Bonghwa National Baekdudaegan Arboretum
Proudly the Largest in Asia
Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization (President Kim Namil) has selected Sangju Yongpori Daraknon and Bonghwa National Baekdudaegan Arboretum as the recommended destinations for June in its monthly "Gyeongbuk Travel Through Photos" series.
First, Sangju Yongpori Daraknon is gaining attention as a site that preserves the beauty of traditional agricultural culture. "Daraknon" refers to terraced rice paddies created by utilizing differences in topography, and these multi-layered fields built along mountain slopes are a legacy crafted by local residents over many years.
Recently, the scenery of the Daraknon during the spring rice planting season and the autumn harvest season has become well known, turning the area into a popular spot for photography. In particular, the vibrant appearance of the Daraknon has spread through social media, attracting both photographers eager to capture stunning images and travelers seeking unique photos for their memories.
Yongpori Daraknon is more than just farmland; it is an agricultural heritage site that embodies the history of the region and has become a new tourist attraction, offering visitors to Sangju a unique and memorable experience.
Next, Bonghwa National Baekdudaegan Arboretum boasts the largest scale in Asia and is the second largest in the world. It is especially notable for its collection of rare alpine plants from Asia and Korea, allowing visitors to see species that cannot be found elsewhere.
The most popular attraction among visitors to the National Baekdudaegan Arboretum is the Baekdusan Tiger Forest, which is the size of six soccer fields. The Tiger Forest is home to a total of six tigers, which can be observed in person. Beyond simple exhibition, the Tiger Forest serves various ecological conservation purposes, including the preservation and research of endangered species and the creation of environments similar to wild habitats.
Additionally, the National Baekdudaegan Arboretum has been selected as one of the "Top 100 Tourist Attractions in Korea" by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Korea Tourism Organization. Touring the arboretum’s diverse exhibition halls with family members not only relieves stress but also offers a special experience.
One of the joys of travel that should not be missed is tasting local specialties. Among Bonghwa’s representative specialties, Bonghwa Hanyakwoo (herbal-fed beef) is highly recommended for this season. Bonghwa Hanyakwoo is renowned for its high oleic acid content and exceptional flavor.
At Bonghwa Hanyakwoo Plaza, visitors can fully experience the authentic taste of Bonghwa. In 2025, Gyeongbuk Culture and Tourism Organization is hosting the "Meating Galjido" event to promote gourmet beef tourism in Gyeongbuk. After enjoying delicious beef, visitors can participate in the event for a chance to win prizes through a drawing.
Kim Namil, President of the organization, said, "I hope that by visiting Gyeongbuk in June, at the beginning of summer, you will enjoy beautiful landscapes and wildlife, participate in many tourism-related events, and create many wonderful memories during your trip."
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