Once ruled by North Korea, Goseong is one of the few towns that changed hands during the 1950s Korean War. Today visitors flock here for its views across the border and to purchase North Korean goods, as well as visit one of the world’s largest dinosaur footprint fossil sites.

Things to do

The Goseong Dinosaur Museum lies adjacent to a site containing an impressive collection of fossilised dinosaur footprints. Learn about the fascinating history of dinosaurs within its five exhibition halls and get a behind-the-scenes look at the excavations that have taken place here.

Soak in the expansive vistas from the Goseong Unification Observatory, with views of Geumgangsan Mountain in North Korea and the islands that scatter off the east coast. Take note of the numerous monuments that have been built in the surrounding area, which signify the hope of reunification between the two countries.

Want to purchase North Korean goods to take back home? There’s a great selection for sale at the Goseong Unification Observatory, where you can even sample North Korean beer. Get a further glimpse of North Korea in the old View-Masters, where you’ll find 3D displays of local landscapes and monuments.

Relax on the white sands of Hwajinpo Beach, made famous during the filming of the South Korean drama, “Autumn in My Heart”. The inviting waters are surrounded by emerald pine forests and there’s a small Maritime Museum where you can see local shellfish, corals and marine fossils.

Getting around

Goseong is around 90 minutes’ drive north of Sokcho and is connected to the surrounding cities by regular buses. Local buses travel throughout Goseong and taxis are readily available.