▶ Seongguksa Temple Site Course –Osaek District
This highly recommended course lets hikers feel the beauty of the fantastic valleys that Seoraksan has to offer. After purchasing tickets to the park, follow the course up the mountain that leads to the Seongguksa Temple Site. A three-story stone pagoda at the temple site is all that remains. Following the path along Jujeongol Valley will eventually lead to a forked path. It is a 2-hour walk (round-trip). And famous Osaek hot springs is also nearby so the hot spa adds a little more excitement to your trip.
- To Jangsudae District Ticket Office: Take the bus bound for Yangyang from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal
▶ Daeseung Falls – Jangsudae Course
One of Korea’s top 3 falls, the Daeseung Falls course is accessible from Inje-gun Jangsudae District. The rich forest surrounding the waterfalls can be enjoyed without too much trouble for the course is rather easy. (One way is a distance of 0.9km/ Upward-bound takes 50 minutes / Downward-bound takes 35 minutes)
- To Jangsudae District Ticket Office: Take the bus bound for Inje from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (1st bus at 06:15, last bus at 19:50, / Travel time: 2 hours, 50 minutes / Fare: 11,400 won) → Take the bus bound for Yangyang from Inje Bus Terminal and get off at Jangsudae (50 min)
[Inquiries] +82-33-1330
(Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
More Info:
☞Go to Mt. Seoraksan
☞Go to Gyeongpodae
Pavillion
☞Go to Yongpyong Resort
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| Odaesan Mountain |
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Odaesan Mountain is especially famous for its beautiful autumn season. Its leaves begin changing colors as soon as Seoraksan Mountain leaves change. Although not quite as brilliant, the view from the top of Odaesan fills its viewer with a feeling of serenity. The soft crimson of the leaves set against the autumn blue sky creates the most exquisite harmony. The Odaesan autumn scenery reaches its peak in mid-October, and many visitors seek out the mountain during this time, so it may be better to climb Odaesan from Myeonggaeri, its northern region.
The course from Sangwonsa Temple to Birobong as well as the course from Woljeongsa Temple to Dongdaesan to Sogeumgang offers such beautiful scenic routes, meaning that you won’t regret your choice, whichever it may be. Also, the 1 km walking route from Iljumun Gate to the inside of Woljeongsa Temple has a 100 year old fir tree forest and crimson colored trees all lined up on either side of the road. Why not hike the trail to Woljeongsa Temple to enjoy the beautiful autumn foliage?
Odaesan’s surrounding attractions include Samcheok and Yangyang’s Hajodae Pavilion and Naksansa Temple. Other attractions include Gyeongpodae and Seoraksan. Odaesan is famous for Hanjeongsik (traditional Korean table d’hote) and Bibimbap served with wild herbs found on Odaesan Mountain. In addition, because of its close proximity to Gangneung, Odaesan offers a variety of fresh seafood restaurants.
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[Accommodations]
There are many accommodations near the entrance of Odaesan, but if you want more options, you can try Gangneung’s downtown area that offers hotels, condos, motels, and hostels near the bus terminal and Gangreung Namdaecheon district.
[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Jinbu from Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Subway Line No.2, Gangbyeon Station) and get off at Jinbu Bus Terminal (1st bus at 6:32, last bus at 20:05/ Travel Time: 2hr, 15min / Bus Fare: 11,900 won) → Take the bus bound for Odaesan from Jinbu Bus Terminal (12 Buses Daily / Jinbu Terminal ↔ Woljeongsa Temple: a 15 min ride, Jinbu Terminal ↔ Sangwonsa Temple: a 40 min ride)
[Hiking Courses]
▶ Mt. Dongdaesan Course – Woljeongsa Temple District
This hiking course offers you the chance of enjoying the bountiful fir trees and beautiful scenery of Mt. Odaesan. In particular, you can fully enjoy fir forests at the entrance to Woljeongsa Temple. In addition to famous cultural properties such as Woljeongsa Temple and Gwaneumam Rock (hermitage or monk’s cell), you can watch the fine view of a ridge connecting the mountain peaks stretching out like a folding screen.
One way: 2.7㎞ (1hr 30min hr up and 1hr 10min down)
▶ Birobong Peak Course - Woljeongsa Temple District
This hiking course provides you with the scenery of many famous cultural properties including Sangwonsa Temple which is famous for Sangwonsa Dongjong (copper bell) and Jeokmyulbogung (palace) where a relic of the Buddha rests in peace, as well as some scarlet maple leaves. Sangwonsa Dongjong in particular is one of the two remaining bells of Silla Dynasty, part of the nation’s highly revered cultural heritage.
