Writer: Mariya Shaikh (Pune, Maharashtra, India)

Editor: Arpita Jena (Baripada, Odisha, India)

Ecotourism involves a form of travel that demonstrates a deep appreciation for the environment and actively avoids harming or degrading it. The modern world upon realization is quickly changing to be more sustainable and eco-friendly to preserve the earth’s ecosystem and biodiversity.

Below are some of Korea’s ecofriendly places you can give a visit to while travelling the country!

^{Picture Credit: Etourism Korea DMC}

BEOMEOSA TEMPLE 범어사 

Busan is known for its numerous hiking trails. The Beomeosa Temple in Geumjeong-gu, Busan , is the third largest temple in the Yeongnam area. It is a beautiful temple located on a quite mountain trail.

Very suitable for those who want to take a pause, the benevolent smile of Buddha provides relaxation and comfort. Relaxing in the green forest while listening to the sound of water makes you feel you’re in heaven. Temple stays are also provided.

^{Picture Credit: Visit Busan}

BONGEUNSA TEMPLE 봉은사

Bongeunsa Temple once also known as Gyeonseongsa temple is located in the capital of country, Seoul. The temple’s establishment is believed to be over 1000 years old. It is one of the most beautiful extensive temple grounds with natural environment.

You can experience the life of a Buddhist monk and learn about Korean Buddhist practices through temple stay programs. Guided tours, dawn services, lotus lantern making, and tea ceremonies are among the many activities you can enjoy during your visit.

^{Picture Credit: Visit Korea}

PUREUN ARBORETUM 푸른수목원

It is Seoul’s very first eco-friendly arboretum which was opened publicly in 2013. It is equipped with whopping 25 themed gardens, a small library and a forest education center.

Along with this the diverse flora and fauna as well as the varying landscapes, ponds adds to its values gives the visitors a lot more to learn about the nature and surroundings.

^{Picture Credit: Visit Korea}

ANSAN MOUNTAIN – JARAK-GIL TRAIL안산-자락길

It is one of the best-kept secret hiking trails located in Seoul. Ansan Jarak-gil is the country’s first barrier-free mountain walking trail with gentle slopes. allowing visitors of all ages, young or old, even baby carriages and disabled people with wheelchairs to experience walking through the woods.

The trail can be complete in 2.5 hrs. There are multiple exits which allows the visitors to further visit other tourist attractions depending on their  preferences.

^{Picture Credit: Korea To Do}

SEOULLO 7017

In the heart of Seoul, a vibrant plant village has been established on a former inner city highway in a constantly evolving urban environment. This innovative project has transformed a 983-meter long stretch of the old highway into a public park, showcasing a rich diversity of Korean plant species.

The park features 50 plant families, including trees, shrubs, and flowers, presented in 645 tree pots, and it boasts a collection of approximately 228 different species and sub-species. It provides visitors with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Seoul from a height of 17 meters above ground. The name “7017” is derived from the year the overpass was initially constructed in 1970 and the year of its transformation in 2017.

^{Picture Credit: Visit Seoul}

Let us know in the comments section where you want to go during your next visit to South Korea.