A special Incheon trip to enjoy on National Day

Located only 5 minutes from Cheongsong-eup, Dalgi Yaksutang ("yaksu" meaning "medicinal water") is one of the top three "Yaksus" in Korea in terms of water quality. Water springs out of 10 different places along the valley and collects at Dalgi Waterfall on Mt. Juwang. The water runs all year round; it doesn't freeze during the winter and flows freely even during the dry season or during droughts. Even though the water does not have any color and aroma, rice boiled in this special water become bluish and sticky in texture. The water is naturally carbonated and tastes like soda without any sugar or flavor; it contains minerals such as carbon and iron and is said to be effective against anemia, digestive disorders, and skin irritation.One of the major nearby attractions is Mt. Juwangsan National Park, which many tourists visit in order to see the park’s unique rock formations and waterfalls. The area near the springs is also known for its variety of restaurants specializing in Baeksuk (stuffed chicken stew that has broth made of medicinal water).

Located approximately 1.8 kilometers from the entrance of Gangcheonsan County Park, Gangcheonsa Temple was built by Monk Doseon in the first year of Queen Jinseong of Silla (887 AD). In the third year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo (1316 AD), the temple saw the addition of a five-story stone pagoda, built by Monk Deokhyeon. At its peak, the temple was said to have had 12 hermitages and housed 1,000 monks. It was burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598 AD), leaving only the pagoda, but was rebuilt a few years later by Monk Soyo during the 37th year of King Seonjo (1604 AD). Unfortunately, the temple was burned down again in the Korean War, but was once again restored to its original state in 1959. Cultural assets found at the temple include Chungsinri & Namgyeri Seokjangseung (stone totem pole), the Sunchanggaeksa building, and the Sunhwari three-story pagoda. Nearby tourist attractions include Geumseongsanseong Fortress, Yongso Waterfall, Gangcheonho Lake, Damyangho Lake, Chuwolsan Mountain, Huimunsan Mountain, and Naejangsan National Park.

Muwisa Temple is located on Wolchulsan Mountain in Wolha-ri, Seongjeon-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do. The temple has at least 1,100 years of history as it was established sometime before the early 10th century under the name Muwigapsa. The temple houses many significant Buddhist treasures: Geungnakbojeon Hall (National Treasure No. 13), Amitayeorae-samjon-jwasang (three seated Buddha statues; Treasure No. 1312), Muwisa Seongakdaesa-pyeongwang-tapbi (stele accompanying pagoda of Buddhist priest Seongakdaesa of Muwisa Temple; Treasure No. 507), and several Buddhist mural paintings including Amitayeorae-samjon-byeokhwa (National Treasure No. 313), Baegui-gwaneumdo (Treasure No. 1314), and Naebyeok-samyeon-byeokhwa (Treasure No. 1315).

Gariwangsan Mountain in Gangwon-do is one of the major mountains that make up the Taebaek Mountain Range. It is home to numerous alpine tree species, as well as wild flowers and herbs. Its slopes are gentle enough to allow for pleasant hiking. The mountain natural recreation forest is located at the Hoedong-ri Village entrance. It has paths that are lined with thick, tall trees that almost cover the sky. It also has several conveniene facilities.

Mokpo Station is the gateway to the southwestern sea of Korea. It is the nation’s southwestern-most railway station and the last stop of the Honam Line, which is a major railway line serving the Jeolla-do province. The station offers easy access to a number of popular tourist destinations in the region including the Dadohae archipelago, Yeongam-gun, Haenam-gun, Muan-gun, Sinan-gun, and Jindo-gun. It is also a frequent stopover for travelers going to Jejudo, Heulsando, and Hongdo islands by ship. With the launch of the high-speed train KTX (Korea Train eXpress) services on April 1, 2004, the station building was expanded to its present state. The two-story station building is equipped with a reception hall, a ticket office, and various convenience facilities such as convenience stores, bookstore, tourist information center, and ATM machines.

The Baegamsan Mountains are also known as the ‘White Rock Mountains’, since their peaks are covered in white-coloured rocks. These mountains are also famous for receiving plenty of snow during the winter season. If you hike up to the mountain peak early in the morning, you may catch a glimpse of the gorgeous sunrise over the East Sea. The hiking trail starts from in front of the Baegam Hot Springs Hotel. Hikers follow the southern ridges and continue through the pine tree forests to reach the top of the mountain. From the top of the mountain, you can admire beautiful views of the East Sea and the tall mountains that stretch to the west and the north. Below the peaks are the Gomosanseong Fortress, Halmaesanseong Fortress, and Baegamsanseong Fortress. After admiring the beautiful wildlife from the peak of Baegamsan Mountain, enjoy the spas at the Baegamsan Hot Springs Resort, which is located just at the foot of the mountain.  

Gyeongcheondae Terrace (경천대) is said to be the most beautiful spot along the nearly 510km-long Nakdonggang River (낙동강). Gyeongcheondae Terrace, with its sheer cliff walls and scenic landscape, is imbued with a sense of serene mystery and harmony. It has also been called Jacheondae. It is located above Muujeong Pavilion, which was built during the Joseon Period. In Gyeongcheondae, you will find Yongso Pond, which has a legend concerning a general who died during the Imjinwaeran (the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592) and an ancient manger. Gyeongcheondae Terrace offers a spectacular view of the winding Nakdonggang River and beautiful rock formations peeking through the pine trees’ branches. It features an observatory, an artificial waterfall, Gyeongcheondae Children’s Land, and campsites and is the location of the mega-hit TV series, ‘Sangdo.’