10 Best Things to Do in Goseong

Goseong boasts bountiful beautiful beaches, from pumping surf breaks to sheltered, family-friendly coves. During the balmy summer months, South Korean surfers and sun-seekers flock here to frolic in the pristine, clear-blue sea. But thankfully, Goseong county isn’t quite as popular as its southern neighbour, Sokcho-si. So, expect thinner crowds.

The busiest stretch of Goseong sand is Songjiho, a bustling beach with all the requisite amenities – showers, bathrooms, camping, shops, parasols, and more. On choppy days, its gently rolling waves offer ideal conditions for beginner surfers. Take a stroll to the southern end to explore the stunning granite boulders at Seonangbawi Rock. If you’ve got little ones in tow, opt for the more sheltered Ayajin Beach instead.

The Goseong Unification Observatory Tower gives you a rare glimpse of North Korea and the chance to try authentic DPRK delicacies. From the top of the 70-metre tower, you can look out over (and photograph) the North’s Haegeumgang River and Geumgangsan Mountains – try to go on a clear day. Buy and try North Korean snacks and refreshing DPRK beer from the local vendors.

Located on the southern edge of the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), it’s about as close to the reclusive northern state as most travellers will ever get. Bring some small change for the coin-operated North Korean Viewmasters. These charming archaic contraptions show 3D slides of utopian North Korean scenes. It’s also worth visiting the sombre Korean War Exhibition Hall, which covers the horrors of the conflict in detail.

Geonbongsa Temple is a lovely old Buddhist shrine in a remote, rural region of Goseong. The site’s most fascinating artefact is Buddha’s tooth, a millennia-old sarira (relic) bought over from China during the Tang Dynasty. Also, keep an eye out for the Neungpagyo Bridge, a rainbow-shaped construction that dates back to the Joseon Dynasty.

Geonbongsa Temple once served as a monastery, training up large swathes of devout monks. The site also played a pivotal role in ancient Buddhist history, including the 10,000-day event where local monks ‘climbed to heaven’. This historical-religious importance makes it a popular destination among Korean Buddhists. Even so, few foreigners make the journey – there’s no public transport or translations. Entry fees apply.

Cheongganjeong Pavilion is an enchanting, mid-storey lookout affording stunning coastal views. The highlight of the intricate pavilion is its colourful hip-and-gable roof, handpainted in a kaleidoscope of colour. Access to the building is via a raised wooden walkway slicing through thickly forested woodlands.

The pavilion sits perched on a clifftop to offer sweeping views of the Sea of Japan – it’s best admired at sunrise. Looking back inland, you’ll spot the tree-fringed Cheonggancheon Stream, a tranquil watercourse with a lovely green hue. The stream flows all the way down from the Seoraksan Mountain and empties into the sea via an estuary below the pavilion.

Goseong Wanggok Village is a charming rural settlement full of well-preserved hanok (traditional grass-roofed homes). As a designated Intangible Cultural Property, the village caters to visitors eager to experience what life was like in the pre-industrial era. Easy-to-follow signs lead visitors around the top public sites, including open homes, churches, and museums.

Built to house the Gangneung Hahm and Choi clans, the village remains inhabited today. The scenic settlement is set in a lush, valley-like basin surrounded by misty mountains. If you’re in the area in October, don’t miss the Wanggok Village Traditional Folk Experience Festival. The lively event features performances, mudfish catching, film nights and horsecart rides.

The Hani Lavender Farm is a gorgeous purple flower field outside Goseong City. Although the site stays open year-round, the best time to visit is when the flowers blossom from May to August. If possible, aim to arrive in June for the Goseong Lavender Festival, a 3-week celebration of the peak blooming season.

Besides snapping Instagrammble pics amid a dreamy sea of purple, you can buy lavender-infused products at the Hani Lavender Farm. From ice cream and tea to essential oils and soaps, you’ll be amazed at the versatility of this fragrant flowering plant. Keep an eye out for the purple lavender-themed road leading towards the farm.

Neungpadae is a series of scenic sea rocks a short drive south of Goseong City. Formed by millions of years of erosion, these oddly shaped granite boulders make for a good photo op. Don’t expect to stay dry when there’s a strong swell – the viewing promenade is highly susceptible to sea spray.

Aside from checking out the boulders, the area is an excellent spot to fish. Local tour operators can organise a day trip aboard a traditional fishing boat so you can cast a line. On a calm day, Neungpadae is an excellent place to snorkel or scuba dive.

Hwajinpo is a mirror-like, tree-lined lake to the north of Goseong City. While the Kim Ilseong Cottage is its most famous attraction, many other pretty villas overlook its shimmering waters. It’s worth dropping by the Ecological Museum and Marine Museum to learn about regional flora and fauna.

Tundra swans and other migratory birds descend on nearby wetlands while scenic walks circumnavigate the pristine lake. Look out for locals collecting samples of sand – the lake was heavily featured in the hit Korean TV drama Autumn in My Heart (2000).