Jeonju has been a major producer of quality hanji paper for more than a thousand years. In keeping with this proud tradition, the Jeonju Traditional Hanji Center aims to preserve traditional paper-making techniques and become a mainstay in the hanji industry. More than 80 percent of the paper produced at the center is exported to Japan while the rest is used in Korea. The center produces, exhibits, and sells hanji used for calligraphy, Oriental paintings, and crafts, as well as special “yellow earth” wallpaper hanji and charcoal hanji, said to provide certain health benefits.

The temple located upon Maisan Mountain was called Sangwonsa Temple during the early Joseon Dynasty and was later known as Jeongmyeongam Hermitage. According to the Korean Language Society, the temple began to be called Eunsusa (meaning ‘Silver Water Temple’) after King Taejo (the founder of the Joseon Dynasty) visited the temple and remarked that the water flowing nearby was as clean and smooth as pure silver. The temple is home to the largest known Beopgo (Buddhist drum used for rituals), which was produced in 1982. A stone sculpture and a statue of Granny Samsin (a goddess that looks after babies’ births and keeps them healthy) also stand at the temple. However, the temple’s most treasured assets are its two Natural Monuments: Emerald Gaiety (a climbing vine, Natural Monument No. 380) and the Cheongsil Pear Tree (Natural Monument No. 386). Reverse icicles, though found all over the mountainsides, are most readily and abundantly found in the Eunsusa Temple area.

Uiamsa Shrine was built to the memory of Chu Nongae, who sacrificed her life during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasion of Korea). In 1846, the Nongae-saeng-jang-hyang-su-myeong-bi monument was put up in praise of Nongae’s patriotism. In 1955, a shrine was built and named Uiamsa, which was then moved to the current location in 1974. Within the precincts of the shrine are a memorial stone, the portrait of Nongae by artist Kim Eun-ho, and the three gates Woesammun, Naesammun and Chunguimun erected one after another. At the memorial hall, the existing possessions of Nongae and her husband General Choi Gyeong-hoe are on display. The annual Nongae Festival takes places on September 3rd by the lunar calendar, during which memorial services and cultural events are held to commemorate Nongae.

The Donghak Peasants Revolution Memorial Hall was opened on May 11, 2004 in Donghak-ro, Deokcheon-myeon (in Jeongeup-si, Jeollabuk-do Province) near the Hwangto-hyeon Battlefield where the Donghak peasants rose up against corrupt public officials.The memorial hall has on display weapons and other items related to the Donghak Peasants Revolution as well as images of the battle. There is also a permanent exhibition room showing the evolution of the revolution and another exhibition room where special exhibitions are organized twice a year.

Songgwangsa Temple in Soyang-myeon (Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province) has a unique history that spans a period of over a thousand years. For many years the temple lay incomplete until Monk Bojo Chejing began reconstruction in the 7th year of King Gyeongmun of Silla (867 AD). The temple was destroyed at one point in time, but Master Monk Jinul prayed that it be rebuilt. In accordance with his fervent hopes, in the 1600s the monk’s followers rebuilt a number of the temple’s halls and buildings, many of which can still be seen today. The temple is also remembered as the temple that King Injo helped rebuild with the hope that his two sons, who had been taken hostage by the Qing Dynasty during the Byeongjahoran War (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636), would be returned safely and that Buddha would heal the nation.One of the Korea’s four major temples, Songgwangsa is home to Jijangbosal and Siwangsang statues (found in Jijangjeon Hall), a Seokgayeorae statue, and 500 Nahansang statues (found in Nahanjeon Hall). The temple is also home to eight Tangible Cultural Assets and four Treasured Cultural Assets: Daeungjeon Hall, the Samsebulsang statues, the bell-tower, and the Sacheonwangsang statue.Beloved for its historical significance as well as its beauty, the temple draws throngs of worshipers throughout the year. In spring, many tourists flock to the area to explore the temple and walk through the nearby cherry blossom tunnels. A worthwhile attraction for visitors of all ages, the temple is particularly well-suited for those with mobility problems since it is located on ground level.

