10 Best Things to Do for Couples in Goseong

Couples in Goseong will find a plethora of romantic things to do in the northern county’s picturesque landscape. One of the more remote neighborhoods of South Korea, the county boasts peaceful national parks, stunning scenery, and a relaxing atmosphere. You can take a stroll around serene temples, or hike through lush forests and mountain peaks.

Goseong is known for its lakes and beaches, surrounded by pine trees, and lined with soft white sand. Couples can opt for an indulgent day in a mineral spring spa or spend some time exploring the county’s captivating history. Experience an idyllic vacation with your sweetheart with our list of Goseong’s most romantic places.

1. Seorak Waterpia

Lounge in an outdoor sauna with mountain views

Good for: Couples, Families

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.

Location: 88 Misiryeong-ro 2983beon-gil, Jangsa-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Open: Monday and Thursday–Sunday from 10 am to 6.30 pm (closed on Wednesdays)

Phone: +82 (0)33-630-5800

See nearby properties

2. Hwajinpo Lake

Romantic lakeside walks and a sandy beach

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget, Adventure

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.

Location: 280 Hwajinpo-gil, Geojin-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Phone: +82 (0)33-680-3677

3. Ulsanbawi Rock

Follow scenic trails to a dramatic rock formation

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Adventure

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 colorful 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 beverages stalls if you need a breather.

Location: Seoraksan National Park, Seorak-dong, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Phone: +82 (0)33-801-0900

See nearby properties

4. Songjiho Beach

Swim in clear seas and enjoy a seafood dinner

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget, Adventure

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 bathing. 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.

Location: 8 Oho-ri, Jugwang-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Phone: +82 (0)33-680-3356

See nearby properties

5. Seoraksan Cable Automobile

Take a sky-high ride over Seoraksan’s peaks

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo

The Seoraksan Cable Automobile 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 automobiles whizz by from a restaurant on the first floor of the terminal. The ride is especially popular in autumn, when leaves turn into a glorious palette of reds and oranges.

Location: 1137 Seoraksan-ro, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Open: Daily from 9 am to 5.30 pm

Phone: +82 (0)33-636-4300

6. Goseong Unification Observatory Tower

Enjoy views of North Korea from 70 meters high

Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo

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.

Location: 481 Geumgangsan-ro, Hyeonnae-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Open: Daily from 9 am to 4.30 pm

Phone: +82 (0)33-682-0088

7. Jinburyeong Art Museum

Remote museum with modern art and mountain scenery

Good for: Couples

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. Colorful 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 fiber arts.

Location: 15-10 Heulli-gil, Ganseong-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Phone: +82 (0)33-681-1280

8. Songjiho Lake

Learn about Goseong’s local and migratory birds

Good for: Couples, Families, Photo, Budget, Adventure

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.

Location: 167-1 Obong-ri, Jugwang-myeon, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

9. Geonbongsa Temple

Peaceful temple with a small cafe

Good for: Couples, Families, History, Photo, Budget

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.

Location: 723 Geonbongsa-ro, Geojin-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Phone: +82 (0)33-682-8100

10. Kim Ilseong Cottage Inn

North Korean leader’s summerhouse turned museum

Good for: Couples, Families, History

The Kim Ilseong Cottage Inn is a 3-storey villa in the style of a medieval castle, with stone walls and a crenellated parapet. During the early 1950s, Goseong was part of North Korea. The founder of North Korea, Kim Il-sung, used to spend vacations near Hwajinpo Lake.

The recreation is on the 2nd floor, furnished in the original style and has period clothes on display. There are also photographs of the Kim family and some of their visitors to the house. Climb up to the rooftop observation platform and admire views of the coastline and the mountains to the north.

Location: 280 Hwajinpo-gil, Geojin-eup, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do, South Korea

Open: Daily from 9 am to 6 pm

Phone: +82 (0)33-680-3677

This article includes opinions of the Go Guides editorial team. Hotels.com compensates authors for their writing appearing on this site; such compensation may include travel and other costs.