South Korea National Parks

The first national park in South Korea is Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원). Established on December 29, 1967, Jirisan National Park is located in the southern part of the country, spanning across three provinces: South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, and South Jeolla.

Jirisan is known for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, pristine forests, and cultural heritage sites, including Buddhist temples and traditional mountain villages. The establishment of Jirisan National Park marked the beginning of a concerted effort by the South Korean government to preserve the country’s natural and cultural heritage through the creation of national parks.

Today, Jirisan National Park remains one of the most visited and revered national parks in South Korea, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The largest national park in South Korea is Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원). Covering an area of approximately 471 square kilometers (about 182 square miles), Jirisan National Park is located in the southern part of the country, spanning across three provinces: South Gyeongsang, North Jeolla, and South Jeolla.

Jirisan is known for its rugged mountains, deep valleys, pristine forests, and cultural heritage sites, including Buddhist temples and traditional mountain villages. The park is a popular destination for hiking, camping, wildlife observation, and cultural tours, attracting millions of visitors each year.

Jirisan National Park is also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it a significant conservation area in South Korea.

The smallest national park in South Korea is Wolchulsan National Park (월출산국립공원). Covering an area of approximately 56.6 square kilometers (about 21.9 square miles), Wolchulsan National Park is located in the southwestern part of the country, in Jeollanam-do Province.

Despite its small size, Wolchulsan National Park is known for its dramatic landscapes, including steep cliffs, rocky peaks, deep valleys, and lush forests. The park is popular among hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, offering various hiking trails with stunning viewpoints, waterfalls, and cultural landmarks such as temples and shrines.

Wolchulsan National Park also features unique geological formations, including the famous Cloud Bridge (Cheonhwangbong Bridge), which offers panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Seoraksan National Park is one of the most popular national parks in South Korea, renowned for its rugged mountains, scenic beauty, and vibrant autumn foliage. Located in the northeastern region, the park’s main attractions include the towering Seoraksan Mountain, Sinheungsa Temple, and the dramatic Gwongeumseong Fortress. Visitors flock to the park for hiking, cable car rides, and to experience the breathtaking views of jagged peaks, lush valleys, and crystal-clear streams. Seoraksan’s natural beauty and well-developed infrastructure make it a top destination for both locals and tourists.

Approximately 6.6% of South Korea’s land area is protected through national parks and other designated conservation areas, covering around 3,402 square miles (8,810 square kilometers). These parks play a vital role in preserving the country’s rich biodiversity, including its coastal, mountain, and forest ecosystems.

In addition to national parks, South Korea has several nature reserves and wildlife sanctuaries. The Jirisan Reserve, while overlapping with Jirisan National Park, extends beyond it and protects the critical habitats of endangered species like the Asiatic black bear.

The Dadohaehaesang Marine Reserve, part of a larger marine park system, safeguards South Korea’s coastal ecosystems, including coral reefs and marine wildlife.

The Gwangneung Forest is another protected area known for its old-growth forest and role in climate research, offering a haven for birds and insects, including the endangered Korean red-crowned crane.

Beyond its national parks, South Korea offers a range of natural attractions. The Jeju Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is famed for its volcanic landscapes, including Hallasan Mountain, South Korea’s tallest peak, and Manjanggul Cave, one of the world’s longest lava tubes.

The DMZ (Demilitarized Zone), while a politically sensitive area, has become an accidental nature reserve, home to rare wildlife such as cranes and leopards. Suncheon Bay, a coastal wetland, is renowned for its biodiversity and serves as an important stopover for migratory birds.

The Nami Island, set in the middle of the Han River, is another popular destination, known for its tree-lined paths and seasonal beauty.

South Korea is home to several species that are either endemic or particularly significant in the region. The Korean goral, a goat-antelope species, inhabits the rugged mountains of the Korean Peninsula.

The Korean magpie is also a bird species closely associated with the country, often referred to as a symbol of good fortune. The Jeju pony, native to Jeju Island, is a small, sturdy horse breed unique to South Korea.

Additionally, the country’s forests are home to the Korean fir, a tree species endemic to South Korea’s high-altitude regions.

South Korea’s main international airport is Incheon International Airport (IATA code: ICN), located near Seoul. It is the largest and busiest airport in the country and serves as a major hub for international travelers entering and leaving South Korea.

The following international airline companies fly into South Korea:

• AirAsia
• All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• Asiana Airlines (South Korean carrier)
• British Airways
• Cathay Pacific
• China Eastern Airlines
• Emirates
• Korean Air (South Korean carrier)
• Lufthansa
• Qatar Airways
• Singapore Airlines
• United Airlines

South Korea’s national parks are managed by the Korea National Park Service (KNPS), which operates under the Ministry of Environment. KNPS is responsible for conserving the country’s natural landscapes, protecting wildlife, and promoting sustainable tourism within the parks.

In addition to national parks, the KNPS oversees the management of several other protected areas, working to balance conservation efforts with public access.

More information can be found on the official KNPS website: http://english.knps.or.kr.