Bonghwa is a county located in the innermost section of the Korean mainland. It lies on the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range just below Gangwon Province. Due to its location, Bonghwa has a cooler temperature compared to the rest of North Gyeongsang Province.
While Bonghwa does not have fancy shopping centers like the ones in the bigger cities, it offers something much better. It offers fresh air, peaceful ambiance and natural beauty. It’s a perfect destination for those who wish to get away from their busy daily routine.
There is a lot of places to see while relaxing in nature. Here are some of them.

1. Seokcheonjeong Pavilion

One of the things worth seeing in Bonghwa is the Seokcheonjeong Pavilion which is located along the Seokcheon Stream. Surrounded by various kinds of trees, the pavilion looks really beautiful. It is especially beautiful in autumn when the leaves of the trees change their colors, turning the whole place into a large scale painting. Visiting this pavilion will allow you to enjoy a short yet relaxing hike along the stream while enjoying the untouched beauty of nature.

Address: Samgye-ri, Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

2. Cheongamjeong Pavilion and Daksil Village
 

Just a few minutes hike from the Seokcheonjeong Pavilion is the Cheongamjeong Pavilion, a pavilion sitting on a “turtle-like” rock. This pavilion is known for its picturesque scenery, especially in fall when the leaves of the maple trees next to it turn red.

Next to the Cheongamjeong Pavilion is the Daksil Village. Daksil Village got its name from its topological description which resembles a “golden pheasant bearing eggs.” Lee Junghwan, a prominent mid-Joseon scholar, stated on his topology, “Taekrigi”, that this village is one of the most beautiful and magnificent locations on the Korean Penninsula.

Some scenes in popular Korean soap operas (widely known as Korean dramas) such as Dong-yi, Scandal and the most recent one, Queen for Seven Days, were filmed at Seokcheonjeong Pavilion, Cheongamjeong Pavilion, and Daksil Village.
Address: 931 Yugok-ri, Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsagbuk-do

3. Bonghwa Woodcraft Culture and Experience Facility

 

Bonghwa Woodcraft Culture and Experience Facility is a great way to learn about woodcraft and experience making them first hand. This place is perfect for adults and children alike.

There are a lot of woodcrafts displayed inside for visitors to look at and take photos of. Aside from that, there is also a short hiking path and an observatory just behind it.

Address: 363 Changpyeong-ri, Bongseong-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Tel. #: 054-674-3363

4. National Baekdudaegan Mountain Range Arboretum
 

The National Baekdudaegan Mountain Range Arboretum collects, propagates, displays and educates people about the plants native to the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, the backbone of the Korean Peninsula.

Visitors can learn a lot about the National Baekdudaegan Mountain Range Arboretum just by exploring the Visitor’s Center.
The arboretum has various sections which include a medicinal botanical garden, a flower garden, a mirror pond and a hill covered in wild flowers.

Address: 520-9 Seobyeok-ri, Chunyang-myeon, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do Tel. #: 054-679-1000