Chungcheongbuk-do(Yeongdong-gun)


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

Located at the top of Mt. Dorisan in Yeomi-ri of Sangjodo Island, Dorisan Observatory is the highlight of the area, and offers panoramic views of Dadohae and its many islands including Gwanmae, Byeongpung, Nabae, Daema and Soma Islands. The eco-friendly structure provides panoramic views of nearby islands that locals like to say, “appear scattered over the sea like a flock of birds over water.” Visitors can enjoy majestic sunrise and sunset views, and on days with clear visibility, can see Bogildo Island in Haenam and even as far as Hallasan Mountain and Chujado Island in Jeju. Another of Jodo’s attractions is the nature lover spots on Hajodo Island. Jodo is comprised of the Sangjodo and Hajodo Islands connected by a bridge. The entire area is filled with pine trees and has plenty of beach access. The nearby Dondaebong Peak (230m) and the Hajodo Lighthouse offer comparable views and scenic landscapes for visitors in the area to enjoy.  


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si) , Icheon


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

Imjonseong Fortress (also known as Daeheungsanseong Fortress) is located at the top of Bongsusan Mountain between Yesan-gun and Hongseong-gun in Chungcheongnam-do. This stone fortress was designed as a place to launch attacks against enemies. One of the ways in which those in the fortress fended off intruders was to unleash the water from the giant fortress well and let it gush down the mountain towards the oncoming forces. The fortress wall is about 2.5m high and 3.5m wide and has a ditch 7-8 meters that runs alongside the southern wall. Compared with other Korean fortresses, Imjonseong Fortress is higher and about 2 meters thicker. It is the largest fortress of the Baekje Kingdom and has become the subject of much research. History shows that the fortress was the central hub of the Restoration Movement of the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC - 660 AD). In the 20th year of the reign of King Uija (Baekje Dynasty), the kingdom was defeated by the united forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty (currently, China). Boksin (a cousin of King Uisa), a monk, and Heukchisangji stayed at the fortress for three years while trying to return the king to power. As you walk along the winding trail, you’ll be able to see Daeryeonsa Temple and as you continue to the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Oseosan, Baekwolsan, and Gayasan mountains. Those who come to the fortress from Masa-ri, Gwangsi-myeon, can drive and park their car in the parking lot located right below the fortress.  


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Sinbulsan Falls Recreational Forest is located at the foot of Sinbulsan Mountain noted for the Yeongnam Alps and the beautiful surrounding valleys. The particularly famous forest attractions are its valleys and waterfalls. The Paraso Falls are a picturesque series of cascading falls. Near the falls are old Buddhist temples and the silver grass field of Sinbulsan Mountain. The forest houses a walking path, health training facility, forest exhibition hall, and accommodation facilities such as the Cabin House, Forest Recreation Center, a camping deck and a camping site.


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Gwangju Riverside Eco Park (185,124m²) is divided into themed districts and features a natural observation center, an eco-experience center, and more. In the flower district, visitors can see more than 170,000 kinds of wild flowers including azaleas, forsythia, smile rosebay, roses, royal azaleas and hydrangeas. Visitors may also enjoy the picturesque view of over 3000 kinds of trees including snowbells, quince, Chinese parasol trees, Japanese maples, and Metasequoia trees. At the wetlands district, you may actually see how birds hatch and grow! Since the Eco Park is only 30 minutes away from downtown Gwangju, it is a popular place for citizens during the warmer months. Some of the popular places in the park are the Buyeop Botanical Garden, Waterfront Observatory Deck, and rock garden.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju is home to many temples and shrines, and was considered sacred by many during the Silla Kingdom. This mountain boasts nearly 40 valleys winding down from Geumobong Peak (468 m in elevation), Gowibong Peak (494 m in elevation), and other surrounding peaks. Also, this 4 km-wide and 8km-long oval-shaped mountain runs almost perfectly north to south. Namsan Mountain is a veritable open-air museum, with 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues, and 60 stone pagodas scattered across the mountainside. Topographically, it features nearly 40 valleys and is divided into the Southwest Mountain, a sacred place during the Silla period, and the Southeast Mountain, where many Buddhas can be found around the valleys. Najeong Well, at the western foot of Namsan Mountain, is the mythic birthplace of King Park Hyeokgeose, founder of the Silla Kingdom. The local Yangsanjae Shrine was built in honor of its founder who lived in Seorabeol before the Silla Kingdom was established. Poseokjeong Pavilion is the place where the glorious era of the Silla Kingdom came to an end. In the Southeast Mountain region, one can encounter the Seated Buddha of Borisa Temple, a 9-meter Bulmusa Stone Buddha Statue, and a Seated Stone Buddha at Gamsil Shrine. Namsan Mountain also features 12 treasures, including Mireukgol Seated Stone Buddha, a three-storey stone pagoda in Yongsangsa Temple, the Maae Stone Buddha in Chilbulam Temple, and others. There are also twelve historic sites, such as the site of Poseokjeong Pavilion, Najeong Well, and Samneung Royal Tombs, as well as nine local tangible cultural properties (Maaegwaneumbosalsang Buddha in Samneunggol Valley, Ipgolseokbul Buddha, Yaksugol Maaeipsang Buddha, and others), and one important piece of folklore material. Namsan Mountain is also famous for its scenic landscapes in addition to its cultural heritage. Numerous valleys, unique rock formations, and beautiful trails are abundant throughout the area. Many tourists say, “You cannot say that you know Gyeongju without hiking up Namsan Mountain.” Namsan Mountaint is a place where the scenic nature and long history of the Silla Kingdom coexist, and also where the aesthetic consciousness and religious traditions of the Silla people evolved into the artform it is today.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Changwon Cyclodrome is Korea’s first cyclodrome to open in all weather conditions. There are generally three types of cycle races: Belodrome races; road races; and MTB. Ever since the Sydney Olympics, bicycle racing was designated as a formal event of the Olympics, included in the track event. It is a scientific leisure sport applying the contestant’s physical and mental conditions. There are seven contestants, racing each other for a total of six rounds.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Located in Namseori Beach in the west of Ulleungdo, Saja Bawi Rock is famous for its spectacular sunset views. There is also a legend of General Yi Sa-bu of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC ~AD 935). Upon the order of the king of Silla, Yi set out on a military campaign to conquer Usanguk, the former name of Ulleungdo. The rough land and strong waves of Usanguk made it difficult for Yi to anchor his vessel. Showing the King of Usanguk the wooden lion sitting at the head of his vessel, Yi threatened to kill everyone on the island. Fearful of the lion, the king took off his war helmet and surrendered. Legend says that the wooden lion became Saja (Lion) Bawi Rock.


Jeollanam-do(Yeongam-gun)

This is a huge lake created when the Geumho tide embankment was constructed in Yeongam on November 1996, as part of a national project to reclaim some 4.3km stretch of sea from Sampo-ri in Samho-myeon of Yeongam-gun to Byeoram-ri in Hwawon-myeon of Haenam-gun. Some 100 species of migratory birds, numbering some 300,000, live in this area over the winter on the mud flats which are full of things to eat. Around the embankment where the sea water and fresh water meet, there is a great spot to fish for both fresh water and the sea species. This is perhaps the only place in Korea where the long and silvery cutlass fish, usually found in the deeper areas of the ocean, can be caught while sitting on the rocks along the seashore.