As neighboring Oseosan Mountain goes through seasonal changes, so do the colors Jeongamsa Temple. Oseosan Mountain brings flowing fields of silver grass every autumn. The fields stretch across the entire mountain and are the inspiration for the annual Silver Grass Festival in October. Situated halfway up the mountain, Jeongamsa Temple’s small size is common for rural villages, but its unique location draws many visitors year-round. * History There are few existing records that can point to the temple’s exact beginning. Some suggest that it was built around 527 A.D. during the 5th year of King Seongwang’s reign, but there is little evidence to support this theory. The only reference alluding to a specific time is Yeojidoseo (‘Detailed Survey of Korean Geography’ published during the late Chosun Dynasty). It states the Jeongamsa Temple location as on Oseosan Mountain, and Oseosan Mountain being surrounded by Hongsan Mountain and Baekwolsan Mountain and intersected by Hongju, Gyeolseong, and Boryeong. This indicates the temple was recognized in the mid-18th century and around the same time, Garamgo (a book about temples, published in the late 18th century) also states that Geongamsa Temple is located approximately 11km to the east of Gyeolseong-hyeon. It is still uncertain whether the temple referred to is Jeongamsa Temple on Oseosan Mountain. Nonetheless, some foundation stones measure 70-80cm on each side. These stones indicate the old Buddhist shrine of Jeongamsa Temple was laid out with five rooms at the front and three rooms on the side. Future archaeological studies will help identify the true history of Jeongamsa Temple.  

This village, located in Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is called ‘Daege Wonjo Village’ (대게원조마을) because the legs of the snow crabs caught in the Donghae Sea (East Sea, 동해) are shaped like bamboo. Since people visited this village in wagons during the Goryeo period, it was called ‘Chayu Village.’ But recently, it has been renamed ‘Yeongdeok Daege Wonjo Village’ and a local monument has been established. The nearby Gyeongjeong Breakwater is famous among anglers.

Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park (한려해상국립공원) covers Gyeongsangnam-do Province’s Sacheon, Geoje, Tongyeong, Hadong and Namhae, and Jeonnam Province’s Yeosu. The 510,323㎢-wide sea park encompasses Dadohae Islets, Bijindo Island and Haegeumgang. The Donam Complex in Tongyeong is being developed as a world-class marine tourist attraction. On Hansando Island there are many historical sites dedicated or related to the great Admiral Sunsin Yi such as battlefields where the Admiral defeated Japanese naval forces. Other sites include those related to the Imjinwaeran War such as Jeseungdang, Chungryeolsa and the turtle lighthouse. The Sanyang Road is a great driving course along which you can look around the entire Mireukdo Island and appreciate the scenery. From Dalma Park you can enjoy the great view of Dadohae Islets. Major attractions include Hansando Island (main island), Bijindo Island and Maemuldo Islands; the latter two are often said to be the focal point of this scenic sea park.

The valley flowing from the top of Baegunsan Mountain to the north direction is called “Yongsugol.” A dense forest, pristine waters and numerous rock formations in the vicinity all provide a beautiful scenery. The downstream area of the valley holds a large amount of water and it is a popular place for vacationers and visitors all year round. The forest park contains a wide variety of trees, some of which grow naturally while others have been more recently planted. In particular, the 1.7-kilometer section of the valley that stretches from the entrance to the resort area boasts breathtaking scenery and is lined with weigela and wild cherry trees. The park is carpeted with various wild flowers such as dicentra, columbine and hepatica, and wild animals such as water deer, wild boars, and raccoons are easily spotted.

Jeonui Hyanggyo Confucian School is thought to have been built in 1413 during the 13th year of King Taejong’s reign. The School features a simple spatial arrangement with only Myeongnyundang and Daeseongjeon Study Halls, each with three gates in the front. Outside the western wall of Myeongnyundang Hall is Sujiksa Temple. Several books - Jaeimnok (24cm×34cm), Seonan ( 28cm×43cm), several texts on rituals, and Eojeyuneum (22cm×35cm, 1782-1783), which was published in 1782 (6th year of King Jeongjo’s reign) and 1783, have been found at Jeonui Hyanggyo.

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.

Yeongdong Station began operations as an ordinary station on January 1, 1905 and was newly rebuilt on June 1, 1996. Since beginning, the station has played an important role for traveling to nearby tourism spots such as Muju Gucheong-dong resort, Minjujisan Mountain, Mulhan Valleys, and Yangsan eight sightseeing spots, by carrying over 1,200 tourists a year. In addition, Yongdu Park, spanning over 61,000㎡ in area within a 5-minute walking distance, is great for a rest and a walk that attracts a lot of kindergarten students who visit Yeongdong Station for a train experience.

Gossi Cave located in Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do Province is a limestone cave almost 6km long. Its name came from the story that the Go family, fighting against Japanese soldiers, took refuge here during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Inside the cave, there are stalactites, stalagmites, four lakes, three falls, six plazas (open spaces) that have been formed over the past 400 million years. In addition, there are about twenty-four microorganisms that inhabit the cave. Spots where the Go family made fires can still be seen. Visitors can enjoy various facilities nearby such as an amusement park, shops for traditional local products, traditional restaurants, and accommodations.

Changwon Cyclodrome is Korea’s first cyclodrome to open in all weather conditions. There are generally three types of cycle races: Belodrome races; road races; and MTB. Ever since the Sydney Olympics, bicycle racing was designated as a formal event of the Olympics, included in the track event. It is a scientific leisure sport applying the contestant’s physical and mental conditions. There are seven contestants, racing each other for a total of six rounds.