Things to Do in Korea: 13 Ideas for an Active Vacation

Hiking

Hike the mountains in the middle of Seoul

Seoul is located in a mountainous area: you can find a trail for walking in the very center and in the suburban areas. For a leisurely measured walk, Invansan, Ansan and Achkhasan are suitable. But experienced climbers should go to the Bukhansan, Tobonsan and Gwanaksan mountains - they are higher and the trails there are more difficult.

You can conquer any of the mountains of Seoul in five hours or even faster. Relax after a long walk and enjoy some traditional Korean food like bibimbap or bulgogi at one of the nearby restaurants.

Climbing Mount Hallasan

If Bukhansan, Tobonsan and Gwangaksan seem too simple for you, try to conquer Mount Hallasan - the highest peak in Korea. It is located on Jeju Island and rises 1,947 kilometers above sea level. The most popular climbing route takes about 10 hours in both directions.

The height is not the only notable feature of Hallasan. In 2007, the mountain was included in the UNESCO list of natural heritage for its striking volcanic landscape, beautiful waterfalls, columnar rocks and unique flora - about 1,800 species of mountain plants grow on the territory of Hallasan.

If you cover the entire route, you may also see the picturesque Pennoctam Crater Lake. The view of it opens only from the top of the mountain, but, alas, only in good weather. Another reason to get to the peak is the climbing certificate, which is given to everyone at the end of the route.

Jeju Olle Trails

Along the coast of South Korea's largest island, Jeju, there are walking paths that locals call "olle". They offer views of green peaks, clear sea and small old villages.

Jeju has 26 hiking trails of varying length and difficulty. To overcome some of them, an hour will be enough, the most difficult ones will take all eight! Please note: some trails still involve climbing on a hill, so check the difficulty of the chosen route in advance.

Hepharan trail

Hepharan is Korea's longest hiking trail. It stretches for 770 kilometers. Of course, you don't need to go as much at once. Hepharan consists of ten sections, each of which is divided into several routes of varying difficulty. In addition to beautiful landscapes, Hepharan also has many unusual sights. For example, the Oryukdo Skywalk viewing platform with a glass floor, Tewanam Park (various dramas were filmed here), Igide Park and Panojin Port.

Cycling tourism

Bike ride in Hangang Park

The Hangang bike path in Seoul is perfect for both relaxing walks and active rides. The route stretches along the river of the same name and takes 107 kilometers. The beautiful scenery is complemented by seating areas with benches where you can take a breath and enjoy the views of Korea's nature.

There are rides to the track in the parks Hangang, Yoido-Hangang and Chamwon-Hangang, and you can conquer it on the Seoul bicycle "Ttaryni". To rent it, you need to download the Seoul Bike app and find the nearest parked vehicle on the map.

Historical excursion to Gyeongju

Gyeongju is one of the tourist centers in Korea. Four parts of the city are included in the UNESCO heritage list. People come here to look at the ruins of temples, the center of Buddhism, the ancient Chomseongdae Observatory and the Teryngwon Royal Burial Park. You can go around all the sights in one day by bike. The length of the route is 23 kilometers. In addition to ancient monuments, it also encompasses beautiful natural sites - Pomun Lake and Hwanson Park.

The journey will take only three and a half hours. After the bike ride, you can wander around the city, taste the local Hwannamppan buns and watch the Korean traditional ssireum wrestling.

Fantastic bike path in Jeju Island

You can explore Jeju Island not only by walking, but also by bike. The route is called Fantastic Cycle Path. It runs along the coast of the island. Length - 234 km! If you want to drive it completely, take a special notebook at the start for affixing stamps on check-points along the track.

Only experienced athletes can overcome the entire route at a time, but you can drive part of the route by choosing one of 10 trails. Don't miss the stretch along the Gimnyeongsonsegi beaches. These are the most picturesque places of the whole road.

If you do not have a bike, rent one from the Bike Trip Rental, which is a 10-minute walk from Jeju International Airport.

