Yeonggeumjeong refers to the area covering the shore by the Sokcho Lighthouse in Sokcho-si City. The name Yeonggeumjeong comes from a notion that the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). At the end of the 50m-long bridge built over a rocky peninsula is a pavilion offering a view of the East Sea.

Rebuilt in 1638 (the 16th year of King Injo), Gwanghallu Pavilion is one of the Joseon Dynasty’s most exemplary structures. The pavilion was constructed in 1419 by Hwang Hui, a noted prime minister in the early Joseon Dynasty, during his exile to Namwon. The name of the pavilion at that time was Gwangtongnu. In 1434, while the pavilion was undergoing reconstruction, scholar and politician Jeong In-ji called it Gwanghallu after Gwanghancheongheobu, the mythical palace on the moon. It is one of the top four pavilions, the others being Yeongnamnu Pavilion (Miryang), Chokseongnu Pavilion (Jinju), and Bubyeoknu (Jinju). Designated as Treasure No. 281, the pavilion is one of four major pavilions known for excellent craftsmanship, along with Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Chokseongnu Pavilion and Bubyeongnu Pavilion. Gwanghalluwon Garden, which consists of Gwanghallu Pavilion, a pond, Bangjangjeon Pavilion, and Yeongjugak Pavilion form Historic Site No. 33.

Close to Baegun Lake is a Buddhist temple that was famous for the udumbara flower, a rarity that blooms on Buddhist statues. It is the Cheonggyesa Temple (청계사) of Cheonggyesan Mountain (청계산). Built during the Silla Kingdom, the temple offers many sights, including the Cheonggyesa Temple Monument, geungnakbojeon (Hall of Paradise), the bell tower, samseonggak (shrine for three spirits), jijangjeon (Ksitigarbha Hall), three temple dormitory buildings, including the Sugak, and gamnoji pond where there is spring water that never dries up. Among the many things to see, visitors should not miss a glimpse of the Bronze Bell of Cheonggyesa Temple and the Wood Printing Block in Cheonggyesa Temple. Created in the 27th year of the reign of King Sukjong (1701) of the Joseon Dynasty, the Bronze Bell has been designated as a national treasure, and is adorned with elaborate patterns, such as the bosanghwamun (floral pattern), four images of Buddha holding a lotus flower stem, and two dragons.

Naju Geumseonggwan Hall was a state-run guesthouse for government officials during the Joseon period. It was the venue for ceremonial praise rituals for the king, taking place on the first and 15th of each month, as well as banquets held in honor of visiting dignitaries. The building was constructed sometime between 1475 and 1479. The building was remodeled during the Japanese occupation, but was restored to its original design in 1977. It is currently registered as Jeollanam-do Important Cultural Heritage No. 2. There are a number of other cultural heritages located in the nearby vicinity.

Chuncheongo Lake is a man-made lake at the foot of Chuncheon Dam on the upper region of the Bukhan River. The area’s beautiful landscape and its easy accessibility make it a popular tourist destination and weekend getaway spot for Seoulites. The road along the top of the dam acts as a connecting expressway between Chuncheon and Hwacheon. The road continues past Uiam Lake, a fantastic fishing spot great for family visitors. Maeuntanggol (street of chili fish stew shops), formed around the Dam, is famous throughout Korea, offering the nation’s best chili fish stew, made from fresh catfish and mandarin fish. The Chuncheon Dam was built in Feb. 1965, blocking the flow of water from the Bukhan River into Paro Lake. The water level is not very consistent in Paroho Lake and fish may sometimes be scarce because of the lake’s narrow entry point. The area still attracts a large number of people because of its superb scenery and easy accessibility.

Sokcho Culture Center is a cultural facility located in Yeongrang-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do Province. The center was formerly known as Ilbok Cultural Center, and first opened its doors to the public in 1977 with a 342-seat capacity. The cultural center currently consists of a main building and an annex building. The main building houses a grand theatre with fully-equipped lighting and sound systems, and practice rooms. The annex building has a small conference room, exhibition chamber, cultural room and administrative office.

Gangneung Green City transformed a coal yard into an example green city as a representation of the natural resources available in Gangneung. The site uses only natural energy gathered through solar panals and geothermal heat pumps. The Gangneung Green City Experience Center provides a space for visitors to spend the night while they take part in various experience programs to learn more about clean energy, including the science and usability of clean energy in daily life.

The Boryeong Beach Special Tourist Zone consists of three major attractions: Daecheon Beach, Muchangpo Beach and Jukdo Island. The 3.5-kilometer-long, 100-meter-wide Daecheon Beach is known for its annual Boryeong Mud Festival, which attracts about 2 million domestic and international tourists for its mud festivities. The soft, white sand and lush pine trees also make this an idyllic beach to visit. Various accommodations can easily be found here since the area has been a popular tourist destination for quite some time. Located south of Daecheon Beach, Muchangpo Beach is where you can witness a sea-parting phenomenon in the summer. The 1.5-kilometer “Mystic Sea Road” between Muchangpo Beach and Seokdaedo Island reveals itself when the sea levels go down due to the difference in the ebb and flow of the tides. During the sea parting, visitors will be able to catch clams, crabs and shellfish. The beach also offers a breathtaking view of the sunset. Jukdo Island is located midway between Daecheon Beach and Muchangpo Beach. This unpopulated fishing island is known for its dense groves of bamboo trees. The waters in front of the island are clean and full of fish, drawing a large number of visitors for sea fishing. [Boryeong Beach Special Tourist Zone] Areas Covered: Sinheuk-dong, Doksan/Gwandang-ri and Woljeon-ri, Nampo-myeon, Boryeong-si Area size: 2,520,000㎡ Tourist attractions: Daecheon Beach, Muchangpo Beach, Jukdo Island, Gatbawi Rock, Boryeong Palgyeong (8 scenic sites of Boryeong), Oseosan Mountain, etc.