Gwangyang City Establishes Stay-Type Camping Infrastructure Featuring Forests, Starlight, and Valleys

Operation of Gubongsan Forest, Baeraldo Starlight, and Geumcheon Valley Camping Sites

Gwangyang City in South Jeolla Province is expanding its base for stay-type tourism by operating three camping sites themed around forests, starlight, and valleys.

The city announced that it has established camping environments at Gubongsan Forest Camping Site, Baeraldo Starlight Camping Site, and Geumcheon Valley Camping Site, accommodating a diverse range of visitors from "campnic" users—those who combine camping with picnicking—to seasoned auto-campers.

Gubongsan Forest Camping Site. Provided by Gwangyang City

Each camping site utilizes the unique characteristics of its natural surroundings. Gubongsan Forest Camping Site is designed as a forest relaxation area, Baeraldo Starlight Camping Site offers sea and starlight experiences, and Geumcheon Valley Camping Site is set up as a healing space by the valley. Visitors can choose according to their intended activity.

■ Gubongsan Forest Camping Site: Forest Relaxation and Urban Accessibility

Located at the foot of Gubongsan Mountain, Gubongsan Forest Camping Site is an urban-style camping site that combines a nature-friendly environment with convenient facilities.

The site features 28 camping decks and 5 treehouses, along with a welcome center, cooking area, cart storage, and free parking lot to enhance user convenience.

The site is characterized by a harmonious blend of the forest's calming atmosphere and an open view overlooking Gwangyang Bay. At night, visitors can enjoy the city lights, enhancing satisfaction for those who appreciate a true camping ambiance.

Dedicated sites equipped with tents, tables, and chairs allow guests to experience the camping atmosphere without needing their own equipment, making it accessible for beginners and same-day visitors alike.

At the welcome center, visitors can purchase simple food and camping supplies, and they are also allowed to bring in outside food or order delivery from nearby businesses.

■ Baeraldo Starlight Camping Site Offers Experience Facilities

Opened in March, Baeraldo Starlight Camping Site is a complex camping facility located where the Seomjin River meets the sea.

The site plans to expand step-by-step to a total of 100 camping spots, including 10 caravans, and is equipped with essential facilities such as showers, dishwashing stations, restrooms, foot-washing areas, and a community center.

The site also includes experience facilities such as a busking stage, net adventure area, children's zipline, and a ground fountain, creating a space where families can stay and enjoy various activities. During the day, visitors can enjoy the riverside and coastal scenery, while at night, they can take in the sunset and starlit skies.

The name of the camping site also reflects the area's cultural and literary significance. Inspired by poet Yoon Dong-ju's posthumous collection "Sky, Wind, Star, and Poetry," preserved at the nearby Jeong Byeong-uk House, and the scenic beauty of Baeraldo, the site was named "Starlight Camping Site." This literary aspect gives it a unique identity distinct from other camping sites.

■ Geumcheon Valley Camping Site Close to Nature

Geumcheon Valley Camping Site is a nature-integrated auto camping site created at the junction of Geumcheon Valley—one of Baegunsan Mountain's four major valleys—and the Seomjin River. The sounds of the valley stream and views of the river create a refreshing atmosphere, making it ideal for visitors seeking a cool and invigorating experience.

The camping site offers a total of 24 sites, including 14 decks and 10 crushed-stone areas, and is equipped with basic amenities such as a management office, parking lot, dishwashing station, and restrooms. The site prioritizes harmony with nature over excessive facility installations.

Additionally, the site is building a sustainable camping model by involving local residents in its operations, fostering a partnership between nature, tourism, and the community.

All three camping sites can be reserved and paid for in real time through the 'Campfit' camping reservation platform.

A Gwangyang City official stated, "We have highlighted the unique features of each camping site to allow users to choose according to their purpose and experience level—from forest-inspired emotional camping, starlight experience camping, and healing valley camping, to light-hearted campnic options. Moving forward, we will continue to incorporate user feedback to further improve programs and facilities, thereby strengthening our competitiveness in stay-type tourism."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.