The Korea National Park Service (KNPS, Chairperson Joo Daeyoung), under the Ministry of Climate, Energy and Environment, announced that it will operate a “National Park Themed Ecotourism” program this summer, combining the unique natural resources of national parks, such as valleys and coastal areas, with distinctive local tourism and cultural attractions to provide visitors with a cool and refreshing travel experience.

This year’s National Park Ecotourism program has been newly redesigned around four themes, transforming existing sightseeing and experiential activities into distinct travel experiences: Ecological Journeys (Juwangsan, Dadohae); Historical and Cultural Journeys (Songnisan, Gyeongju); Scenic Journeys (Hallyeohaesang, Seoraksan); and Family Journeys (Woraksan, Wolchulsan). 

Among this summer’s featured National Park Ecotourism programs, the highlights include the “Splash Trekking in Jeolgol Valley” at Juwangsan National Park, which focuses on ecological travel, and the “Seasonal Journey Through Hallyeohaesang” at Hallyeohaesang National Park, which showcases scenic travel experiences.

Splash Trekking in Jeolgol Valley is offered on a limited basis from July to August at Juwangsan National Park. As the first Korea National Park Service experiential program to incorporate walking directly through a valley stream, participants can observe aquatic ecosystems up close while exploring the area. The program provides a unique visitor experience, allowing participants to enjoy the breathtaking scenery created by massive gorges and dramatic rock cliffs. Beginning in September, the program will also be linked with local specialty activities such as autumn foliage walks and apple-picking experiences.

Seasonal Journey Through Hallyeohaesang offers visitors the opportunity to explore the beautiful islands and coastal scenery of Tongyeong City, part of Hallyeohaesang National Park, including Bijindo, Manjido, and Yeondaedo. The program features seasonal visits to representative islands while allowing participants to experience local culture and enjoy regional seasonal dishes such as mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) and eel stew.

The National Park Ecotourism program will be accompanied by local resident guides designated by the Korea National Park Service, offering visitors a unique travel experience that goes beyond ordinary sightseeing by uncovering the hidden values, stories, and cultural heritage of each region.

The National Park Ecotourism program will run from July 4 through November 30, with participant registration opening on June 22. Details on how to apply can be found through the National Park Reservation System (reservation.knps.or.kr).

Joo Daeyoung, Chairperson of the KNPS, said, “The themed ecotourism programs in our national parks offer a new way to travel by experiencing both the beauty of nature and the unique tourism and cultural resources of local communities.” He added, “We will continue to expand a variety of ecotourism programs so that people can create special memories in national parks while also contributing to the vitality of local economies.”

For further information, please contact the Public Relations Division. 

Contact person: Gina Lee, foreign media spokesperson

Phone: +82-44-201-6055

Email: gcjgina @gmail.com