Naesosa Temple was built by Buddhist Monk Hye-Gu in 633 AD during the Baekje Dynasty and was rebuilt by Monk Cheong-Min in 1633 during the Joseon Dynasty. The Daeungbojeon (the main hall) was built at this time. In 1986, the temple area (radius of 500m) was named a culturally protected area.On both sides of the main gate (600m across) are large fir trees, which also line the path into the temple. As you continue down the walkway, you’ll come across a row of cherry trees. Just before the temple itself, are four gods called Sacheonwangsang that “guard” the temple. Upon reaching the temple itself (just past the guards) the first thing you’ll notice is the 1000-year-old Dangsan tree. Long ago, people used the base of the tree as a site of prayer.Housed in Beomjonggak is a bronze bell that can be found in many Buddhist Temples. This particular bell was made during the Goryeo Era and is engraved with three images of Buddha, called “Samjonsang.” The center building of the temple, called “Daeungbojeon” is also an artistic masterpiece, decorated with splendid colors and designs. The flower Salmun doors featuring lotus and Chrysanthemum flowers add another element of traditional beauty to the building.Of all the temple treasures, Haewuso (meaning “a place that gets rid of worrries”) is not to be missed. True to its name, you’ll almost find yourself forgetting all your worries as you listen to the soft swaying of the surrounding bamboo grove.

This is the house where Empress Myeongseong (Joseon Period) was born, and lived until she was eight years old. She would grow up to be the wife of the dynasty’s 26th ruler, King Gojong. The birthplace and the adjoining Memorial Hall are open to the public.Empress Myeongseong was a brilliant diplomat who pursued openness and reform to maintain the sovereignty of the nation. Unfortunately, her tumultuous life came to an end in the early morning hours of October 8, 1895 when she was murdered by the Japanese army.During Japanese colonial rule, the empress was wrongfully accused of being a jealous and overly ambitious person. Studies of various archives have since revealed what a great person she really was. Recently, numerous television productions and musicals have also corrected those misunderstandings. Renovated in 1995, her birthplace includes three buildings with servants’ quarters, master’s quarters, and a separate house. A commemorative monument now stands at the site of the room where the empress studied as a child. The Memorial Hall in front of the house contains various archives and artifacts related to Empress Myeongseong’s life. There is also a 161-seat theatre.

Dokkebi Park (도깨비 공원) is a fun place, filled with huge dokkebi (Korean goblins) characters made from steel and all kinds of materials. As well as big statues, there are many smaller dokkebi themed items found throughout the park that have been placed by creative dokkebi artists. Some of these are made from broken household items, such as shovels, stoves, and brooms, as well as old pine trees or basalt rocks. Dokkebi Park has some 2,300 items that resemble dokkebi, which have been made personally by professional designers over the last seven years. You can also let your imagination run wild and make your own dokkebi at Dokkebi Park.Performances and events with a dokkebi theme also take at the park. Visitors will enjoy the dancing and singing dokkebis, along with other fun-filled events and activity programs. At night the park becomes an exciting wonderland, with light displays creating stars and other fun effects. Catchy music creates a festive mood in this Korean goblin fantasy world.Activity programs include making dokkebi themed masks and candles (In general, these programs are available year-round, but may be subject to change based on circumstances.)

Seodong Park (est. 2004) is a sculpture park spanning the Donggodo-ri and Sinyong-ri areas in Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si. The park covers an impressive 132,000 square meters and features approximately 68 works by famous Korean sculptors. Also located within the park limits are an observatory, rest areas, fishing grounds, walking trails, and the Mahan Exhibition Hall displaying artifacts from the Mahan Era.

Hwasun Golden Sand Beach is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is close to Sanbangsan Mountain and the Yongmeori Coastline, and the islands of Hyeongjedo, Marado, and Gapado are off the coast to the southwest. On one side of the beach is a fresh water spring where people can enjoy a freshwater bath. The beach is located in Hwasun-ri in Andeok-myeon, which is easily accessible and has accommodations, shops, and restaurants. ※ Size - Length 250m, x_width 80m

In Dongbu-dong, there is a 8.35 m (27 4/10 feet) high brick pagoda from the Unified Silla Kingdom Period (AD 654-935). Each brick is 27.5 cm (10 4/5 inches) long, 6 cm (2 1/3 inches) thick and 12.5 cm wide (4 9/10 inches). In the past, it was 7 stories high. In 1598, during the Japanese Invasion of Korea, the top motif was destroyed and the structure was further damaged during the Korean War. The pagoda was repaired in 1962. Rumour has it that the pagoda was once located inside the old Beomnimsa Temple. The Dangganjiju, which is located 5 m west from the pagoda, supports this story. One can see the small place to keep sculptures of the god on each floor. By looking at these with the tiled roof, it is possible to see what style was fashionable. On the second story from the southern viewpoint, one can see the beautiful remnants of the In Wang-sang statue. It is conveniently located on the left side of an open space at the end of the parking lot at Andong Train Station. * Designated National Treasure 56 on January 21, 1963.

Located on Jirisan Mountain, the Jirisan National Park was Korea's first designated national park. The Jirisan mountain range extends across five cities in three provinces: Gurye-gun in Jeollanam-do; Namwon-si in Jeollabuk-do; Hadong-gun, Sancheong-gun and Hamyang-gun in Gyeongsangnam-do.Jirisan Mountain has over 10 peaks including Nogodan (1,507m), Banyabong (1,732m), Jeseokbong (1,806m) and Cheonwangbong (1,915m), several valleys including Baemsagol and Chilseon, and waterfalls including Guryong, Buril, Yongchu and Chilseon Falls. The park is also home to such cultural assets as Hwaeomsa, Ssanggyesa and Daewonsa Temples.

The Total Museum is a branch of Jangheung Art Park (formerly “Total Outdoor Museum”) that opened near Bukhansan in April, 1992. It houses facilities such as an art academy, library, art shop, and outdoor performance stage. In addition to exhibitions, the museum holds a variety of art and culture programs like musical concerts, events, lectures, and seminars. In particular, the members-only educational programs and gallery concerts provide a chance to enjoy high-quality cultural events.

Suwon Station first started out as a non-express train station on January 1, 1905. Subsequently on December 31, 1975, a subway station was added. The station is on Seoul Subway Line 1 and Gyeongbu Railroad, on which Samaeul Train and Mugunghwa Train operate. On January 1, 1996, they closed down Suin Line and the Narrow Gauge Train Station was no longer in operation. In February 2003, a privately-funded station was established. A KTX train operating on Gyeongbu Line from Seoul to Daejeon began to include Suwon Station as a stop on November 1, 2010.

Starting in 1989, archeologists undertook a 20-year-long excavation project at what is now known as the Wanggung-ni Historic Site. During excavation it was discovered that the area had been the site of the royal palace of King Muwang of the Baekje Dynasty from 600 to 640 AD. After the passing of the king, several key buildings of the palace were dismantled and a temple was built. Even today, the outer wall of the royal palace can still be seen, standing as a testament to the site’s unique history. Relics found at the site serve as important documentation of the construction of the royal palace and the lifestyle of the king. Significant discoveries at Wanggungni include 14 building sites (including Jeongjeon Hall where the king took care of political affairs and held ceremonial rituals), the site of the most impressive garden of the Baekje Dynasty, a ceramics workshop site, and remnants of a large palace restroom.