Marine Parks in South Korea

The Korean National Parks, like the National Treasures, provide a look at the heart and soul of Korea. The Parks host and protect many of South Korea's sacred, historical, and beautiful sites. From each of those perspectives, the Parks reveal the diversity of Korea. The Parks protect and present to the public the spirituality of ancient Buddhist sites throughout the nation. The natural beauty, the beauty of nation with much of the land in a mountainous and/or sea setting, has been protected and opened to the public. Although the National Park service has a short history of 40 years, already tremendous strides have been taken open Korean history, culture, and beauty to all.

Dadohae Haesang National Park

Dadohae Haesang National Park, in Jeollanam-do, 2,321.51 km² (1,986.68 km² water), designated as Korea's fourteenth National Park on December 23, 1981. Dadohaehaesang has the distinction of being Korea's largest national park. Jang Bogo defeated Tang (China) and Japanese invaders in Dadohaehaesang. During the Goeryeo dynasty, Song and Won dynasty China, as well as Japan, traded through the area.

Hallyeo Haesang National Park

Hallyeo Haesang National Park is the first National Sea Park, in Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, 545.63 km² (395.48 km² water), designated on December 31, 1968. Designated second place for scenic beauty in Korea with three legendary gods residing there. Yi Sunshin fought famous naval battles in Hansandaecheop (battle field) against the Japanese in the late sixteenth century among the islands of the park. Jeseungdang (Historical Site No. 113)commemorates Yi Sunshin's victory over Japan, serving as the naval headquarters for three provinces. Yi Sunshin's remains lay buried in the Namhae Chungyeolsa shrine. Boriam (Temple), established by the renown monk Wonhyo in 683 C.E.

Taean-haean National Park

Taean-haean National Park, in Chungcheongnam-do, 326.57 km² (289.54 km² water), designated as a national park in 1978. Taeanhaean stewards several significant Buddhist temples. Beopjusa(Temple) hosts the tallest Buddhist statue in the world (33m), Cheongdongmireukbul; Bokcheonam temple, built by King Injo of Joseon to pray for the kingdom; and Daeungbojeon, a famous Buddhist prayer hall.

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Land-based Parks in South Korea

The Korean National Parks, like the National Treasures, provide a look at the heart and soul of Korea. The Parks host and protect many of South Korea's sacred, historical, and beautiful sites. From each of those perspectives, the Parks reveal the diversity of Korea. The Parks protect and present to the public the spirituality of ancient Buddhist sites throughout the nation. The natural beauty, the beauty of nation with much of the land in a mountainous and/or sea setting, has been protected and opened to the public. Although the National Park service has a short history of 40 years, already tremendous strides have been taken open Korean history, culture, and beauty to all.

Jirisan National Park

Jirisan National Park, in Jeollanam-do, Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, 471.75 km², designated as the first national park on Dec. 29, 1967. Jirisan, considered the founding place of Buddhism in Korea, hosts a number of sacred historical sites in Korea including Hwaeomsa, one of the ten most famous temples in Korea, Naewonsa (Temple), Beopgyesa (Temple), Silsangsa (Temple), and Yeongwonsa (Temple). Known as on of the three mountains where God dwells (Samsinsan), Jirisan ranks with Geungangsan and Hallasan. The site has been referred to as Duryusan or Bangjangsan, indicating a place of the highest state of enlightenment. Cheonwangbong is the second highest mountain in Korea at 1,915 meters.

Gyeongju National Park

Gyeongju National Park in Gyeongsangbuk-do, 138.72 km². Gyeongju is an important historical site during the Silla and Unified Silla dynasties. Historical sites abound including Bulguksa, Seokguram, the Emily Bell, tombs of Silla kings and queens. Gyeongju may stand alone in the world as a modern city, historical site, and national park all combined in one.

Gyeryongsan National Park

Gyeryongsan National Park in Chungcheongnam-do and [Daejeon]], 64.68 km², designated as a national park on December 31, 1968. Gyeryongsan achieved fame in China during the Three Kingdoms period as a mountain area of exceptional beauty. Koreans considered the site holy, conducting important rituals on the peaks. Gyeryongsan had been a candidate for capital of Joseon, Several renown temples reside in Gyeryongsan National Park including Donghaksa (Temple), the college of the Buddhist priesthood for Buddhist nuns, Nammaetap pagodas, Gapsa (Temple)

Seoraksan National Park 

Seoraksan National Park in Gangwon-do, 398.53 km², designated as National Park in March 1970, is divided into Oe (Outer) Seorak, Nae (Inner) Seorak, and South Seorak. has Buddhist temples tucked away in the mountains including Sinheungsa (temple), Gwongeumseong (high in the rocks), Baekdamsa (Temple) (the retreat of famed poet monk Han Yongun).

