Soando Island, the third in the group of three main islands of the Bogil-myeon island region, features a flourishing fishing port, and eight scenic wonders. In addition, Mira-ri and Maengseong-ri Evergreen Forests, which have been designated as Natural Monuments No.339 and No.340, respectively, offer a breathtaking ocean view. Mira, in particular, is famous for its unique mudflat pebbles. Island History The name of "Soando" comes from the courage of the early island settlers, comprised mostly of the Oh Family of Dongbok and the Kim Family of Gimhae, that had long served as a basis for protection and happiness during the Imjinwaeran (Japanese Invasion). Soando Island is essentially one of the "Holy Lands" of the anti-Japanese colonialism movement. Patriots like Song Nae-ho, who fought hard for independence of Korea from Japan, are remembered on the island. Furthermore, a memorial hall, which houses the Anti-Japanese Colonialism Monument, was established by the islanders in honor of the patriots.

Topmeori Beach (톱머리해수욕장) is characterized by the extremes shown at high and low tide, revealing an endless stretch of white sandy beach during low tide. Together with the dense trees of an appealing pine grove (designated for state protection) a spectacular view awaits the visitor. This beach can be reached by public transportation. The abundance of fish in the nearby seashore makes this holiday location a popular one for fishing enthusiast. There are small sushi or sashimi places lined up alongside the long beach, for those who enjoy hoe (raw fish) fresh from the sea. A local delicacy includes sweet persimmons, a popular gift item.  

Songgangjeong is a pavilion located in Wongang-ri, Goseo-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do Province. It was registered as Jeollanam-do Provincial Monument No. 1 on January 29, 1972. Joseon Dynasty poet Jeong Cheol (pen name, Songgang) composed his famed poem “Samiingok” from this pavilion. Next to it presently stands the Samingok memorial stone. The two structures at this site, Hwanbyeonkdang and Sigyeongjeong, are collectively referred to as the “Relics of Jeong Songgang.”

The Baeksu Coastal Road is National Highway 77 and Provincial Highway 14. It is one of the best drives in Jeollanam-do Province. Driving on this road, one encounters dynamically changing landscapes, including splendid rocks on along the coastal cliffs. The road is 16.5 kilometers long and gives a beautiful view of the Chilsan Sea. During sunset, beautiful colors along the west coast draw crowds of visitors all year round.

Geumseongsanseong Fortress in Geumseongsan Mountain (603m) forms a boundary between two small villages located on the border of two provinces (Geumseong-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do and Sunchang-gun, Jeollabuk-do) and is one of the three popular mountains of the Honam region (the Southwestern region of Korea that includes Jeollanam-do and Jeollabuk-do). The fortress is surrounded by two walls connecting Cheolmabong Peak, Undaebong Peak, and Jangdaebong Peak. The total length of the outer wall is 6.486 meters and inner wall is 859 meters. Historians are uncertain about the year the fortress was built, and have concluded that it dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period (57 BCE – 676 CE) based on an examination of the ruins and remains discovered in the surrounding area. The fortress was reconstructed in 1409 and repaired in 1610 after the Imjin War (1592-1598). Following that, it continued to develop into a strong military base. - Classification: Historic Site No. 353 - Date of Designation: August 24, 1991 - Owner: Park Jinseong and 85 persons - Age: Three States Era - Site Area: 1,349,977㎡ - Kind of Cultural Properties: Castle Site  

Mokpo is a special zone for marine culture tourism. One of the main attractions is Yudalsan Mountain, on top of which one can get a panoramic view of the entire city of Mokpo. The mountain’s walking trails are known to both locals and tourists alike as a place for forest bathing. Samhakdo Island and Gatbawi Rock are also popular attractions. The annual Mokpo Maritime Cultural Festival is held on Samhakdo Island. Gatbawi is a rock formation shaped like a Korean hat. From Gatbawi Rock, there is a coastal trail that leads to Gatwabi Culture Street. The musical fountain at Pyeonghwa Plaza is located near Gatbawi Rock. The Mokpo Wholesale Fish Market is full of marine products. Street vendors line the sidewalks selling hongeo (skate), which is a local specialty. Tourists can reach Yudalsan Mountain, Samhakdo Island and the Mokpo Wholesale Fish Market on foot from Mokpo Station. The City Tour Bus departs from Mokpo Station and takes travelers to major tourist attractions in the city. [Mokpo Special Tourist Zone] Areas covered: Area around Bukhang Port, Yudalsan Mountain, Open Port Zone, Samhakdo Island, Gatbawi, Pyeonghwa Plaza Area size: 6,894,968㎡ Tourist attractions: Yudalsan Mountain, Samhakdo Island, Gatbawi Culture Street, Pyeonghwa Plaza, Mokpo Natural History Museum, National research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage, Mokpo Wholesale Fish Market, Bukhang Hoe (sashimi) Center, etc.

