South Korea’s mountains, rivers, coastlines, and national parks make it one of Asia’s most underrated outdoor destinations. Whether you want a rugged night under the pines or a stylish glamping cabin with river views, Korea has an option for every type of traveler. The number of domestic campers is now estimated to exceed 7 million, according to the Korea Tourism Organization and more foreigners are catching on every year.

Camping Culture in South Korea

Before you pitch your tent, knowing the local vibe will make the experience far more enjoyable. Koreans are traditionally group-oriented, and camping is no exception. Groups often combine camping with barbecues, music, and communal drinking, so expect lively neighbors, especially during peak summer weekends. Whistles and loudspeakers at 7 AM are not unheard of at busy national park sites. If you prefer to camp in a group or through a package tour, you can book a camping experience beforehand.

As a foreigner, you will likely be welcomed into activities, meals, and drinks. Go with it, it’s a genuine window into Korean culture. One practical tip worth knowing: trash management at popular sites can be poor. Bring extra garbage bags, pack in what you pack out, and set a good example for the next group.

When to go camping in Korea

The ideal camping season runs late spring through early autumn (April–October). Spring (April–May) and autumn (September–October) offer the best balance: comfortable temperatures, fewer crowds, and spectacular scenery. Summer (July–August) is peak season: beaches and national park campgrounds fill up fast, so book well in advance. Winter camping is possible for the adventurous, but many campgrounds close from November onward.

Where to go camping in Korea

5 Best sites for Camping in Korea

1. Yulpo Beach Camping | Boseong, Jeollanam-do

Yulpo Beach is a gentle 1.2 km stretch of silver sand backed by 100-year-old pine trees, a perfect first camping experience for beginners. No reservation is required; it’s first-come, first-served with no camping fee, and parking, toilets, cafes, and restaurants are all within walking distance. The site sits in Boseong county, famous for its green tea fields, about an hour from Gwangju. Bring a portable gas stove if you plan to cook, and arrive early on summer weekends to secure a shaded spot among the pines.

2. Nakdong River Autocamping | Sasang-gu, Busan

Set inside Samnak Ecological Park: a designated migratory bird habitat on the Nakdong River. This campground combines nature, birdwatching, and city convenience. The site has 62 RV campsites and 50 regular campsites, plus bathrooms, showers, communal kitchens, a biking path, and a wildflower complex.

Fees are KRW 25,000 for RV/auto sites (with electricity) and KRW 15,000 for regular sites. The campground operates March 1 – October 31 and closes in winter during bird migration season. Reserve via nakdongcamping.com. Getting there by subway is easy: take Busan Line 2 to Sasang Station or the Busan-Gimhae Light Rail to Gwaebeop Renecite Station, then walk about 600 m.

3. Donggang Riverview Campsite | Jeongseon, Gangwon-do

For those seeking a proper escape from the city, Donggang Riverview Natural Recreation Forest, about a 3-hour drive from Seoul, delivers sweeping views of the Donggang River, surrounding mountains, and forested valleys. Auto-camping decks come with electricity, restrooms, and shower rooms, and campers park right next to their pitches. Note that tents are not provided, so bring your own. Check-in is from 1 PM; checkout is by 12 PM the following day.

Jeongseon County is actively upgrading the site in 2026, with plans for a new forest observatory, healing deck, and expanded trails. Reserve through tagytravelkorea.com. The site is especially stunning in autumn when the valley turns gold and red.

4. Seoul Grand Park Camping Site | Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do

Tucked into the valley of Cheonggye Mountain inside Seoul Grand Park, this large campground is the best option for campers who want nature without straying far from Seoul. The site is open April through November (closed Mondays), and tent rentals are available for those without gear. Admission fees are KRW 2,000 for adults, KRW 1,500 for youth, and KRW 1,000 for children. On-site amenities include drinking fountains, sports courts, a playground, a convenience store, and a campfire area.

Nearby Seoul Zoo and the Botanical Garden are a bonus for families. Reserve through Seoul Grand Park’s official website at grandpark.seoul.go.kr. Getting there by subway (Line 4, Seoul Grand Park Station) is straightforward.

