There are two Goseong regions in South Korea – Goseong-gun in Gangwon Province (east coast) and Goseong-gun in Gyeongsangnam Province (south coast).
This guide covers Goseong-gun, Gangwon Province, the more popular tourist destination known for its DMZ proximity, pristine beaches, and dinosaur fossils.
Why Visit Goseong-gun?
Goseong-gun in Gangwon Province offers unique experiences unavailable elsewhere in Korea: dramatic coastal scenery, DMZ tourism, peaceful lagoons, and some of Korea’s most unspoiled beaches.
Located in the northeastern corner of South Korea near the North Korean border, this rural county provides authentic Korean coastal culture away from crowded tourist areas
Top Attractions in Goseong-gun
Hwajinpo Beach & Hwajinpo Lake
Goseong’s most famous destination combines a beautiful beach with a unique coastal lagoon.
Hwajinpo Beach:
- 1.7 km of white sand beach
- Shallow, calm waters perfect for families
- Less crowded than major beaches
- Pine forest backdrop
- Excellent for swimming and beach activities
Hwajinpo Lake:
- Korea’s northernmost lagoon
- Separated from the sea by sand dunes
- Fresh and saltwater ecosystem
- Scenic walking paths around the lake
- Bird watching opportunities
Historical sites at Hwajinpo:
- Kim Il-sung Villa: Former North Korean leader’s vacation home, now a museum
- Syngman Rhee Villa: First South Korean president’s summer residence
- Entrance fees: 3,000-5,000 KRW for villa museums
- Significance: Unique glimpse into Korean history and division
Time needed: Half day to explore beach, lake, and villas
Hwajinpo Marine Museum
Located near the beach, this aquarium and museum showcases regional marine life.
Features:
- Over 1,500 shellfish species from around the world
- Korean coastal fish and sea creatures
- Educational exhibits about East Sea ecosystem
- Touch pools for children
- Entrance fee: 3,000 KRW adults, 2,000 KRW children
- Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
DMZ Museum & Unification Observatory
Goseong’s proximity to North Korea makes it an important DMZ tourism site.
DMZ Museum:
- Comprehensive exhibits about Korean War and division
- Military equipment displays
- Documentary films
- Personal stories from divided families
- Entrance fee: 3,000 KRW adults
- Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM (closed Mondays)
Goseong Unification Observatory:
- Closest civilian viewing point to North Korea in this region
- Binoculars to view North Korean territory
- Clear days allow views of Mt. Kumgang (Diamond Mountain)
- Propaganda village visible
- Entrance fee: 3,000 KRW
- Getting there: Must take shuttle bus from parking area
- ID required: Bring passport for security checkpoint
Combined visit time: 2-3 hours
Cheongganjeong Pavilion
A traditional Korean pavilion perched on coastal cliffs offering panoramic ocean views.
Features:
- Historic pavilion dating to Joseon Dynasty
- Dramatic cliff-top location
- Stunning East Sea vistas
- Popular sunrise and sunset spot
- Walking trails along the coast
- Entrance: Free
- Best time: Sunrise or late afternoon
The pavilion appears on the 50,000 won bill (back side), making it a culturally significant landmark.
Songjiho Beach & Lake
A beautiful combination of beach and lagoon similar to Hwajinpo but quieter.
Songjiho Beach:
- Pristine white sand beach
- Crystal clear waters
- Less developed and crowded
- Popular with locals
Songjiho Lake:
- Large coastal lagoon
- Bike paths around the lake
- Walking trails through reeds
- Excellent bird watching
- Peaceful atmosphere
Best for: Travelers seeking tranquility and nature
Goseong Dinosaur Museum
Korea’s premier dinosaur fossil site and museum.
Why it’s here: Goseong’s coastline contains abundant dinosaur footprints and fossils from the Cretaceous Period.
Museum features:
- Life-size dinosaur replicas
- Actual fossils found in Goseong
- Interactive exhibits for children
- 4D theater experiences
- Entrance fee: 5,000 KRW adults, 3,000 KRW children
- Hours: 9 AM – 6 PM
Outdoor fossil site: Real dinosaur footprints preserved on coastal rocks (free to view)
Ulsanbawi Rock Observatory
Coastal viewing platform with dramatic rock formations rising from the sea.
Features:
- Towering rock pinnacles
- Glass observation deck
- Coastal walking trails
- Photography spot
- Entrance: Free
- Accessibility: Short walk from parking
Goseong Pine Tree Road
A scenic 6-kilometer coastal drive lined with windswept pine trees.
Experience:
- Drive or cycle through pine forest tunnel
- Ocean views on one side, forest on the other
- Multiple pull-off points for photos
- Especially beautiful during sunset
- Best season: Year-round, stunning in autumn
Here you can explore what best things to do in Busan, Jeju Island, Gangneung and must visit places in Seoul
How to Get to Goseong-gun
From Seoul (200 km)
By bus:
- Express bus from Seoul Express Bus Terminal to Goseong
- Time: 3-3.5 hours
- Cost: 18,000-22,000 KRW
- Frequency: 6-8 buses daily
By car:
- Take Yeongdong Expressway (Route 50) to Gangneung
- Continue north on Route 7 coastal highway to Goseong
- Time: 3-3.5 hours
- Recommended: Most convenient for exploring multiple sites
By train + bus:
- KTX to Gangneung Station (2 hours)
- Local bus from Gangneung to Goseong (1 hour, 4,000 KRW)
- Total time: 3-4 hours
From Gangneung (50 km)
By bus:
- Local buses from Gangneung Bus Terminal
- Time: 1 hour
- Cost: 4,000-5,000 KRW
- Frequency: Every 30-60 minutes
By car:
- Drive north on Route 7 (coastal road)
- Time: 50 minutes
- Scenic drive along the coast
From Sokcho (25 km)
By bus:
- Local buses from Sokcho Bus Terminal
- Time: 30-40 minutes
- Cost: 2,500-3,000 KRW
- Frequency: Hourly
By taxi:
- Time: 25 minutes
- Cost: 20,000-25,000 KRW
Getting Around Goseong-gun
Car rental: Highly recommended – attractions are spread out
Taxi: Available but expensive for multiple stops
Local buses: Limited routes, infrequent schedules
Tour packages: Some companies offer day tours from Seoul/Gangneung
Where to Stay
Accommodation options:
- Hwajinpo area: Hotels and pensions near the beach
- Goseong town center: Budget motels and guesthouses
- Beachfront pensions: Family-run accommodations with ocean views
- Camping: Sites available at major beaches
Price range: 40,000-120,000 KRW per night
Tip: Book in advance during summer (July-August) and holidays
Travel Tips
Bring ID: Required for DMZ/Unification Observatory visits (passport for foreigners)
Cash: Many small restaurants and shops don’t accept cards
Language: Very limited English – translation app helpful
Transportation: Car rental strongly recommended for flexibility
Timing: Allow full day minimum, 2-3 days ideal
Combine with: Sokcho (Seoraksan Mountain) or Gangneung for multi-destination trip
Goseong-gun offers a rare combination of beach relaxation, historical significance (DMZ), and natural beauty. Its remote location means fewer international tourists, providing an authentic Korean coastal experience.
The region is perfect for travelers seeking to escape crowded tourist areas while experiencing important Korean history and stunning natural landscapes.