The results of a poll for the 100x100 Project to Discover Korea's Top Attractions, a joint program of the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization, have been released on the initiative's official website (https://spot100x100.kr), which is linked to the Visit Korea homepage. This Korea.net series introduces 100 travel themes in eight sectors to highlight attractions recommended by the Korean public for foreign visitors.

This beautiful autumn scene is at Damyang Metasequoia Road in the town of Damyang-eup in Damyang-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province. (Korea Tourism Organization)

By Margareth Theresia

"Experiential Content" (Leisure and Sports) draws the most interest from Koreans who responded to a poll for the 100x100 Project to Discover Korea's Top Attractions. The category features destinations of diverse themes including "K-Sports & Adventure," "Great Walking Trails" and "Dopamine-boosting Experiences."

Three of the destinations are classified as "Running Courses." As the hot summer gives way to the cool fall, a "run trip," which combines running and travel, is gaining popularity among people who value health and wellness.

A run trip against the backdrop of the country's autumn scenery is an enticing prospect. Korea.net recommends three attractions to do this, the first being Damyang Metasequoia Road in the town of Damyang-eup in Damyang-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province.

The beautiful tree-lined path is a popular travel destination year-round. In the county, famous for bamboo tree forests, the metasequoias create an exotic and enchanting landscape.

Vehicle access is restricted, allowing pedestrians to fully enjoy the forest trail, and the route is also accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. The changing scenery throughout the year goes from a green forest tunnel in spring and summer to red autumn foliage and snowy winter landscapes.

A leisurely walk is one option but running between the trees can leave an even deeper impression of the trip.

To get there from Seoul, take an express bus to the town or the high-speed rail KTX to Gwangju-Songjeong Station before heading to the scenic path.

Autumn leaves color Olympic Park in Seoul's Songpa-gu District. (Seoul Tourism Organization)

The second destination is Olympic Park in Seoul's Songpa-gu District, where the memory of the 1988 Summer Olympics held in the capital lives on. The venue is a public space for sports, culture and leisure while carrying on the Olympic spirit and values.

Olympic monuments and outdoor sculptures dot the park. Spaces large and small feature beautiful landscapes such as Mongchontoseong Earthen Fortification, a site dating back to the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 B.C.- A.D. 660), Mongchon Moat and Peace Square.

After exploring royal palaces and downtown attractions, why not go for a run at the park? Visitors can experience both the city's tradition and modernity while exercising.

Olympic Park is especially beautiful in fall, when the leaves sport vibrant colors. Its location right by Olympic Park Station (Seoul subway lines 5 and 9) make access easy.

Hanbando Island is shaped like the Korean Peninsula in the town of Yanggu-eup in Yanggu-gun County, Gangwon-do Province. (Yanggu County Office)

The final destination is Hanbando Island, which is in the shape of the Korean Peninsula and the country's largest artificial wetland, in Yanggu-gun County, Gangwon-do Province. The county's location near the geographical center of the peninsula has earned it the nickname of the region's "navel."

Before heading to the island, visitors can go up a nearby observatory to see a panoramic view of Hanbando against the backdrop of Paroho Lake. The sky, lake and green forests create an expansive landscape that refreshes both the eyes and mind.

Running on the island gives the feeling of going from Baekdusan Mountain to Hallasan, a trip across the peninsula in one go. A tour of Hanbando takes about an hour to discover the unique characteristics of each region.

To get there from Seoul, take a bus to Yanggu Intercity Bus Terminal and then take a taxi or bus to the island.

margareth@korea.kr