The primary source of Geumgang River is a spring called ‘Ddeunbong’ in Subun-ri, Jangsu-gun, Jeollabuk-do, which flows to the north. At Changnam, it changes direction and enters Bangu-ri, Buri-myeon, Geumsan-gun. From here, the river flows through steep mountains. At Sutong-ri, the precipitous cliffs of a mountain named ‘Jeokbyeok’ tower proudly above, and where the river runs under these steep cliffs it is called the ‘Jeokbyeokgang River’ (적벽강).‘Jeokbyeok’ literally means ‘red walls’ in Korean. The Geumgang River under Jeokbyeok is as calm as a peaceful lake with long sandy shores. This riverbank is alive with beautiful flowers in spring, green pine trees in summer, and in fall, the green gives way to an autumnal tint, until lovely snowscapes blanket the area in winter. A fisherman in his boat in the middle of the river makes the landscape more picturesque. In summer, the Jeokbyeokgang River’s banks can become quite crowded with visitors.

Simni (10-ri) Cherry Blossom Road in Hwagae is famous for its beautiful views in spring. It is believed that if a young couple walks down this road holding hands, they will be together for one hundred years. For this reason, the road is sometimes referred to as the “wedding road.”

Hyangcheonsa Temple is an old temple that was founded by Monk Euigak in the late Baekje period under King Uija's rule. The temple is easily accessble from downtown despite its location deep within a valley at the foot of Geumosan Mountain, serving as a landmark for visitors enjoying a light stroll or a hike up to the mountain. Serving as a home to several relics and a nine-story-pagoda, the temple site and buildings are well maintained and neatly cleaned on a daily basis. According to legends, Monk Euigak originally had planned on building a temple in Sinam-myeon in Yesan. He went to China and brought a Buddha statue, praying earnestly on his way back aboard a boat. Upon his arrival, he sighted a pair of golden crows flying above the boat and followed the birds before they disappeared. He found the birds at the temple's current location, drinking from a puddle of water that had an aromatic smell. From then on the mountain was called Geumosan, meaning "the mountain of golden crow," and the temple was named Hyangcheonsa, meaning "the temple of fragrant water."

The Hajodo Lighthouse, built in February 1909, shines light up to a distance 39 kilometers away. It is responsible for safely guiding the ships passing through Jangjuk waterway, the key route that connects the southern and western coasts. Hajodo Lighthouse is 12 meters high and stands tall on a steep rugged cliff. There is a path leading up to the lighthouse, which is an excellent way for taking in the beautiful sights of Dadohae (Sea of Many Islands). The magnificence of the rugged cliff can be fully appreciated when taking a boat to the lighthouse from Eoryupo Port.