The town of Goryeong is four hours outside of Seoul, and features many relic sites of Daegaya around the whole district of Goryeong-gun. Around the first century, Daegaya was formed in the Nakdonggang River’s downstream area in the lower Korean peninsula, flourished independently for 520 years (AD 42~562), and declined after the 6th century. After its decline, part of it was annexed by Silla (57 BC ~ AD 935), and the rest annexed by Baekjae (18 BC~AD 60), and became a forgotten tribal kingdom.On King Jinheung’s (reign 540~576) 23rd year of reign it became the district of Daegaya, and the name was changed to the district of Goryeong on King Gyeongdeok’s (reign 742~765) 16th year of reign.This is the place where you can view the country’s first Sunjangmyo (tomb where many dead people were buried together), called Jisandong Gobungun, Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, and Treasure No. 605, the pre-eminent relics site of the Prehistoric Period called Yangjeondong Amgakhwa, and other various cultural assets.There is a large, ancient tomb with a diameter of 20m, built on the ridgeline of the mountain, and as you go down the mountain, there are 159 other tombs of smaller scale. The largest tomb in the south side is called the Geumrim Royal Tomb, and the other large tombs near it are presumed to be tombs of royalty or aristocrats.At the Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, site of the restored No. 44 tomb, you can see the ancient custom of burying the living with the dead (Royalty buried with their retainers). The dome-style exhibit hall displays Sunjangseokgwak, ironware, pottery and other various excavated relics.

Geumodo Island, included in the area of Dadohaehaesang National Park, has a shape resembling a big terrapin. Many fables, folk songs and folk games have been told of this island. It features dense forests along with wild ginseng and used to be an area for hunting deer, available only to the Royal House during the Joseon period. Also, the island is a spawning areas for Black Porgy (Gamseongdom). Including the black porgy, the fishing site is suitable for other types of fish such as a red sea bream, rock bream and more. 35 species of rare birds such as brown shrike, eagle-owl and more are living in the island, so it is regarded as an animal paradise. * Composition of island: 37 islands including Geumodo Island * Area: 42.34㎢

Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, rising just 510 meters above sea level, but the mountain has long been deemed as a spiritual guardian of the Yeosu peninsula. During the old days, people held rituals for rain or offered wishful prayers here. Geumseongdae and Dosolam Hermitage are two Buddhist places of worship on the mountain. As Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, taking any hiking course will lead you to the peak within about four hours. The mountain is a perfect place for family travelers to go hiking. Yeongchwisan Mountain is also widely known as the first place in Korea where azaleas begin to bloom in the spring, and is one of the top three most famous places in Korea for azalea blossoms. In April each year, the azalea festival is held in the mountain. The festival offers a variety of programs including a ritual for the god of the mountain, a writing contest for students, a photo contest, and Miss Azalea beauty pageant. During the festival, visitors can enjoy various events and local foods.

Located about 70㎞ southwest of Yeosu Port, Chodo Island is part of the ferry route from Yeosu to the more popular Geomundo Island. Major attractions on the island include small fishing villages, emerald green beaches, and the 500-year-old hackle berry tree. Island History In 1950, Chodo Island was defended by the brave local youth from the invasion of a small fleet of boats. The hackle berry tree is said to be occupied by the spirit that saved the life of an ailing local.

The district of Jeollanam-do is located on the western coast, bordering Jangheung-gun in the east, a narrow bay in the west, Haenam-gun and Gangjin-gun to the south, and Naju-si to the north. Its entire area spans over a 565.9 ㎢, with a population of almost 60,000 (as of January, 2015) and is divided into of 121 ri, 9 myeon,and 2 eup. Its county office is in Dongmu-ri, Yeongam-eup. * Nature Having Noryeongsanmaek Mountain range descending from the top of Cheonwangbong Peak (alt. 809 m), Wolchulsan Mountain forms the mountain ranges in the southeast. The northwest district features flatlands unfolding toward the vicinity of the Yeongsangang River and Yeongsanho Lake, and the southeast area mainly features rolling hills. Nearly 20 streams, including Yeongamcheon Stream, begin in the vicinity of Wolchunsan Mountain and other nearby mountains, passing by the plains and joining up with the Yeongsangang River. The river eventually flows into Seohae (West Sea) through an estuary at the mouth of the Yeongsangang River in Samho-myeon. * Culture The Yeongbo Cultural Event is a folk event held by each myeon (township) of Yeongam-gun every 5th of May. Also, Yeongbo Aehyanghoe, organized and held in Deokjin-myeon, has been giving awards for filial children since 1979, and also holds a gukak (traditional Korean music) festival to honor the independence movement of Hyeongjebong Peak in May 1931 by inviting of survivors and bereaved families. During the feast, various folk games take place, as well as Jehyang (an ancestral ritual). Wangin Culture Festival is also held in the area of Yeongam to view the achievements of Dr. Wangin, who spread knowledge, culture, and art of Japan using Chunhyangdaeje, Doil Parade, Dopoje juldarigi (tug-of-war), Yeoseoksan Ssangpae nongak (farming music), as well as food exhibitions from each eup and myeon units. Folk games of this area include hwaetbul nori (torch parade), yut nori (Korean board game), juldarigi (tug-of-war), and ganggangsullae (Korean circle game). In particular, ganggangsullae is mainly done by women at night on the day of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and it is said to have originated during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion). Also, there are other ancestral rites such as Dangsanje, Sanje, Mireukje, Saeamje, Saemje, Chonje, Jeonghoje, and others that are held at dawn on the 15th of January on the Lunar calendar.