Yongcheonsa Temple is a branch temple of Baegyangsa Temple that is No. 18 of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. In the first year of King Mu, (the 30th king of Baekje, in power from 600-641 AD), Haengeun who was a Buddhist priest of eminent virtue, established the temple. The name of temple has the meaning of a spring called “Yongcheon”, that is under the Daeungjeon Hall stairs. According to legend, a dragon used to live in the spring and ascended to heaven. (‘Yong’ means a dragon and ‘cheon’ means a spring). Visitors can see vivid lotus designs on the stair's handrail and experience the great history of the temple.

Located in Sinpung-ri, Yulchon-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, Aeyangwon Church (Reverend Son Yangwon Martyr Memorial Hall) commemorates Reverend Son Yangwon. He began his religious activities and relief efforts at a group home for patients suffering from Hansen's Disease located in Aeyangwon Church, but he was later detained at Yeosu Police Office because he refused to honor Japanese Shinto shrines in 1940. The Memorial Hall's construction was completed on March 27, 1994 in order to commemorate Son Yangwon, who was shot and killed by the North Korean army during the Korean War. The exhibition hall on the first floor displays photos of Son, photos related to Christianity, keepsakes and calligraphy artwork, and the exhibition hall on the second hall displays his prison writings and old books.

The vast region of the Gurye Special Tourist Zone comprises Toji-myeon, Gwangui-myeon and Sandong-myeon, which has a river and an open field surrounding the mountainous area. Every part of Gurye deserves the title of Special Tourist Zone for offering many things to see. Well-known for its rich soil, the most outstanding natural resources of Gurye is Jirisan National Park, the first to be designated as a national park, and Seomjingang River. Every year, many hikers visit Jirisan National Park, also called the “bosom of a mother.” The park is cherished for its unpolluted scenery, such as its deep and wide geographical features and crystal clear valleys. The park offers diverse hiking trails and has mountain retreats for backpackers. Jirisan Dulegil Trail that runs along the periphery of Jirisan Mountain is where one could enjoy the experience of mountain glens, different from mountaineering. On their way hikers and trekkers can see groups of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) in spring as well as the autumnal tints of the mountain and valley in autumn. Another strength is that the park has different types of accommodations including Hanok (Korean traditional house) homestay and a guest house, apart from leisure facilities including hot springs in Jirisan. The park is a great place for historical inquiries as it is filled with historic temples, including Hwaeomsa Temple and Yeongoksa Temple, and historic relics. Flowing from Gokseong to Hadong, Seomjingang River creates a tranquil ambience. The cleanest ever in Korea, a large number of marsh snails and sweetfish live in this river. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic view from the riverside road and various festivals which are held all year round, such as the Sansuyu Festival, the Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival and the Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival. * Current State of Gurye Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered / Areas around Toji, Masan, Gwangui and Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do 2) Area / 78,024,000㎡ * Tourist Attractions Jirisan Mountain, Seomjingang River, Jirisan Spa Land, Piagol Valley, Sansuyu Theme Park, Hwaeomsa, Cheoneunsa and Yeongoksa Temple, Hanok Village, etc.

A great sunrise and sunset spot, Doripo Park is situated in Doripo on the northwestern end of Haejebando Peninsula, which forms the boundary between Muan-gun, Yeonggwang-gun, and Hampyeong-gun Counties. The long sandy beach and the dense pine tree grove offer a nice environment for sunbathing. A little farther down from the sandy beach, is the Doripo Port. The port protrudes towards the sea, so people can view the sunrise from there. On the other side of the port towards Chilsan Sea, people can also view beautiful sunset glows. Just like other famous sunrise spots on the West Coast, Doripo watches the sun rise from the sea in Hampyeong in the winter and from the mountain in Yeonggwang in the summer. Every year, a special sunrise event is held on the first day of the New Year. Another attraction of Doripo is fishing for sea bream and sea bass in Chilsan Sea, which nearby Yeonggwang-gun and Hampyeong-gun Counties. A total of 639 relics from the Goryeo Era have been found in the area, including historical relics like blue celadon bowls unearthed in October 1995, resulting in the area being designated a Historical Site no. 395 of Jeollanam-do. Nearby, tourist sites include Bongdaesan Mountain (195 meters) and Wongapsa Temple.