One way: 3.5㎞ (1hr 40min up/ 1hr 15 min down)
[Inquiries] +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
More Info:
☞Go to Mt. Odaesan
☞Go to Sogeumgang Valley
☞Go to Sangwonsa
Temple (Odaesan)
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| Jirisan Mountain |
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Seoraksan is known to be the more feminine looking mountain with its softer lines, whereas Jirisan Mountain, Korea’s most famous mountain, is considered the more masculine mountain with its larger and rougher lines. Jirisan’s autumn scenery begins in mid-October, and by the end of October, its crimson colors become more vivid than the red sunset. The valleys are connected from north to south, and the Piagol Valley and Baemsagol Valley are especially well known for their colorful leaves in the fall. The vertical path across Jirisan which goes through Namwon - Jeongnyeongchi - Seongsamjae - Silsangsa Temple has the highest latitude of Korea’s mountain paths of 1,130m above sea level, and boasts beautiful views of the autumn’s crimson leaves. At the peak of Jirisan, the crimson leaves are barely visible through the thin layer of clouds but are a must-see.
The Piagol Valley’s autumn scenery is noted as one of the top ten things to see at Jirisan. During the peak of the fall season, the Piagol Valley Crimson Leaves Festival is held. Jirisan offers accommodations on its mountain slopes, allowing visitors a convenient short-term stay.
In the spring, various wild herbs grow on Jirisan, and the local inhabitants pick them and dry them use in the many delicious side dishes in Korean cooking. Jirisan area is known to be one of Korea’s cleanest natural environments, therefore the herb from the slopes are especially famous for their high quality. Many restaurants around Jirisan’s surrounding areas serve Hanjeongsik (traditional Korean table d’hote) with Jirisan herbs. Also, the Jirisan area’s pork is very famous. Most of the accommodations consist of hostels and motels, and are located around the entrance of the mountain tracks and Gurye Bus Terminal.
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[Accommodations]
You can stay at Spa Land located at Gurye-gun on the foot of Jirisan Mountain. The hot spring waters at Spa Land are made of germanium, calcium, and other minerals, which are good for your skin and health. Most people visiting Jirisan take the last train to Gurye on a Friday night, and share a taxi to the mountain track entrance. If you want to go camping on Jirisan Mountain, you have to make reservations in advance at the mountain shelter. However, be sure to make reservations well in advance as the campsite usually fills up fast. Many people who come to camp without a reservation end up spending the night at a sheltered dining hall. If you have to do this, you should layer your sleeping mat and sleeping bag over a thick vinyl sheet to prevent dampness. You can purchase camping materials at Namdaemun Market or Dongdaemun Market.
[Transportation]
Take the train bound for Guryegu at Yongsan Station (Subway Line No. 1, Yongsan Station) (Operating Hours: 06:50~22:50/ Travel Time: Saemaeul takes 4 hours, 10 minutes, Mugunghwa takes 4 hours, 40 minutes / Fare: Saemaeul: 32,400~38,900 won, Mugunghwa: 21,800~22,800 won) → Get off at Guryegu Station → Take the bus bound for Gurye Bus Terminal from Gurye Station
1. Hwaeomsa Temple: Take the bus bound for Hwaeomsa Temple from Gurye Bus Terminal (Bus runs every 30 minutes, travel time: 20 minutes)
2. Yeongoksa Temple: Take the bus bound for Yeongoksa Temple from Gurye Bus Terminal (Bus runs every hour, travel time: 50 minutes)
3. Piagol Valley: Take the bus bound for Piagol Valley from Gurye Bus Terminal (Bus runs every 2 hours, travel time: 40 minutes)
4. Ssanggyesa Temple: Take the bus bound for Ssanggyesa Temple from Gurye Bus Terminal (travel time: 1 hour)
[Hiking Courses]
▶ Nogodan Course – Jungsanri Ticket Office Zone
After you hike for about 700 meters from Munenggi, which overlooks Seomjingang River, you will come to a fork in the road and see path of stairs and a dirt path. The stair path, it is 10 minutes faster than if you take the dirt path. However, the dirt road will bring you to Piagol Valley, Munsuri Valley, Wangsirubong Peak, as well as the Seomjingang River. One way: 4.7㎞ (1 hr up/ 50 min down)
- To Jungsanri Ticket Office: At Nambu (Southern part) Terminal (Get off at Nambu Terminal Station of Seoul Metro line number 3), take a bus bound for Wonji (1st bus at 6:00, last bus at 21:00 / travel time: 3 hours and 10 minutes / Fare: 18,400 Won). At Wonji Terminal, take a long distance bus bound for Jungsanri (approx. 40 min.) and then walk to the Visitor Support Center (approx 30 min.).
