Snake-themed travel destinations gain attention in Year of Blue Snake

The arrival of 2025 marks the Yr of the Blue Snake within the sexagenary cycle. The snake, the sixth signal among the many 12 Asian zodiac indicators, has lengthy been feared and worshipped by the Korean individuals as a logo of revival, clever enhancements and new beginnings.

In keeping with the Nationwide Geographic Data Institute, Korea has 208 areas with names related to the legless creature.

In celebration of the Yr of the Snake, listed below are some chosen snake-themed journey locations.

A sculpture of two 2025-shaped snakes fabricated from 4 tons of silver grass stands at World Cup Park in Seoul, Dec. 29. Yonhap

Make want to snake couple at World Cup Park

Since 2018, World Cup Park in Seoul has continued the custom of constructing massive sculptures of the yr’s zodiac animal with silver grass from the park.

This yr, a husband snake and a spouse snake, representing a harmonious look for the Yr of the Blue Snake, are the primary characters of the exhibition.

About 4 tons of silver grass had been used to make the sculpture, and kids and their households participated within the manufacturing of the snakes‘ our bodies and eggs.

The snake couple every boasts a big dimension of three.5 meters in top and 4 meters in size, and the 4 eggs laid by the snake are 1 meter in top and 1.5 meters in size.

At night time, the snakes are lit up with LEDs, surrounded by different lighting fixtures formed like snowflakes, stars and waterdrops all through your entire park.

The park additionally contains a want tree the place guests can write down their needs and grasp them. Throughout this yr’s Lunar New Yr vacation, which falls on Jan. 29, conventional Korean video games similar to throwing rings and enjoying „yut“ (Korean conventional board recreation) may also be accessible.

Anybody can take part in all applications of this occasion with no prior reservation, and the lighting viewing time is from 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. each night.

An aerial view of the Cheongsapo bridge observatory in Busan / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Group

Seaside stroll at Cheongsapo in Busan

Cheongsapo within the southeastern port metropolis of Busan is a captivating seaside city, historically recognized for lighthouses and seafood eating places. The title means “blue sand dune,” however it was initially derived from “blue snake,” in accordance with native folklore.

The story goes: A really distant time in the past, there lived a superb couple right here who beloved and cared very a lot for one another. Someday, the husband went out to sea to catch fish, and died in an accident.

The spouse climbed a pine tree within the village each day and waited for him, believing that her husband would quickly return. The dragon king of the ocean admired her unwavering devotion and despatched a blue snake, which quickly led her to the water channel that led to her husband.

Lighthouses at Cheongsapo in Busan / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Group

The place the place guests can view the attractive Cheongsapo seaside extra intently is the Cheongsapo bridge observatory, formed like a blue snake itself.

The quiet and enjoyable city additionally options small alleys with many fancy espresso retailers.

A sea view from Jangsa Island in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province / Courtesy of Korea Tourism Group

Camellia path at Tongyeong’s Jangsa Island

Tongyeong’s Jangsa Island in South Gyeongsang Province, which is about 1 kilometer west of Geoje Island, has the form of a snake, therefore its title which means „lengthy snake“ in Chinese language characters.

Positioned inside the Hallyeohaesang Nationwide Park, the island boasts over 100,000 camellias and silver magnolias together with pure monuments just like the fairy pitta, sickle neofinetia and seongnan orchids.

Greater than 200 sorts of native flowers and 1,000 sorts of assorted crops additionally bloom on the island throughout all 4 seasons.

A path options camellia timber at Jangsa Island in Tongyeong, South Gyeongsang Province. Courtesy of South Gyeongsang Provincial Authorities

Jangsado Sea Park contains a path that goes up and down hills, guiding guests west and east for a wide ranging panoramic view alongside a course that resembles a coiled-up snake.

As soon as guests attain the highest, a statue of a girl lies at an angle wanting on the sea. Right here, the island gives a view of the group of neighboring islands of the South Sea at a look, together with Sodeok Island, Daedeok Island, Maemul Island, Somaemul Island, Gayak Island, Guk Island and Soji Island.

An aerial view of Baemsagol, a valley in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, Sept. 16, 2022 / Korea Occasions picture by Choi Heung-soo

Valley climbing at Baemsagol in Namwon

Baemsagol, positioned on the foot of Mount Jiri in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, is the nation’s best-known vacation spot related to snakes.

The deep grand valley stretching over 9 kilometers resembles a big snake crawling out of the mountain and has many snakes, or “baem” in Korean, so it was named.

Stones are stacked atop a boulder alongside a stream at Baemsagol in Namwon, North Jeolla Province, Sept. 16, 2022. Korea Occasions picture by Choi Heung-soo

Stretching from Banyabong Peak and Tokkibong Peak, the valley is famend for its seasonal charms. The hills are ablaze with autumn hues within the fall, whereas azalea flowers fill the valley in spring.

The valley additionally options over 100 massive waterfalls and small streams in addition to large rocks with room for a whole lot of individuals to sit down collectively, attracting guests, particularly throughout summer season as a trip vacation spot.