SEONGSAN SUNRISE PEAK
Hydrovolcanic eruptions formed this majestic volcanic crater 5,000 years ago on Jeju Island.
A UNESCO world heritage site, the peak is famous for many things, including numerous rare plant species, but is best known for the magnificent sight of the sun rising over it (hence the name).
The climb up the peak’s northwest side ridge (its other sides are steep cliffs) to the 180-meter highest point takes 30 minutes.
1 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province.
GGOTJI BEACH
Located four kilometers southwest from Anmyeon-eup, this cream-colored beach is the ideal place to go for a drive and watch the sun sink into the ocean between two large rock formations known as the Granny Rock and the Grandpa Rock.
Legend has it that the wife of a base commanding officer in the Shilla Dynasty became the Granny Rock when she died after waiting faithfully for her husband.
Seungeon 4 ri, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do.
GWANG-AN BRIDGE
Also known as the Diamond Bridge, this two-story bridge connects Suyeong-gu and Haeundae-gu and offers an astonishing view of mountains, sandy beaches, hills and city lights.
Kwang-An Bridge is not for pedestrians, but anyone can enjoy the spectacular night view of the bridge from afar; its state-of-the-art lighting system allows an exterior lighting of over 100,000 colors.
Suyeong-gu, Busan.
KYEONG-WHA STATION , JINHAE
This small whistle-stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring.
Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel.
The cherry blossom road at Yeojwa stream, (number 17 on this list) is also nearby for those who want more photo-ops.
Kyeongwha-dong, Jinhae-gu, Gyeongsangnam-do.
ANAPJI (ANAP POND)
This man-made pond was created during the Shilla Dynasty approximately 1,500 years ago.
Three buildings stand on three artificial islands while patches of lotus flowers frame the pond.
Gorgeous exterior lighting that go on after sunset create a magical night view.
26 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
BOSEONG GREEN TEA FIELD
Approximately 40 percent of Korea's tea is produced in the rolling fields of Boseong, which has also provided the backdrop of many Korean dramas and films.
Yes, green tea-related specialties (fresh green tea ice cream and green tea pork belly) are tasty treats, but the spectacular view of the seemingly endless tea fields is the real reason so many visitors stop by Boseong.
A green tea festival is held every May while in the winter, the fields are decorated with tiny light bulbs.
Bongsan-ri, Boseong-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do.
HYEOPJAE BEACH , JEJU ISLAND
This white sandy beach is perfect for families with its shallow water (average depth of 1.2 meters), nearby amenities, and camping in the pine forest surrounding the beach.
Hyeopjae is also particularly known for its delicious abalones and conches, served fresh in the seafood restaurants dotting the beach.
2497-1 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeji-si, Jeju Speicial Self-Governing Province.
JEUNGDO SALT FARM
This treasure island (artifacts from the Song Dynasty have actually been found at the bottom of the sea) is famous for its clear seawater, soft beach, and salt farms.
The magical sight of huge salt farms is not the only spectacle that can be found here; the mud flat leisure town allows tourists to experience and observe the marine life of the mud flat.
Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do.
SERYANG-JE
Seryang-Je, a reservoir built in 1969 in Hwasun, is another famous spot for both professional and amateur photographers for its ethereal mist and reflections of colorful blossoms and leaves.
Seryang-ri, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do.
ROYAL AZALEA FESTIVAL , HWANGMAE MOUNTAIN
At 1,108 meters, Hwangmae Mountain is the highest peak in the Sobaek mountain range, and is covered by royal azalea blossoms every spring.
The festival runs from the beginning of May for two weeks, and organizers recommend coming at dawn to capture the most intense images on camera.
1 Mountain, Beoppyeong-ri, Chahwang-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do.
INJE SMELTS FESTIVAL
The Inje Smelts Festival takes place on Soyang lake every winter and offers families and couples (and the occasional single visitor) some major fun on ice.
Even if fishing is not your idea of fun, you'll enjoy the eating part.
Soyang Lake, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do.
YEOJWA STREAM
The fifth item on this list already touched on the festival of cherry blossoms in Jinhae, but the cherry blossom road at Yeojwa Stream is so strikingly beautiful that it deserves another mention (and another photo).
Lovers visit this site to cross the "Romance Bridge", which has been used as a shooting location for "Romance," a drama starring Kim Ha-nul and Kim Jae-won.
Bloggers say that these romantic blossoms can be most appreciated at night, when there are fewer tourists and the pale pink flowers glow against the dark sky.
Yeojwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do.
BULGUKSA TEMPLE
This UNESCO-listed site is perhaps the most famous historic site in Korea.
Two granite pagodas on either sides of the temple, Dabotap and Seokgatap, as well as Seokguram, a man-made grotto just above the temple, add to the splendid grandeur of this 1,500-year-old home of many important relics.
15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.
UPO MARSH
At 2,314 kilometers squared, Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea and thrice the size of Yeouido. Formed over 140 million years ago, the marsh is home to 1,500 plants and animals, some of which are endangered species.
Visitors can bike or walk around this beautiful natural swamp, where migratory birds are known for flying low.
Daedae-ri, Yueo-myeon, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do.
GONGRYONG RIDGE , SEORAK MOUNTAIN
Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious peaks in the Seorak mountain range.
Thought to be shaped like the spine of a dinosaur (hence the name, "Dinosaur Ridge"), this rocky ridge offers spectacular views of both inner and outer Seorak.
The climb is no picnic: the peak elevation of Gongryong Ridge, the most popular ridge route in the range, is approximately 1,200 meters.
Goseong-gun/Yangyang-gun/Inje-gun, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do.
TERRACED FIELDS , HAMYANG
This small village at the foot of Jiri Mountain displays a curious sight of terraced rice paddies.
In spring the water in the paddies reflects the sky, while in autumn the paddies glow with golden grains.
Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do .