Astro-Space Center in Yecheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do is the first public facility in Korea to be dedicated to the theme of stars and space. At the center, visitors can study the celestial bodies at the Yecheon Star Observatory, undergo astronaut training simulations at the Yecheon Space Experience Center, and learn about the history of astronomy and the heavens at the Astronomy Park. At the Yecheon Star Observatory, you can observe the sun by day or by night and view planets, nebula, star clusters, and galaxies through a high-powered telescope. At the planetarium, you can also enjoy films about the constellations projected on the observatory’s dome-shaped ceiling. At the Yecheon Space Experience Center, take the ride of your life on the G-force Simulator, bounce around in the Moon Walk Chair, experience the vertigo of zero-gravity on the Multi-Axis Trainer, or float in space using the MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit). For a calmer experience, check out the center’s 4D movies. On the second floor of the Star Observatory and Space Experience Center is an accommodation facility where you can extend your stay for the ultimate outer space experience. An overnight stay gives you the chance to take full advantage of space observations, telescope assembly and operations, astronomy lectures, and more! In addition to its range of indoor space-related experiences, the space center also provides the rare opportunity to fly in a helicopter. There are as many as four helicopters in operation for this ongoing program. The Astro-Space Center also plans to unveil a private space travel program in 2014: the second private space travel program worldwide! Coinciding with this exciting new program, the center will be introducing Lynx, a two-person Suborbital Spaceship produced by the U.S. company Xcor.

The Dalseong Korea-Japan Friendship Center opened on May 3, 2012 to highlight the philanthropy of General Kim Chung-seon (Japanese name Sayaka, 1571-1642) and promote friendship between Korea and Japan. Kim Chung-seon was a Japanese general who defected to Korea during the Japanese invasion. Shortly after arriving on Korean soil as a commander of a Japanese army, Choi together with his subjects defected to Korea, a choice that has been traditionally attributed to his respect for Korean culture. He transferred the technology of manufacturing rifles to the Korean army and contributed greatly in battles in Gyeongju and Ulsan. A great number of tourists visit the center to learn about history, including students and their parents, as well as numerous Japanese tourists who visit to commemorate the spirit of General Kim. The center features exhibition rooms, a 3-D theater, a tea ceremony room, relics, manifestations of traditional games in Korea and Japan, documents from Wakayama Prefecture in Japan, and a site for experiencing archery, all of which can be utilized free of charge.

The Mungyeong Coal Museum exhibits the history of coal and explains its important contribution to Korea's rapid industrialization. Systematic exhibition of coal and related information helps visitors understand the vital role that coal has played in shaping modern life. The museum displays coal-related relics in addition to scholarly materials.The museum offers various exhibition halls: the Central Exhibition Hall (1F-2F), Outdoor Exhibition Hall, Mine Exhibition Hall, and Miner’s Private House Exhibition Hall. Though coal, one of Korea’s few natural resources, used to be the driving force of the Korean industry and economy, it has become less visible due to the emergence of oil and natural gas. The museum helps visitors appreciate this forgotten resource as well as the lives of miners in Mungyeong, once one of the most productive coalfields in Korea. 