The Kim Young Gap Gallery is a former elementary school turned gallery. Photographer Kim Young Gap, who had been suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, spent his life capturing the beauty of Jeju Island. He created the gallery during his last days so that he could ensure his works be shared for years to come. The gallery shows the photographer’s artistic passion, and his photos reflect the sublime beauty of Jeju Island, captured day after day in all kinds of weather. It is said that Kim Young-gap lived a life of poverty, spending the little money he had on film and developing supplies. Visitors to the gallery will surely be impressed by the commitment and lifetime sacrifice Kim Young-gap made 

Cheongpodae Beach is located in the coastal zone of Taean Coast National Park. It's gently curved shoreline, unique rock formations, pine trees, and migratory birds all combine to make one spectacular scenery. The sand is white, the waves are not too high, and the water temperature is just right — all these are reasons to make this the next family vacation destination.  Nearby beaches include Yeonpo Beach, Mongsanpo Beach, Baeksajang Beach, Sambong Beach and Bangpo Beach.

Along with Geumgansan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named ‘Jiri’ because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla, On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam; Gurye in Jeonnam; and Namwon in Jeonbuk region. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryong National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido.At 1,915.4 meter-high, Cheonwangbong Peak (천왕봉) is the second highest peak in Jirisan Mountain. From Cheonwangbong Peak begin several valleys such as Chilseon, Tongsin, Cheonwang and Jungsan. The big sheet of rock on the very top of the peak looks as if it is supporting heaven. Sunrise observed from Cheonwangbong Peak is extremely beautiful so much that the old Korean lore says it is a view reserved for people whose family conducted good deeds for three consecutive generations.

Mukho Port was opened on August 11, 1941 and has been a major port for fishing and trading (mainly, coal). Established on June 8, 1963, Mukho Lighthouse has been a guardian of ships and boats ever since. Located 67m up the slopes of Mt. Dongmun, Mukho Lighthouse (12m in x_height) is a white and circular concrete structure with two floors. It is surrounded by a cozy park where forsythias blossom in spring and visitors can overlook the sea. The park is home to the Maritime Fishing Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn about the history of fishing in the area. The lighthouse and its surrounding area are full of quiet and comfortable spots to relax and enjoy the scenery. Because of its location (on the highest point of Mukho beach), the lighthouse is absolutely crucial to the safety of ships and boats coming into the port. The lighthouse’s large light, installed in October 2003, was developed by Korean scientists and uses a rotating prism lens that can shine beams of light as far as 42km. * Opened: June 8, 1963 * Structure: white and circular concrete structure (12m in x_height) * Lighting: FlW10s * Characteristics: located on Mt. Dongmun next to Mukho Port (the largest port on the East Coast in Gangwon-do)  

Naerincheon River, the only river that flows north in Korea, crosses Hongcheon and Inje. The name "Naerin" ('cheon' means small river in Korean) is a compound word: 'Nae' is from Hongcheon-gun's "Nae"-myeon area and 'Rin’ from Inje-gun’s "rin"-myeon area. Above the river are many fantastic rocks and stones, and the water that runs along the valley is so pure that you can clearly see the sand and pebbles at the bottom. Naerincheon Gyegok Valley starts near Mt. Odaesan Valley and Hapganggyo Bridge and continues on for about 57 km. Since the range is so long, it is hard to pinpoint Naerincheon. Usually, when people say Naerincheon, they mean the downstream of Naerincheon. The upper stream of Naerincheon is again divided into Misan Valley or Moraeso Valley. Few people go there because it is hard to reach. On the upper stream of Bangtaecheon, which joins together with Naerincheon, is Jindong Valley, and to the north of Naerincheon is Mt. Jumbongsan, Mt. Bangtaesan, Bangdong Springs, and Mt. Bangtaesan Recreational Forest. Also, there are Hwangso and Seori Resorts in the mid-section of Naerincheon, and Piasi Valley downstream. Piasi is the area around Gosa-ri, Inje-eup. Piasigang River is the water stream between Hyeon-ri and Soyangho Lake. These are the most popular places. Around the water stream of Naerincheon, there are many mountains and branch streams. Wide woods and rocks are here, and are very attractive to families that visit here to play water sports, fishing and camping.