Forested trails overtake beaches as top island travel attractions in Korea
For many in Korea, summer getaways have involved packed ferry rides, crowded beaches and seafood dinners along bustling shorelines. But travelers are gradually turning their backs on sandy shores and venturing inland toward the quiet shade of island forests. According to a survey released Monday by the National Institute of Forest Science — a research agency under the Korea Forest Service — 47.4…
For many Koreans, summer vacations traditionally involved long ferry trips to crowded beaches and feasting on seafood along bustling shorelines. However, recent trends reveal a shift in travel preferences as more tourists are opting for island forests over sandy shores. A survey conducted by the National Institute of Forest Science, an agency within the Korea Forest Service, indicates that 47.4% of respondents cited forests and woodlands as their main motivation for visiting an island, a significant increase from beaches, which ranked second with just 28.9% of the vote.
The survey, which polled 2,000 adults aged between 20 and 75 nationwide, underscores a significant move towards more leisurely forms of tourism that allow visitors to immerse themselves in nature. This change is more than just a superficial alteration to travel plans; it reflects a burgeoning desire for more profound and rejuvenating travel experiences.
A notable 63% of those surveyed expressed that island forests offer unique ecological and visual features, such as secluded microclimates, distinctive coastal vegetation, and breathtaking coastal vistas.
Written by urgent.news from The Korea Times's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