The Byeokgolje Reservoir in Gimje is the oldest irrigation facility in Korea. According to the Samguk Sagi (history of the three kingdoms), Byeokgolje was first built in the 21st year of the reign of King Heulhae (330 AD) of the Silla Kingdom. However, this region belonged to the Baekje Kingdom at that time, so some counter that the embankment was actually built in the 27th year of King Biryou (330 AD) of the Baekje Kingdom. Historians agree however that the reservoir was mended by King Wonseong of Silla in 790 AD and by King Hyeonjong and King Injong of the Goryeo Dynasty in 1143 AD. In 1415, King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty rebuilt the whole facility, but it was washed away in heavy rains five years later in the 2nd year of King Sejong. Only about three kilometers of the reservoir embankment remain intact today. Moreover, the original embankment underwent major transformations in 1925 when the Dongjin Land Improvement Association remolded it into a channel for carrying water to nearby fields. In 1975, an archeological study of the sites where the two floodgates once stood revealed that highly refined measuring techniques had been used in the original construction of the reservoir. Thus, despite its many changes, Byeokgolje not only holds significance as Korea’s oldest manmade reservoir, but also as a historical relic that points to the highly developed engineering technology of the past.

Nongae was born in Juchon Village, Daegok-ri, Janggye-myeon in the 7th year of King Seonjo (September 3, 1575). A clever and beautiful lady, Nongae voluntarily registered as a gisaeng (female entertainer) at the age of 19 when the nation was infiltrated by Japanese invaders during the Imjin War. While entertaining one evening, she led Japanese general Keyamura Rokusuke to the edge of a cliff and flung her arms around him, casting both herself and the general into the Jinju Namgang River to their deaths. To commemorate her faithfulness and allegiance her country, a project to restore her place of birth was completed in September 2000, drawing many visitors. Nearby Nongae’s birthplace are many tourist attractions, including the Deogyusan Mountain and Odongje (both of which have a compelling view) and a hiking trail that connects Jangansan Mountain County Park, Jiji Valley, and Donghwa Dam.

Daedunsan Mountain is defined by the grandiose rock peaks of Macheondae, the summit, Chilseongbong and Janggunbong, as well as surrounding strange rocks and lush trees that make up Samseonbawi Rock, Yongmungul Cave and Geumgangmun Gate. The area spanning from Macheondae Peak to Nakjodae Peak along the northern ridge offers a magnificent spectacle, especially the sunrise and sunset views from Nakjodae. In addition, Okgyedong Valley with its crystal clear water flowing all year round is a great summer vacation spot. Meanwhile, since its official designation as a provincial park in 1977, Daedunsan Mountain Provincial Park has served as a scenic site equipped with recreational facilities including the newly installed cable cars and Geumgang Gureumdari (viaduct). A 5-minute cable car ride followed by a walk up the steep stairs leads to Geumgang Gureumdari, which is 81 meters high and 50 meters long across Imgeumbawi Rock and Ipseokdae Pedestal. The park is also home to historic temples including Taegosa Temple of Jinsan, Ansimsa Temple of Unju, and Sinsounsa Temple of Byeolgok.

Located in Osan-ri, Gosan-myeon, the Gosan Recreation Forest is a popular family destination throughout each of the four seasons. Full of thick groves of larch trees, Korean white pines, rigida pines, and plenty of broad-leaved trees, the forest and its streams offer locals a cool and refreshing retreat during the sizzling summer months. As summer turns into fall, the whole area transforms into a rainbow of bright yellows, reds, and orange. With the coming of winter, the snow covers the trees and blankets the ground, turning the forest in a winter dreamland. Come spring, the azaleas and wild cherry trees burst into full bloom, making the forest a popular date spot for young couples.