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.

Seongsan Ilchulbong (Seongsan Sunrise Peak) was ranked No. 1 across all categories in a poll for the 100x100 Project to Discover Korea's Top Attractions.

Photos = Korea Tourism Organization

"Travel Preferences," one of eight categories in the 100x100 Project to Discover Korea’s Top Attractions, has a variety of subtopics like "Landmark Conquest Tours," "Korea's First and Best," and "A World Tour Within Korea: Exotic Scenery."

Korea.net takes a look at three destinations in this category under the theme "Heart-pounding Views." Each offers stunning breathtaking scenery that leave visitors in awe.

The first site is Seongsan Ilchulbong (Seongsan Sunrise Peak) on Jeju Island, which topped the project's poll based on its combined scores in all eight categories. Its multifaceted appeal was further reflected in the votes it received across 22 sections like "Sunrise and Sunset Watching Spots" and "Climbing to the End of Stairs."

The peak was designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2007.

Rising 180 m above sea level, the volcanic cone was formed by an underwater eruption about 5,000 years ago, a rare occurrence among Jeju's many volcanic craters. At the summit lies a crater 600 m in diameter, floor elevation of 90 m above sea level and an area of 214,400 square m.

As the sun rises over the horizon and the vast blue sea, its brilliant rays cast a crimson glow across the water to captivate visitors.

To reach Seongsan Ilchulbong from Jeju International Airport, take express bus No. 111 or 101.

Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation in Boseong-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province.

The second attraction is Boseong Green Tea Fields of Daehan Dawon Tea Plantation in Boseong-gun County, Jeollanam-do Province. Nestled on a mountainside overlooking the Bongsan-ri area of the town of Boseong-eup, the nation's oldest tea tourism farm covers an expansive area of about 990,000 square m.

Towering cedar trees as thick as utility poles line the entrance path to create a refreshing sense of vitality. The tea fields unfold like an immense green carpet and attract visitors year-round with their spectacular scenery.

A walk through the picturesque fields leads to a peak 350 m above sea level sporting breathtaking panoramic views stretching toward the distant sea.

The nature at the plantation made it a popular filming location for the hit K-dramas "Summer Scent," "The Legend of the Blue Sea" and "The Rebel."

To reach this site, take a bus bound for the plantation from the bus terminal in either Gwangju or Boseong-gun.

Nightscape of Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) at Naksan Park in Seoul's Jongno-gu District

Finally, Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) at Naksan Park stretches from Daehangno, the capital's live theater area, to Dongdaemun Gate, featuring the history and culture of the capital.

The park is a popular recreational space where the historic Hanyangdoseong (Seoul City Wall) blends harmoniously with lush green forests and offers spectacular night view of the cityscape. At the top of the hill, a path leads to Ihwa Mural Village, where colorful murals adorn the walls of houses.

In addition, the exploration routes include the Dongdaemun course, which goes from Heunginjimun Gate to sections of the wall, while a route toward Hansung University Station offers panoramic views of the fortress wall as it winds along the hillside.

The park is also where Rumi and Jinu walked while talking in the animated blockbuster "KPop Demon Hunters."

To get there, get out from Exit 2 of Hyehwa Station (Seoul Subway Line 4) and walk 10-15 minutes past Marronnier Park and toward Dongsung Middle and High School.

aisylu@korea.kr