Songnisan National Park

Songnisan National Park, in Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 274.54 km², designated as a national park on March 24, 1970. Songnisan, meaning "renouncing the world," considered by many as one of the eight most beautiful places in Korea. Beopjusa (Temple), considered the greatest temple in Korea, sits tucked away inside Songnisan. Smaller temples like Sujeongam, Jungsajaam, Bokcheonam, also grace Songnisan. The park is the site for the immensely popular made for TV drama, "Taejo Wanggon," the first King of Goryeo Dynasty.

Hallasan National Park 

Hallasan National Park at the center of Jeju-do, 153.39 km² in size. The dormant volcano Hallason, or Mount Halla, numbers among the "three mountains where God lives" (Samshinsan) in Korea. Hallasan stands as the tallest mountain in Korea, rising 1950 meters. Baengnokdam, or White Deer Lake, crater has a depth of 110 meters.

Naejangsan National Park

Naejangsan National Park, designated as a National Park on November 17, 1971, in Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do, 81.72 km². Considered one of the eight most beautiful places in Korea. Gulgeori trees (Natural Treasure No. 91) and Bija trees (Natural Treasure No. 153) grow in the park. Naejangsa (Temple), Baegyangsa (Temple), Wonjeogam (Temple), Byeongnyeonam (Temple) (A noted calligrapher of the Joseon Dynasty, Kim Jeonghui resided here), Ibamsan Fortress.

Gayasan National Park

Gayasan National Park, in Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do, 77.07 km², designated the ninth National Park of Korea on October 13, 1972. Gayasan received its name from the shape of the mountain, resembling the head of a cow (Udusan). Haeinsa(Temple) and Palmandaejanggyeong, housing the Tripitaka Koreana carved on over 80,000 wood blocks sit secluded in the mountains. The renown monk Samyeongdaesa resided in Hongjeam Temple in the 1600s. Other sacred Buddhist sites include Hirangdae, the retreat of monk Hirang, and Cheongnyangsa (temple).

Deogyusan National Park

Deogyusan National Park in Jeollabuk-do and Gyeongsangnam-do, 231.65 km², designated as the tenth National Park on February 1, 1975. Joseon Dynasty Jeoksangsanseong(Fortress), Anguksa (Temple), Rajetongmun (Gate), the ancient border between Silla and Baekje, Baengnyeonsa (Temple), Wontongsa (Temple), and Songgyesa (Temple) rest within the park.

Odaesan National Park

Odaesan National Park, designated a National Park on February 1, 1975, in Gangwon-do, 303.93 km². Odaesan is considered one of the four greatest mountains in Korea along with Geumgangsan, Hallasan, and Jirisan. Four National Treasures Sangwonsa Dongjong (bronze bell), Sangwonsa Munsudongja Jwasang (seated statue of child monk), Woljeongsa palgakgucheung seoktap (octagonal nine-story stone pagoda in Woljeongsa temple), Sangwonsa Jungchanggwonseon-mun(book) along with two treasures and local treasures. Woljeongsa(temple) and Sangwonsa (temple) nestle in the park.

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Famous national parks in China

Do you love national parks? You probably know the national parks in your own country, like Yellowstone in the U.S., the Lake District in the U.K., Uluru in Australia, etc. You may have heard of or been to some of the famous ones around the world, like Serengeti National Park, Tanzania. Known for outdoor recreation and preservation, breathtaking views of expansive natural areas, camping and picnic sites, and park wardens, they attract nature lovers by the thousands.

China has national parks too, 225 in total! They cover both scenic and historic preservation areas. Here we concentrate on China’s top scenic national parks, featuring five chosen for outstanding scenery and reputation.

1. Wulingyuan National Park — Zhangjiajie’s Precipitous Pillars

Wulingyuan is usually the only one of China’s national parks to make it to a top-in-the-world list. It features some awesome towering geology, alongside rich wildlife. Zhangjiajie National Forest Park makes up most of it, alongside Suoxiyu Nature Reserve. Its inspiration for the floating rocks in Avatar has added to its fame.

2. Jiuzhaigou National Park — Multicolored Mountain Lakes

Jiuzhaigou (‘Nine-Village Valley’) National Park is known for its colorful lakes in high-altitude valleys, with waterfalls, snowy peaks, forested slopes, and Tibetan villages. It’s a classic national park.

