Located in the deepest part of the Seoraksan Mountains, Gayadong Valley is a smaller valley compared to others in the region, with quiet streams. The walkway to Gayadong Valley starts from the path behind the Suryeomdong shelter. Walk up for 30 minutes and you will find the water flowing from Ose Waterfall. In front of it are the 40m high cliffs called the Cheonwang Gates, which are regarded as the gates of Gayadong. Past Cheonwang Gates is the Cheonwang Waterfall, and one kilometer up from this waterfall is Waryongyeon. Above Waryongyeon is the Neoreok Rock. If you walk further up there is a crossway. The old path to Oseam is on the left and the path to Bongjeongam, these days called Tapgol, is on the right. If you want to see the whole landscape, stop by at Mangyeongdae on the way to Oseam, and if you keep going up you will soon reach Muneomi Ridge. At Muneomi Ridge the path is divided into two of which one leads to Bongyrong Ridgeline and the other to Cheonbuldong Valley. If you want to climb to Daecheong Peak of Mt. Seoraksan, walk past the Huiungak shelter in the Socheong Peak and Jungcheong Peak direction. The Gayadong Valley has convenient paths, but there are no signs, and no iron ladders prepared yet. So compared to Cheonbuldong Valley where numerous people go hiking, you will prefer the mountain landscape in the serene atmosphere.  

21th DongGang International Photo Festival 2023  The Magical Unknowns We cordially invite you to submit your creative work to the prestigious 21st DongGang International Photo Festival, taking place from July 21st to September 24th, 2023, in the picturesque Yeongwol, Korea. ▲ DongGang International Photo Festival 2022 Curiosity, the desire to explore the unknown, is an inherent human need. The unknown may encompass not only what is completely unfamiliar but also what is presently disregarded or avoided. Often, uncharted territories have had the most profound impact on human history, whether previously unknown, unimagined, or simply neglected. The unknown need not be solely enigmatic or sacred. Whatever it may be, it holds its own irreplaceable magic. Those who are receptive to the unknown have the privilege of unlocking its mysteries and experiencing its wonder. Venturing into the unknown can be an extremely liberating and world-changing experience. What stories and secrets do the countless mysteries of the world hold? How will these magnificent narratives unfold? The sheer thrill of the hidden secrets and magic within the seemingly mundane and trivial can be utterly exhilarating! Individuals and collectives are welcome to apply; individuals should submit between 8 - 12 photographs from a particular series or body of work. Selected 15 - 20 artists including ‘Artist of the year’ (individual artist or 1 team of winner) will benefit from: A-year-long exhibition that exposures at the DIPF Festival - inclusion in art magazine, any related press (long term festival representation and promotion on official website, publications, catalog that being seen by a substantial number of visual arts professionals and the media) where the works viewed by an international panel of influential experts in the field of photography * 'Artist of the year' - solo exhibition at DIPF (production - printing, framing or related presentation material will be provided) and eligible for travel and accommodation to attend the opening.   SUBMISSION GUIDELINES   1. GENERAL Objectives DongGang International Photo Festival aims to feature a quality selection of photography projects from around the world. DIPF’s open call is devoted to offering a platform and supporting photography, showcasing photography and related media from emerging and established artists. Venue_ The selected photographs will be presented to DongGang International Photo Festival in DongGang in main exhibition space, outdoor space and screening at the opening ceremony. Dates_ The Main Program of 21th DongGang International Photo Festival will be held from Jul. 21st to Sep. 24th, 2023 Eligibility_Submission to DongGang International Photo Festival 2023 is open to artist from around the world. Entry Deadline_Submissions must be made before May 29th, 2023, 23.59 hrs. There is no entry fee for submissions.   2.HOW TO SUBMIT    : Submissions must Include below    Photography works : 8 - 12 images, 4000 pixel (on the longside), jpeg file or tiff file    Name (full name)    Mobile/Phone Number    Email Address    Postal Address    A concise one-page CV or a short biography    Artist’s Statement (a short write up about the body of work)   : How to Enter    Email : opencall@dgphotofestival.com or www.wetransfer.com    Any incomplete submissions will be rejected.   * Receipt Confirmation_Upon receipt, an email confirmation will be sent to the email specified in the submission.   3. SELECTED WORKS Selection_All submissions will be reviewed and evaluated by the curatorial team of the Festival. Status Notification_All selected artists will be notified by email of their submission status by 2nd, June 2023 Exhibition_21th DongGang International Photo Festival will collect the digital files from selected artists and the production will be provided for the exhibitions. Publicity_The selected projects will be presented on the Festival’s website and be part of the Festival’s promotional campaign in print and online media, increase awareness of the selected works in the photography community. * Schedule is subject to change with prior notice.   ▲ Donggang River Photography Museum

