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Writer's pictureYour Korea Friend

South Korea overview



Hello, everyone. This is Yong.


Are you planning a trip to Korea?

Do you want to visit cities other than Seoul?


Seoul, Busan, and Jeju are popular places to visit when it comes to Korea trip. I'll introduce some other places that are good to visit in Korea. Let's get started right away.


Korea has many places to visit beside Seoul, Busan, and Jeju Island. However, due to limited travel information for foreign travelers, it can be difficult to plan a trip to places other than those. Recently, someone asked if I could introduce each province to help those who want to see more cities. So today I'll talk about provinces and introduce places worth visiting in each province.



By the way, province is area divided so that each area can govern multiple cities, counties and districts within the area. In Korea, the concept of provinces began during the Goryeo Dynasty, but it was officially divided into eight provinces during the Joseon Dynasty. It has increased to 13 now, but five is in North Korea. So we will look into eight provinces in South Korea.


For your reference, Seoul is a special city and Busan, Daegu, Incheon, Gwangju, Daejeon and Ulsan are metropolitan cities. Jeju Island and Sejong is designated as a self-governing city. Therefore, these cities and Jeju Island are not included in any of the eight provinces.


 

Gyeongsangnamdo


The first province to see is Gyeongsangnamdo. Gyeongsangnamdo is located in the bottom right corner of Korea. It’s right by the South Sea. Because this province is close to Busan, many tourists visiting Busan also explore cities in Gyeongsangnamdo.


Some great cities and counties to visit in Gyeongsangnamdo include:


📍 the clean cultural city, Miryang. https://naver.me/5lx5lD1l

📍 a county of much sand, Hadong. https://naver.me/G0lPqxjs

📍 the port city, Tongyeong. https://naver.me/G0lPqxjs

📍 the second largest island in Korea, Geojedo. https://naver.me/GKovbU3h


Key attractions in Gyeongsangnamdo include:


📍 The second highest mountain in South Korea, Jirisan. https://naver.me/5pNwY5IT

📍 Entirely covered in gardens and botanics, Oedo. https://naver.me/FLBezpSW

📍 Beautiful coastal promenade, Admiral Yi Sun-sin Park. https://naver.me/FHYuV5WA

📍 A lonely windmill, Wind Hill. https://naver.me/5FeZGwVt

📍 One of the three jewels temples, Heinsa. https://naver.me/IFKA0wqO



Gyeongsangbukdo


Located above Gyeongsangnamdo is Gyeongsangbukdo. The term Gyeongsang refers to

the combination of Gyeongju City and Sangju City, which are located in Gyeongsangbukdo.

By the way, this NAM means South and BUK means North. So Gyeongsangdo is divided into

Gyeongsangnamdo and Gyeongsangbukdo. South and north.


In Gyeongsangbukdo, you can find great places to visit such as


📍 millennium-old Silla history, Gyeongju. https://naver.me/5HtmTOdX

📍 A scholarly spirit, Andong. https://naver.me/GbrhzvBH

📍 The center of maritime culture, Pohang. https://naver.me/xAVSUgIg

📍 And stunning natural landscapes, Ulleungdo. https://naver.me/xL1WR9wo


Additionally Dokdo, an island located at the east most tip of Korea belongs to Gyeongsangbukdo. Gyeongsangbukdo boasts the highest number of natural treasures

and UNESCO's World Heritage sites in the country.


Attractions include:


📍 the architectural wonders of the Silla era, Bulguksa Temple. https://naver.me/xmrPx4WE

📍 The representative cultural heritage of Andong, Dosan Seowon. https://naver.me/FNmIO3Pj

📍 The first place in Korea to greet the Sunrise, Homigot. https://naver.me/GC2uqeaT

📍 And the secondary palace in Silla Kingdom, Anapji. https://naver.me/5Gy5Jmjg



Jeollanamdo


Jeollanamdo is located in the bottom left region of Korea. It has the most islands in Korea.