3. Guilin Li River National Park, Guangxi — Karst Landscapes

More of a scenic area, with not much of a national park feel, the Li River National Park has no entrance and fee to get in. It covers the 80-km (50-mile) stretch of river between Guilin and Yangshuo, bounded by classic sheer karst hills, which have inspired many a poem and ink painting.

4. Lijiang Yulong Xueshan National Park — with Tiger Leaping Gorge

Yulong Xueshan (‘Jade Dragon Snow Mountain’ 5,596m or 18,360 ft) National Park includes popular hiking route Tiger Leaping Gorge on its west side. The mountain has glaciers and a small ski resort, and the Yangtze thunders north in the gorge, one of the deepest and most spectacular in the world.

5. Huangshan National Park — the Legendary Yellow Mountains

Surrounded in myths of ancient immortals, the Yellow Mountains have some bizarrely charming geomorphology. Compact and complex, this National Park has it all in a small area. There are peaks to climb, gorges to hike, and ethereal sights to see.

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5 national parks in California that you should visit

The National Parks Service maintains 23 separate units in the state of California, though the following five national parks in California are some of the most spectacular.

For road trips to any of these national park, try organizing your trip online to keep your itinerary, maps, and directions all in one place.

Yosemite National Park

Yosemite’s beauty is unlike any other; but, with a landscape 10 million years in the making, that should come as no surprise.

Tucked away in the Sierra Nevada Mountain’s, this national park, which doubles as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to a rich array of organisms.

Characterized by towering granite cliffs, thousands of clean lakes and ponds, crashing waterfalls, and giant sequoia groves, Yosemite has the power to attract 4 million annual visitors all while maintaining its sacred serenity.

With hiking trails, 350 miles of road, and plenty of surrounding accommodations, this iconic valley is welcoming to strangers and frequent visitors alike.

Joshua Tree National Park

Located in Southern California, Joshua Tree is one park, with two separate desert ecosystems, and 800,000 acres of land.

In the eastern part of the park, you’ll find the Colorado Desert characterized by lower elevation and natural gardens of bush and cactus. As you head west, you’ll reach higher elevations and find a cooler climate typical of the Mojave Desert. This is also where you’ll find the Joshua Tree, after which the park was named.

Beyond the wildflowers and cacti, the park is home to a wide variety of animals including lizards, tarantulas, rattlesnakes, owls, vultures, roadrunners, coyotes, jackrabbits, and more.

Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks

Also residing in the Sierra Nevada region of California are Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks. Although technically two parks, their kissing boarders and single entry fee have them operating as a unit.

Sequoia Park was appropriately named after the sequoia trees that inhabit the area, while Kings Canyon is characterized by the deep valley that holds the Kings River. Within the combined 865,952 acres of the parks, you’ll find a thriving biodiversity. The parks are home to over 1,200 species of vascular plants, and many different animals can be found throughout the parks ranging elevation.

Redwood National Park

Big trees and lots of them. Located on the North Coast of California, this national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site houses towering trees that can grow for over 2,000 years to be up to 367 feet high and 22 feet wide at the base.

Along the coast, you’ll find some of the world’s largest trees along with a variety of wildlife. Although this natural sanctuary was created to preserve highly sought after lumber, it’s also become the refuge for a total of 10 threatened and endangered species.

Channel Islands National Park

This National Park, located in Southern California, offers a unique experience. Comprised of a series of six islands, this coastal oasis is a beautiful mix of land and sea. With more than 2,000 species of plants and animals inhabiting the park, there’s plenty to see. Visitors can explore by hiking around the islands and by kayaking or diving in the surrounding waters.

Each island has it’s own character to experience, and with Southern California’s constant sunny weather, it’s a perfect year-round destination. For more information, or to plan your visit, check out the Channel Islands National Park’s WikiTravel page or http://www.nps.gov/chis/index.htm.

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10 great nation parks in Australia ( part 2)

6. Great Otway National Park – Victoria

Also called The Otways, this park is one of the popular stops along the Great Ocean Road. Immerse yourself in an ancient land and walk among tall trees and giant tree ferns, and discover beautiful waterfalls.

7. Port Campbell National Park – Victoria

If you only have time to visit one area along the Great Ocean Road, make it Port Campbell. This is where you’ll see the best of the GOR and you could spend a whole day just here. Amazing natural formations over the rugged coastline with cliff top tracks, gorges, beach walks and stories of shipwrecks to discover.

