Located approximately halfway between Yeosu-si City and Jeju Island, Geomundo Island is part of the Dadohae Maritime National Park. It is divided into Dongdo, Seodo, and Godo Islands, all of which offer scenic views of quaint towns and surrounding nature. Also, Geomundo is the access point for the famous Baekdo Island group, a spectacular array of uninhabited rock pinnacles attached with numerous legends. Island History Geomundo Island's history dates back to the bronze era with the discovery of a stone sword on one of the islands. Subsequent discoveries of coins from the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) that were used for more than 700 years up to 621AD have also been found. Discoveries of celadon from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) have also been located on Geomundo’s islands. Geomundo had been commonly known as Godo until the British sailors arrived on the island in 1885, and put claim to the island in order to construct a naval port to fight off the Russian fleets. They named it Port Hamilton. Soon, Admiral Jeong Yeochang came to Geomundo to challenge the audacity of the British, and, in turn, was struck by the high literacy level of the islanders. He recommended to the then ruler that the island be renamed ‘Geomun,’ meaning ‘great literacy.’ The British sailors eventually perished, but their graves can be found in a well-preserved cemetery on the island.

Aegibong Peak is located at the northern tip of Gimpo City about an hour’s drive from the downtown area. The mountain is where North and South Korea engaged in a fierce battle at the end of the Korean War; after the battle, Korea was divided into two nations. Since the peak is still a restricted area, visitors must present their passport in order to be admitted. From the peak, an open view of North Korean territory unfolds below and visitors can see South Korean territory as far as Songhaksan Mt. in Chungcheongnamdo Province. Even before the Korean War, Aegibong carried much historical significance as the setting of the sad love story between the governor of Pyeongyang and his mistress. The two lovers were separated during the Sino-Korean War in 1636 and the peak (‘Ae, 애’ means love, ‘gi, 기’ mistress in Korean) was named in honor of their love. In 1968, president Park Cheong Hee visited the peak and wrote a note by hand, saying the mistress' pain of being separated from her lover because of the war was much like those of families separated by the division of the two Koreas. The president’s writing was carved in a tablet and placed at the peak, where separated families still come every thanksgiving to perform an ancestral ritual and wish for reunification. Currently, the observatory at the peak is used for security training. Within the observatory is Mangbaedan Altar, which is where those originally from North Korea perform rites honoring ancestors in the North. Every year, there is a giant tree at Christmas and large lamps on Buddha’s birthday that are lit up here, their lights so big and bright that the even shine onto North Korean soil. The observatory also contains a naval war monument that commemorates naval personnel lost in battle. At the foot of the mountain, Han River empties into the ocean along the west coast, which is expressed by the term 'Jogang (조강)‘ (‘grandfather river’ in Korean). The scenery of the river with its boats, surrounding islands, and converging estuaries creates a unique and cozy scene that seems to be in harmony with the image of a kindly grandfather. ENTRANCE TO PEAK 1) Only those traveling by car will be admitted. **Entrance will not be granted to those traveling on foot or by bike. 2) All visitors are required to show their passport. **Korea citizens may show their government-issued ID instead of their passport. 3) Visitors must be fluent in Korean or accompanied by someone who can speak Korean fluently. 4) Fill in the tour request form and submit it to the office at the entrance. **All visitors must show ID; choose 1 person to fill out the form on behalf of your party. POINTS OF INTEREST 1) View of North Korean territory through telescope 2) Naval War Monument 3) Navy promotion video 4) Lecture on Aegibong (reservations required)

Naerincheon River, the only river that flows north in Korea, crosses Hongcheon and Inje. The name "Naerin" ('cheon' means small river in Korean) is a compound word: 'Nae' is from Hongcheon-gun's "Nae"-myeon area and 'Rin’ from Inje-gun’s "rin"-myeon area. Above the river are many fantastic rocks and stones, and the water that runs along the valley is so pure that you can clearly see the sand and pebbles at the bottom. Naerincheon Gyegok Valley starts near Mt. Odaesan Valley and Hapganggyo Bridge and continues on for about 57 km. Since the range is so long, it is hard to pinpoint Naerincheon. Usually, when people say Naerincheon, they mean the downstream of Naerincheon. The upper stream of Naerincheon is again divided into Misan Valley or Moraeso Valley. Few people go there because it is hard to reach. On the upper stream of Bangtaecheon, which joins together with Naerincheon, is Jindong Valley, and to the north of Naerincheon is Mt. Jumbongsan, Mt. Bangtaesan, Bangdong Springs, and Mt. Bangtaesan Recreational Forest. Also, there are Hwangso and Seori Resorts in the mid-section of Naerincheon, and Piasi Valley downstream. Piasi is the area around Gosa-ri, Inje-eup. Piasigang River is the water stream between Hyeon-ri and Soyangho Lake. These are the most popular places. Around the water stream of Naerincheon, there are many mountains and branch streams. Wide woods and rocks are here, and are very attractive to families that visit here to play water sports, fishing and camping. 

