Unmunsan Recreational Forest (운문산자연휴양림) in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do is located at the foot of Mt. Unmunsan (1,188m, elevation) which is also called ‘Mt. Hogeosan.’ Because it is surrounded by taller mountains (more than 1,000 meters above sea level) such as Mt. Munboksan (1,014m) and Mt. Gajisan (1,240m), and it is a great place to spend time in summer. Yongmi Falls (20m) and Byeokgyesu Valley, in which the waters flow across the sandless rock bed, are famous locales in the forest. Located in a thick broadleaf forest, inhabited by many diverse species such as Korean mountain camellia, Unmunsan Recreational Forest offers lush greenery in summer, beautiful foliage in autumn, and cozy, splendid snowscapes along with the Yongmi Ice Wall in winter. In Unmunryeong, located 2.5km to the east, you can watch the spectacular sunrise above the Donghae Sea (East Sea, 동해).

Sinbulsan Falls Recreational Forest is located at the foot of Sinbulsan Mountain noted for the Yeongnam Alps and the beautiful surrounding valleys. The particularly famous forest attractions are its valleys and waterfalls. The Paraso Falls are a picturesque series of cascading falls. Near the falls are old Buddhist temples and the silver grass field of Sinbulsan Mountain. The forest houses a walking path, health training facility, forest exhibition hall, and accommodation facilities such as the Cabin House, Forest Recreation Center, a camping deck and a camping site.

Imjingang River starts from Pyeonggang-gun and Icheon-gun in North Korea and flows south crossing the demarcation line between the two Koreas. Imjingang River then passes Yeoncheon-gun and Paju-si before finally reaching the Yellow Sea. Although the history has separated the two nations geographically, people from both nations equally enjoy fishing near Imjingyo Bridge and Gunnamgyo Bridge. Around the time of Kogu (곡우; One of the 24 seasonal divisions of the lunar calendar that occurs around April 20 every year.), people near these bridges to take part in catching nuchi-gari (누치가리). Plug casting is a commonly used method here as the water moves quickly.

Dongguksa Temple was built by Japanese monk Seoneungbulgwan in 1909. The temple was run by Japanese monks for 36 years during the Japanese occupation, reverting to Korean jurisdiction when Korea was liberated in 1945. The historical temple is the only surviving Japanese-style temple in the nation. The temple is characterized by its two main buildings, Daeungjeon Hall and Yosachae, which are connected by a corridor, and the temple’s relative lack of decoration, which stands as a sharp contrast to the brilliantly-colored Korean temples. Dongguksa Temple was officially designated Cultural Asset No. 64 in July 2003 and is now a branch temple of Seonunsa Temple in Gochang, the 24th district of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order.

Sungnimsa Temple is one of the major temples of the Iksan area and is believed by some to have been built along with Geumsansa Temple by monk Jinpyo Yulsa during the reign of King Gyeongdeok (King of Silla, 742-764). Others believe that the temple was established by the monk Haengyeo Seonsa during the first year of King Chungmok of the Goryeo Dynasty (1345). Historians do know for a fact however that the temple was burnt down during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasion of Korea, 1592-1598), leaving only Bogwangjeon Hall. Later, in 1697 (the 23rd year of King Sukjong of the Joseon Dynasty) Wuhwaru Pavilion and Yeongwonjeon Hall were reconstructed followed by Nahanjeon Hall.Sungnimsa Temple was named after the mountain and temple where Bodhi-Dharma practiced his meditation. Bodhi-Dharma, a great monk from the south of India, practiced seated Zen meditation for 9 years at the Sorimsa Temple located deep in Sungsan Mountain in China. In his honor, Sungnimsa Temple (a Buddhist temple of the same sect) was named after the mountain (‘Sung’) and the temple (‘Rim’ or ‘Nim’) where the Dharma lived.

Gwangdeoksa Temple is said to be established in 637 by Monk Jajang Yulsa during the Silla Kingdom and was refurbished during the reign of King Heungdeok (832). The temple sits in the southeast of Mount Gwangdeoksan (elevation: 699.3m), which borders Asan-si and Cheonan-si, and the southwest of Mount Taehwasan (elevation: 455.5m). It was the biggest temple within Chungcheong and Gyeonggi Province before the Japanese invasion. However, it was burnt down during the Japanese invasion and the main buildings such as Daeungjeon, Myeongbujeon, and Cheonbuljeondeung were recently constructed.Gwangdeoksa Temple contains a three-story pagoda that is estimated to be the work of the early Goryeo Dynasty and Jonggak Tower, which is a unique octagonal pavilion. The quiet and peaceful ambience of the temple seems to perfectly capture the spirit of Zen meditation.

Embracing the former downtown of Incheon, Wolmi Special Tourist Zone is deeply involved in Korea’s modern history and culture. Since modern Western culture and institutions were introduced through the port off the coast of Incheon, the zone has become rich in modern architecture and cultural heritage that tell the stories of the Open Port Period. Visitors can experience the foreign cultures of old when walking on the road along the foot of Wolmisan Mountain, which overlooks the port. The small amusement park in Wolmi Special Tourist Zone is popular with young people for leisure activities and dates. Along the coastline, always busy with travelers, are sashimi restaurants and fancy cafes. Visitors can see a panoramic view of the port and downtown from Wolmi Observation Platform. They can also experience the charm of the fish market and the unique atmosphere of Yeonan Pier where ferries go back and forth near the port. Sea fishing, eating fresh seafood or walking on Open Port Nuri-gil, which is adjacent to the sea, are worth the experience. Chinatown in Wolmi Special Tourist Zone shows the past and the present of Chinese immigrants. There you can find Chinese restaurants, the Incheon Open Port Museum and the Modern Architecture Museum. The Incheon Modern Open Port Street Festival and the Wolmi Special Tourist Zone Culture Festival are held every year. Travelers can learn about Korea’s emigration and open port history at the Museum of Korea Emigration History. * Current State of Wolmi Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Yeonan, Shinheung, Bukseong, Dongincheon and Sinpo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 2) Area: 3,000,898㎡ * Tourist Attractions Incheon Port, Wolmi Park, Wolmi Observation Platform, The Museum of Korea Emigration History, Art Museum, Chinatown, Modern Open Port and Sinpo Culture Street, Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, etc.