▶ Guryong Valley Course –Guryong (Yukmojeong) Ticket Office Zone
Guryong Valley is famous for the legend that tells of nine dragons who descended to the earth and enjoyed the valley’s nine different waterfalls before returning to the heavens one by one. Gugok falls are so famous for the beautiful scenery that it has been considered a favorite hiking course and its unique shaped rocks. It will surely add a greater sense of enjoyment to your visit. One way: 3㎞ (1hr Up/ 40min down)
- To Guryong (Yukmojeong) Ticket Office:
Dong Seoul Bus Terminal (Gangbyeon Station of subway line no.2, Exit 4) → Take the bus to Namwon (1st bus at 9:00, last bus at 15:20 / travel time: 4 hours / Fare: 13,800 Won) → At Namwon Terminal, take a taxi to Guryong Ticket Office. (It costs 12,000~15,000 won and takes approximately 15 minutes.)
[Inquiries] +82-55-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
More Info:
☞Go to Mt. Jirisan
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| Naejangsan Mountain |
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The autumn color change begins around Seoraksan Mountain and makes its way down south until it reaches Naejangsan Mountain around late October. The crimson beauty of Naejangsan is the second most sought after mountain in the fall season following Seoraksan, If you haven’t seen the autumn leaves at Naejangsan, you haven’t seen the real beauty of autumn leaves. That is how famous Naejangsan’s autumn scenery is in Korea.
The Naejangsan ticket office to the temple gates is lined with crimson leaves creating a colorful natural tunnel, about 200m long and 6m wide. The trees stand 5m apart from each other, creating a spectacular view. Also, inside the Baegyangsa Temple, the crimson leaves from the smaller leaved trees are a must-see. The path from Baegyangsa Temple to Naejangsan is so dense with autumn leaves that it almost creates a ceiling over your head, hiding the sky from your eyes.
Surrounding attractions within a 1-hour radius of Naejangsan are Hanok Villages in Jeonju, Soswaewon and Sigyeongjeong in Damnyang. There are many traditional folk restaurants in the surrounding areas of Naejangsan. The prices are very affordable for hanjeongsik – a traditional Korean meal that comes with a huge assortment of tasty side dishes.
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[Accommodations]
There are about 10 accommodations mostly motels and mountain villas clustered together near Naejangsan including the well-known Naejangsan Tourist Hotel. Also, in downtown Jeongeup there are many motels and hotels for you to choose from.
[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Jeongeup from Central City Bus Terminal (Subway Line No. 3, Express Bus Terminal Station) (Operating Hours: 1st bus at 06:30, last bus at 23:00 / Travel time: 3 hours / Bus Fare: 13,300 ~ 21,600won) → Take the bus No. 171 bound for Naejangsan National Park at Jeongeup Bus Terminal (runs every 20 minutes) and get off at Naejangsan National Park.
[Hiking Courses]
▶ Seoraebong Peak Course – Seorae (Village of Poets) Visitors Support Center Zone
This hiking course is the most frequently visited course of Mt. Naejangsan. This course starts at the Visitors Information Center, passes by Seoraebong Peak (626m) and Bulchulbong Peak (622m), and ends back at the Visitor Information Center. On the hiking road is a mineral spring where you can taste Byeongnyeon mineral waters and Seorae mineral waters. One way: 5.65km (The way up and down both take about 3 hours)
▶ Observatory (Jeonmangdae) Course – Seorae (Village of Poets) Visitors Support Center Zone
This hiking course makes use of a cable car to bring visitors to the observatory nestled halfway up Yeonjabong Peak. Because of its easy access and of the beautiful vistas of scarlet maple leaves of Mt. Naejangsan that can be seen at the observatory, the elderly and children favor this hiking course. One way: 1.63㎞ ( Both up and down takes about 50 minutes)
- To Seorae Visitors Support Center:
At Jeongeup Terminal, take the city bus route No. 171 or 171-1. Then get off at Ssangam-dong (located in front of 4 and 5 parking lot) and walk to Seorae Visitors Support Center (only a 5 minute walk).
[Inquiries] +82-63-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
More Info:
☞Go to Mt. Naejangsan
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| Chase Away Your Fatigue at A Hot Spring |
| Seorak Waterpia |
 By far the best way to wrap up a tour of the Seorak region is to go for a dip in the hot springs at Seorak Waterpia. As the temperature begins to drop, it’s important to take care of your body, and hot springs provide just the solution.
Seorak Waterpia consists of various pool facilities and hot springs and uses only 100% natural hot spring water at a temperature of 49 degree Celsius, and also features unique spas such as jasmine spas, herb spas, and fruit spas. The outdoor wave pool along with the numerous spa facilities, and the outdoor sauna are highly recommended. So, come and enjoy the hot springs, entertainment facilities, and Seoraksan’s beauty all at once.
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[Accommodations]
In addition to the hotel at Waterpia, there are plenty of accommodation options in all price ranges located in the Sokcho area.