8. Kosciuszko National Park – NSW

If you’re looking to climb Australia’s highest peak, you’ll find it here. Just don’t do what we did and attempt part of this walk with young kids in dress clothes and ill prepared for the freezing windy weather, lol. Apparently visiting Kosciuszko in the summer is amazing as the wildflowers are in bloom. Plus the mountain biking is awesome. And whilst you’re here, why not explore The Snowy Mountains region.

9. Jervis Bay National Park – NSW

Jervis Bay is stunning. Normally we’d head to the north coast of NSW from Sydney but on our current trip around Australia we headed to the south coast for the first time and spent five days in the Jervis Bay region. The beaches and coastal walks around here are as good as any in Australia.

10. Booderee National Park – NSW

Just when you think Jervis Bay is beautiful, around the corner from Jervis is this gem of a park called Booderee. Very popular with the locals because of its unspoiled beaches and great camping, but I’m suspecting not well known around the country, we’d certainly never heard of it previously. This region of NSW blew us away.

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10 great nation parks in Australia (Part 1)

As we travel around Australia, we’re making an effort to visit as many of the best national parks as possible.

Being the outdoorsy nature lovers that we are, show us a good national park and we’ll happily get lost exploring it for days.

We just love everything about them. The walks, waterfalls, gorges, swimming holes, forests, rivers, wildlife and camping. Except the flies and mosquitoes – can somebody please remove those – and getting bogged in Kakadu, which is funny now, but at the time not so much.

There are some amazing National Parks in Australia, over 500 in total, and whilst we haven’t even scratched the surface yet, below is a list of some of our favourites we’ve recently visited.

1. Freycinet National Park – Tasmania

Freycinet National Park is our favourite destination in Tasmania, and one of our top three national parks in Australia. With plenty of lovely walks, stunning beaches, granite peaks and a beach consistently rated as one of the world’s best, what more could you ask? All you need is great weather like we had and you’ll be singing it’s praises like us!

2. Cradle Mountain National Park – Tasmania

Located 165km north west of Hobart this National Park attracts walkers from all over the world and is part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage area. We didn’t do a lot of the walks here as we had limited time, but when the kids are older we’d love to go back and do the famous Overland Track.

3. Wild Rivers National Park – Tasmania

Not as many people visit the west coast of Tassie, but it’s worth it. Running through the heart of the Tasmanian wilderness much of this park is remote and rugged with dramatic mountain peaks, spectacular gorges and world-famous rivers. Our cruise down the Gordon River was a highlight of our month long visit to Tasmania.

4. Wilsons Promontory National Park – Victoria

Victorians have kept Wilsons Prom, or The Prom a secret for too long. We were blown away by this park and can’t believe it’s not promoted more in other Australian states. You must book way ahead as it’s hugely popular with bush walkers and campers. Just picture stunning vistas of pink granite boulder mountains, turquoise water, and squeaky-white sand and you’ll know why.

5. Grampians National Park – Victoria

Commonly referred to as The Grampians, it’s a rugged mountain range located in Western Victoria and is renowned for its breathtaking rocky views, rich culture, stunning wildflower displays, bush walks and rock climbing. One of our favourite moments – we conquered the summit of the 4km Pinnacle’s walk with our two young kiddies, they did so well.

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5 famous National Parks in India

Today, India is home to more than 166 authorised national parks. The Kaziranga National Park in Assam is extremely famous for its Rhinos. The forest and wild life sanctuary areas, which fall on the borders of states, are protected for security reasons. The map of the national park can help to identify the wildlife sanctuary in every state. There are five major national parks, which can help you to get a closer look at any kind of wildlife.

Jim Corbett National Park

India's one of the first and well-known national parks for tigers, Jim Corbett is located in Uttarakhand. The park has a large area, which is divided into five zones. The Jim Corbett National Park map can help you to go around safely and without getting lost inside the forest. First zone, Jhirna, is open to public all year round and other zones are closed during monsoon. The elephant safari inside the park is exciting and gives a close and safe trip inside the dense preservatory. There are cabins inside the forest and the reserve around the Dhikala zone is one of the best spots to enjoy wildlife. More Details...

Kanha National Park

Located in the state of Madhya Pradesh, Kanha National Park is a dense and rich area of bamboo forests with beautiful lakes, running streams and wide grasslands. It is a large park and is known for research and conservation programmes to preserve many endangered species like white tiger and hippos. The Kanha National Park map at the information centre can guide you to the nearest safari, cabins, lakes and locations around the park. More Details...

