Exploring the World's Five Major Climate Zones by Train

The National Institute of Ecology in Seocheon is an experiential travel destination where you can explore the living ecosystems of Earth. Along with Korea's forests and wetlands, it features diverse ecosystems across the world's climate zones, serving as a venue for ecological learning. It is mainly divided into the Ecorium (an indoor exhibition and experience space), wetlands, and outdoor experience areas. Watching the sunrise from nearby Maryangpogu Port and strolling through the camellia forest is healing in itself. If your schedule aligns, visiting the Hansan Five-Day Market, held on the 1st and 6th of each month, is also delightful.

Along the way

1. 1

   National Institute of Ecology (Seocheon)

   국립생태원(서천)

   The National Institute of Ecology is a national institution established to seek a sustainable balance between the conservation of the natural environment and the public's right to pursue happiness. At the Ecorium, visitors can experience various ecosystems such as tropical, temperate, Mediterranean, and polar zones, while outdoor ecological spaces, including wetland ecosystems, host diverse ecological experiences and educational programs.MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Seocheon Maryangpogu Port (Maryangpo Sunrise Village)

   서천 마량포구(마량포 해돋이마을)

   Maryangpogu Port, Korea's unique sunrise and sunset village, is a place where you can watch both the sunrise and sunset from a single location. Embracing the waters of Biinman Bay tilted to the southeast in front of the port, it offers views of the sunrise rising crimson over the sea, as well as a beautiful sunset. At the end of every year, many tourists gather from various regions to witness both the West Sea sunset and the sunrise in one place. Furthermore, the sunrise here can only be seen for about 50 days before and after mid-December, around the winter solstice when the sun tilts farthest to the south, adding to its mystique.MoreLess

   

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3. 3
   Seocheon Maryang-ri Camellia Forest

   서천 마량리 동백나무 숲

   As one of the Eight Scenic Views of Seocheon, the camellia forest in Maryang-ri, Seo-myeon is designated as Natural Monument No. 169. Here, 85 camellia trees aged around 500 years form a dense forest across 8,265㎡. When visiting the camellia forest from late March to early May, you can admire red camellia blossoms blooming shyly among green leaves, and climbing up to Dongbaekjeong Pavilion at the summit offers a panoramic view of the blue West Sea and the beauty of the sunset. In particular, the view of the sea harmonized with Oryeokdo Island right in front brings the joy of admiring a traditional Oriental painting.MoreLess

   

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4. 4

   Hansan Five-Day Market (1st, 6th)

   한산 5일장(1, 6일)

   Hansan Five-Day Market is held on the 1st, 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th of each month between Hansan Terminal and Hansan Elementary School. There are also alley shops that remain open even on non-market days. Although registered as a regular market in 1956, it is said to have opened before the Joseon dynasty. At the vegetable market street by the market entrance, various vegetables such as spinach, radish, carrots, shepherd's purse, and mugwort, as well as miscellaneous grains, abound. At the fish market, you can find tongue sole (bakdae), a local specialty of Seocheon, and at the general store, you can purchase everything from black and yellow rubber bands to clothespins, cotton swabs, toothbrushes, nail clippers, and Korean exfoliating towels.MoreLess

   

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