‘Honbul’ is an epic novel written about three generations of women from the Namwon Lee clan living under the rule of the Japanese in the 1930s. The word ‘Honbul’ literally means ‘a torch of the soul’ and refers to the indomitable spirits of the women that persevered through hard times. The novel was written by the late Choi Myeong-hee over the period of 17 years and remains a much celebrated novel. Sangsin Village and Nobong Village in Namwon-si were the author’s hometown and served as the background of the novel ‘Honbul’. Located inside the village is a traditional Korean house that is an example of yangban (noble class) architecture and the Honbul Literary House, where visitors have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the novel ‘Hobul’. At the entrance of Nobong Village stands a pair of jangseungs (Korean traditional totem poles), welcoming visitors inside.

Beopseongpo (법성포) is where an Indian Monk Mirananta first set foot on Korean territory in A.D 384 to spread Buddhism, having made his journey via Dongjin in China. This area then is being developed as a tourist destination as the originating place of Buddhism in Korea. Note: the word ‘Beop’ in ‘Beop-seong-po’ means Buddhism while ‘Seong’ means a saint, referring to the Indian Monk Marananta. The origins of Buddhism in Korea are clear for Goguryeo and the Silla Kingdoms, but regarding the Kingdom of Baekje it is a little more obscure. It has been claimed by word of mouth in this region that the Indian Monk Marananta came to Beopseongpo of Yeonggwang to deliver his message of Buddhism and built the Bulgapsa Temple (불갑사) which hence became the first monument of Buddhism in the Baekje Kingdom.

Opened in 2004, the Hangang River Eco Learning Center is situated on the Namhangang Riverside. The site used to be a sandpit before it was turned into a wetland. Effluent from wastewater treatment plants, which in the past was released directly into the Hangang River, now passes through several ponds with various aquatic plants and a one kilometer-long waterway so that it can be naturally purified. This has contributed to an improvement in the water quality of the Hangang River. The learning center was built to restore the Namhangang Riverside area, which was destroyed due to sand extraction, and to restore its natural ecology of willow trees, reeds, and birds. The center organizes a number of ecological excursion programs for children.

Mangyeongdae Pavilion (만경대), located on the shore of the East Coast, one-kilometer east of Donghae City Hall, was built in 1613 while old Joseon was under the rule of King Gwanghaegun. However, the pavilion was destroyed by rainstorms and later rebuilt by the Samcheok Kim family some 60 years ago. While offering a spectacular view of sea to the east, the pavilion also offers a refreshing view of expansive pine forests to the north. If you look to the west, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Mt Duta beyond the pavilion’s back lawn as well as the Jeoncheon Stream flowing into the East Sea alongside a steep cliff-wall. As only Jukseoru Pavilion of Samcheok matched its view, poets of former times are said to have frequented Mangyeongdae Pavilion.  

Located 13km away from Damyang-eup, Chuwolsan Mountain (731m) is was designated Jeollanam-do Provincial Monument No. 4 and is one of the five famous mountains of Jeollanam-do. It marks the boundary between Jeollanam-do, South Jeolla Province (Wolgye-ri, Yong-myeon, the most northern town in Damyang-gun) and Jeollabuk-do, North Jeolla Province (Bokheung-myeon, Sunchang-gun). The mountain is surrounded by forest areas, rock formations and stones, and rock walls that look like intentionally-built fortifications with a narrow path to the west which can accommodate only one person at a time. Shaped like a Buddhist monk lying down when it is seen from Damyang-eup’s side, it is popular for various naturally grown medicinal herbs as well as rare kinds of Chuwolsan orchids. Bottom of the mountain has gentle slopes and densely-packed old pine trees, making it the best destination for recreation and relaxation for families every summer. Higher part of the mountain is hard to climb despite the fact that the mountain is not high. However, it is visited by mountain climbers all around the year. Located under Sangbong Peak is a hermitage and a mineral spring that reportedly never dries up. The peak also boasts an impressive view of the surrounding area, including Damyangho Lake. Chuwolsan Mountain was a battle site during the Imjin War along with nearby Geumseongsanseong Fortress. The last battle of Donghak Peasant Revolution also took place at Chuwolsan Mountain.  