Just like Gyeongsangdo is combination of Gyeongju and Sangju, Jeollado is named after

Jeonju and Naju. And Naju belongs to Jeollanamdo. Jeollanamdo offers view of both Southern and Western coasts, and you can see mudflats which are rarely seen anywhere else in the world. Jeju Island was originally part of Jeollanamdo but was separated in 1946.


Great places to visit in Jeollanamdo include:

📍 the romantic port city, Mokpo. https://naver.me/FC4mIJ9w

📍 Following the sky, Suncheon. https://naver.me/FhNevG56

📍 The city of clear water, Yeosu. https://naver.me/5WHJvyMU

📍 And the village at the end of the land, Haenam. https://naver.me/5EaIGA1q


Key attractions include:


📍 the bamboo forest, Juknokwon. https://naver.me/GEAui5hV

📍 The green tea field, Daehan Dawon. https://naver.me/GAi6iqt0

📍 The convergence of two valleys, Ssanggye-ru. https://naver.me/xDs67rfv

📍 UNESCO's World Heritage site, Seonamsa. https://naver.me/GcjWjEqu

📍 And the coastal wetland, Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve. https://naver.me/GxONuOUr



Jeollabukdo


Located above Jeollanamdo, Jeollabukdo is where Jeonju is located. It is known for having the largest plane in the Korean Peninsula, and this province is known for its delicious food

that every Koreans acknowledge. Additionally, Naejangsan and Deogyusan National Parks

which are famous for their autumn foliage, are located in Jeollabukdo.


Great places to visit in Jeollabukdo include:


📍 Delicious food and traditional hanok houses, Jeonju. https://naver.me/5kkF0dHK

📍 A journey through the time, Gunsan. https://naver.me/xSNx0SCP

📍 Mountains and Seas, Buan. https://naver.me/xkImHFC3

📍 A site of prehistoric relics exploration, Gochang. https://naver.me/FYIZRXgm


Key attractions in Jeollabukdo include:


📍 reminiscent of Joseon Dynasty era, Jeonju Hanok Village. https://naver.me/xZDOP3wU

📍 Within universe, Gwanghanru Garden. https://naver.me/GhE8VgWu

📍 A historic village built around a formal railroad, Gyeongamdong Railroad Village. https://naver.me/5vIYJGN6

📍 A house of 4000 pottery pieces, Goseurak. https://naver.me/xyUjHs0O

📍 And a destination for experimental travel, Imsil Cheese Theme Park. https://naver.me/5X9Df85I



Chungcheongnamdo


Chungcheongnamdo is located on the left of Daejeon Metropolitan City. Chungcheong originates from Chungju and Cheongju. It is an area that was used as the capital of Baekje

during the Three Kingdoms periods. Therefore, there are many Baekje relics in Chungcheongnamdo. Hence it serves as the center of Baekje tourism with its Baekje historical sites which is similar to how Gyeongsangbukdo, home of Gyeongju, serve as the center of Silla tourism.


Chungcheongnamdo offers great places for tourism including:


📍 the ancient capital of Baekje, Buyeo. https://naver.me/GOzvbdZ3

📍 The tranquil and peaceful city, Boryeong. https://naver.me/5DjQNlmH

📍 And the beautiful natural west sea scenery, Taean. https://naver.me/x4uxqD4Z


Famous touristic attractions include:


📍 the first landscape garden in Korea, Gungnamji. https://naver.me/IIqf1QBl

📍 One of the Korea's four major silvergrass fields, Singseong-ri Silvergrass Field. https://naver.me/GDcN8u9b

📍 The fortress built by Baekje, Gongsanseong. https://naver.me/5qRAyoGD

📍 And the modern history and culture street, Ganggyeong Modern History Street. https://naver.me/5L3eI9H4



Chungcheongbukdo


Chungcheongbukdo is located to the right of Chungcheongnamdo and sits in the middle

of the South Korea. It is the only province in South Korea that does not have coastline. However, Chungcheongbukdo boasts Chungju Lake, often referred to as an inland sea.

It’s said to be large enough for cruise ships to go around. Cheongju and Chungju, the origins of Chungcheong are located in this province.


