The Korea National Park Service, which operates under the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, announced Friday that it has released tips on securing remaining campsite spots during the summer peak season, along with theme-based campsite recommendations.

The agency runs all campsite reservations through a lottery system. Applications are accepted in two-month cycles — for the July-to-August summer season, the system accepted entries from July 1 through the morning of July 5, with the lottery drawn that afternoon. Reservations for the July-August peak season were finalized on June 5.

An analysis of holiday reservation rates at national park campsites for July and August found that the three most popular sites among the 47 nationwide are Wolaksan Datdonjae 2 (98.5%), Jirisan Dalgung 1 (95.4%) and Deogyusan Deogyudae 3 (91.5%).

While it may seem difficult to find a spot during the summer peak season due to fully booked sites, vacancies remain at most of the 47 national park campsites across the country outside the peak rush of late July to early August.

The first two weeks of July — the start of the peak season — and the third and fourth weeks of August, after Liberation Day, tend to have low weekday reservation rates, making it relatively easy to secure a spot.

Current weekend reservation rates stand at 67%, but weekday rates are around 27%, leaving plenty of availability. Cancellation vacancies can be booked immediately on a first-come, first-served basis through the reservation system.

The Korea National Park Service also recommended campsites under three summer themes: water activities, seaside and family.

Top picks for summer water activities include Jirisan Somakgol campsite, Gayasan Baekundong campsite and Wolaksan Deokju campsite. These sites sit alongside dense forest shade and cool mountain streams, making them ideal for beating the heat.

For seaside scenery, the agency recommended Byeonsanbando Gosapho campsite, Hallyeohaesang Hakdong auto campsite and Taeanhaean Mongsanpo campsite. Visitors can swim while taking in views of the sea.

For families with young children, Jirisan Dalgung auto campsite, Odaesan Sogeumgang campsite and Naejangsan Naejangho campsite came recommended. These sites are equipped with family-oriented facilities including children's playgrounds and caravan accommodations.

The agency also outlined essential rules campers must follow for a comfortable stay.

Smoking is prohibited throughout all zones of every campsite, and campers are asked to refrain from loud noise late at night, including shouting or playing music at high volume.

To protect ecosystems and ensure visitor safety, unauthorized entry of pets into campsites is restricted. Collecting firewood from forests near campsites or gathering wild vegetables and other forest products without permission is also prohibited.

Korea National Park Service Chairman Ju Dae-young said national park campsites are "spaces where people can shake off the fatigue of daily life and create cherished memories amid beautiful nature," adding that during the July-August peak season, "it is necessary to follow the rules of respecting nature and being considerate of fellow campers so that as many people as possible can enjoy the campsites safely."

National park campsite status [Korea National Park Service]
National park campsite status [Korea National Park Service]

thlee@heraldcorp.com