Situated in Jeongseon (Gangwon-do), Mindungsan Mountain (1,118.8m) is an unusual site when compared to other national peaks. As its name indicates (bare mountain), there are few trees near its summit. Locals also refer to it as Eoksaesan (silver grass) Mountain because of the waves of Eulalia covering its sides. The mountain remains this way because villagers burned the fields once a year to encourage the growth of wild herbs.The mountain’s gradual slope offers an enjoyable trekking experience for hikers of all levels. In mid-October, waist-high silver grass is indeed everywhere, making it challenging for hikers to view the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain spots near the peak offer breathtaking views of the gentle ridges and flowing hillsides.Silver grass begins blooming in September and reaches peak colors between October and November. The Silver Grass Festival is held on Mindungsan Mountain every October, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees for a wonderful outdoor hiking experience and picturesque photo opportunities. The mountain is easily accessible by train allowing visitors from near and far to enjoy the fall colors.On the outskirts of Mindungsan Mountain near Balgudeok village is Goebyeonggol Valley, which contains magnificent rock formations and limestone caves. Other nearby attractions include Hwaam Yaksu (spring water site), Auraji Naruteo famous for creating Jeongseon Arirang (a local version of the traditional folk song, Arirang), and Gariwangsan Mountain (known for wild ginseng). 

Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park was built in 1996 to commemorate the victory of national hero, Admiral Yi Sun-sin who fought against the Japanese in the invasion of Korea from 1592~1598.Admiral Yi Sun-sin torpedoed 26 out of 50 Japanese ships gaining victory in the Okpo naval battle.A memorial hall, shrine, tower and Okporu Pavilion are located at the commemorative park. The Turtle Ship, an ironclad warship shaped like a turtle, swords crafted in the Joseon tradition, and other remains are displayed at the memorial hall. Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s picture can be seen at the shrine.On top of the 30 meter high tower and Okporu Pavilion, visitors can enjoy ocean vistas as well as a view of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.Entrance to the breakwater is not permitted for safety reasons.

Geumsansa, located in Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, is home to a number of cultural assets. The temple offers a temple stay program where you can learn the traditional culture of Korean Buddhism and the way of a Buddhist practitioner while experiencing day-to-day life in the temple. Basic programs include Yebul (Buddhist service), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Barugongyang (formal monastic meal), 108 prostrations, walking in the woods and talking with a monk. On top of these basic programs, special seasonal programs are also provided.

Petroglyphs refer to the paintings in which objects and symbols are carved, pecked, and colored on rocks, huge cliffs and cave walls. Some of these rocky paintings are from as early as the late Paleolithic Era, but mostly they are seen from the New Stone Age, Neolithic Era and Bronze Age in which times these paintings were abundant. The upper part of the rock shows various animals including deer pecked into the rock, and the lower part of the rock has writing and drawings of humans, and animals made by penciling. As for the upper part, it is thought to have been made throughout the New Stone Age and Bronze Age to express their consciousness for abundance. In comparision, the painting of a cavalcade, a sailing boat, a dragon, a horse, and a deer and about 300 writings on the lower part of the rock were considered to be done by people during unified Silla, showing their belief of the area as a holy ground.  

Located about 5㎞ southeast of Daecheongdo Island, Socheongdo Island is a quiet, little island resided mainly by the tiny population of elderly people. The only two fishing villages on the island are located on the other side of the hill from the ferry port. Island History The tranquil Socheongdo Island has a rather sad history. Some days after the liberation from Japanese occupation, three mines floated onto the shores of the island, one of them exploding on landing. The islanders began dismantling the remaining two as a means of fuel. After successfully dismantling the first one, the last one exploded, killing 59 people and injuring 8. There is a monument on the pier front in the main village that memorializes the deceased from the tragic accident. Meanwhile, it is said that the majority of the current day elderly population arrived on Socheongdo Island during the Korean War (1950-53).

Bordering Cheolwon (Gangwon-do Province) and Pocheon (Gyeonggi-do Province), Myeongseongsan Mountain is renowned for its beautiful fall foliage and fields of silver grass. It is also surrounded by a lake that attracts many visitors throughout the year.

Haepungbuwongu Yun Taek-yeong Daek Jaesil is a house built by the father-in-law of King Sunjong of Joseon Dynasty. He built this house in 1906 when his daughter was proclaimed the crowned princess of Joseon and entered Changdeokgung Palace to later become Queen Sunjeong. Red pine trees salvaged from the demolition of Gyeongungung Palace were used to construct the house. It was originally located at 224 Jegi-dong Dongdaemun-gu, but was later restored and moved to its present location. The shrine of the house that was destroyed in 1960 was also restored. Additionally, a stone stair of two steps on which flowers were planted was added in front of the shrine. Atop of the house is a tiled, triangle-shaped hip-and-gable roof. Sarangche (men’s quarter) has double-layered eaves, while other eaves are single-layered. Haengrangche (servant’s quarters) has a gabled roof supported with three beams. Because the house is more of a shrine rather than residential living quarters, it has many unique features. For example, unlike other houses, it has Anche (women’s quarters) located across from Sarangbang (men’s quarters) with Daecheong (living room) positioned between them.

Paroho Lake (파로호) is a manmade lake created when Hwacheon Dam was built in the valley of the Bukhangang River (북한강). The lake is capable of holding up to one billion tons of water and the Dam of Peace is located further upstream. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt Il and Wolmyeongbong Peak as well as the thick forest and pristine valleys in the surrounding area. As Paroho Lake’s unpolluted water is home to many kinds of freshwater fish such as carp, crucian carp, catfish and mandarin fish, the lake is gaining popularity as an excellent fishing spot.

Sunchang Traditional Paste Museum is located across from the Sunchang Gochujang Village. The 2-story building (1,513㎡ in size) consists of a permanent exhibition hall exhibiting Jangnyu (Fermented Sauces) such as red pepper pastes and soybean pastes, a planned exhibition hall displaying cultural treasures of Sunchang, and an outdoor square.At the permanent exhibition hall, recipes for fermented sauces and their histories are introduced, and containers for fermented sauces are displayed. An observation room for the fermentation process and spaces for hands-on experience activities are at the corners. The outdoor square attracts people with a terrace displaying earthen wares that are used to contain the fermented sauces, as well as a millstone worked by horse or ox, and an old tomb from the Baekje dynasty.

Ulsan Munsu Football Stadium is surrounded by a thick forest. There are Marronnier and Byeokcheon Squares near the entrance to the stadium. Rock carvings Bangudae (National Treasure No. 285) and Cheonjeolligakseok (National Treasure No. 147) successfully recreate life as it was many years ago.