An improbably green wilderness
Outside South Korea 's cities, an improbably green wilderness looms, fringed by thousands of uninhabited offshore islands. The countryside is nourished by the Nakdong and Han rivers and is dotted with traditional villages, green tea plantations and rolling rice paddies. Beyond are mountainous landscapes and the most impressive national parks, all laced with hiking trails and graced with temples and pagodas. During your trip, be amazed by the beautiful mountain ranges, cliffs and waterfalls of the northeastern Seoraksan . In spring a sea of flowers of azaleas and in autumn a feast of orange-clad pines and oaks. Also visit the sprawling Jirisan further south , a picturesque mountain backdrop and habitat of the collared bear. Southwest is Dadohaehaesang , the nation's largest National Park and one of the few coastal and marine parks. It is rich in islands where time seems to have stood still and where the legends of local fishermen take you to what was once a sea kingdom. Descend to Jeju Island , then get lost in the vertical ecosystem of plants in Hallasan National Park . You will climb Halla-san , the sacred and highest mountain in the country, which is surrounded by 368 parasitic oreum .
