Gatbawi Culture Town is the prime tourist attraction in Mokpo, comprised of Gatbawi Rock, Mokpo Culture & Arts Center, Mokpo Natural History Museum, National Maritime Museum, Namnong Memorial Hall and other culture and art facilities. The park is particularly beautiful at night and is famous as poart of a driving course.

Samtan Art Mine, an art complex transformed from an abandoned mine! “Samtan” refers to Samcheok Tanjwa, which was a major coal mine in Korea, and today the name “Art Mine” derived from the term ”coal mine”. Opened in 1965, the coal mine once flourished as the mecca of the industrial age but later declined and was closed in October 2001. Today, both the dynamic and poignant history of the mine are still reflected in the art space. Samtan Art Mine exhibits over 100,000 art works collected from 150 countries from around the world. The art complex also runs artist sponsorship programs. The harmony between the art installations and the interior, which still maintains elements of the former coal mine, creates a unique atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere. With lots to see and the availability of many special programs, Samtan Art Mine is an unique experience and great photo spot for tourists.

The primary source of Geumgang River is a spring called ‘Ddeunbong’ in Subun-ri, Jangsu-gun, Jeollabuk-do, which flows to the north. At Changnam, it changes direction and enters Bangu-ri, Buri-myeon, Geumsan-gun. From here, the river flows through steep mountains. At Sutong-ri, the precipitous cliffs of a mountain named ‘Jeokbyeok’ tower proudly above, and where the river runs under these steep cliffs it is called the ‘Jeokbyeokgang River’ (적벽강).‘Jeokbyeok’ literally means ‘red walls’ in Korean. The Geumgang River under Jeokbyeok is as calm as a peaceful lake with long sandy shores. This riverbank is alive with beautiful flowers in spring, green pine trees in summer, and in fall, the green gives way to an autumnal tint, until lovely snowscapes blanket the area in winter. A fisherman in his boat in the middle of the river makes the landscape more picturesque. In summer, the Jeokbyeokgang River’s banks can become quite crowded with visitors.

Gwangju Culture & Art Center is located in the northeast of Gwangju-si and includes a range of representative cultural pieces from ancient times to the modern era. The Art Center is affiliated with several museums nearby including the Gwangju National Museum, Jungoe Park, the Municipal Folk Museum, and the Gwangju Museum of Art. The 4,145-pyeong / 13,700 square-meter center consists of a main stage for performance art, 10 practice rooms, 8 electrical rooms, an auditorium with 1,792 seats and over 600 pyeongs / 1,983 square meters of lobby space. The center, as a performance art hall complex, supports all types of art including opera, ballet, modern dance, theater, and Korean traditional opera. It is set amidst the beautiful Unamsan Mountain area and serves as a soothing getaway for urbanites.

Simni (10-ri) Cherry Blossom Road in Hwagae is famous for its beautiful views in spring. It is believed that if a young couple walks down this road holding hands, they will be together for one hundred years. For this reason, the road is sometimes referred to as the “wedding road.”

Situated in the upper Bulyeongsa Valley, Tonggosan Recreation Forest, rarely visited by people in the past, still preserves much of its ancient beauty. Weathered white granite envelops the valley while a variety of waterfalls forms what looks like uniquely shaped water pots. Next to the valley is Bulyeongsa Temple built by Monk Uisang (during the reign of King Jindeok of the Silla Period). Visitors can enjoy beautiful fall foliage in the Tonggosan Recreation Forest, and there are a variety of nearby attractions from Bulyeongsa Valley, beaches on the East Coast, and Deokgu/Baekam Hot Springs. Fall foliage tends to peak between October 10th and October 20th. Visitors need to bring their own tents, utensils, toiletries, and other necessary items. The cafeteria in Tonggosan Recreation Forest is run between mid July and August.  

Seongjubong Recreational Forest offers basic facilities for recreation and relaxation, including seven forest cabins, the Hanbang Forest Rest Facility with 11 rooms, 76 camping sites and five tent sites. It also has seminar halls, a group training center, a forest education center, pavilions, a water playground, and more.

0Discover Museum SAN: A Hidden Gem in Korea’s Mountains Nestled in the tranquil mountains of Gangwon-do, Museum SAN (Space Art Nature) is an architectural masterpiece designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Opened in May 2013, this museum harmoniously blends minimalist concrete structures with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a serene environment for visitors to connect with art and nature. Complementing Ando’s architecture are the captivating works of James Turrell, celebrated for his innovative use of light and space. Museum SAN offers more than just exhibitions—it’s a journey of discovery. The experience begins at the Welcome Center and takes visitors through the Flower Garden, Water Garden, Main Building, Meditation Hall, Stone Garden, and finally, the James Turrell Hall. The Main Building’s unique design, featuring square, triangular, and circular wings, reflects the architect’s philosophy of connecting the earth, sky, and humanity. Recognized as a "2024-2025 Gangwon Wellness Tourism Destination," Museum SAN is a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and renewal. As a wellness tourism hotspot, it provides an ideal space for rejuvenation through nature, meditation, and art, offering a restorative retreat for the modern traveler. In addition to its permanent and special exhibitions, the museum offers interactive programs, including workshops and educational experiences, ensuring an engaging visit for all ages. Operating Hours * Museum: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry: 5:00 PM) * James Turrell Hall: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM * Meditation Hall (January–February): 10:25 AM - 5:05 PM Admission Fees 1. Museum Ticket (Includes Outdoor Garden, Paper Museum, Art Museum): * Adults: KRW 19,000 * Children/Teenagers: KRW 11,000 * Preschoolers: Free 2. Meditation Ticket (Includes Outdoor Garden, Paper Museum, Art Museum, Meditation): * Adults: KRW 35,000 * Children/Teenagers: KRW 25,000 * Preschoolers: Not permitted 3. James Turrell Ticket (Includes Outdoor Garden, Paper Museum, Art Museum, James Turrell): * Adults: KRW 35,000 * Children/Teenagers: KRW 25,000 * * Preschoolers: Free (3:00 PM slot only) 4. Integrated Ticket (Includes Outdoor Garden, Paper Museum, Art Museum, James Turrell, Meditation): * Adults: KRW 40,000 * Children/Teenagers: KRW 28,000 * Preschoolers: Free admission to James Turrell (3:00 PM slot only); not permitted in the Meditation Hall (Children: Elementary to high school students; Preschoolers: Ages 6 and under) ★ Note: Prices and operating hours may vary. Please check the museum’s official website for the latest information. Why Visit Museum SAN? Museum SAN is more than a museum—it’s an immersive sanctuary for the mind and spirit. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a unique and serene getaway during your Korean travels, this destination offers an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit to Museum SAN and discover the perfect harmony of art, nature, and architecture. ​『 COPYRIGHTS © 강원특별자치도 경제진흥원 All rights reserved. https://www.kwellness.kr』