Starting from Subun-ri, Jangsu-gun of Jeollabuk-do, Geumgang River flows from the east to the west passing through Chungcheong-do and the northern region of Jeollabuk-do before it reaches the Yellow Sea at Gunsan. In the old days people had to cross the river from Gunsan to Janghang by boat but over the years an estuary has formed at the mouth of the some 400-km-long river so that today people now come and go in their cars between the two cities.Geumgang estuary became a famous tourist attraction because of its majestic beauty but it has changed quite a bit compared to how it was before. Waves of reeds stretch along the riverside, and behind it are some hills that include Dolsan Mountain at about 100m and the more substantial Mt. Oseongsan at 230m. Come November a flock of swans fly into the estuary. It is truly a sight to behold. As well as being the breeding grounds for swans, the estuary has become a sanctuary for many rare birds including oyster catchers (Haematopus ostralegus) and Saunder’s gulls (Larus saundersi). So, visitors in winter can feast their eyes on the many birds that have made the estuary their home.

Donggang Museum of Photography, Korea’s first-ever public photo museum, opened in July 2005. Housed in a building with one basement level and two ground levels, the museum has a permanent exhibition hall and two special exhibition halls. There is also an outdoor gallery and a lecture hall.Some of the museum exhibits include donations by photo artists who participated in the Donggang Photo Festival, an event held since 2002, together with donations by winners of the Donggang Photo Award. Visitors will also find photos highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of Yeongwol and about 800 photos taken by town residents. Another noteworthy addition is the exhibition of 130 classic cameras, a must for camera enthusiasts and aficionados.

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.

A small and quiet beach, Jeungsan is close to Chotdae (Candlestick) Bawi Rock in Chuam Beach, which is famous for its breathtaking sunrises. With an average depth of 1 to 2 meters, it attracts numerous vacationers in the summer. Nearby is Suro Buin Park where visitors find the Dragon Ball structure that grants peoples’ wishes. In winter, the sea and seagulls combine to create a romantic winter scene.

The historical site of Hangpaduri is where the Sambyeolcho military unit of the Goryeo Dynasty resisted the invasion of Mongolia until the last possible moment. The site houses an exhibition hall, a monument, and a unique mud fortress. Nearby is Jangsumul Spring (Jangsu means general) which flowed from the footprints of General Kim Tong-jeong. Today, water from the spring cannot be used as drinking water. Sambyeolcho was a military unit of the Goryeo Dynasty. When the Goryeo Dynasty made peace with the Mongolian forces in February 1270 (the 11th year of King Wonjong), the Sambyeolcho special defense unit opposed it and launched a resistance movement. They moved their base to Jindo in Jeollanam-do but after suffering a huge defeat, they moved to Jeju-do and built Hangpaduseong Fortress. They continued to fight against the Mongolian forces for two more years there. However, all the members were killed in April 1273 (the 14th year of King Wonjong). This independent anti-Mongolian movement was born out the deeply patriotic belief in the need to safeguard the nation from foreign invasion. In 1977, the government invested 745 million won to restore part of the fortress and build a monument in commemoration of those who died in the war. The work was completed in June 1978.

Huhuam Temple can be found next to National Highway No. 7 in Gwangjin-ri, Hyeonnam-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do after Namae Harbor. The temple building was built only 10 years ago and behind the temple, there is a wide flat rock resembling a turtle peeking out of the ocean. In addition, there is a rock which is naturally shaped similar to Buddha. The location makes it seem as if the turtle-shaped rock is bowing down to Buddha. Also, on top of the cliff on the upper right side of this Buddha statue there are two big rocks, called “Jungbawi.” These rocks are shaped like monks carrying a moktak (wooden percussion instrument used for chanting by Buddhist clergy) and bowing to the statue, adding an even more amazing atmosphere to the temple area.

Wolbongseowon Confucian Academy (built in 1578, the 11th year of King Seonjo) was established to honor Ki Daeseung's study and virtue by Kim Gyehwi and other confucian scholars through Mangcheonsa Shrine in Sanwol-ri, Bia-myeon, Gwangsan-gun. The location of the confucian academy was moved to its current site in 1646 (the 24th year of King Injo) and the name 'Wolbong' was made by King Hyojong in 1654. In 1671, Bak Sang and Bak Sun's shrines were placed from Deoksansa Shrine by suggestions of Song Siyeol. Also, Kim Jangsaeng and Kim Jip's shrines were additionally placed in 1673. Unfortunately, the confucian academy was abolished due to the abolition policy of Daewongun in 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong). Later, Bingwoldang Confucian Academy, comprised of five rooms, was built by Jeollanam-do's Confucian scholars in 1983. In addition, Gojiksa Shrine comprised of four rooms in 1972, Jangpangak Pavillion comprised of three rooms and Oesammun Gate in 1978, Sau in 1980 and Naesammun Gate in 1981 were established in order. Bingwoldang is desigated as Gwangju Monument No. 9 and woodblocks of Gobongjip (a collection of works of Gobong) are preserved in Jangpangak Pavilion.      

Clean and well-preserved, Resom Ocean Castle is an excellent membership resort located at the center of Taean Seashore National Park in the land of nature, Anmyeondo Island. This highly-modernized seashore resort offers recreational, cultural and business facilities as well as leisure sports.With excellent lodging facilities and installment of extensive communication networks, as well as a variety of recreational areas, Aqua World, the complex resort combines numerous convenience facilities.The unique water park, Aqua World has been very popular since its opening. High quality sulfur seawater is used which is pumped up from 420m below ground. Located within the resort which blends in with pine tree forests, blue sea and sandy beach, Aqua World contains the mud beauty spa center (3558 sq. ft.), sulfur sea water sauna, massage spa, Spa Therapy as well as an outdoor spa.