Great places to visit in Chungcheongbukdo include:


📍 vitality and creativity, Cheongju. https://naver.me/FENb2I1V

📍 A city of natural healing, Jecheon. https://naver.me/xPvoHLdl

📍 And the heart of Korean Peninsula, Chungju. https://naver.me/FiOnGAXe


Famous tourist attractions include:


📍 teaching a Buddha, Beopjusa Temple. https://naver.me/FQayNAoA

📍 The moon lingering peak, Wolryubong. https://naver.me/FhACP342

📍 Perched on a cliff, Mancheonha Skywalk. https://naver.me/Goz51uoW

📍 Adorned with light and nature, Hwalgok Cave. https://naver.me/xzcL30Vj

📍 And themed around General Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang, Ondal Tourist Site. https://naver.me/GJrEjBuF



Gangwondo


Gangwon Province is located in the eastern part of South Korea. The name Gangwon is derived from Gangneung and Wonju. Most of Gangwon Province’s area is mountainous,

and it has the East Sea, making it a popular tourist destination for East Sea beaches in summer, Seoraksan Mountain in autumn, and ski resort in winter.


Great places to visit in Gangwondo include:


📍 a tourist resort city, Gangneung. https://naver.me/xmtXV0o3

📍 Connection between mountains and sea, Sokcho. https://naver.me/xjJ1uYSF

📍 Beautiful lakes, Chuncheon. https://naver.me/xrcJLzTE

📍 A place of security and natural tourist attraction, Cheorwon. https://naver.me/GcnuZFmi

📍 And surfing and beaches, Yangyang. https://naver.me/GPXZNy4X


Touristic attractions include:


📍 a mountainous ecological livestock ranch, Daegwallyeong Sheep Ranch. https://naver.me/Goz5BEdx

📍 A fairytale land, Nami Island. https://naver.me/FNmlaLJH

📍 The Summit of Stars, Byeolmaro Observatory. https://naver.me/54Vxl4J4

📍 A natural monument, Seoraksan Mountain. https://naver.me/GAi6fp2F

📍 A small European style garden in the forest, Jade Garden. https://naver.me/FEJdUkDb

📍 And a popular beach for enjoying the Korean Sea, Samcheok Beach. https://naver.me/FIgSJxYt



Gyeonggido


Gyeonggido refers to the surrounding regions around the capital. It includes cities and counties around Seoul. Gyeonggido has the highest population among provinces

and forms the metropolitan area of South Korea. Therefore, it has many cities.


Great places to visit in Gyeonggido include:


📍 the city of festivals, Bucheon. https://naver.me/5EaIGnEr

📍 Fortress wall, Suwon. https://naver.me/xjJ1uU6F

📍 Leisure and tourism, Yongin. https://naver.me/xoYvBQrd

📍 And near the border with North Korea and DMZ, Paju. https://naver.me/xs8NglZM


Touristic attractions include:


📍 the traditional Korean culture, Korean Folk Village. https://naver.me/5mYgLmi1

📍 The symbol of division, DMZ. https://naver.me/G2UVU3Ls

📍 Fortress from the Joseon Dynasty, Hwaseong Fortress. https://naver.me/5B1voLse

📍 A theme park in Korea, Everland. https://naver.me/Fn2i2GCD

📍 And the harmony between humans and nature, Hwadam Forest. https://naver.me/FXZr5vTe



 

Today I went over the eight provinces of Korea and introduced some places and attractions

worth visiting in each province. I thought it would be great to have a comprehensive overview of the entire country in one video. So today’s video was just broad explanation. Next time I'll try to provide more in-depth information about each region similar to the videos I made for Seoul, Gyeongju, Jeju, and Busan.


Oh, and I'll also make videos about cities not included in the provinces. I already have Seoul,

Busan, and Jeju video up on my channel, so be sure to check them out.



That's all for today. Your likes and comments greatly help us to make more videos about Korea travel. Don't forget to subscribe our channel for more Korea travel videos.


Thank you for reading!



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