Gyeongju, Bukhansan and Palgongsan national parks to run special Friday and Saturday tours for one month starting Friday

A nighttime tour at Gyeongju National Park [Korea National Park Service]
A nighttime tour at Gyeongju National Park [Korea National Park Service]

The Korea National Park Service, which operates under the Ministry of Climate, Environment and Energy, announced Friday that it is launching a special nighttime tour program at three national parks — Gyeongju, Bukhansan and Palgongsan — for the first time.

The program is designed to let visitors experience a side of the parks distinct from their daytime character, combining scenic night views of urban areas and cultural heritage sites with commentary on nature, history and culture.

The tours will run every Friday and Saturday from Friday through Nov. 14 on a pilot basis, with each session capped at 20 participants to ensure safe exploration.

At Gyeongju National Park, the route covers a 1.2-kilometer stretch from Woljeongyo Bridge through Gyerim Forest to Wolseong Moat, under the theme "Walking beneath the Silla night sky and moonlight."

At Bukhansan National Park's Dobong area, a 1-kilometer route runs from Musugol Valley to the Twin Observation Deck, offering views of Seoul's nighttime skyline alongside the sounds of the nocturnal forest.

At Palgongsan National Park's western section, a 1-kilometer path leads from Seonbonsa Temple to Gatbawi Rock at Gwanbong Peak, where visitors can take in Daegu's night panorama and make a wish at the summit.

Two certified nature and cultural heritage interpreters will accompany each group in pairs for safety.

The lead interpreter will provide commentary on the urban nightscape, local ecology and history, while a supporting interpreter walks at the rear of the group to manage safety and respond to emergencies.

Participants will be issued headlamps and reflective bands, and tours will operate under a quiet-movement policy during sunset hours to minimize disturbance to wildlife.

Reservations can be made through the Korea National Park Service's online booking system, and a limited number of on-site spots will also be available to accommodate foreign visitors and walk-ins.

The park service plans to conduct a comprehensive review of operations and nighttime safety during this year's pilot run, with the aim of expanding the program to more national parks and additional trail sections next year.

"We designed this special tour to meet the growing demand for nighttime leisure and tourism by offering a unique experience that sets national parks apart after dark," Korea National Park Service Director General Ju Dae-young said. "We will closely examine the results of this year's pilot and expand the program next year so that more tourists can discover the diverse charms of our national parks."


thlee@heraldcorp.com