Camping Around Korea
Quick and Simple Guide to Some Camping Spots
By Han Sang-hee
Staff Reporter
Unleash your inner adventurer by going camping this summer. Booking a room in a hotel and resort may seem like the more comfortable way to enjoy holidays or weekends, but now many are turning towards camping for a more environmentally friendly and interesting trip.
Before leaving, campers should prepare to the fullest, although some noted that having to struggle a bit in unexpected situations is one of the charms of camping.
Gyeonggi Province
Gyeonggi Province offers various choices for those who are not driving a long way to camp; Seoul Grand Park being one of them.
Located in Gwacheon, the park has a total of five camping sites where you can sleep in a tent, play basketball and also chat with friends and family near the crystal-clear creek. The site is surrounded by various cultural venues, including the National Museum of Contemporary Art and also an amusement park.
Admission costs from 1,000 won to 2,000 won. The park also rents out tents for 15,000 won. Reservations are preferred. For more information, visit www.grandpark.seoul.go.kr or call (02) 500-7870.
Another fun place is the Jarasum Camping Site in Gapyeong, where the International Camping and Caravanning Rally was held last year. This would be the perfect spot for beginners, as it is easy to find, the convenient facilities are clean and spacious. The camping site is right next to Mt. Yeonin, where you can stroll along the beautiful forest and also take a break at the Yongchu Creek for a quick swim. In order to use the site or rent mobile homes or a caravan you must reserve via the Internet and pre-pay. For more information, visit https://jarasum.gp.go.kr or call (031) 580-2700.
Gangwon Province
For those who enjoy fly fishing, the Sambong Natural Recreation Forest is the spot for you. At the Naerin Stream, campers can fish all day, and also taste Sambong mineral water, which was chosen as one of the cleanest mineral water in Korea. For more adventure, you can also try out the rafting course. No shower booths. The camping site cost 8,000 won. For more information, call (033) 435-8536.
The Owl Auto Camping Site is located in a pine tree forest and can accommodate about 600 tents. Campers can have fun on Osan Beach, which is a 10-minute walk, and also visit prehistoric sites and enjoy scuba diving. For more information, call (033) 672-3702.
Chungcheong Province
Visit Naraeddeul, located at Daecheon, South Chungcheong Province, for a scenic view of the Daecheon Beach, located right next to the camping site. Not only can you jump into the deep blue sea, but campers can also participate in the Boryeong Mud Festival that is held from July 11 to 19.
Naraeddeul was first organized to support students from a social welfare center and you must promise you won't get drunk during the stay. The camping site costs 15,000 won. For more information, call (070) 8270-8765.
E-an Land was originally an arboretum, but the colorful venue opened its doors to campers who are looking for a place that is pretty and convenient. The venue has various themed parks, including a lotus flower trail, Eve's Hill, an artificial cave, a wild flower park and also a pavilion of tropical plants. Camping costs 10,000 won, admission 5,000 won. No shower booths.
Jeolla Province
Trees and mountains can help keep your vacation refreshing, and the Banghwadong Family Vacation Site located in North Jeolla Province offers just that. Located near Mt. Jangan, the camping site offers various activity venues, forest trails and is also close to Banghwadong Creek for swimming. Visit the Mt. Jangan County Park or just hang out under the trees and near the numerous creeks scattered around the camping site. Admission costs from 1,000 won to 2,000 won. The venue also rents out tents ― the cost varies depending on the size. For more information, visit www.jangsuhuyang.kr.
Camp next to the scenic Geumgang, or Geum River, North Jeolla Province, this summer. A famous canoe site, the tourist information center offers various courses, letting visitors tour along the calm waters of the river and admire the breathtaking scenery. Stop anywhere that looks nice and unpack. No admission fees, public bathrooms or shower booths. For more information, call (063) 324-2114.
Gyeongsang Province
Mt. Gyemyeong Recreational Forest is a haven of pine and oak trees. Located in Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, campers can visit nearby tourists attractions such as the Hahoe Village or Andong dam. There is also a large swimming pool where families and friends can enjoy the sun and water.
The Goseong Sangjogam Auto Camping Site, South Gyeongsang Province, is also a popular venue for campers. It may not be as spacious as other places, but it is clean and convenient and also boasts beautiful scenery.
The camping site is located right next to the dinosaur fossil site, and visitors can also find a dinosaur museum nearby. Admission costs 4,000 won. For more information, call (055) 832-9021. Located in South Gyeongsang Province, Goseong-gun.
Jeju Island
One of the most famous camping sites in Jeju is the Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest. With two different strolling trails and forests of various trees and ponds, it is a perfect getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city, and a great way to get closer to your friends and family. Admission costs from 300 won to 1,000 won and campers have to pay more to use the camping site.