With an elevation of 583.7 m, Gangcheonsan County Park (강천산군립공원) in Sunchang, Jeollabuk-do, has towering peaks all around and waterfalls that cascade between the surrounding rocks. Its deep valleys covered with thick forests have kept their natural beauty for centuries. There are also many cultural properties including the historic Gangcheonsa Temple, Samindae, Gangcheonsan Five-story Stone Pagoda and Geumseongsanseong Fortress. In the valley at the entrance of Gangcheonsa there is a stream of clear water flowing below from Doseongyo to Byeongpungbawi (wall-like precipitous rocks) with more than ten waterfalls each with a small pond below. If you pass between Gangcheonsa, an old temple, and Samindae, and continue walking on the path next to Heunghwajeong, you will see a 75 meter long hanging bridge at 50 meters high above the ground. To see it you have to strain your neck backwards to look up at it. After going up a steep hill and crossing the hanging bridge, you will get to a vista point where you can enjoy a wide view of the lovely Mt. Gangcheonsan. At an elevation of 300 meters, the mountain has a reservoir and a natural mountain fortress wall climbing 400 meters high. The type of maple trees found here are native to Korea, and have a long foliage period in autumn.

Situated in the foothills of Juchulsan Mountain, Wibongsanseong Fortress was constructed over a period of 7 years starting in 1675. The fortress was built as a safe place to keep the portrait of King Taejo, which had been kept at Gyeonggijeon in Jeonju until the Donghak Peasant Revolution broke out and put the portrait in jeopardy. Originally, the Wibongsanseong Fortress measured 16 kilometers long, 4 to 5 meters high, and 3 meters wide with three gates and eight emergency gates. Today, only a section of the fortress wall and the west gate remain. Wibongsa Temple is located past Mujigaemun Gate (Rainbow Gate) and Wibong Village and is a major temple in the Honam region that once oversaw 52 branch temples. Said to be built by Monk Seoam in 604 (the 5th year of King Mu of Baekje), the surviving buildings date back to the Joseon Era. Today, only Bogwangmyeongjeon Hall (Treasure No. 608), Yosa (Provincial Cultural Asset No. 698), and Samseonggak remain. The Baeguigwaneumbosal wall painting in particular is the pride of the temple.

The Wanggung Five-story Stone Pagoda is located on a hill about 2 kilometers south of Wanggung-myeon in Iksan, which is believed to have been the capital of the nation during the Mahan Era. The pagoda stands tall at 8.5 meters and was officially designated National Treasure No. 289. Relics from the Goryeo Dynasty that were found inside the pagoda were designated National Treasure No. 123 and are currently housed in the National Museum of Korea. Of the excavated relics, the most famous; the Sarijangeomgu, a magnificent container of Buddha’s Sarira; the green glass Sarira bottle topped with a lotus-shaped stopper; and the Sungeumgeumganggyeongpan, which contains the 19 golden plates of the Diamond Sutra.

Geumsansa, located in Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, is home to a number of cultural assets. The temple offers a temple stay program where you can learn the traditional culture of Korean Buddhism and the way of a Buddhist practitioner while experiencing day-to-day life in the temple. Basic programs include Yebul (Buddhist service), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Barugongyang (formal monastic meal), 108 prostrations, walking in the woods and talking with a monk. On top of these basic programs, special seasonal programs are also provided.

A 1-kilometer walk north along the beach from the Chaeseokgang Cliffs brings you past Jukmak Village to the famed Jeokbyeokgang Cliffs. As you pass the village you’ll see a grove of silver magnolias (Natural Monument No. 123) that serve as a windbreak. The Jeokbyeokgang Cliffs stretch 2 kilometers from the village along the shoreline to Yongdusan Mountain and are said to resemble their namesake, the Jeokbyeokgang River in China.

Gyeokpo Beach, located in Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun in Jeollabuk-do Province, is part of Byeonsanbando National Park. From the beach, visitors can get a close-up look at the rock formations of Chaeseokgang Cliffs. Known for its clear waters, the beach offers a panoramic view of the west coast from the top of the cliffs and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast along with Daecheon and Mallipo beaches.

Chilyeon Valley is situated behind Tongan Village (Anseong-myeon) in Deokyusan (or Mt. Deokyu). While not as famous as Muju Gucheondong, the valley boasts a beautiful array of waterfalls, odd-shaped rocks, and ponds. Its best known attraction is Chilyeon Falls, meaning “seven falls connected to ponds.” There, pure water falls gently, moving from one pond to the next.