According to the historical archives, Jeongsusa Temple was once a very large temple. Unfortunately, most of the temple buildings have been destroyed and only the main hall, Daeungjeon, and a few smaller structures such as the living quarters remain on site today. The temple was originally called Ssanggyesa because the waters of two valleys meet in front of this temple. It was renamed Jeongsusa during the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1905). The temple was reportedly established by the state monk Doseon-guksa in the first year of the reign of Silla Kingdom’s King Aejang (800). However, the temple’s founding year preceded the monk’s year of birth so there seems to have been a mistake in the year of foundation. Daeungjeon, the main hall, has three rooms in the front and two on the sides with a gambrel roof. Designated as Jeollanam-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 101, the structure features a modest and simple architecture that is estimated to date back to the latter half of the Joseon Dynasty.

Hansan Mosi (Ramie Fabric) Museum, where you can experience Hansan ramie fabric and Hansan Sogokju The Hansan Mosi (Ramie Fabric) Museum opened in August 1993 to preserve and promote the tradition and techniques of weaving ramie fabric. The 85,000 m2 area consists of Mosigak (a shrine), workshops, an education center, the Hansan Sogokju brewery, the Folklore Exhibition Hall, etc. In the exhibition hall inside the education center are books about the history of ramie fabric, looms, tools for weaving ramie fabric, ramie fabric items, etc. The workshops demonstrate the process of making ramie cloth including making raw ramie thread called 'taemosi,' splitting thick raw ramie thread, connecting and aligning split ramie thread, starching it, and weaving it on a traditional loom. About 250 local cultural artifacts displayed in the exhibition hall show what the life of Koreans was like in the past. Every year, the exhibition hall displays new Hansan ramie clothes designed in modern styles. There is a shop that sells various ramie fabric products including ramie cloth. You can enjoy the Hansan Ramie Fabric Festival in May or June every year.  

The area of Naju has long been at the forefront of the natural dyeing and silk production industry. The natural setting of fresh water from Yeongsangang River along with the salt water from the sea are perfect for growing the plants necessary for a deep indigo color. As such, it is the only area to be recognized for its natural dyeing (Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 115) by the Cultural Heritage Administration. The best place to experience this local heritage is at the Natural Dyeing Culture Center. The center offers experience programs and educational programs, as well as exhibitions and sales of naturally dyed products.

Seodaemun Independence Park was built on the former Seoul Guchiso (Detention Camp). It was used to imprison thousands of Korean independence activists until the liberation from the Japanese occupation on August 15, 1945, as well as the political prisoners during the political turmoil in 1960. When the prison was moved to Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do in November 1987, the area was turned into a memorial park to honor sacrifices of the martyrs. The park preserves seven prison buildings, execution ground, underground women’s prison, and the March 1st Movement Monument that has been moved from Tapgol Park in Jongno. One of the main sights the Seodaemun Independence Park is Dongnimmun Gate (Independence Gate), which has been designated Historic Site No. 32. The Dongnipgwan (Independence Hall), originally called Mohwagwan that was used to greet Chinese envoys during the Joseon Dynasty, was reconstructed in 1996. Today, the hall enshrines 2,327 tablets inscribed with names of Koreans who died for the cause of national independence. Standing right next to Dongnimmun Gate are the remnants of Yeongeunmun Gate, which has been designated Historic Site No. 33. Other sights inside the park include the Patriotic Martyr Monument, Declaration of Independence Monument, and Statue of Dr. Seo Jae-pil, who was an independence activist and publisher of Korea’s first independent newspaper. The highlight of Seodaemun Independence Park is the Seodaemun Prison History Hall, a former museum that has been renovated into a museum. * Total Area: 109.193.8㎡

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.

Seogwang Tea Garden, located in Seogwipo-si, Jeju, is known as the most well managed and largest tea plantation in Korea. Here, the tea leaves receive just the right amount of sun for it to be made into the highest quality product. Occupying an area 528,928m², the green field is spread out across the slopes of Seogwangseo-ri, attracting many visitors to the site. The fields didn't use to be this green though; the ground was rocky and the soil composition wasn't fertile enough for plants to survive. Seogwang Tea Garden's transformation from a barren land to a lush green plantation became a good example of successful agriculture in the mountain areas. The garden was also where Kim Jeong-hui (pen name Chusa), one of the most celebrated practitioners of calligraphy in the Joseon Dynasty, spent his life of exile growing tea plants.