Water sports

Surfing at Surfyy Beach in Yangyang

Yangyang is just a two-hour high-speed train ride from Seoul. Surfyy Beach is a surfer-only destination. Here, for example, you cannot swim and just sunbathe on the sand (a separate territory is allocated for this). The total length of the beach is about a kilometer.

Surfyy Beach can be called a place for youth recreation: in the vicinity there are many cafes, bars and atmospheric coffee houses overlooking the sea. Noisy parties are held in the evening and at night. Those who do not like the hustle and bustle of the city can see the surroundings of Yangyang, for example, the picturesque rocky coast of Khazhode with a spectacular observation deck or the Naksansa Temple, on the territory of which there is a 16-meter statue of Buddha Hesugwanyemsan.

Jungmun Beach on Jeju Island

Jungmun Beach is the birthplace of Korean surfing. Since 2003, international competitions in this sport have been regularly held here. The best time to conquer the waves is September. The place is suitable for surfers of all skill levels.

Jungmun is also known for its fine and pleasant sand. The length of the beach is 560 m, the average depth in the coastal zone is 1.2 m, so when there are no waves, it is ideal for a quiet summer vacation with children. On the right side of the beach there is a natural sea cave Hasikkul. Other natural attractions include Chusan Cholli Cliffs and Cheongjeeong Falls.

Extreme sports in Yingja

Fans of extreme sports will find activities to their liking in Inja. Here you can try rafting on the Nerinchon River. There are two routes with a total length of 13 km. The first one is for beginners: it runs along the upper course of the river, where there are no sharp rapids. The route for experienced extreme lovers, on the contrary, is located in the most turbulent part of the reservoir.

You can also try bungee jumping on the Nerincheon River - jumping on a rope from a height of 63 meters, as well as zip-trekking - descending from the mountain along steel ropes overlooking the river. There are three routes according to difficulty levels - experimental, adventurous and challenging.

The tourist season in Inja lasts all year round, with the exception of rafting. Rafting is possible only from April to October.

Taekwondo

Illustration: Sorn340 Studio Images

Art by: WitthayaP

Art by Sang H. Park

National Taekwondo Center in Muju

Taekwondo is the national sport of Korea. This martial art focuses on self-defense skills, character building, mutual respect and fighting etiquette. Foreigners can learn the basics of taekwondo at the National Taekwondo Center in Muju City. There is a competition stadium, a performance hall, an educational and training center, and a taekwondo museum. A virtual sparring service is available in the training center - your opponent will be a simulator program. For tourists there are special educational and cultural programs for one day.

Skiing

Art by: Nuttawut Uttamaharad

Art by Johnathan21

Illustration: Panwasin seemala

Yongpyeong Ski Resort

Yeonpyeong is Korea's first ski resort. It was opened in 1975. It is located 200 km from Seoul, on the Palwansan Range. This is the northern part of the country, so this base has a long season for Korea - you can ski from mid-November to early April. Several major international sporting events have been held here, such as the Alpine Skiing World Cup in 1998 and part of the 2018 Winter Olympics. Therefore, all 28 slopes of the resort are approved by the International Ski Federation (ISF). You can also come to Yongpyeong in summer: after the winter season, the golf season opens here.

Ski base "Muzhu Resort"

This resort hosted the 1997 Winter Universiade. There are 23 slopes of various difficulty levels. For example, you can ride the longest ski trail in Korea. Its length is 6, 2 km. It is suitable for beginners and intermediate skiers. Thrill-seekers will love the Raider course. This is the steepest descent in the country. For family and children recreation at the Muju Resort base there are attractions (Children's Country Park and Water Park) and local attractions (Togyusan Mountain National Park, Choxansanson Fortress, Anguksa and Hoguksa Temples).

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The best you can think of with phone pictures are ideas from Lifehacker and the Mimigram app. Put a photo on the screensaver pros : it takes less than a minute. Minuses : so do all and sundry. The photo on the screensaver will remind you of vacation and will help you not to drown in work tasks, deadlines and stress too quickly.