Located approximately 16 kilometers northeast of Cheongju-si City, Chojeong Mineral Spring is acknowledged as one of the three major mineral springs in the world along with Shasta Spring of the U.S. and Napolinas Spring of the U.K. Chojeong Mineral Spring was discovered around 600 years ago and became nationally known ever since as the source of naturally carbonated water that has a piquant and cool taste. It is said that King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) visited the springs in 1444 and stayed here for 60 days to treat his eye infection. The daily yield of carbonated water here is 458 tons, which is used for producing natural soda drinks. There are presently two mineral water plant facilities in the area. The healing effects of Chojeong Mineral Spring are presumed to come from the abundant radium contained in the water, which is effective in treating eye infections and skin ailments.

The Women’s History Exhibition Hall is a cultural space and exhibition area that covers the history of women Korea, and is the first of its kind in Korea. Continuously exploring and unfolding information and items related to the history of Korean women, and situating the material in a balanced historical context, the Exhibition Hall aims to give women their rightful place in Korean history. In addition, the Women’s History Exhibition Hall intends to enhance women’s sense of pride and expand gender equality through its various activities, including public education programs and special exhibitions.

Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs opened on June 1, 1998. Its Grand Hot Springs Bath is capable of accommodating almost 2,000 people at once. The Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs has several facilities such as accommodations, convenience stores, a Korean restaurant, and more. Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs uses alkali sulfur spa water that contains 12.3mg of sulfur, 0.01mg germanium, 30.6mg sodium, 3.11mg chlorine, and 3.09mg fluorine and the water is around 35℃. Prior to first use, the water does not undergo any filtering so that it maintains all its natural benefits. There are several tourism attractions near the hot springs like the Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest, Dabudong War Memorial Museum, and Waegwan War Memorial Museum.

Alpaca World: A Forest Adventure in Hongcheon, Gangwon Province Alpaca World is nestled in the lush, green forests of Hongcheon, in Gangwon Province. This unique destination offers visitors an up-close experience with animals living in natural settings, with alpacas taking center stage. The park features an “Andes Eco Ranch,” which recreates the mountainous terrain of South America’s Andes and is home to about 50 adorable alpacas. A highlight of Alpaca World is the “Relaxing Stroll with Alpacas” program, where you can walk through the verdant forest alongside these gentle creatures. There’s also the Alpaca Playground, a spacious lawn area where visitors can feed and interact with alpacas in a fun, open setting. Another must-visit spot is the Birds’ Garden, which feels like stepping into a fairy tale the moment you walk through its doors. Beyond alpacas, the park is home to a variety of other animals—deer, rabbits, goats, ostriches, camels, owls, and eagles—making it an ideal place for animal lovers of all ages. With so many engaging activities and friendly creatures, you’re sure to leave Alpaca World with plenty of wonderful memories (and photos!). Alpaca World also holds a special place for K-pop fans: it was featured on NCT LIFE in Chuncheon & Hongcheon, where the members visited to relax, competed in fun missions for cart ride tickets, and shared a hilarious moment with a spitting alpaca. Despite the unexpected surprise, they enjoyed their time capturing group photos, making Alpaca World a must-visit spot for anyone looking to follow in NCT’s footsteps—or simply seeking a unique adventure in Gangwon Province.   ​AlpacaWorld Ticket – Korea’s Popular Multi-Animal Park & Performance ◀◁◀◁

The birthplace of Yuk Young-soo is the last house on Hyangsu 100-ri gil in Okcheon-eup, Okcheon-gun of Chungcheongbuk-do. Mrs. Yuk Young-soo was born from the house and raised, until to later stage the establishment to fall in disrepair. Luckily, the building was restored in May of 2011, and it became open to the public. The house was originally built in the 1600s by Kim Jeongseung, and subsequently lived in by Song Jeongseung, and then Min Jeongseung, gaining the house the nickname of "Samjeongseong House," meaning the house of three Jeongseong's. (The Jeongseong's rank is similiar to that of prime minister's today.) Before Mrs. Yuk Young-soo was born, the house was bought in 1918 from the sons of Min Jeongseung by Yuk Jong-gwan, and then repaired in the likeness of a typical Chungcheong yangban (noble class) house from the late Joseon period. After entering through the main gate, the large site features a meeting room, outer room, inner room, backroom, servants quarters, annex, back garden, arbor, and lotus pond.