Mulmi Coast Observatory in Namhae-gun County, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, offers 360-degree panoramic views of the country's southern waters. (Namhae County)
By Margareth Theresia
Autumn colors are growing more vivid nowadays. While fancy tourist attractions attract hordes of visitors, the true essence of the season lies in serene landscapes.
The Korea Tourism Organization on Nov. 5 released a list of 27 travel spots dubbed "hidden gems" that shine especially bright in fall. The places include attractions with charm that newly opened to the public or are not yet widely known.
The following are four choices from the list.
Seorak Fragrance Road in Sokcho, Gangwon-do Province, showcases brilliant autumn colors along the foothills of Seoraksan Mountain. (Sokcho City Hall)
Seorak Fragrance Road: walking through fall scenery around Seoraksan Mountain
Seorak Fragrance Road in Sokcho, Gangwon-do Province, is a 2.7 km, barrier-free pedestrian path along the entrance to Seoraksan National Park. The slopes are gentle enough to allow access by strollers and wheelchairs.
Colorful foliage covers the trail in autumn, and highlights include panoramic views of Seoraksan Mountain from the sprawling Sky Walk (765 m long) and the swaying suspension bridge (98 m) spanning the stream. Soft lighting illuminates the place at night, making it a renowned spot for "moonlight trekking."
Yedangho Observatory in Yesan-gun County, Chungcheongnam-do Province, is great for scenic views. (Chungcheongnam-do Province)
Yedangho Observatory: fall comma connecting sky and lake
Yedangho Lake is a leading tourist attraction in Yesan-gun County, Chungcheongnam-do Province. The place has attracted tourists for its chulleongdari, a pedestrian suspension bridge that gently wobbles as people walk on it, walking trails, monorail and interactive adventure facilities.
The 70 m-tall Yedangho Observatory opened last month offers spectacular views of the gentle ridges of Bongsusan and Daebongsan mountains that seamlessly blend beyond the lake's tranquil surface.
At sunset, the sky and the water are tinged with a golden light, creating a scene reminiscent of a watercolor painting. At night, the 402 m-long chulleongdari sports dazzling lights, offering a romantic atmosphere different from that of daytime.
This is the first walking trail of Ungok Ramsar Wetland that starts from Gochang Dolmen Site in Gochang-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province. (Korea Tourism Organization)
Ungok Ramsar Wetland: land restored by nature
Ungok Ramsar Wetland in Gochang-gun County, Jeollabuk-do Province, is a prime example of natural restoration without human interference. The construction of Ungok Reservoir in 1981 caused the disappearance of the village there, and the area was off-limits for 28 years.
During that time, however, nature restored the region on its own and the wetland reappeared in 2009.
An estimated 850 species live in the wetland including endangered species such as otters, leopard cats, martens, fairy pittas and grey frog hawks and Natural Monument-designated common kestrels. Admission is free but select activities such as riding the guided tour train incur fees.
This is the dome-shaped roof of Clayarch Gimhae Museum in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. (Korea Tourism Organization)
Clayarch Gimhae Museum: where architecture and ceramics meet
Clayarch Gimhae Museum in Gimhae, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, is the nation's first art museum exclusively for architectural ceramics and consists of "dome" and "cubic" homes. A striking highlight is the 20 m-tall Clayarch Tower, whose entire outer wall is adorned with about 1,000 ceramic tiles.
Its spatial beauty transcends the boundaries between ceramic art and architecture and blends with fall colors, making this a prime destination for "cultural travel."
margareth@korea.kr