[Travel] Seven seaside destinations for February

Winter is coming to an end so what better way to celebrate to head for the seaside?

The Korean National Tourism Organization (KNTO) has recommended seven destinations where visitors can feel the imminent arrival of spring in the warm sea breezes.

Taemyung port in Kimpo, Kyonggi Province:

Located in Taegot-myon, Kimpo city, this area faces Kanghwa Island with a sea route between. A cold Northwest wind is still blowing, so visitors can drive along the beach, enjoying the scenery and bathe at Yakam hot spring. For further information, call 82-031-2739.

Maryangpo, Sochon, South Chungchong:

Located at So-myon, Sochon-gun, this seaside village is faces the Yellow Sea. Despite chilly winter winds, Maryang Dike and the camellia woods along with the landscape of Pin Bay in Sochon make for pleasant viewing from the beach. For further information, call 82-041-950-4224.

Kojon village on Chinbong Peninsula in Kimjae, North Cholla Province:

This village is located at the lower reaches of a stream where the Mangyong and Tongjin rivers, the pipeline to the granaries of Kimjae and the Honam plains, flow into the Yellow Sea. It is famous for sunrises at Kwanghwal-myon, sunsets at Manghaesa temple in Chinbong-myon, Simpo silts and Paekhap clams. For further information, call 822-063-540-3321.

Kyema port in Yonggwang, South Cholla Province:

Located at the northernmost point of the west coast of South Cholla Province, this port is better known as the home of "Yonggwang kulbi (dried croaker).¡¯¡¯ Visitors can enjoy the beautiful sight of the Chilsan Sea at Kyema port in Hongnong-up and kulbi at Popsongpo. Nearby is Kamami beach, famous as a summer retreat. For further information, call 822-061-350-5224.

Hwapo, Sunchon, South Cholla Province:

This is a sea village in Sunchon Bay famous for its clean seawater and many islets. Sights include the Kohung Peninsula, Yoja Bay and the vast silts of Sunchon Bay, which can be viewed from Hwapo beach during ebb tide. For further information, call 822-061-749-3328.

Kachon Village, Namhae, South Kyongsang Province:

Namhae boasts of many fine things to see, but Kachon Village is cited as one of the best places to enjoy beautiful scenes of winter. Visitors will be amazed at the blue sea in front of the village and the beautiful island, "No-do,¡¯¡¯ where Kim Man-Jung, known as "Sopo," lived in exile. Mt. Kum, famous for its scenery towers nearby and "Amsu¡¯¡¯ rock, another pride of the village, is also located there. For further information, call 822-055-864-3101.

Hupo, Ulchin, North Kyongsang Province: Hupo is the first port of Ulchin and is famous for its beach. Hupo Lighthouse commands a good view of snow-covered mountains and the Ulchin Sea. Paekam Hot Spring is located nearby. For further information, call 822-054-785-6393.