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In the vibrant landscape of South Korea, adventure waits around every corner, offering an array of thrilling outdoor activities. From paragliding, hiking, and surfing to white water rafting and bungee jumping, let’s explore the top adventurous things to do in Korea.
South Korea: Your Gateway to Thrills and Deals
So, you’ve set your sights on South Korea for your next trip? We agree! With the perfect blend of ancient tradition and modern spectacle, this captivating country holds limitless adventure things to do in Korea for spirited explorers like you.
Since 2000, South Korea has had a consistent increase in tourist arrivals. A 2021 survey found that almost 23% of travelers said that South Korea’s cuisine was the main reason they went there. About 11 percent said that their primary reason for traveling was to shop or experience the outdoors. This comes as no surprise as The Land of the Morning Calm has an abundance of shops and natural attractions throughout the country.
As an UpNext travel brand for the hottest destinations in the world, we at Hotala understand the adrenaline rush you seek. And, more importantly, we know that the perfect hotel would make your adventure complete. So in this blog, we’re diving into this thrilling exploration. Together, we’ll unravel the exhilarating experiences this dynamic nation has to offer.
Top 5 Outdoor Things to Do in Korea
Korea is the perfect playground for outdoor enthusiasts of all sorts. Whether you’re a novice seeking a gentle initiation into the world of outdoor activities or an experienced thrill-seeker looking to push your limits. So strap on your helmets, lace up your boots, and let’s explore the top 5 outdoor things to do in Korea.
1. Paragliding
Indeed, paragliding is an exciting way to experience Korea from a completely new perspective. This thrilling activity lets you soar high above the country’s stunning landscapes, taking your Korean adventure to new heights quite literally.
For beginners, Danyang is a top choice for paragliding. This area, located in North Chungcheong Province, boasts beautiful panoramic views of mountains and the Namhan River. Trained professionals provide detailed instructions to ensure your safety and enjoyment.
Seasoned paragliders might consider Yangpyeong for a more challenging flight. Known for its beautiful hills and river views, it’s an ideal spot for an advanced paragliding experience. During your flight, you will witness Korea’s picturesque landscapes from an unparalleled perspective.
2. Hiking
If you’ve been picturing the perfect hiking destination, let Korea surpass your expectations. In a land with 22 national parks, hiking isn’t just another checkbox on the list of things to do in Korea for locals and visitors alike. Korea caters to hikers of all skill levels, offering everything from leisurely walks around the picturesque countryside to strenuous climbs up steep mountainsides.
Beginner hikers, fear not! Korea offers numerous trails that are incredibly picturesque yet relatively easy. Bukhansan National Park, located in northern Seoul, has several beginner-friendly trails, showcasing beautiful forest views and streams. For coastal views, consider the charming Jeju Olle Trail on Jeju Island, with routes winding through quaint villages, lush farmland, and along beautiful beaches.
For the more seasoned hikers, the adventure-laden trails of Jirisan Mountain should be on your list. As the second-highest peak in Korea, it provides a tough but rewarding journey, offering views of vast wilderness, cascading waterfalls, and a sea of peaks during autumn. Another great option is the Seoraksan Mountain in Gangwon Province, renowned for its rugged beauty and panoramic views from the peak.
3. Surfing
As we traverse from churning rivers to sweeping ocean waves, another compelling thing to do in Korea is surfing. Encircled by coastlines that gather swells from various directions, Korea offers several surfing spots suitable for both beginners and seasoned wave riders.
Jeju Island, dubbed as the ‘Hawaii of Korea,’ is the place to be for the best surf breaks. Renowned surf spots like Jungmun Beach offer excellent wave conditions and surf schools for beginners. Surf’s up in Korea from early summer through fall, with the peak season falling between July and October when the swells are at their highest. So, be sure to grab a board and add surfing to your list of things to do in Korea!
4. Whitewater Rafting
Have you ever thought about whitewater rafting when considering things to do in Korea? Surprisingly, South Korea presents an array of thrilling rafting experiences suitable for both beginners and seasoned rafters. The combination of pristine wilderness and the thrill of navigating turbulent waters makes this a must-have on your Korean adventure checklist.
For a thrilling whitewater rafting experience, the Hantangang River, situated in the northern region of Gyeonggi-do, is an excellent choice. Known for its picturesque scenery and exciting class II and III rapids, it is an adventure that both beginners and experienced rafters can enjoy. Rest assured, safety measures are strictly implemented, and experienced instructors guide each group.
Another hotspot is the Donggang River in Gangwon Province. It is famed for its exhilarating class IV rapids that challenge even the most experienced rafters. The optimal time to visit is between June and September, when the river is filled to the brim, creating an unmatched thrilling experience. And don’t forget your waterproof camera—you’ll want to capture the breathtaking landscapes and heart-pounding moments of your rafting adventure.
5. Bungee Jumping
Certainly, if you’re seeking a thrilling and heart-pounding experience, bungee jumping in Korea is a must-try. This activity enables you to test your courage and experience an adrenaline rush like no other. All while witnessing Korea’s breathtaking landscapes from an extraordinary height!
For first-time jumpers, the Cheongpyeong bungee jump site in Gapyeong, located near Seoul, offers a memorable and safe introduction to the activity. With a height of 55 meters, it’s high enough to induce an adrenaline surge yet manageable for beginners. Plus, its location above the serene Cheongpyeong Lake adds to the unique thrill.
For more experienced jumpers and adrenaline junkies, the terrifying 63-meter bungee jump at Yuldong Park in Bundang is a formidable challenge. The thrill of free-falling from this impressive height, with the beautiful Yuldong Lake beneath, makes it one of the most exhilarating things to do in Korea.
The Thrill Begins With Outdoor Adventures, and Hotala
South Korea offers much more than its world-renowned cuisine and shopping culture. It’s a place where adventure lies around every corner – on the mountains, the rivers, and even in the skies. Engaging in outdoor activities is definitely one of the exciting things to do in Korea.
Whether it’s hiking scenic trails, embracing the thrill of whitewater rafting, riding the surf, or parasailing high above the coastlines, South Korea promises unforgettable experiences. Once your adventure-filled day is over, you can always head back to your Hotala accommodation for some well-deserved relaxation. To narrow down your options, here are our hotel recommendations in South Korea:
- The Bayhill Pool & Villa in Seogwipo has an outdoor pool, a restaurant, and spacious oceanview rooms for a truly luxurious retreat.
- RYSE, Autograph Collection by Marriott Hotel in Seoul is a pet-friendly hotel with an on-site fitness center, business center, and library.
- Brown Dot Hotel Signature in Busan features family rooms, some even with mountain views!
Plan your South Korea adventure trip with Hotala! Don’t miss out on the hottest travel tips and irresistible deals! Stay ahead of the curve in your travel planning by subscribing to The Hot List, Hotala’s exclusive newsletter. And don’t keep this adventure guide to yourself; share this blog post with your travel pals and plan more things to do in Korea today!
TLDR
South Korea serves as a gateway to a thrilling blend of activities, from paragliding in Danyang and Yangpyeong, hiking in Bukhansan National Park and Jirisan Mountain, surfing on Jeju Island, to whitewater rafting in Hantangang and Donggang Rivers.
If you’re up for the challenge, take a leap of faith and experience bungee jumping in Cheongpyeong or Yuldong Park. These outdoor activities provide not only an adrenaline rush but also an opportunity to appreciate Korea’s stunning landscapes.
After a day filled with thrill and excitement, rest and recharge in your comfortable Hotala resort rental, ready for the next day’s adventure. Discover all these exciting things to do in Korea and beyond when you subscribe to The Hot List, Hotala’s newsletter.
