The most beloved breed of dog in Korea is the Jindo Dog (진도개), named after the island from which they are said to originate. The breed has been designated a national treasure, and great efforts are made to keep the bloodline pure. For example, any non-Jindo dog that comes to Jindo Island must be sterile. Jindos were originally hunting dogs, raised to take down small to large sized prey. They are known for their extreme loyalty and keen homing sense. Traditionally Koreans hunted without guns, instead taking with them a pack of Jindos. After making a kill, one dog promptly returns to the master while the others stand guard over the prey. The Jindo dog is registered with the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the British Kennel Club.

Hampyeong’s ‘Haesujjim’ is a medical treatment method that has been widely used ever since the 1800’s. Nutrients are added to seawater, which is then heated for bathing, creating a “Haesujjim (seawater bath)” that combines the benefits of hot springs and bathing.This is especially popular among housewives since it is proven to be an effective treatment for neuralgia, post childbirth discomfort, arthritis, and dermatitis.

Located 54.5 kilometers from Mokpo in Jeollanam-do Province, Bigeum-do Island is part of the Dadohae Maritime National Park. Its spectacular coastline is dotted with numerous islands. Bigeum-do is the first and leading production center of sun-dried salt in Korea, which is its main source of income.Among the 827 islands along the shores of Sinan, Bigeum-do is the seventh-largest island. It is popular as a vacation spot as it is less visited and the natural environment is still well preserved. Because development has been particularly slow compared to other islands, it has a marked shortage of accommodations and recreational facilities. However, this is also the reason it is relatively unpolluted.The two major beaches are Wonpyeong and Hanuneom, which was the filming location for TV drama "Spring Waltz". Hanuneom, also known as Heart-shaped Beach, beckons young couples seeking romance.The island is also home to a number of tourist attractions and historical sites, including Seongchisanseong Fortress (built during the Goryeo period), Seosansa Temple, Beacon Hill, and Naewolli Seokjangseung, a stone totem pole.Hanuneom Beach: Located in southwestern Bigeum-do, Hanuneom lives up to its pure Korean name, meaning that “only the sky and sea can be seen.” Low mountains surround the white sandy beach, which is 500 meters long and 60 meters wide. There is a restroom, shower facilities, and drinking fountain. The entrance to the island is the Gasanri dock. The beach is open from July 20 to August 20.Wonpyeong Beach: Known as the most beautiful beach in Bigeum-do, Wonpyeong is particularly spectacular in spring when the wild roses are in full bloom. The beach, located on the northern side of the island, is 4.3 kilometers long and 60 meters wide. When the tide is low, the beach extends an extra 150 meters. Wild roses cover over 4 kilometers. Past the beach, a dense acacia forest and a reservoir also attract visitors.The area is open from July 21 to mid-August.

Suncheon Bus Terminal provides both intercity and express bus services connecting multiple cities in the country.

Located approximately halfway between Yeosu-si City and Jeju Island, Geomundo Island is part of the Dadohae Maritime National Park. It is divided into Dongdo, Seodo, and Godo Islands, all of which offer scenic views of quaint towns and surrounding nature. Also, Geomundo is the access point for the famous Baekdo Island group, a spectacular array of uninhabited rock pinnacles attached with numerous legends. Island History Geomundo Island's history dates back to the bronze era with the discovery of a stone sword on one of the islands. Subsequent discoveries of coins from the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) that were used for more than 700 years up to 621AD have also been found. Discoveries of celadon from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) have also been located on Geomundo’s islands. Geomundo had been commonly known as Godo until the British sailors arrived on the island in 1885, and put claim to the island in order to construct a naval port to fight off the Russian fleets. They named it Port Hamilton. Soon, Admiral Jeong Yeochang came to Geomundo to challenge the audacity of the British, and, in turn, was struck by the high literacy level of the islanders. He recommended to the then ruler that the island be renamed ‘Geomun,’ meaning ‘great literacy.’ The British sailors eventually perished, but their graves can be found in a well-preserved cemetery on the island.