5. Nanji Campground | Seoul (Mapo-gu)

If you want to camp without leaving Seoul, Nanji is the answer. Located in Nanji Hangang Park along the Han River, it is the largest campground in Seoul, with 165 campsites and capacity for 2,000 people. Options range from a day picnic without a tent to full overnight camping with a barbecue under the stars. Tent rentals are available (family tents from KRW 28,000, pavilion tents from KRW 40,000), and a convenience store on-site sells food, charcoal, and grill equipment. Entrance fees are KRW 3,750 for adults and KRW 2,000 for children aged 5–7.

Reserve via yeyak.seoul.go.kr. Reservations for the following month open on the 15th of each month. Nearest subway: Line 6 World Cup Stadium Station.

Glamping in South Korea

Instead of the usual tents, your accommodation when glamping will be either a fancy and large tent, a cute cabin, or even a modern, fully-equipped RV. Nice beds, hot water and electricity are a given and there may be amusement parks, playgrounds, swimming pools and sports available on the premises or nearby. Using the barbecue usually comes with a separate fee, but if you’re not in the mood for grilling, you can usually find restaurants and shops in the vicinity of the glamping site.

Glamping is enormous in Korea. Sites range from municipal parks to private resorts and can be found near every major city and coastline. For the best availability, book 2–3 months ahead for peak season. You can also search 글램핑 (glamping in Korean) on Naver Maps or Naver Booking to find local options not always listed on international platforms

When and Where to Go Glamping

Like camping, the sweet spot is late spring to early autumn. However, glamping’s upgraded facilities (heating, hot water, cozy beds) make mid-to-late autumn a seriously underrated choice, Korea’s famous fall foliage (danpung, 단풍) peaks in October and November, offering breathtaking mountain and riverside views. Winter glamping is also possible at well-equipped sites if you’re after a snowy, cabin-style atmosphere. Glamping sites are spread across the entire country: in the mountains, by the coast, in the countryside, and within an hour of Seoul.

While many of the glamping sites are easily reachable with public transportation, some are more comfortable to reach by car. If you don’t own a car, don’t worry! Check out 10 Magazine’s guide on renting a car as a foreigner in Korea and start planning your trip.

5 Best Glamping Sites in South Korea

1. BANU | Hongcheon, Gangwon-do

BANU offers modern, spacious cabins set in natural surroundings, each with a fully equipped kitchen, private deck, barbecue gear, and campfire pit. An eco-friendly vegetable garden on the grounds lets guests pick fresh ingredients for their evening meal.

Reservations can be made through Airbnb.

2. Starlight Sea Pension & Glamping | Taean, Chungcheongnam-do

Sitting directly on Hakampo Beach, Starlight Sea delivers ocean views from every fully furnished tent or cabin. Air conditioning, private bathrooms, and private barbecues come as standard, and the complex has an outdoor swimming pool and kids’ playground. Sea fishing and mudflat experiences are available nearby.

Reservation can be made through Naver Booking here. Prices differ depending on the type of room/cabin.

3. Pine 4 Rest | Gapyeong, Gyeonggi-do

Under an hour from Seoul, Pine 4 Rest immerses guests in a pine forest while keeping iconic day-trip destinations; Nami Island, the Garden of Morning Calm, and Petite France, within easy reach. The uniquely designed cabins are spacious and fully equipped.

Reservations can be made through their official website.

4. Jeju Starlight Glamping | Jeju Island

All units at this Jeju glamping site come with a terrace overlooking the ocean, plus air conditioning, a full kitchen, and an optional American-style breakfast. The garden is ideal for relaxing while enjoying the island breeze. Listed on Booking.com and Expedia for easy international booking.

Reservations can be made through their official website, on Booking.com or Expedia.

5. The Dreamping | Namyangju, Gyeonggi-do

The Dreamping covers every camping style in one complex, picnic zone, tent zone, vintage cabana zone, and caravan zone. Perched beside the Bukhan River, it offers a swimming pool and a wide range of water sports and surfing activities, making it a strong pick for active travelers.

Reservations can be made through their official website.

Words by Sonia Knapp and Ramona Albu | Updated by 10 mag editorial team May 2026

Did this help you choose your next camping or glamping destination in Korea? Let us know in the comments!

Amazing place to camp and/or hike? Check out our article on these 19 Breathtaking Hikes Into The Korean Mountains.