If you go southeast from downtown Jeongseon all the way to Dong-myeon, you will run into Hwaam Tourist Attraction (화암관광지), which is also known as Sogeumgang River (small diamond) because of its magnificent scenery. Although the road that runs through the site winding, it is perfectly paved and drivers can enjoy the beautiful view of thick forest and fascinating, often curious-looking rock formations and cliffs along the roadside. Hwaam Tourist Attraction is an ideal locale for leaf peeking in autumn. Scenic Beauty 1: Hwaam Mineral Spring At Hwaam Mineral Spring (화암약수), water rises up through a rock crater located in Dong-myeon, Jeongseon. The water is said to be good for stomachaches, eye infections, and skin diseases; and, as it contains nine essential elements such as calcium and fluorine, it tastes crisp and clean. Scenic Beauty 2: Turtle Rock (on the right upper side of the path leading to Hwaam Mineral Spring). Part of the path leading to Hwaam Mineral Spring is buttressed by a cliff, on which there is a rock that resembles the shape of a turtle. Scenic Beauty 3: Yongmaso (on the riverside 500 meters ahead of the entrance to Hwaam Mineral Spring). With its clean water and wide sheets of rock, Yongmaso Lake (용마소) is a popular attraction for vacationers. Scenic Beauty 4: Hwaam Cave Hwaam Cave (화암동굴) used to be a gold mine that was commercially operated from 1922 to 1945. The nation’s 5th largest goldmine was, however, found to have natural stalactites, and later the cave was developed as the only theme-based cave that combined gold and nature. The stalactite area is an open space of 2,800㎡ and the length of the path open to visitors is 1,803 meters. The entire area consists of 5 chapters, which in turn constitute 41 zones; it takes about an hour and a half to see all of the zones. Scenic Beauty 5: Hwapyoju Cliff Hwapyoju (화표주) is a cliff facing the entrance of Hwapyo-dong, which can be seen on your way from Hwaam-dong to Molundae (몰운대). The cliff may appear as if a giant sharpened a large sheet of rock and placed it upright, or less imaginatively, as if two pillars are standing side by side. Scenic Beauty 6: Sogeumgang River The four-kilometer stretch from Hwapyoju to Molundae, surrounded with 100 to 150-meter high rock cliffs and thick forest, is called Sogeumgang River (small Geumgang River), meaning that its beautiful scenery is reminiscent of that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. Scenic Beauty 7: Molundae Cliff (past Sogeumgang, on the right-hand side of Gubeulgil) ‘Molundae (몰운대)’ literally means ‘the cliff beyond which clouds disappear’. The tip of the steep cliff is adorned with three specimens of 500-year-old pine trees. Legend has it that gods would perch on the cliff’s top and enjoy the beautiful view. At the foot of the cliff lies a large sheet of rock that can accommodate hundreds of people. Scenic Beauty 8: Gwangdaegok Valley (past Molundae, on the left) Gwangdaegok Valley (광대곡) is said to be the mysterious place where heaven, earth and clouds meet. The surrounding hills are very rough and bumpy, which makes the area a renowned mountain in Korea. There is a belief among wild-ginseng diggers that they can find great ginseng if they pray in Gwangdaegok, so it is a popular attraction for such prospectors.  

A beautiful and mysterious valley located 12 km up the Donggang River, Eorayeon Valley is renowned for its clean waters and for the many fish that inhabit it. The valley has beautiful rock formations and a dense pine forest were designated as the No.14 National Scenic Spot in December 2004. It is one of Korea's most popular sites for rafting, followed by Naerincheon Creek and Cheolwon's Hangtan River. The trail to Eorayeon by way of Jatbong Peak is also quite popular (approx. 3 hours).

Open Port Easy Tour: Exploring Incheon’s Historic Open Port with Ease 1. A Guided Experience with Electric Cars The Open Port Easy Tour is a unique storytelling journey through Incheon’s old open port district. Climb aboard an electric vehicle driven by a knowledgeable guide who shares the rich history and culture of Incheon’s open port area. Along the way, you can stop at various historical sites, take photos, and immerse yourself in hands-on cultural experiences. 2. Scenic Route & Highlights * Route Coverage From Gaehangjang Street and Fairy Tale Village to Chinatown and Jayu Park, this electric car tour takes you through Incheon’s most iconic sights. * Safety & Comfort For safety and convenience, the guide is also the driver, ensuring you can relax and enjoy the narration while traveling between stops. * Photo Opportunities Follow the designated route and capture memorable moments at significant historical locations along the way. 3. Distinctive Design & Easy Booking * 16 Electric Vehicles Each vehicle is designed using four color themes inspired by “Incheon 10 Colors,” reflecting the unique character of the open port area. * Online Reservation System Reserve your seat in advance and track your vehicle’s location in real time. This ensures a smooth experience for both individuals and groups. 4. Schedule & Departure Points * Four Main Hubs Jung-gu Office, Incheon Station, Fairy Tale Village, and the Korean-Chinese Cultural Center serve as key departure points. * Operating Hours Tours run from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, departing every 15 to 55 minutes depending on demand and scheduling. * Closed Mondays The tour does not operate on Mondays to allow for necessary maintenance and rest. 5. Why You Shouldn’t Miss It If you’re planning a trip to Incheon, the Open Port Easy Tour is a must-do itinerary. From in-depth historical insights to convenient transportation around the area’s most fascinating spots, this eco-friendly excursion offers a comprehensive look at Incheon’s colorful past—and makes exploring the city’s heritage fun and hassle-free. Discover Incheon’s open port history in the most comfortable and eco-friendly way possible. Whether you’re intrigued by the city’s vibrant past or simply want a fun, guided adventure, the Open Port Easy Tour promises an engaging experience filled with storytelling, photography, and hands-on exploration. Hop on an electric car and let Incheon’s open port come to life before your eyes.

