10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Goseong

Seorak Waterpia is a waterpark and spa that's fed with soothing mineral waters from an underground hot spring. Located at the edge of Seoraksan National Park, the spa has outstanding views of the mountains. Water in the pools, Jacuzzis, and outdoor baths are kept at a comfortable 49°C.

Pamper yourself in a sauna, unwind in the hinoki wooden hot tubs, or try a rejuvenating ultrasound bath. There are also water therapy pools, body and foot massages, and cabanas where you can relax on a sunbed. If you want to get active, head for Seorak Waterpia’s wave pools, water slides, raft rides or zipline.

Hwajinpo Lake is a tranquil stretch of water surrounded by greenery and beach roses. A wide strip of golden sand separates the lake from the sea, where locals come in the summer to sunbathe and swim. Migratory birds nest here, and the lake is also home to various species of fish.

The Hwajinpo Ecological Museum and Hwajinpo Marine Museum explain more about the lake's plants and wildlife. Take the 16 km cycling trail along the edge of the lake to see it all for yourself. If you don't have time for the whole trail, the 6 km northern section can be tackled separately.

Ulsanbawi Rock is a towering peak in Seoraksan National Park. Great for those looking for a challenging but rewarding hike, the 7-km-long route takes you past colourful temples, along winding rivers, and through forests of pine trees. The final section takes you up a steep stairway of 800 steps attached to the rock.

The panoramic views from the top of Ulsanbawi Rock are breathtaking, with the whole of the park laid out around you. Along the way, stop at Sinheungsa Temple to see an enormous bronze statue of the Buddha. There are plenty of ice cream stands and drinks stalls if you need a breather.

Songjiho Beach is a natural sandy beach backed by dense pine forest on Goseong's east coast. The beach stretches for 2 km, with a gentle slope and small waves that make for easy swimming. The beach has lovely views of the East Sea and Jukdo Island out in the bay.

As one of the quieter beaches in the area, Songjiho Beach is a good choice if you want to avoid crowds. There are a handful of small shops, toilets, and beach showers. For a romantic dinner with sea views, head to one of many seafood restaurants on the waterfront at the southern end of the beach. Renebleu by Walkerhill looms in the background.

The Seoraksan Cable Car soars over the mountains and forests of Seoraksan National Park, offering fabulous panoramic views. From the full-size glass windows, you can gaze out over Ulsan Peak and Manmulsang Rocks. The 10-minute ride takes you to the medieval castle of Gwongeumseong, where you can just make out the East Sea in the distance.

Explore the ruined castle and the nearby medieval hermitage of Allagam. You can also spend some time watching the cable cars whizz by from a restaurant on the ground floor of the terminal. The ride is especially popular in autumn, when leaves turn into a glorious palette of reds and oranges.

The Goseong Unification Observatory Tower is a lofty viewing platform near Goseong's border with North Korea. The tower offers impressive vistas of the Mount Kumgang region to the west and the Haegeumgang River. Take a look through binoculars on the top deck for a closer view.

Inside the tower, you can find a large map that explains more of what you can see. Spend some time at the Korean War Exhibition Hall, which explores the history of the Korean War and reunification. Many souvenir shops sell North Korean stamps, bills, and other mementoes.

The Jinburyeong Art Museum is a private gallery amid the towering peaks of Jinburyeong. The museum displays modern and contemporary paintings and sculptures to promote Korean art and young or lesser-known Korean artists. It's also a mountain retreat for visiting artists who come here to work.

A series of 3 spacious exhibition rooms display a huge diversity of contemporary art. Colourful abstract paintings are displayed next to impressionistic Korean landscapes and conceptual paintings. You can see an excellent range of sculptures, photographs, and exhibitions of unusual mediums like fibre arts.

Songjiho Lake, on the east coast of Goseong, attracts visitors with its pretty scenery and migratory wild birds. Geese, swans and mallards gather on the lake to hunt for fish. Keen birdwatchers can spot them from a bird observation tower, which also has outstanding views across the lake.

A small museum on the edge of Songjiho Lake has displays about local birds and wildlife. Walking trails of wooden decking follow the edge of the lake – the whole walk is around 4 km. Take a stroll through the surrounding pine forests, or stop to snap a few pictures from the various viewing platforms.

Geonbongsa Temple is a 6th-century Buddhist complex at the foot of Mount Geonbong. Surrounded by forests, the complex was built next to a river and includes an ancient stone bridge and rock pillars engraved with Buddhist texts. Within the inner sanctuary is a religious relic, said to be one of the Buddha's teeth.

Take a walk around the forest trail to pass by fields of wildflowers and come across the remains of a worship hall that was destroyed during the Korean War. Near the ruins, 2 ponds bloom with lotus flowers. In spring, cherry trees surrounding the temple produce gorgeous pink and white blooms.