Summer brings with it sweltering heat in Korea, making parks within the country a popular choice for respite from summer heat. The stunning parks in Korea can be the perfect backdrop for your trip and you can get a chance to become a nature explorer.
The park visiting program is supported by the National Park Tour Stamp Passport by the Korea National Park Service. You can visit any of the 21 parks in the country and record your adv ensures. If you visit 10 or more parks in your trip, you can get a certificate and medal from the KNPS. There’re some additional discounts offered at nearby eateries and on certain activities.
If you aren’t into hiking, some of the parks in Korea have become popular as filming locations for Korean dramas and movies. So, these parks will also appeal to you if you follow K-entertainment.
Popular Parks in Korea to Visit This Summer
South Korea’s national parks are a treasure trove for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. These stunning landscapes promise an unforgettable experience, leaving you breathless with their beauty.
Whether your heart desires exploring vast national parks or relaxing in recreational areas, Korea offers a perfect destination for you. Many national parks boast about being a breathtaking location straight out of your favorite K-drama.
You can create lasting memories with family and friends amidst the beauty of nature. And if you strike up conversations with fellow nature enthusiasts – you never know who you might meet!
Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원)
Jirisan is a breathtaking park in Korea that you must visit during summer. It is one of the largest parks in Korea with an area of more than 470 square kilometers. The park is in Jeollanam-do province in Korea and is one of the protected areas under the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The park is famous for conserving and protecting the Asian Black Bear, a vulnerable species.
Jirisan National Park is also the inspiration of Jirisan (지리산), a K-drama series starring Jun Ji-Hyun, Ju Ji-Hoon, Sung Dong-Il, and Go Min-Si. The series focuses on the lives of park rangers and is set in the backdrop of the national park. The stores are inspired from real-life experiences of park rangers in Jirisan national park.
Bukhansan National Park (북한산국립공원)
As one of the most popular national parks in South Korea, Bukhansan National Park is a must visit place during summer. Located in Seoul and Gyeongi-do, the park is a stunning mix of nature and endless beauty. The park sprawls over more than 75 square kilometers and is home to thousands of flora and fauna species. The ambiance of the park is such that hikers can’t stop visiting the park. Nature enthusiasts also find serenity in this park, making it an ideal getaway from city life for locals and tourists alike.
You will also find several Buddhist temples in the park and each has multiple entrances, making it easy to access and easier for fulfilling the spiritual side. Fans of K-dramas will also recognize several filming locations within the park. The second episode of You Are The Best! Lee Soon-Shin features Bukhansan heavily, specifically the course 8 of the trail. Hiking the mountain might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but exploring the park will give you a refreshing break from summer heat and city’s chaos.
Hangang Parks (망원한강공원)
While Hangang parks aren’t the big name parks like Bukhansan or Jirisan, they are equally popular as ideal parks for hanging out in summer in Korea. If you don’t want to go all the way into national parks on the city outskirts, Hangang parks are the perfect alternative. As Han River cuts through Seoul, there are about 12 different parks around the river that you can visit during summer. There parks are Ttukseom, Yeouido, Jamwon, Ichon, Jamsil, Gwangnaru, Banpo, Nanji, Mangwon, Gangseo, Yanghwa, and Seonyudo.
Like other parks in Korea, these are also heavily featured in K-dramas like Itaewon Class, What’s Wrong With Secretary Kim?, and others. Banpo Rainbow Bridge is also popular as a filming location. These parks are also the perfect picnic spots where you can meet people, eat snacks, and even play! Being around nature doesn’t always mean hiking!
Gyeongju National Park (경주국립공원)
For history buffs, Gyeongju National Park is a must visit addition to your parks visiting itinerary in Korea during summer. Located in Gyeongsangbuk-do, the historical park is a UNESCO heritage site as well. Gyeongju is also popular as “museum without walls” and is the “Golden City”. It’s because of the rich history of the location and as former capital of the Silla Kingdom. It is also home to Buddhist treasures of Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto – pinnacles of Buddhist culture.
Gyeongju is also a Mecca for historical K-drama – there are many filming locations around that you can explore while enjoying the natural beauty of the place. You can experience the nature and the interesting history of the location at this park. A perfect amalgamation of history and nature, Gyeongju National Park is a must-visit destination in Korea during summer.
Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a resident looking for a weekend escape, South Korea’s national parks deserve a spot on your itinerary. Immerse yourself in the country’s natural wonders and discover the magic that awaits this summer!
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