Things to Do in Goseong, South Korea

Goseong county is located on the northeast coast of South Korea, in Gangwon province. While it may not feature on the usual “must see” lists for foreigners traveling in Korea, it’s been one of my favorite destinations. From beautiful lakes, to an array of 27 beaches, to DMZ tourism sites and funky cafes, Goseong is a place worth spending the time to explore. Here are my recommendations for things to do in Goseong, with or without kids! I’ve included Naver Maps links for locations. 

DMZ Observatory 

The demilitarized zone is an area between North and South Korea that was established in 1953 to separate the two countries. No military vehicles or personnel are allowed within this approximately 4km wide stretch of land. From the DMZ Observatory tower, you can see the borders and peer into North Korea. Be prepared for a short hike from the parking lot to the observation deck. Most tourists visit the DMZ north of Seoul, near Paju. This is a different part of the DMZ that aligns with the eastern coast. You need to apply for a permit to enter, but you can do it on the same day by visiting the nearby Civilian Control Line Certification Center. 

Unification Tower (Civilian Control Line Oe) Certification Center, 강원 고성군 현내면 금강산로 495, http://naver.me/GpNzQYSG

DMZ Museum 

The DMZ Museum is also located outside the control line and requires an application to visit. This museum was free when I visited, and it was one of the most stunning and intriguing historical museums I’ve ever been to. The collection includes thousands of items from the Korean War, including newspapers, signs, uniforms, pamphlets and video clips. The experience is augmented with audio and visual elements, and the outdoor section includes vibrant art focused on the hope of reunification. 

DMZ Museum, 강원 고성군 현내면 통일전망대로 369, http://naver.me/xIxNHZEj

Lavender Farm 

The season when the lavender is in full bloom is June, and this post over on Dame Cacao outlines what it’s like to visit during the lavender festival. I visited in late July, and while the lavender was not in full force, it was quiet, and the gardens were beautiful. I felt under-dressed in my hiking clothes, as many families and couples in sundresses and coordinated outfits were using the spot as a backdrop for photos. I enjoyed some lavender ice cream and picked up some quality products in the gift shop, including handmade soap, face masks, and a lavender candle.

Hanui Lavender Farm, 강원 고성군 간성읍 꽃대마을길 175, http://naver.me/58kJQcRX

Blueberry Picking  

A few blueberry farms are located within a short drive of the lavender farm, and if you visit between mid-June and mid-July you should be able to take advantage of the picking season. The farm listed below was a bit tricky to reach, driving through overgrown single-lane roads. Other farms are located along the road on the way to Geobongsa Temple. 

Leisure Field Farm, 강원 고성군 간성읍 중두골길 59, http://naver.me/F6zMScmZ

Hwajinpo Lake

Hwajinpo Lake is the largest lagoon in South Korea. You can hike or bike around it, view migratory birds, or check out the aquarium, ecological museum or other historic sites in the area. The natural beauty of this site attracted former Korean leaders to build summer homes there, including Rhee Syngman, the first president of South Korea, and his vice president Lee Ki-poong. Former North Korean leader Kim Ilsung also used a castle at Hwajinpo as his retreat prior to the war. Hwajinpo Beach is located on the ocean side of a pine forest that separates the lagoon from the sea. 

Hwajinpo, 강원 고성군 거진읍, http://naver.me/xE2HmxXy

Geobongsa Temple 

Located among the mountains and streams of Goseong, Geobongsa Temple has multiple structures set into the hillside. If you’ve been in Korea a while, you may be tempted to skip seeing another temple, but this one feels special with the river running through it, old-fashioned bridge, and gorgeous backdrop of peaks. There are toilets and a small cafe at the bottom. 

Geonbongsa Temple, 강원 고성군 거진읍 건봉사로 723, http://naver.me/5iy9BRRp

Songjiho Lake

Songjiho Lake is another area where you can see many birds and hike among pine forests. The observatory and a small museum of local birds and mammals can be accessed for just 1,000 won (about $1) at the rest area. If you have more time, check out the trails. 

Songjiho Lake Rest Area, 강원 고성군 죽왕면, http://naver.me/FkbuLkGd 

Beaches 

Goseong has 27 beaches, many of which are well-equipped with facilities like public toilets, campsites, and nearby convenience stores. Due to the proximity to the DMZ, more northern beaches are lined with barbed wire fences and some get locked at night. I found these beaches quieter and more relaxing than beaches in the Sockho/Yangyang area. A few to start with are listed below. Search “bathing resort” in Naver Maps for more options. 

Banam Bathing Resort, 강원 고성군 거진읍, http://naver.me/5CxAsATj

Daejin 1 Ri Bathing Resort, 강원 고성군 현내면, http://naver.me/FjEfifMt

Brunch at A-Frame Cafe 

I have to confess I’ve not been impressed with brunch options during my travels in South Korea, that is until A-Frame Cafe. This multi-story building directly on the beach has stunning views of the coasts, some hearty brunch options, and an array of drinks and desserts. I went back a second time JUST to have another coconut coffee smoothie before driving back toward Seoul. It has a fun surf vibe, and the eggs benedict with pulled pork was fantastic. 

​​A Frame, 강원 고성군 죽왕면 가향길 20-1, http://naver.me/GEqia3Ac

Have you visited Goseong? What are your favorite places? I’m sure I’ll go back.