Boseong

Boseong is the heart of green tea culture in South Korea. Its most famous plantation, Daehan Dawon, features perfectly manicured terraces of tea bushes that ripple across rolling hills. Visitors can hike through the fields to various viewpoints, with the highest offering a glimpse of the southern sea on clear days. The misty mornings common in the region add a mystical, serene quality to the landscape, making it a favorite for photographers. Beyond the views, Boseong has a deep dive into tea-related gastronomy. Local specialties include green tea ice cream, green tea noodles, and even pork from pigs raised on green tea leaves. Nearby Yulpo Beach provides a unique experience with its green tea seawater baths. The Tea Museum of Korea provides insights into the history and production of tea, including traditional tea ceremony experiences for visitors. Boseong is accessible by train (Gyeongjeon Line) or bus from major hubs like Gwangju or Suncheon. The best time to visit is in May, during the Green Tea Festival, when the first harvest makes the fields look their brightest green. However, the winter light festival, which illuminates the terraces with millions of LEDs, also makes it a popular year-round destination.

Nearby cities

Gwangju

Gwangju is Korea's sixth-largest city, renowned as a hub for arts, culture, and the Korean democratic movement.

Suncheon

Known as the 'Eco-Capital' of Korea, famous for Suncheonman Bay and its gardens.

Yeosu

A scenic coastal city consisting of a peninsula and over 300 islands, which hosted the 2012 Expo.

Mokpo

A port city in South Jeolla Province, serving as a ferry terminal to islands in the southwest.

Gwangyang

A major industrial city with one of the busiest seaports in the world and a large steel mill.

Naju

A historical city that was once the center of the region, now reinventing itself with the Naju Innovation City project.

🗺️

Hadong

Hadong is the cradle of Korean tea, famous for the Seomjin River, ancient tea plantations, and cherry blossom tunnels.

Gurye

Gurye is a tranquil retreat at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, famous for its ancient temples and bright yellow Sansuyu blossoms.

Buan

A coastal county featuring Byeonsanbando National Park, known for its unique cliffs, sandy beaches, and Naesosa Temple.

Goheung

Goheung is a picturesque peninsula known as Korea's gateway to space and for its fragrant Yuja citrus fruits.

Wando

Wando is a scenic archipelago known for its maritime history under Admiral Jang Bogo and world-class abalone farming.

Namhae

Namhae, often called 'Treasure Island,' is famous for its terraced rice fields, German Village, and stunning coastal temples.

Jindo

Jindo is Korea's third-largest island, world-famous for the natural sea-parting phenomenon and its loyal Jindo dogs.

🗺️

Myeonjeon-ri

A hidden gem on Jaeundo Island, known for its pristine white sand beaches and the tranquil West Sea scenery.

Baeksan-ri

A quiet coastal village in Sinan County, famous for its unique pine forests and vast beaches.

History & landmarks

Namwon

Known as the "City of Love," Namwon is the setting of the famous Chunhyang legend and a major gateway to Jirisan National Park.

Gochang

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its vast dolmen sites, the historical Moyangseong Fortress, and Seonunsa Temple.

Damyang

Damyang is Korea's bamboo capital, famous for its lush groves, traditional gardens, and scenic tree-lined paths.

Haenam

The southernmost point of the Korean Peninsula, known for its "End of the Land" village, majestic mountains, and historical temples.

Boseong Green Tea Fields

Spectacular, expansive tea plantations in Boseong, famous for producing high-quality green tea.

Naganeupseong Folk Village

A fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty, remarkably well-preserved, where residents still live in thatched-roof houses.

🗺️

Hampyeong

Hampyeong is an ecological gem, world-renowned for its colorful Butterfly Festival and sustainable agriculture.

Nature

Seomjin River

One of South Korea's cleanest major rivers, flowing through Jeolla and Gyeongsang provinces.

More places

Boseong Green Tea Fields

The largest and oldest tea plantations in South Korea, known for their terraced fields and high-quality green tea.

Naganeupseong Folk Village

A well-preserved fortress town from the Joseon Dynasty.

Suncheon Bay Wetlands

One of the world's largest coastal wetlands, home to vast reed fields and a major habitat for migratory birds.

Cheongsando Island

Designated as the first 'Slow City' in Asia, it's a place where the traditional way of life and unspoiled nature are preserved.

Port of Gwangyang

A strategic port specializing in container and steel transport, serving the POSCO Gwangyang Steel Mill.

Goryeo Celadon Museum

Located in Gangjin, this museum is dedicated to the exquisite celadon ceramics of the Goryeo Dynasty.

Turtle Ship (Geobukseon) Replica

A replica of the famous warship used by Admiral Yi Sun-sin during the Imjin Wars in the 16th century.

LG Chem Yeosu Plant

A major petrochemical complex producing basic materials for a variety of industries, from plastics to batteries.