2024 Domestic Travel Trends: Hidden Gem Photo Spots Are Rising

According to a recent survey by the Korea Tourism Organization, tourist interest in 2024 is shifting significantly from famous tourist spots to 'local attractions.' In particular, the search volume for photo spots suitable for posting on social media has increased by about 340% compared to last year, with women in their 20s to 40s leading this trend. 'Local tourism,' which seeks quiet and emotional spaces away from crowded tourist sites, has established itself as a new travel culture.

This guide introduces true gem-like photo spots hidden across 12 regions nationwide. It includes practical information such as the best times for photography, hidden tips, and estimated time required, so keep this in mind for your next travel plans.

Gangwon Province: Nature's Artistic Creations

1. Gangneung Gyeongpo Lake Water Lily Ecological Park

Located at Gyeongpo Lake in Gangneung, the Water Lily Ecological Park is famous for its mystical scenery that can only be seen during the summer season (June to August). The sight of red water lilies blooming across the lake feels like a scene from a fairy tale. As of 2023, it recorded approximately 150,000 visitors, and the number of social media hashtags has increased by about 280% compared to the previous year.

  • Admission Fee: Approximately 3,000 won
  • Best Visiting Time: 7 AM to 9 AM (to avoid backlighting and when the flowers are in full bloom)
  • Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2 hours
  • Tip: Visiting in the early morning means fewer tourists, and the dew on the lotus flowers makes for more beautiful photos. Be sure to bring insect repellent!

2. Gangneung Haslla Art World (formerly Jeongdongjin Rail Bike)

Haslla Art World, where you can ride a bike along a decommissioned railway against the backdrop of the East Sea, has gained popularity among emotional travelers. Photos taken during sunset are particularly popular on Instagram, attracting about 20,000 visitors per month.

  • Admission Fee: Approximately 40,000 to 60,000 won (depending on the course)
  • Best Visiting Time: 4 PM to 6 PM (sunset)
  • Estimated Time: 1.5 to 2.5 hours
  • Reservation Required: Advance booking is recommended for weekend/holiday visits

Gyeongju and Andong Regions: A Journey Back in Time

3. Gyeongju Daereungwon Night Lighting

Daereungwon, where the royal tombs of the Silla Dynasty are located, showcases a special lighting projection at night. This place, where history meets modern art, is a spot that captures both tradition and emotion. After the night opening, the number of visitors increased by about 30%, particularly among tourists in their 20s and 30s.

  • Admission Fee: Approximately 5,000 won (daytime), night lighting is free
  • Night Lighting Operation: March to November (times vary by season)
  • Best Visiting Time: 7 PM to 8 PM
  • Tip: Bringing a tripod will help you take more stable night photos

4. Andong Hahoe Village Night View

Hahoe Village, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has a tranquil charm during the day, but the silhouettes of the hanoks illuminated in the evening provide a different kind of beauty. In the first half of 2024, it attracted an average of about 25,000 visitors per month.

  • Admission Fee: Approximately 6,000 won
  • Best Visiting Time: 5 PM to 7 PM (the time transitioning from sunset to night view)
  • Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
  • Additional Tip: Taking photos of the village landscape around the home of Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong captures the entire scenery

Jeolla Province: Spaces Filled with Emotion

5. Jeonju Hanok Village Alleys

While everyone knows Jeonju Hanok Village, there are many hidden spots in the back alleys that are not frequently visited by tourists. Particularly, the narrow alley behind Gyeonggijeon is home to cafes, galleries, and shops, making it a great place for capturing life-changing photos.

  • Admission Fee: Free (most alleys)
  • Cafe Average Price: Approximately 5,000 to 8,000 won
  • Best Visiting Time: 9 AM to 11 AM or 3 PM to 5 PM
  • Tip: Exploring the alleys on foot is more enjoyable than relying on a map app

6. Yeosu Passenger Terminal Sunset

Stepping away from Yeosu's famous tourist spots (like the Yeosu Maritime Cable Car and Hyangilam), the sunset viewed from near the passenger terminal offers a unique charm. It's a space with fewer tourists and a glimpse into the daily lives of locals, gaining popularity among those seeking emotional travel experiences.

  • Admission Fee: Free
  • Best Visiting Time: 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM (varies by season)
  • Additional Information: There are many local cafes and restaurants nearby (average 5,000 to 12,000 won)

Jeju Region: Nature's Gifts

7. Jeju Seongsan Ilchulbong Coastal Road

Seongsan Ilchulbong itself is famous, but the surrounding coastal road is relatively quiet. The waves crashing against the black basalt coast and the mysterious colors of the sea create a scene reminiscent of a movie.

  • Admission Fee: Free
  • Parking Fee: Approximately 3,000 to 5,000 won
  • Best Visiting Time: 6 AM to 7 AM (sunrise), 3 PM to 4 PM (for backlighting)
  • Estimated Time: 1 hour

8. Jeju Hyeopjae Beach Black Sand Beach

While Hyeopjae Beach is famous, the adjacent sloped black sand beach sees fewer tourists. It's a place where you can capture a mystical landscape that feels like being on Mars.