The name of the temple is believed to have originated from the fact that it is located in the south of Gajisan or Seokansan. Built in 824 A.D. (during the 16th year of King Heondeok’s reign), the temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1674 (during the 15th year of King Hyeongjong’s reign). Since then, it has gone through rebuilding several times. Consisting of 30 buildings, the temple is home to many Buddhist nuns. Seongnamsa Three Story Pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Property No. 5) was built in 824 A.D. by Monk Doui, reflecting his wish of protecting the country from foreign invasions. The pagoda was initially placed in front of Daeungjeon, but moved to the current location in 1973. Other notable relics in the temple include the Statue of Monk Doui (National Treasure No. 369), Three Story Sarira Pagoda, and Stone Water Tank (Cultural Property Material No. 4).  

Designated as a provincial park in November 1979, Gajisan Provincial Park (가지산도립공원) covers the Tongdosa Temple (통도사) area of Habuk-myeon, Yangsan; the Naewonsa Temple (내원사) area; and the Seoknamsa Temple area of Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan. Mt. Yeongchuksan, located in the Yangsan part of the park, is called ‘Korea’s Southeastern Alps’ for its superb scenery and naturally draws many hikers. The cool water flowing in the valley that runs down the mountain is another source that attracts hikers. Popular tourist attractions in the park include Mt. Cheonseongsan, Tongdosa Temple and Naewonsa Temple.

Located in Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gayasan Wildflower Botanical Garden is Korea’s first wildflower garden. It is a home to nearly 630 different plant species, including wildflowers and trees that are worth preserving, and the wildflower garden serves as a valuable space for botanical research. Outdoor Garden The outdoor garden offers the magnificent scenic landscape of Mt. Gayasan, organized into the following five themes. 1) Shrubbery Nearly 30 different species of shrubs and wild flowers have been planted here. You can enjoy these beautiful plants from early spring to winter. 2) Chrysanthemum Garden Nearly 15 different species of chrysanthemums and wild flowers are in bloom until late fall. 3) Rhizocarp Garden Nearly 50 different species of wild flowers including Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), German Iris (Iris nertschinskia), daylilies (Hemerocallis thunbergii) and hostas (Hosta longipes) bloom from spring to fall. 4) Gayasan Native Plant Garden Nearly 120 indigenous species of wild flowers have been planted here. 5) Wildflower Educational Garden Nearly 50 different species of short wildflowers are planted on the roof of the museum, where visitors can view and compare a variety of wildflowers. Greenhouse The greenhouse features warm-temperate trees and wildflowers. Enjoy the sweet fragrance of flowers regardless of the season. 1) Edible Plant Garden Nearly 20 different species of edible plants including tangerine trees and loquats are available. 2) Medicinal Herb Garden Nearly 25 different species of plants that provide medicinal herbs are available. 3) Fragrant Flower Garden Nearly 30 different species of sweet fragrant flowers such as laurel (daphne), Indian oleander (Nerium indicum) and the Gaya or Japanese nutmeg-yew (Torreya nucifera) are planted here. 4) Ornamental Plant Garden Nearly 30 different species of beautiful ornamental plants including coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata), pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), Japanese ardisia (Ardisia japonica), poison bulb (Crinum asiatica) and Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata) are found in this garden. 5) Aquatic Botanical Garden Nearly 20 different species of aquatic plants, consisting of shallow water plants, free-floating plants, and floating-leaved plants, including water lily, bishop’s weed (Houttuynia cordata) and water snowflake (Nymphoides indica) are found in this garden. 6) Fern Garden Ferns are spore-propagated plants that have no blooming flowers. Nearly 40 different species of fern plants including western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum) and groundpine (Lycopodium clavatum var. nipponicum) and warm-temperate native plants such as Leveille (Dendropanax morbifera) and Machilus chunbergii make up this garden.

Yeongdong Station began operations as an ordinary station on January 1, 1905 and was newly rebuilt on June 1, 1996. Since beginning, the station has played an important role for traveling to nearby tourism spots such as Muju Gucheong-dong resort, Minjujisan Mountain, Mulhan Valleys, and Yangsan eight sightseeing spots, by carrying over 1,200 tourists a year. In addition, Yongdu Park, spanning over 61,000㎡ in area within a 5-minute walking distance, is great for a rest and a walk that attracts a lot of kindergarten students who visit Yeongdong Station for a train experience.