Parks of Korea

South Korea is considered an overpopulated and densely populated country, so the conservation zones on land occupy an area of ​​only 3.82 square meters. km, and at sea - 2.64 square meters. km. This territory includes various national parks and reserves, which are enjoyed by local residents and tourists.

general information

Almost all natural parks in South Korea were created in the 70s of the XX century. In the country there are 20 large reserves and many small (about 50), which are called district or provincial. Many of them are located in the mountains and on the coast. The latter include picturesque islands and a water space between them.

In the territory of many parks in Korea, in addition to natural attractions , you can see cultural monuments and Buddhist temples . All nature protection zones of the country are subordinated to the State Company for the Management of Reserves, which belongs to the Ministry of Environmental Protection.

The entrance to the National Parks of Korea is usually paid, but the price is low. You'll have to pay for parking. All income goes to the development of nature conservation areas. During a visit to the reserve, tourists must follow certain rules. Here it is forbidden:

• litter;
• smoking;
• to descend from route tracks;
• shout;
• to disturb animals.

The most famous national parks in South Korea

Some environmental areas of the country are visited annually by 2-3 million people. The most visited of them are:

1. Odaesan - consists of 2 parts: the ancient monastery of Woljeongs and the river Sogymgang, which is surrounded by rocks, rocks and valleys. In summer tourists come here for hiking, and in winter - for skiing or snowboarding. On the territory of the park there are 5 peaks, designed for sports. Here there are national treasures under №48 (9-tiered pagoda) and № 139 (stone figure of Buddha).
2. Seoraksan (Seoraksan) - the largest national park in South Korea, its photos adorn many souvenir cards and magnets. On an area of ​​398 square meters. km are hotels, places for camping, restaurants and sports shop. Here is the oldest in Asia Buddhist temple Sinhyntsa, 19-meter sculpture Gautama, cast from gilded bronze, and also equipped with more than 10 routes for hiking. They have a different level of complexity and duration.
3. Bukhansan - it is located on the eponymous ridge in the province of Gyeonggi. Flora and fauna counts 2494 species of plants, mushrooms and animals. The territory of the reserve is located in the capital, so it is very popular with the inhabitants of Seoul . The national park is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the most visited on a unit of area.
4. Kayasan (Gaya-san) - is located around the eponymous mountain, which is famous for the monastery of Heins . In the monastery is stored a collection of ancient texts, made in the XIII century. The government of the country wanted to transfer them to a special underground storage facility with a certain humidity and temperature. The first party moved there, immediately began to deteriorate, so the collection was left in its original form. Scientists can not solve this phenomenon until now.
5. Hallasan is a reserve located on Jeju Island and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. On the territory of the park there are tangerine groves, pastures, meadows and a volcano, the peak of which is 2950 m (the highest point in South Korea). In its crater is a lake with bright blue water. It is best to come here from May to June, when the azalea blossoms.

What other parks to visit in South Korea?

During a trip around the country, pay attention to such unique reserves as:

1. Park Tadochehasan - belongs to the province of Cholla-Namdo. The territory of the park is covered with evergreen forests, inhabited by 885 species of insects, 165 - fish, 147 - birds, 13 - amphibians and 11 species of mammals.
2. Grand Park - it is also called the Great Seoul Park , located in the Republic of Korea. On its territory there is a rosary, a zoo, the National Museum of Modern Art , attractions and a variety of hiking trails.
3. Park Halle - this park is called the water route of Hallesudo. It represents a 150-km-long water area stretching from the city of Yesu to Kojido. There are many uninhabited islets with mountain caves and virgin nature here.
4. The Love Park (Jeju Loveland) is located on Jeju Island in South Korea. This is a unique institution on the territory of which sculptures of naked people, imprinted in various intimate poses, are installed. All doors, benches and fountains are decorated in the form of female genital organs and phalluses. There is also a sex museum, a shop with themed goods and a cinema. Entrance to the park is allowed to persons over 18 years of age.
5. Voraxan - it is famous for its picturesque landscapes. Here the rivers are replaced by stormy waterfalls, and the footpaths are framed by rocks. On the territory of the nature protection zone there is an ancient temple of Tokchus.
6. Park Buhasan - is located in Seoul and is surrounded by a picturesque forest. On the territory of the protected area there are monasteries and temples , as well as special tourist routes.
7. Sculpture Park - is located on the coast of the Yellow Sea in South Korea. The statues are made in the form of heroes who meet and fall in love, and then leave and experience pain. All of them have bizarre shapes and poses. Some monuments are erotic in nature. The most recognizable sculpture in the park is called "Hands-stairs".
8. Islan Park - the entire territory of the landmark is planted with fragrant flowers and exotic plants. Here is a small farm and a zoo, a musical fountain and pagodas, bridges and bicycle paths. On sunny days on the rocks you can often see turtles creeping out to bask.
9. Park Seongsan is an extinct volcano that impresses with its beauty at sunset or dawn. Ascent to the crater of the volcano is carried out on a special staircase, equipped with observation platforms and benches.
10. Namsan Park - the main purpose of tourists is the TV tower, which offers a stunning view. You can climb it by using the funicular. In the reserve, tourists will see a variety of plants, a national village and a beautiful pond with a waterfall.