  • Admission Fee: Free
  • Best Visiting Time: 9 AM to 11 AM
  • Caution: Avoid visiting during rough weather with strong waves, and wearing safety gear is recommended

Capital Region: Gems Found Nearby

9. Incheon Wolmido Skywalk

The Skywalk located in Incheon’s famous Wolmido offers a unique space to walk while overlooking the Yellow Sea. With its transparent floor, it gives the feeling of walking over the sea, and photos taken during sunset are particularly beautiful. It attracts about 35,000 visitors per month.

  • Admission Fee: Approximately 8,000 won
  • Best Visiting Time: 4 PM to 6 PM
  • Estimated Time: 40 minutes to 1 hour
  • Tip: A tripod is allowed, so you can focus on landscape photos rather than selfies

10. Yongin Hantaek Botanical Garden Photo Zone

Located in Yongin, Hantaek Botanical Garden has significantly expanded its photo zones following the trend of botanical gardens. Especially during the summer and fall seasons, the colorful flower landscapes resemble paintings. In the first half of 2024, weekend visitors reached about 15,000.

  • Admission Fee: Approximately 12,000 to 15,000 won
  • Best Visiting Time: 10 AM to 12 PM (when natural light is best)
  • Estimated Time: 2 to 3 hours
  • Tip: Check seasonal flower blooming information in advance before visiting

Chungcheong Province: Harmony of History and Nature

11. Nonsan Dilkusha Garden

Dilkusha was the residence of an American medical missionary couple during the Korean War. The cozy garden and Western-style house give a feeling of time standing still, and it has gained great popularity as an 'emotional travel destination' on Instagram, attracting about 8,000 visitors per month.

  • Admission Fee: Approximately 3,000 won
  • Best Visiting Time: 10 AM to 12 PM
  • Estimated Time: 1.5 hours
  • Tip: The garden is most beautiful in spring (April to May) and fall (September to October)

12. Boryeong Barrier-Free Deck Path (Cheonsuman Wetland)

The barrier-free deck path created in Boryeong's Cheonsuman Wetland is a space where you can directly experience the natural ecosystem. The mysterious scenery created by reed fields and tidal wetlands shows different appearances in each season.

  • Admission Fee: Free
  • Best Visiting Time: 3 PM to 5 PM (for halo photography)
  • Estimated Time: 1 to 1.5 hours
  • Tip: Wear non-slip shoes as the wooden deck can be slippery

Essential Preparations and Tips for Life-Changing Photos

To capture life-changing photos at hidden gem-like spots, a few preparations are necessary. First, there's the photography equipment. While the camera performance of a smartphone is usually sufficient, having a wide-angle lens or tripod can enhance your shots. Wide-angle lenses start at around 30,000 to 50,000 won for clip-on types.

Second, choosing the right time is important. The 'golden hour,' which refers to the hour after sunrise and the hour before sunset, offers the most beautiful natural light. Shooting during these times can yield emotional photos without the need for extensive editing.

Third, consider the season and weather. The same location can feel completely different depending on the season and weather. For example, it’s best to plan visits during cherry blossom season (late March to mid-April) or chrysanthemum season (late September to mid-October).

Expert Tip: Avoid peak visiting times at famous tourist spots, and visiting on weekdays or early in the morning can help you capture photos with clean backgrounds free of tourists. Visiting on weekday mornings can reduce tourist numbers by an average of 50-70%.

Planning Travel by Budget

While it may be difficult to visit all 12 spots, it’s efficient to group them by region for travel. For example, if you visit two spots in Gangwon Province in one day, the admission fees alone will cost approximately 43,000 to 103,000 won.

  • 1 Night 2 Days in Gangwon Province: Approximately 200,000 to 300,000 won (including accommodation, meals, and admission fees)
  • Day Trip to the Capital Region: Approximately 50,000 to 100,000 won
  • 2 Nights 3 Days in Jeju: Approximately 500,000 to 700,000 won (including airfare, accommodation, meals, and rental car)

If you're looking for a budget-friendly trip, planning around free spots like the Seongsan Ilchulbong Coastal Road, Wolmido Skywalk, and Jeonju Hanok Village alleys can allow you to travel with admission fees under approximately 30,000 won.

Conclusion: The 2024 Travel Trend Is Now 'Local'

The travel culture in Korea for 2024 is showing a clear shift. There is a growing trend toward emotional local attractions rather than crowded tourist sites, and a desire for unique personal experiences rather than fame. While the importance of 'life-changing photos' has increased due to social media, there is also a growing desire to find one's own special moments rather than just visiting a few designated spots.

The 12 spots introduced in this guide are currently hot but not overly well-known. However, the speed at which these spots become known to the public will increase from the planning stage of travel. Therefore, now may be the last chance to find these 'hidden gems.'

The most important thing is not to take the perfect photo, but to experience the emotions and moments in that place. Before pressing the shutter on your smartphone, take a moment to absorb the scenery with your own eyes. That is the first step toward capturing a true life-changing photo and achieving the most fulfilling travel experience.

I recommend visiting at least one of these 12 spots next weekend. A special experience that will stimulate your emotions awaits you.