Hidden corners of Korea await curious travelers this autumn

A shop in Daeryong Market on Gyodong Island, Incheon. Korea Times photo by Lee Hwan-jik

Autumn is often seen as the best season for travel in Korea, with crisp air, blue skies and colorful foliage drawing even homebodies out of the house.

To mark the season, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization have launched an autumn travel campaign, highlighting hidden attractions across the country.

The government is highlighting 19 lesser-known destinations. Among them is Gyodong Island in Incheon’s Ganghwa County, located north of the civilian control line and accessible only after registering at a Marine Corps checkpoint.

The island is home to Daeryong Market, created by displaced residents from Hwanghae Province to resemble their hometown market. The market is now maintained by the next generation, offering visitors a different atmosphere from typical markets in the South.

In Wonju, Gangwon Province, a cultural space opened in May featuring a floating iceberg-shaped building designed to raise awareness about climate change.

The complex includes a museum, courtyard, cafe and meeting facilities. Established and donated by entrepreneurs, it supports emerging artists and local cultural activities.

In Dangjin, South Chungcheong Province, visitors can explore Myeoncheon Eupseong Fortress, built in 1439 during the reign of King Sejong.

Once a military, administrative and economic hub, the fortress features four gates in the neo-Confucian style of the Joseon era (1392-1910). The surrounding village has become a cultural attraction, with a remodeled post office, a former school-turned-gallery and Yeongrang-hyo Park.

A forest in Ungok Wetland in Gochang County, North Jeolla Province. Korea Times file photo

In Gochang County, North Jeolla Province, visitors can experience a traditional culture village at Gochang Eupseong Fortress, where crafts such as embroidery, pansori, pottery, and natural dyeing are available.

The nearby Ramsar-designated Ungok Wetland offer a chance to encounter endangered wildlife in a lush forest of willow and poplar trees.

Jinyangho Park in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province, is another hidden gem. Home to the province’s only zoo, it is popular with families for its tigers, lions, bears and eagles, as well as scenic views of Jinyang Lake and the surrounding mountains.

The campaign also offers incentives. Visitors who check in at 19 hidden destinations, 11 newly designated spots from the “Korea Tourism 100” list or areas facing population decline can receive special KakaoTalk emojis.

To support travel, Korail will sell discounted tickets for its five tourist trains and the rail pass for use between Nov. 9 and 16.

Visitors walk along a barefoot trail in Jinyangho Park in Jinju, South Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of Jinju City

Through the Lodging Sale Festa, travelers can get up to 30,000 won ($22) off reservations in regions outside the capital and up to 50,000 won off bookings in areas affected by heavy rain and flooding.

The local autumn travel program is also recruiting participants, offering one-day trips for 39,000 won per person.

The first round, departing Friday, is already sold out, while reservations for the second and third rounds, set for next month, will be accepted between Oct. 1 and 13. Participants are chosen by lottery, and up to four people can apply together once.

The travel campaign is organized by a coalition of 10 public and private organizations, including the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Korea Tourism Organization and the Korea Federation of SMEs, aimed at revitalizing domestic tourism and local businesses.

A poster for the autumn travel campaign. Courtesy of the Korea Tourism Organization

This article from the Hankook Ilbo, the sister publication of The Korea Times, is translated by generative AI and edited by The Korea Times.