Baekdam Valley is the representative valley of the Naeseorak area, and the river is a typical S-shaped stream formed by the winding geography from the Naegapyeong Village to the front of Baekdam Villa. The valley is named Baekdam after the claim that there are 100 naturally formed puddles in the valley. The stream that runs into Baekdam Valley comes from Suryeomdong Valley, which in turn starts from the joining of Gayadong Valley and the Baewundong Valley.Baekdam Valley is surrounded by many clean valleys, where natural monuments such as Manchurian Trout and Korean Salmon live, and also by various Buddhist temples such as Yeongsiamsa, Oseamsa, and Bongjeongamsa. It is a 2 hour walk (8 km) from the ticket booth to Baekdamsa Temple on the valley path. You can also take a shuttle bus to the upper course of the valley. After getting off the bus, walk 3 km to Baekdamsa Temple and another 300m more will lead you to Baekdam Mountain Villa. Walking up to the right side of Geumgyo, which is the first bridge on the path, you will see Dutaeso on the left side below. Then after crossing the third bridge, Gang-gyo, you will see Eunseondo, where swirling water streams of mountain ranges create an image of an island. From the forth road called Won-gyo, all the paths are sand paths. Cheongryongdam is located 300 m from Won-gyo, and Sushim-gyo leads to Baekdamsa Temple. Baedamsa Temple, located at the center of Baekdam Valley, is known as a temple where Han Yong-Un (1879-1944), a famous monk and a poet, stayed during his lifetime.

Jangsaengpo Whale Life Experience Museum is a whale aquarium, located inside Jangsaengpo Ocean Park. Various fresh water and salt water tropical fish, shark, and sea turtles also live at the aquarium. In a submarine tunnel, real dolphins can be seen and many diverse dolphin-related programs have been prepared. There is an animation regarding whales showing at the 4D movie theater and the hands-on zoo is raising reptiles and birds, attracting many children interested in touching, feeding and taking pictures of the animals. * Opening date: November 24, 2009

Located in Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, Moaksan Provincial Park (모악산도립공원) lies south of Jeonju, an ancient city with thousands of years of history. With an elevation of 793.5 meters, Moaksan, or Mt. Moak, towers over the east of Geumman Pyeongya (delta) extending between the Mangyeonggang and Dongjingang rivers. It is situated in the central part of the Noryeong Mountains. Designated as a provincial park in 1972, the park is home to Geumsansa, a temple that has within its walls national treasures and many regional cultural properties. Its scenic views transform with the turn of the seasons. Because of the mountain’s proximity and easy-access, many climbers and hikers visit all the year round.

Just north of Cheonhwangsan Mountain (Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do), Eoreumgol Valley (Ice Valley) sits at an elevation between 600 and 750m and covers an area of 29,752m². Designated as Natural Monument No.224, the valley is unusual in that it begins to freeze in March when the weather becomes warm and thaws in the fall when the weather becomes cold. In the winter, the valley generates warm breezes and the water rarely freezes. Because of these unique attributes, the valley is considered one of the Four Mysteries in Miryang and attracts visitors from early summer through fall.Other notable ice valleys in Korea include Binggye Gyegok in Uiseong (Gyeongsangbuk-do), Punghyeol Naengcheon in Yanghwa Village (Jinan, Jeollabuk-do), and Aircongul in Nari Plain (Ulleungdo Island). 

The Hajodae lookout sits along a cliff with an old pine tree and overlooks the East Sea. Legend has it the name Hajodae came from the first initials of Haryun and Jojun, two of the founding members of Joseon Dynasty who stayed nearby during one of their journeys. The place is also famous as a TV drama filming spot of Taejo Wanggeon. A walk along the cliff will lead to a white lighthouse near the overpass beside Hajodae. A number of tourists also visit Hajodae for the beautiful sunrisesand the beam of light from the lighthouse that appears when darkness falls.