[Transportation]
Buses run regularly from Seoul to Seokrak Waterpia. To use this bus, you have to make the reservations at least 3 days in advance. Bus fee: 30,000won for round-trip
Route |
Departing Point |
Travel Time |
Seoul →
Seorak
Waterpia |
8:30 AM
Hanwha Bulding in Euljiro
(Seoul Subway Line 2, exit 4 of the Euljiro 1-ga station)
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9:00 AM
Parking Lot at the Hyundai Department Store, Apgujeong
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9:30 AM
Lotte Mart Jamsil
(Seoul Subway Line 2, exit 4 of the Jamsil station)
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4 hours |
Seorak
Waterpia →
Seoul |
PM 2:30
Parking lots in the Seorak Hanwha Resort
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4 hours |
[Inquiries] +82-33-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
More Info:
☞Go to Seorak Waterpia
Related Column:
☞Enjoy the Waves and Spas at the Seorak Waterpia
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| Asan Spavis |
 Located two hours away from Seoul, Asan Spavis has various water facilities including pools, outdoor hot springs, an indoor Bade Pool, a full body massage service, and much more. The spas include a jasmine bath, a strawberry bath, a ginseng bath, a bokbunja (mountain berries) bath, a yellow earth sauna, and more for families, friends, and loved ones to enjoy together.
A train ride away from Seoul at Onyangoncheon Station will offer you the choice of not only Asan Spavis, but also Onyangoncheon Spa. While both are very popular
if you feel uncomfortable being nude in front of many strangers, the Asan Spavis is a recommended destination as swimsuits are a must in the spa. Also, Asan Spavis is ideal for a one-day getaway.
Nearby Asan Spavis are the Hyeonchungsa Temple and the Oeamni Folk Village. Oeamni Folk Village is made up of old-style houses, and has served as the film location for movies such as ‘TaeGukGi: Brotherhood of War’, ‘Chihwaseon- Strokes of Fire’, etc. People actually live in the village, so you can experience the actual village lifestyle.
If you want to visit other tourist attractions along with Asan Spavis, you may want to go on a 2-day trip. First visit Hyeoncheungsa Temple as soon as you get off the train from Seoul. After that you can enjoy all the water facilities at Asan Spavis. Before leaving for Seoul the next day, be sure to stop by the Oeamni Folk Village. There are many restaurants in the surrounding area of Asan Spavis, but because it doesn’t have any unique local specialty, so visitors can feel free to choose the most conveniently located restaurants to dine at.
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[Transportation]
Take the train bound for Onyangoncheon from Yongsan Station (Subway Line No. 1, Yongsan Station) (Operating Hours: 1st bus at 05:40, last bus at 20:20 / Travel Time: 1 hour, 20 minutes / Fare: Saemaeul: 9,600~10,000 won, Mugunghwa: 6,500~6,800 won) → Get off at Onyangoncheon Station and take the bus No. 980, 512 from across the street to Asan Spavis (travel time: 30 minutes / bus runs every hour)
[Inquiries] ] +82-41-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
More Info:
☞Go to Asan Spavis
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| Bugok Hawaii |
 Bugok Hawaii is a sulfuric hot spring resort. Regarded as Korea’s best hot spring for water temperature and quality, it is also known as a general leisure town equipped facilities for use in training, studying, recreation, entertainment, and sports. Bugok Hawaii has various facilities for all ages and seasons including a first class tourist hotel, a great jungle bath center, a Hawaii land theme park, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, a wave pool, Hawaii Park, a botanical garden, and a stuffed specimen exhibit hall. The hot springs are known to prevent colds in the cooler seasons; and many people go for a dip water containing 20 different healthy minerals including calcium, iron, chlorine, and more.
Bugok is 5 hours from Seoul, transportation isn’t very frequent so it is recommended that visitors stay at least 1 or 2 nights there. The surrounding attractions at Bugok include Eoreumgol (an Ice Valley) where water naturally freezes in the summer and melts in the winter. The apples harvested near Eoreumgol are famous for their fresh taste. If you haven’t tried them already, don’t miss the chance! Also, the Junam reservoir is famous for attracting migratory birds. The Upo Wetlands, holding more than 350 rare plants, is a designated Ecological Conservation Area.
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[Transportation]
Take the bus bound for Bugok from Nambu Bus Terminal (Subway Line No. 3, Nambu Terminal Station) (Operating Hours: 09:45, 14:45, 16:00, 17:05 / Travel Time: 5 hours / Bus Fare: 21,500 won) → Get off Bugok and walk for 5 minutes.
[Inquiries] +82-55-1330 (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese)
More Info:
☞Go to Bugok Hot Springs
☞Go to Junam Reservoir
☞Go to Uponeup Marsh
Related Column:
☞Recommended Hiking Course! The Seoraksan Mountain Autumn Foliage Hiking Course
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