South Korea Boasts Top Towns on the Tip of its Southern Peninsula, Where Even the Seagulls Fly South for the Winter
The southernmost cities of South Korea, situated on the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, offer visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and historical landmarks–from the volcanic island of Jeju to the coastal towns of Jeollanam-do, these cities are known for their stunning landscapes, delicious cuisine, and history.
Whether you’re looking to explore ancient temples, hike through scenic mountains, or relax on picturesque beaches, the southernmost cities of South Korea are unique.
In this info, we’ll take a closer look at some of the fascinating southernmost towns in South Korea and their extraordinary experiences.
Located on Jeju Island, which is a volcanic island off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, two main towns on the island are Jeju City and Seogwipo City, both of which offer a variety of cool experiences and attractions.
Jeju City, the island’s capital, is known for its scenic landscapes and historical landmarks–one of the most popular attractions in Jeju City is the Jeju Folklore and Natural History Museum, which features exhibits on the island’s history, culture, and natural environment.
Other notable sites include the Jeju Stone Statue Park, which houses a collection of stone sculptures, and the Jeju Haenyeo Museum, which showcases the unique tradition of female divers who gather seafood in the waters around the island.
Seogwipo City, located on the island’s southern coast, is known for its stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls, beaches, and volcanic formations. One of the most popular attractions in Seogwipo City is the Jeju Island Olle Trail, a network of hiking trails that wind through the island’s scenic landscapes. Other popular sites include the Cheonjiyeon Waterfall, the Oedolgae Rock formation, and the Jeju World Cup Stadium, built for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.
Here are some of the southernmost cities:
- Yeosu: Yeosu is a port city located on the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. It is known for its beautiful coastline, scenic parks, and historical landmarks, including the Yeosu Expo Ocean Park and the Yi Sun-sin Park.
- Suncheon: Suncheon is a city on the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. It is known for its picturesque landscapes, including the Suncheon Bay Wetland Reserve and the Naganeupseong Folk Village.
- Boseong: Boseong is a small town on the Korean Peninsula’s southern coast. It is famous for its green tea fields, popular tourist attractions, and beautiful beaches, including Yulpo Beach and Daeheungsa Beach.
- Tongyeong: Tongyeong is a port city located on the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. It is known for its stunning coastal scenery, including the Hallyeohaesang National Park, as well as its historical landmarks, such as the Tongyeong Jungang Market and the Tongyeong Cable Car.
- Goseong: Goseong is a small town on the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula. It is known for its beautiful beaches, including Seorak Beach and Jangdeung Beach, and its cultural attractions, such as the Goseong Unification Observatory and the Haegang Ceramics Museum.
- Geoje: Geoje is an island off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula, but it is connected to the mainland by a bridge. It is known for its stunning coastal scenery, including the Haegeumgang Island and the Oedo Botania garden, as well as its historical landmarks, such as the Geoje POW Camp and the Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park.
Did you know?
Southern South Korea boasts the island of Jeju, which is located off the southern coast of the Korean Peninsula and is home to a unique breed of small, tailless cats called Jeju cats.
These cats are believed to have been brought to the island by seafarers over 400 years ago and have since adapted to the island’s environment. Jeju cats are known for their short legs and thick fur, which helps them survive the island’s harsh winters.
Jeju cats are considered a cultural symbol of Jeju Island and are even designated as a protected breed by the South Korean government.
A little history:
The southern region of South Korea was established during the Three Kingdoms period (57 BCE – 668 CE), and was part of the Gaya confederacy, known for its maritime trade and culture.
Soon after, during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897), the southern region became an important agricultural center known for its rice paddies and fisheries.
In the 1900s, the southern region of South Korea played a significant role in the country’s political and economic development. During the Korean War (1950-1953), the southern part, particularly the port city of Busan, served as the provisional capital of South Korea and a key military hub.
In the following decades, the southern region became a major center of industrialization, with cities like Ulsan and Pohang emerging as important centers of heavy industry.
The southern region of South Korea is known for its dynamic economy, diverse culture, and stunning natural beauty. From the beaches of Jeju Island to the historic temples of Gyeongju, the southern region offers visitors a unique window into South Korea’s past, present, and future.