Bandhavgarh National Park

It is located in Madhya Pradesh, and is best for its scenic surroundings and has the highest population of tigers than any other park in India. The Bandhavgarh National Park map for the forest helps you to get through the dense and eye-capturing valleys and beautiful rocky terrain and an ancient fort. Without a map or a local guide, the way to the forest is quite difficult but it's one of the best locations to spot tigers and a variety of birds and wildlife. More Details...

Ranthombare National Park

It is located in Eastern Rajasthan at the junction between the Aravali Hill ranges and the Vindhyan plateau. The Ranthombare National Park map available in the information centre guides you through the forest and 10th century fort amidst the cliffs. It serves as a rich heritage of various plants and animals. More Details...

Sunderbans National Park

Sunderbans in West Bengal is a dense mangrove forest which is a unique and magnificent place to visit. It includes 54 islands and extends to the nearby country, Bangladesh. It is a wide swamp which can be explored only using boats. It is a refuge for migrating birds and a reserve for rare and preserved wildlife. The Sunderbans National Park map is significant in guiding you through these forests. More Details...

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Nikko National Park is one of Japan's most beautiful nature locales.

Nikko National Park is one of Japan's most beautiful nature locales. Located 125 km from Tokyo, a trip to Nikko is an ideal one or two day excursion. Shrines, temples, and bridges scattered across the area harmonize with the beautiful scenery, which include plateaus, waterfalls, lakes, forests, and rivers.

One of Nikko's most striking features is Toshogu, which is Japan's most lavishly decorated shrines. One can also find the mausoleum of Tokugawa Ieyasu, founder of the Tokugawa shogunate, which has been dubbed a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Once here, visitors will see statues of the three wise monkeys, the Hall of the Medicine Buddha, and the ornate Yomei-mon Gate.

Nikko is especially worth visiting in the autumn when the leaves change from green to deep reds and oranges. With various routes perfect for both the novice and adventurous hiker, a visit to the Nikko National Park is not to be missed.

This 80,000-hectare (200,000-acre) national park centers on the sumptuous Toshogu Shrine with its mausoleum for Tokugawa Ieyasu, majestic cedars, and lakeside resorts.

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5 best famous nation parks in Vietnam

Vietnam is a country that is known as the "Forest of gold - silver sea" with landscapes, abundant natural resources, well-known national parks ...

Here are 5 best famous nation parks in Vietnam:

Cat Ba national park

This island-based park easily makes an impressive add-on to your Halong Bay cruise. The park is a tropical primary rainforest with a large collection of animals, birds and reptiles. Many of the plants are unique to Vietnam and very well protected. There are a number of trails, such as those that lead to Ngu Lam Mount, to Trung Trung Cave, and Frod Lake, each offering a distinctive experience. There are also swimming opportunity though check the weather in advance. The Park is good for a day-trip but you can sure bring your camping equipment if you have more time to spare.

Cuc Phuong national park

As an off-the-beaten path option, Cuc Phuong park is located in Ninh Binh province, close to the Hoa Lu ancient capital. There are many tours on offer from Hanoi that involve biking along the scenic view of lime stone mountains and rice paddy field. Otherwise you can book a minivan directly to the park. It is considered one of the best places for bird watching in Vietnam. Its almost out of the way location means that you are less likely to run into tourists and enjoy an authentic natural experience.

Phong Nha- Ke Bang national park

Phong Nha- Ke Bang deserves more attention that it does right now, for its impressive lime stone cave complex. Taking a boat ride along the river, you will be pleasantly surprised by the tranquility of a countryside area mixed in with the nature wonder of caves formation. Avoid the summer time, when domestic tourists are crowding the place.

Cham Island

An hour by boat away from Hoi An, Cham Island is recognized by UNESCO as World biosphere reserve. It is the greenest place in Vietnam, where the use of plastic bags is completely abolished. People who live on the island are extremely friendly and you will sure enjoy yourself heartily with the sun, sand and sea.
Cham Island Vietnam

Cat Tien national park

If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, you might consider spending two days at Cat Tien park. About 150km to the North of this largest city in Vietnam, Cat Tien is one of the best preserved parks in Vietnam, being a symbol of bio-diversity. Cat Tien is home to 40 species listed in World Red list of threatened species. There are plenty to do, from paddling along the river, hiking, cycling to camping. Ask for a map when you buy the entrance ticket.

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