Yeonhwasan Mountain (연화산, located in Goseong, Gyeongnam Province) is just 528-meters, encompasses the three peaks of Ongnyeobong, Seondobong and Mangseonbong, and is widely recognized as an important provincial park. Although Mt. Yeonhwasan is called a ‘mountain’, it is more of a hill surrounded by picturesque scenery. Its north side is dotted with Buddhist temples such as historical Okcheonsa, Baengnyeonam, Cheongyeonam and Yeondaeam temples. Of these, the best attraction on Mt. Yeonhwasan is definitely Okcheonsa Temple (옥천사). If you begin hiking from the foot of the mountain you will see the beautiful sea off Danghangpo Port. If you continue southward you will soon run into the Okcheon Temple hidden in the Yeonbong woods. Okcheon Spring, located right behind the main hall of the temple, provides medicinal water all year round. The continual flow remains the same temperature all year round and is said to be an effective treatment for stomachaches and skin conditions. The surrounding area is well known for its healthy food products such as pine mushrooms and wild berries. 

Seongmoam, a temple of the Jogye Order, is located on Yuangsan Mountain in Mangyeong-myeon, Gimje-si. The temple is the final resting place of the mother of Jinmuk Daesa, a great Buddhist monk from the Jeonbuk region. Jinmuk believed that a person’s love and respect for Buddha is not that much different from the love and respect one has for his or her parents. As an expression of this philosophy, Jinmuk had his mother’s remains enshrined at the temple after she died at Mujasoncheonnyeonhyanghwajiji. A neat little line of stone lamps leads visitors up from the parking lot to the temple grounds, revealing the well-attended grave of Jinmuk Daesa’s mother to the left. The temple is very unique in that it is the only one to house a caretaker’s office (Gosiraejoen Hall) that is responsible for maintaining the grave site. It is said that prayers made to Seongmo (the holy mother) while visiting the temple will come true. Throughout the entire year, throngs of people journey to the temple to pay their respects and earnestly ask the holy mother to grant them their deepest desires.

Daea Arboretum is located on the foothills of Mount Unjangsan in the Sobaek Mountain Range and boasts a relatively moderate temperate due to its inland location on the southwestern part of the Korean Peninsula. Since the Daea Arboretum is part of one of the eight back regions of Korea with limited access by general tourists the plants in the area have been allowed to flourish with little human interference. The area is also home to about 96 species of animals including birds (the cuckoo, yellow-headed bunting, etc.), wild boar, elk, and raccoons. The arboretum is divided into several areas: a tropical arboretum, a ‘natural monument tree hill,’ an observation center for visitors to compare tree species, a rose garden, and a landscaped garden.

In Hwaamsa Temple in Yesan, you can find the urn carrying the remains of Chusa (Kim Jeong-Hui), renowned scholar of the Joseon Dynasty. Chusa was born in Yesan and his birthplace (his parent’s house) and Chusa Gotaek (his house) are located nearby. Hwaamsa Temple was constructed by Chusa’s great-grandfather, Kim Han-Sin, who was related by marriage to royalty. If you visit the Hwaamsa Temple, you might not feel like you’re in a temple at first, since the Yosachae (monk’s living quarters) are located at the temple entrance. After you go past the monk’s living area, you’ll see the temple and the spot where Chusa’s remains are held. The temple is very tidy and silent, which might be because it is where the female monks train.

Myeongi Valley stretches eastward from the summit of Myeongjisan Mountatin, which is the second highest mountain in Gyeonggi-do. The valley is only about 10 m high, but it has stunning scenery with plenty of water powerfully cascading down over the rocks. Stretching along a picturesque hiking trail, Myeongji Valley is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in Gapyeong County.

Opened in 1969, Wido Beach is known as an excellent swimming beach. It is sheltered by the surrounding mountains and the water is clear and fairly shallow. This makes it very popular among families seeking a relaxing vacation.

The Gangnam Canoe Club has a variety of services and equipment that enables visitors to experience the joys of kayaking worry-free. Kayak lessons, rentals, tours and equipment storage services are available. Make new friends and enjoy the beauty of the Han River with a visit to the Gangnam Canoe Club. Kayaking at the Gangnam Canoe Club is taught with a methodical system that aims at giving more people a safe and enjoyable kayaking experience, regardless of level. The club staff loves nature and has a passion for paddle sports. Using a dynamic teaching approach, staff members see teaching paddle sports as their mission in life, not just a job. With a pleasant, supportive staff that is always in pursuit of new experiences, participants are sure to create their own adventures.