50 beautiful places to visit in Korea (from CNN)

50 beautiful places to visit in Korea

As these spectacularly photographic spots show, if you've only been to Seoul, you're missing out big time

By Cin Woo Lee 13 January, 2012

Some 25 million South Koreans -- about half the population -- travel abroad at least once a year, but it’s safe to assume that most haven't seen all the beautiful sights within the country.

Seoul only takes up a mere 0.6 percent of South Korea's territory: here are 50 stunning photographs from the other 99.4 percent of the country that are all worth a visit.

Here are the flowery spring landscapes, sandy beaches, rocky mountains and quietly stunning historic sites on your new Korean travel bucket list. And just in case you were wondering, they are in no particular order. Feel free to add some suggestions of your own in the comment box at the end of the article

1. Seongsan Sunrise Peak (성산일출봉)

Cue the cinematic music.

Hydrovolcanic eruptions formed this majestic volcanic crater 5,000 years ago on Jeju Island.

A UNESCO world heritage site, the peak is famous for many things, including numerous rare plant species, but is best known for the magnificent sight of the sun rising over it (hence the name).

The climb up the peak’s northwest side ridge (its other sides are steep cliffs) to the 180-meter highest point takes 30 minutes.

1 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 성산리 1번지)

More on CNNGo: How to visit Jeju Island on a dime

6. Upo Marsh (우포늪)

Swimming is probably not recommended.

At 2,314 kilometers squared, Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea and thrice the size of Yeouido. Formed over 140 million years ago, the marsh is home to 1,500 plants and animals, some of which are endangered species.

Visitors can bike or walk around this beautiful natural swamp, where migratory birds are known for flying low.

Daedae-ri, Yueo-myeon, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 창녕군 유어면 대대리)

7. Jeungdo Salt Farm (전남 신안 증도 염전)

Salt farming in a slow city.

This treasure island (artifacts from the Song Dynasty have actually been found at the bottom of the sea) is famous for its clear seawater, soft beach, and salt farms.

The magical sight of huge salt farms is not the only spectacle that can be found here; the mud flat leisure town allows tourists to experience and observe the marine life of the mud flat.

Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 신안군 증도면)

8. Gongryong Ridge, Seorak Mountain (설악산 신선대 공룡능선)

From this distance, it looks like a Stegosaurus, but we can't be sure.

Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious peaks in the Seorak mountain range.

Thought to be shaped like the spine of a dinosaur (hence the name, "Dinosaur Ridge"), this rocky ridge offers spectacular views of both inner and outer Seorak.

The climb is no picnic: the peak elevation of Gongryong Ridge, the most popular ridge route in the range, is approximately 1,200 meters.

Goseong-gun/Yangyang-gun/Inje-gun, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 속초시 고성군, 양양군, 인제군)

9. Uleung Island Seaside Road (울릉도 해안도로)

Uleung Island was known as Dagelet to Europeans.

Uleung Island, nicknamed "Mysterious Island", is a popular weekend getaway spot for Seoulites.

Curious rock formations, shore cliffs and numerous waterfalls adorn the island’s Seaside Road.

Anyone planning to walk or bike their way around Uleung Island should make sure they set aside enough time, as they will inevitably stop countless times to admire the glorious view.

Uleung-eup, Uleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 울릉군 울릉읍)

24. Seryang-Je (세량제)

All this scene is missing is a fairy.

Seryang-Je, a reservoir built in 1969 in Hwasun, is another famous spot for both professional and amateur photographers for its ethereal mist and reflections of colorful blossoms and leaves.

Seryang-ri, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 화순군 화순읍 세량리)

31. Silk Fall, Jiri Mountain (지리산 뱀사골 실비단폭포)

This waterfall is camera-shy.

This mossy waterfall is in a now-restricted area of Jiri Mountain, which means a ₩500,000 fine for anyone caught venturing near here.

Think of it as a really long sabbatical for nature.

Baemsa-Valley, Jiri Mountain, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do (전북 남원시 지리산 뱀사골)

32. Young-san River (영산강)

One of the four major rivers (4대강) in Korea.

Among the many beautiful river views in Korea, those from the Young-san River rank among the top and give those from Han River some serious competition.

For dedicated cyclists, there is a 132 kilometer-long cycle path following the river from Damyang to Mokpo.

Yongso-ri, Yong-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 담양군 용면 용소리)