Geumseonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Samgaksan (Bukhansan) Mountain, is within easy access from downtown Seoul. The temple is placed in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain rocks and green pine forest. Geumseonsa Temple offers three types of temple stay: quality rest, Buddhist cultural experience, and temple life.  

The Great Master Wonhyo first built this temple in 683 where he practiced asceticism. After that, he called the mountain Bogwangsan (보광산) and the temple Bogwangsa (보광사). Later, King Taejo Lee Sung-gye began the Joseon Dynasty after he prayed for a hundred days at this temple. Thanks to this, King Hyeonjong in 660 deemed the temple as a main prayer space and changed the name of the mountain to Geumsan and the temple is named as Boriam. Nestled at the top of Geumsan Mountain, Boriam Temple is a picturesque temple embracing the beautiful mountain surroundings and the Namhae sea. Inside of the temple, Jwaseondaebawi Rock where the Great Master Wonhyo sat in meditation catches one’s eye, as well as Ssanghongmun (쌍홍문) which is a cave that is one of 38 scenic views in Geumsan Mountain. Boriam Temple along with Naksansa Hongryeonam Temple in Gangwon-do and Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon are one of three noted praying temples in Korea. * Cultural Asset Boriam Three-story Stone Pagoda (Gyeongsangnam-do’s Tangible Cultural Asset No. 74): The stone pagoda is similar to stone pagodas of the Silla Period but it is considered to be built in the early Goryeo Period.

Naesosa Temple was built by Buddhist Monk Hye-Gu in 633 AD during the Baekje Dynasty and was rebuilt by Monk Cheong-Min in 1633 during the Joseon Dynasty. The Daeungbojeon (the main hall) was built at this time. In 1986, the temple area (radius of 500m) was named a culturally protected area.On both sides of the main gate (600m across) are large fir trees, which also line the path into the temple. As you continue down the walkway, you’ll come across a row of cherry trees. Just before the temple itself, are four gods called Sacheonwangsang that “guard” the temple. Upon reaching the temple itself (just past the guards) the first thing you’ll notice is the 1000-year-old Dangsan tree. Long ago, people used the base of the tree as a site of prayer.Housed in Beomjonggak is a bronze bell that can be found in many Buddhist Temples. This particular bell was made during the Goryeo Era and is engraved with three images of Buddha, called “Samjonsang.” The center building of the temple, called “Daeungbojeon” is also an artistic masterpiece, decorated with splendid colors and designs. The flower Salmun doors featuring lotus and Chrysanthemum flowers add another element of traditional beauty to the building.Of all the temple treasures, Haewuso (meaning “a place that gets rid of worrries”) is not to be missed. True to its name, you’ll almost find yourself forgetting all your worries as you listen to the soft swaying of the surrounding bamboo grove.

The Total Museum is a branch of Jangheung Art Park (formerly “Total Outdoor Museum”) that opened near Bukhansan in April, 1992. It houses facilities such as an art academy, library, art shop, and outdoor performance stage. In addition to exhibitions, the museum holds a variety of art and culture programs like musical concerts, events, lectures, and seminars. In particular, the members-only educational programs and gallery concerts provide a chance to enjoy high-quality cultural events.

Daegeumgul Cave (대금굴) is believed to be as old as Hwanseongul and Gwaneumgul Caves located nearby. The entrance to the cave was not exposed until 2003 when an excavation project revealed the entrance, and after a long preparatory period, the cave was opened to the public. This newly opened, well-preserved cave is filled with limestone features such as stalactites, and a considerable amount of water flows through the cave, creating waterfalls, both large and small, along with numerous ponds. You can also visit the ecological park, built in harmony with the natural environment of the cave and the surrounding area. Also, take Korea’s first cave monorail 140 meters deep into the cave, and be sure to stop by the Visitor Centre where you can learn about the significance of natural caves. Because of its fascinating features, Daegeumgul Cave is fast becoming a popular tourist attraction in the Donghae area.Sections of Daegeumgul Cave● Artificial Tunnel Section: The 140-meter stretch from the entrance of the cave is a man-made tunnel and the route for the monorail.● Waterfall/Platform Section: There is an 8-meter high, natural waterfall and the platform for the cave monorail.● Stalactite Section: This section contains various subterranean features, such as rim pools, stalactite pillars, bacon sheets, cave shields, cave pearls, deformed stalactites, and helictites. Many stalactites even come together, forming a smaller rounded cavern within the cave's main halls.● Lake Section: There is a cave lake that is 60 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 8 to 9 meters deep, and a considerable amount of clean underground water flows through it.

Jade Garden, created under the theme of ‘Small Europe in the Forest,’ is located near Jade Palace Golf Club on a plot of land measuring 160,000 square meters. The 24 distinctively-themed areas in the garden boast a total of 3,000 plant species including rhododendron, maple trees, irises, and blueberry bushes as well as patches of thick, natural forests. The arboretum makes the most out of its natural valley topography and presents visitors with a mix of tidy gardens, graceful flowers, and an array of European-style architecture.For the convenience of its guests, Jade Garden operates a Tuscan-style visitor’s center where patrons can enjoy a simple snack or beverage and purchase souvenirs. Visitors may choose from three different walking courses (each 2 hours in length) around the arboretum and there a gardening program is also available for aspiring gardeners.

Baengnokdam is a crater lake that sits on top of Hallasan Mountain at the center of Jeju Island. It spans 3㎞ in circumference and 500m in diameter, and is surrounded by over 300 parasitic cones. Baengnokdam is accessible from Seongpanak and Gwanemsa trails, which offer fantastic views of Jeju-do.

Seodong Park (est. 2004) is a sculpture park spanning the Donggodo-ri and Sinyong-ri areas in Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si. The park covers an impressive 132,000 square meters and features approximately 68 works by famous Korean sculptors. Also located within the park limits are an observatory, rest areas, fishing grounds, walking trails, and the Mahan Exhibition Hall displaying artifacts from the Mahan Era.

Jirisan-gil is a 300-km walking trail connecting five cities (Namwon, Gurye, Handong, Sancheong, Hamyang) and spanning three provinces (Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do, Gyeongsangnam-do). After discovering hidden or deserted paths linking woods, rivers, rice paddies and villages, Jirisan-gil was established to join the paths into one long walking trail.The Jirisan Dullegil runs along the periphery of Jirisan Mountain (1,915m). Comprised of 22 courses, the trail meanders through old villages and forests, and over the hills and along the rivers, thereby connecting nature and humans.Reviving those trails means reviving the history and culture of the villages of Jirisan. Take a slow walk on the path to meditate on the beauty and peacefulness of Jirisan and its surrounding villages.

Goseongissi Tapdongpa Jongtaek (Gosoeng Lee head family estate, 고성이씨 탑동파 종택) is the head house in the family line of Goseong Lee noble family. The eldest grandson of the family is still living today. Constructed in 1685, this house has all of the beautiful features that are representative of Joseon architecture. After this period, additions to structures were added periodically. The pavilion was constructed in 1775. This site was the original spot of the Silla Kingdom's Beopeungsa Temple. National Treasure No. 16, Sinse-dong Chilcheung Jeontap (seven-story pagoda), is located in front of the house.