Camping and glamping basics

You can camp at registered private campgrounds, public campgrounds run by national parks and local governments, and glamping sites. The GoCamping website, run by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism with the Korea Tourism Organization, lists registered campgrounds. Facilities and booking methods vary from place to place.

No. In natural parks such as national parks, camping outside designated sites is prohibited and can lead to fines. Many beaches, riversides and city parks also ban camping and cooking under local rules. Pitching your tent at an authorized campground is the safe and certain choice.

Under the Tourism Promotion Act, campground businesses must meet safety and facility standards and register with the local government, and operating without registration is punishable. Registration means a campground meets basic safety requirements. Before booking, check its registration status on the GoCamping website.

National park campgrounds are reserved through the Korea National Park Service booking system, and since June 2026 they can also be booked via Kakao reservations and the NH All One Bank app. Popular sites fill up fast through lotteries or first-come booking. Check the reservation rules and no-show penalties in advance.

Glamping provides tents or cabins already equipped with bedding and heating or cooling, so you can enjoy camping comfortably without your own gear. Because there is little to buy or rent, it is convenient for travelers. What is provided and whether you can cook differ by site, so check before booking.

An auto campground lets you park your car right next to your tent, which is handy for families with lots of gear. Many have electricity, sinks and shower facilities. Follow each campground's rules on vehicle entry times and parking, and drive slowly inside the site where children may be playing.

Car camping is safest at campgrounds or other places where it is allowed, and some locations ban it under local rules. Sleeping with the engine running or using heaters inside the car carries a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep the car ventilated and bring a CO alarm.

Using a stove or brazier inside a tent is very dangerous and can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning. The Ministry of the Interior and Safety advises keeping warm with sleeping bags or hot water bottles, and if you must use a heater, ventilating often and installing a portable CO alarm. If you get a headache or feel dizzy, get outside immediately.

Fires should be made only in the places a campground designates, using a fire pit or stand, and fires directly on the ground are banned at most sites. Fire use may be restricted during high wildfire risk periods or on windy days. Make sure charcoal and ashes are fully out and dispose of them where instructed.

Waste sorting is standard in Korea, so campgrounds also expect you to separate general waste, recyclables and food waste. Disposal areas and rules vary by site, so read the guidance. Where there are no sorting facilities, take your trash home with you.

Yes. Most campgrounds set quiet hours at night to keep noise down. During this time, avoid music and loud conversation, and vehicle access is often restricted. Hours vary by campground, so confirm them when you check in, and if you arrive late, set up as quietly as you can.

Yes. Without gear, you can stay at a glamping site or a campground that rents tents and equipment. Some areas also have camping gear rental services. Check what is included, how to use it and who is responsible for damage before you rent.

Valley streams can rise suddenly when it rains upstream, putting tents in danger. Use designated sites on higher ground rather than right at the water's edge, and change plans if heavy rain is forecast. Keep your phone on at night so you can receive emergency alerts and weather updates.

Beach camping is often allowed only at beach campgrounds designated by local governments, and some ordinary beaches ban camping and cooking. Sea winds can be strong, so secure your tent firmly. Also check how far the water reaches at high tide.

Some campgrounds welcome dogs, but not all do, so always check before booking. The Korea Tourism Organization's selection of excellent public campgrounds even includes a pet-friendly category. Even where pets are allowed, follow rules on leashes and cleaning up after them.

Yes. Bites from ticks living in grassy areas can transmit infections such as severe fever with thrombocytopenia syndrome (SFTS). Infections mostly occur between April and November, and with no specific treatment or vaccine, prevention is key. Wear long clothing, and shower and wash your clothes after outdoor activities.

Night temperatures drop sharply in winter, so bring a warm sleeping bag, an insulated ground mat and plenty of warm clothing. Be especially careful with heaters inside tents because of the carbon monoxide risk. If you are new to winter camping, starting with a heated glamping site is the safer choice.

Most campgrounds allow cooking with burners or grills within your site, but rules on fire use and location differ. Some ban charcoal or allow cooking only in shared kitchen areas. Dispose of used oil and food scraps according to the campground's rules.

Many campgrounds accept online bookings, but some booking sites may require Korean mobile phone verification or domestic payment methods. The Korea National Park Service has operated an English reservation page. If booking is difficult, ask your accommodation or the 1330 tourist hotline for help.

If someone is injured or there is a fire or gas poisoning, call 119 immediately and notify the campground manager. Mountain campgrounds can be hard to describe, so remember the campground name and your site number. Always carry a basic first-aid kit and a flashlight.