Constructed in the eighth year of King Gyeongdeok of the Shilla Dynasty (749), Mihwangsa Temple is located on the west side of Mt. Dalmasan (489m), the Mt.Geumgangsan of Southern Sea, and is situated the furthest south of all temples in the Korean peninsula. The beautiful sunset and the view of the graceful Mt. Dalmasan from the temple attracts numerous tourists. The foot of the mountain found behind the temple blends well with the suitable-sized temple and the appearance of Daeungbojeon gives out an aura of comfort and tranquility. The cornerstone of Daeungbojeon is carved with sea creatures, such as turtles and crabs that cannot be observed elsewhere. Moreover, you can enjoy observing various stone and statues, such as Gwebul (national treasure no. 1342), where people pray for rain during the dry season. Other attractions include 18th century murals on the walls of Daeungbojeon and Unginjeon, and Buddhist statues such as bosal, nahan, dongja and shinjangsang.

Jinnamgwan Hall (National Treasure No. 304) was the naval base of Jeolla-do Province during the Joseon Dynasty. Admiral Yi Sun-shin used this site as his headquarters, and at that time there was a watchtower called Jinhaeru. The original building burned down during the Jeongyujaeran (the second Japanese invasion in 1597), and Admiral Yi Si-eon constructed a large guesthouse (official residence) with 75 rooms on the burnt down site of Jinhaeru in 1599, a year after the conclusion of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). At the hall entrance is a small museum outlining the history of Jinnamgwan and the Imjinwaeran War, and the famous Yeosu Stone Statue (Tangible Cultural Asset of Jeollanam-do No. 33) is located within the precincts of the hall. Nearby attractions include Jasan Park, Odongdo Island, Dolsan Bridge, Chungminsa Shrine, and Manseongni Beach.

Designated as the top monument of Jeollanam-do, Sigyeongjeong Pavilion (식영정) literally means a place where even the shadow of the moon can find a place to rest. As its name suggests, this pavilion is set in a lush and remote forested area. Countless number of scholars and writers has been attracted to this pavilion as a place of profound inspiration. The pavilion has gained more fame from the legendary lyrics of Seongsanbyeolgok written by the poet Jeong Cheol. The elegant words of Kim Seongwon, a literary scholar, depict the scenic beauty of Seongsan Mountain during the changing seasons.Of all the pavilions situated at the basin of the Yeongsangang River the Sigyeongjeong is said to be blessed with a breathtaking view from the side. The current building was restored in the early 1900s. At the Sigyeongjeong pavilion you’ll find the Buyongdang, a monument with the lyrics to the Seongsanbyeolgok Poem, and next to it an old library building called jangseogak built to preserve the wooden blocks of Songgangjib, a book of poetry written by Jeong Cheol. 

Duryunsan Mountain (703m) is a famous mountain in Jeolanam-do. With its eight peaks, it is a home to many temples and historic sites. The mountain also holds great importance in plant chorology as its forests consist of warm-temperate broad-leaved evergreens and deciduous broad-leaved trees. The mountain peak can be reached by trekking for about 2-3 hours from the entrance of Daeheungsa Temple or by the Daeryunsan Cable Car (one way 8-minute), which departs from the entrance on the opposite side of the mountain and takes visitors to a spot right below the peak. From the mountain summit, there is a view of the three sides of Dadohae (Sea of Many Islands) and on a clear day, it is possible to see as far as Mt. Hallasan on Jeju Island. Nearby tourist attractions include Uhangri Dinosaur Museum Complex, Usuyeong Tourism Village and Ttangkkeut Village.

Situated at the foot of Wolchulsan Mountain in Yeongam (Jeollanam-do), Gurim Village is the center of ceramic culture in Korea. Legend has it that Wangin and Monk Doseon of the Baekje Dynasty were born in this village. Boasting 2,200 years of history, the village is home to the Yeongam Pottery Museum, which opened in April 2008 after renovating the previous Pottery Culture Center. The Regular Exhibition Hall displays the history of pottery in Yeongam, from Gurim Pottery of the Unified Silla Period to works excavated from kilns of the Chosun Dynasty. Visitors can also participate in a hands-on program crafting pottery and can purchase local products and tea sets at the museum gift shop. At the entrance of the museum is Siyu Dogi (pottery) Kiln (Historic Site No. 338) that produced the first slipware pottery in Korea; it was excavated by the Ewha Woman’s University Museum. The courtyard next to the kiln is decorated with ceramic chairs, tables, and pots. The museum hosts diverse exhibitions focusing on pottery every year. Moreover, the museum is close to popular tourist attractions including the Wangin Historic Site, Dogapsa Temple, and Wolchulsan National Park. Gurim Village also hosts the Wangin Culture Festival every spring when cherries are in blossom.