4/15/2013

In search for inspiring views nationwide


Whether at bustling tourist attractions, or even off the beaten track in rural regions, it is not hard these days to spot travelers with cameras in tow exploring regional cultural distinctions. 

In response to the swiftly growing number of adventurers searching for hideaways surrounded by inspiring scenic beauty, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, in partnership with the Korea Tourism Organization (KTO), has come up with 25 recommendations. The so-called eco-tourism destinations, selected based on their ecological, cultural, and historical value by tourism experts, are being recognized as rising hotspots for travelers carrying a camera. 

Baengneyongdo Island is famous for a diverse array of attractions including the mighty sea cliffs of Dumujin (pictured), Sagot Beach designated as a Natural Monument, and tasty seafoods (photo: KOCIS).


Among them is Baengnyeongdo (Baengnyeong Island), the northernmost point on the Yellow Sea, near the Northern Limit Line. The island is accessible by a nearly four-hour journey on a ferry departing from Incheon Port International Passenger Terminal. Near the arrivals terminal sits Sagot Beach, Natural Monument No. 391, which stretches for about three kilometers. The sandy beach consisting of quartzite is, perhaps with a bit of exaggeration, as hard as a cement floor so that the wheels of vehicles rarely get stuck. For that reason, the beach is known to have functioned as an airstrip by the UN Forces during the Korean War (1950-1953).

Also, the road that leads to Osaek-ri of Gangwondo (Gangwon province), passing the rest stop Hangyeryeong, is a place worth dropping by for its magnificent view. Travelers who pass this section of the motorway at early dawn can get a wonderful snapshot of Mt. Seoraksan mysteriously veiled in a fog and an intriguing curved road that unfolds against a backdrop of the coastal sunset that is, indeed, the quintessential uphill path. This road has been selected as one of top 100 beautiful paths of Korea by the Korea Road & Transportation Association.

Already highly recognized for its magnificent coastal view, Dalmaji-gil Trail in Busan made it on the list as well. The wooden boardwalk lined with with beautiful cherry blossoms and pine trees on both sides is nestled on the slope of Mt. Wausan beyond Haeundae Beach. On top of the hill, where a “coffee shop cluster” is found, visitors can fully enjoy a wonderful panoramic view of Busan’s renowned seascape while having a sip of delicious coffee. Two curves away from the hill sits Haemaru, a two-story pavilion built in commemoration of the APEC summit talk held in Busan in 2005. Here, visitors can get a great view of two of Busan’s iconic landmarks, Haeundae Beach and Gwangan Bridge. 


Mt. Mai (pictured), located in Jeollabuk-do, is one of the 25 selected eco-tourism destinations (photo: KOCIS).

The top 25 awe-inspiring destinations are listed below. 


**Waterfront areas: Daecheong Lake (Daejeon), Idong Reservoir (Yongin, Gyeonggi-do), Cheongpung Lake (Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do), Boryeong Dam (Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do), Gyeongcheon Lake (Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do), Nakdong River (Goryeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do)

**Beaches and islands: Baengnyeong Island (Ongjin, Incheon), Haeundae Beach (Haeundae, Busan), Taebaesil Valley (Taean, Chungcheongnam-do), Jaran Bay (Goseong, Gyeongsangnam-do), Suncheon Bay (Suncheon, Jeollanam-do), Gageo Island (Sinan, Jeollanam-do)

**Mountains and ridges: Mt. Daedeok (Daegu, Gyeongsangbuk-do), Mt. Munsu (Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do), Mt. Ja (Yeoju, Gyeonggi-do), Hangyeryeong (Yangyang, Gangwon-do), Daegwallyeong (Gangneung, Gangwon-do), Sambuyeon Falls (Cheorwon, Gangwon-do), Solchi (Yeongdong, Chungcheongbuk-do), Gujuryeong (Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do), Suseongdae (Geochang, Gyeongsangnam-do), Mt. Jiri (Namwon, Jeollabuk-do), Mt. Mai (Jinan, Jeollabuk-do) 

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