A Heartwarming Course: Listening to the Whispers of the Forest and the Murmurs of the Sea!

This travel course covers Yanggu-gun, Inje-gun, and Goseong-gun, taking you to a Korean Peninsula-shaped artificial island, Paroho Lake, Rainbow Beach with its rainbow curb stones, and the East Sea.

Along the way

1. 1

   Hwacheon Banjigyo Bridge & Arles Theme Arboretum

   화천 반지교&아를테마수목공원

   Arles Theme Arboretum is the renamed site of what was once called the Georye-ri Tree of Love. The arboretum is quiet and great for healing, and it is directly connected to the Bukhangang River Bicycle Path, making it popular among cycling club members. In addition, the ring-shaped Banjigyo Bridge at the end of the arboretum trail makes it a great spot for marriage proposals and couple photos.MoreLess

   

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2. 2

   Hanbando Island

   한반도섬

   Paroho Hanbando Island is an artificial island shaped like the Korean Peninsula, created in the middle of Paroho Lake within Korea's largest wetland (1.63 million square meters) located on the upper reaches of the lake. It is connected to the mainland via wooden deck pathways, offering a pleasant walking trail where visitors can stroll while enjoying the riverside breeze. You can stop by the Hanbando Island Observatory located across the lake toward Dongsu-ri to see the overall shape of the island. After arriving at the observatory and walking up a few stairs, you can take in the panoramic view of Paroho Lake and Hanbando Island all at once. In these days when opportunities to gaze at the sky, lake, and lush green forest together are rare, it offers a refreshing sensation that clears both your eyes and mind.MoreLess

   

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3. 3

   Center of Korea Observatory

   국토정중앙천문대

   The Center of Korea Observatory is located near the geographical center of the Korean Peninsula to gaze at the sky from the nation's midpoint. It is equipped with an 80-cm reflecting telescope as its main instrument, an exhibition hall where visitors can access the latest astronomical information and participate in various learning activities, and a planetarium where visitors can view a digital simulation of the night sky.MoreLess

   

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4. 4
   Wondae-ri Birch Forest (Whispering Birch Forest)

   원대리 자작나무 숲 (속삭이는 자작나무 숲)

   A natural ecotourism destination near Inje-eup, Wondae-ri Birch Forest was created by planting 690,000 birch trees across 138 hectares from 1974 to 1995, and 25 hectares of the area are currently operated as a forest experience center for young children. Exploration of the birch forest is accessible on foot after signing the entrance log at the trail entrance. You must walk along the forest road starting from the Birch Forest Information Center at the entrance to reach the birch forest. There are two forest roads: the Wonjeong Forest Road, which takes about 80 minutes on foot, and the Wondae Forest Road, which takes about 1 hour. Ascending along the hiking trail reveals a dense forest filled with birch trees over 20 years old. The birch forest, with its white bark stretching toward the sky, gives off an exotic charm. Established to discover and present the unique ecological, aesthetic, and educational values of the birch forest, it has established itself as a representative natural ecotourism destination of Inje-gun. Access is restricted during the forest fire prevention periods in spring (February 1 to May 15) and autumn (November 1 to November 15), which may vary depending on weather and on-site conditions. Don't Miss In winter, the white snow-covered forest and pure white birch trees harmonize, making it a popular photo spot. Families with children can also enjoy various nature-themed experiential activities such as forest classrooms and teepees at the children's forest experience center.MoreLess

   

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5. 5

   Baekdamsa Temple

   백담사

   Baekdamsa Temple is a representative temple of Inner Seorak, located above Baekdam Valley where the clear waters flowing from Gayadong Valley and Gugokdam meet, serving as a gateway for hiking Inner Seorak. It was founded by Master Jajang in the first year of Queen Jindeok's reign (647) during the Silla Dynasty. It was initially named Hangyesa Temple, but was later renamed Baekdamsa Temple because there were 100 pools from Daecheongbong Peak down to the temple. It is a temple with a tumultuous history, having been destroyed by fire about ten times before being rebuilt in 1957 after the Korean War to reach its current state. Relics include Master Jajang's Sodongiljwa and a seven-story small jade pagoda bestowed upon Great Master Seoljeong during King Injo's reign, along with hermitages such as Yeongsiam, Oseam, and Bongjeongam. In addition, Baekdamsa Temple is famous as the place where Manhae Han Yong-un (1879–1944) had his head shaved and practiced asceticism. While Monk Manhae wrote works here enduring the pains of creation to revive the national spirit for the people and the nation, former President Chun Doo-hwan and his wife are said to have repented while living in exile here. Along one side of the valley in front of Baekdamsa Temple, countless stone pagodas stand, built by visitors over the years wishing for their prayers to be answered.MoreLess

   

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6. 6

   Ayajin Beach

   아야진해변

   Located 6 km north of Sokcho and about 500 m off National Route 7, this beach attracts an increasing number of vacationers every year thanks to its scenic surroundings. With its combination of various sized rocks, clear waters, and clean white sands, it is an ideal vacation spot for families. The sandy beach is 600 m long and 50 m wide, with a water depth of 1.5 to 2 m up to 30 m from the shore. The number of visitors coming specifically to buy fresh squid at affordable prices in the early morning is also growing.MoreLess

   

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7. 7
   Songjiho Beach

   송지호 해수욕장

   Located about 14 km north of Sokcho, Songjiho Beach sits adjacent to Songjiho Lake, which was designated as a National Tourist Destination in October 1977. With a white sand beach 2 km long and 100 m wide, clear and shallow water, and Jukdo Island and Seoraksan Mountain nearby, it offers a wide variety of things to enjoy. Directly facing the sea lies Jukdo Island, celebrated for its superb scenery featuring bamboo and uniquely shaped rocks, making this a highly spotlighted natural beach blessed by nature.MoreLess

   

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