Yeonpyeongdo Island is a small island resided by fishing communities. Despite the tragic incident of November 2010 shelling from North Korea, this bucolic island offers many natural and cultural attractions. Island History The earliest known history of Socheongdo Island comes from Chungmin-sa Temple, which was built to commemorate the island's once abundant but now extinct fish species called Yellow corbina (Sciaenidae). This fish was related to the family of fish commonly called drums, croakers, or hardheads for the repetitive throbbing or drumming sounds they make. When the economy flourished thanks to profitable fishing, the Socheongdo port was congested with fishing boats, so much that it was said that one could cross from one island to the next by walking over boats. The species of fish is depleted, and the island remains as quiet with views of North Korea. In November 2010, Socheongdo Island was hit by the fatal shelling from North Korea that killed two civilians and two soldiers. In recent months, the island has made an attempt to recover its tourism industry and to develop security tourism by blending its newer military presence at tourist attractions.

From the seashore of Yeosu to Hongdo Island, Heuksando Island, Geomundo Island and Baekdo Island out west, Dadohaehaesang National Park covers about 1,700 small and large islands and various rocks. In the park, the blue sky and the ocean blend well with white sandy beaches, adding to the picturesque atmosphere.During the Silla period, the King of the Sea, Jang Bogo established the maritime world and during the Goryeo Dynasty, the area was a trading path with the Yuan and Song Dynasties. Also, it was the battlefield where Admiral Yi Sun-shin defeated the invading Japanese navy. Likewise, historical sites remains in many places.Among those islands, Hongdo Island and Heuksando Island are famous for tourists. In particular, one of Korea’s greatest fishery grounds is located in Heuksando Island.

The Kwanak Arboretum of Seoul National University located in Anyang-si, is a central research institution that collects, grows, preserves, exhibits, and studies plants native to Korea and other plants native to the northern hemisphere. The institution focuses on educational exchanges and cooperatives with relevant institutions both home and abroad.

Samnyeonsanseong Fortress in surrounded by the gorgeous mountains of Boeun County. The area is considered one of the most magnificent spots in Chungbuk Province, which was also the site of many battles during the Three Kingdom Period.Samnyeonsanseong Fortress was so named because it was completed three years after construction began in 470 A.D. (during the reign of King Jabi Maripgan). The fortress was at the forefront of Silla’s expansion into northwest territories. It was also the site where King Muyeol (654-661 A.D.) welcomed the Dang Dynasty ambassador during the War of the Three Kingdoms.The sprawling stone-built walls stretch over a mile in length with x_heights and x_widths of 13 and 8-10 meters respectively. The compound still has traces of the north, east and west gate locations which give explanation to ancient theories of fortress construction in Korea. 

The Songchu Resort (송추유원지) is 3km south of Songchu station and is easy to access. Consisting of 4km-long valleys, it has a swimming pool, a fishing spot and other facilities. Seasonal fruits from local farms such as strawberries, pears, peaches and grapes sate the appetites of visitors. Designated as a national park, the area is characterized by its beautiful natural scenery, undulating valleys, and a three-tiered waterfall. ※ Camping and cooking is banned in the Bukhansan National Park area.

Bandal Art Museum, which opened in 2002, displays domestic and foreign ceramic livingware. The Ceramic House is one of the most popular exhibits for visitors with its displays of ceramics set in a re-created living room, bathroom, kitchen, and so forth. Nearby tourist attractions include Silleuksa Temple, the Tomb of King Sejong and more.

Located 87.4km away from Ulleungdo Island, and formed entirely from volcanic rock, Dokdo is an isolated island off the east coast of Korea bearing a latitude of 37°14' north and a longitude of 131°52' east. Collectively, both Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo once belonged to a country named Usanguk. According to geographical records, Usanguk became part of the Silla Kingdom (57B.C. ~ 935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla. Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained significant strength during this period to overtake Usanguk.In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon Dynasty, there are passages by Kim Jaju describing Dokdo, which was referred to as Sambongdo at the time. Dokdo was initially called 'Sambongdo', 'Gajido' or 'Usando', but the name was later changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name 'Dokdo' was first used in 1906 by the Headman of Ulleung County Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do.After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Suk Jong (1674-1720), records that An Yong-bok went to Japan twice in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory. He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to Dokdo.Dokdo is comprised of two main islands: Dongdo, or East Island which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Island, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island formed due to weathering and erosion.Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the island, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.Presently there are security guards on Dokdo that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. For more information on traveling Dokdo, click here!

The Homigot Lighthouse was built using bricks in a modern architectural style. This octagonal, six-story building is 26.4 meters high. The entrance and windows feature gable decorations, which is a popular Greek Revival style. The ceiling is dome-shaped and the octagonal plane gets wider towards the bottom. The light of the lighthouse can reach as far as 35 kilometers away. Because the building was built using bricks only and no reinforcing rods, it is recognized for its use of outstanding architectural technique. The ceiling on each floor is sculpted in the shape of pear blossoms, a symbol of the Joseon royalty. This adds to the lighthouse’s considerable value as a cultural asset. Next to the lighthouse is the National Lighthouse Museum.

Near Dongmak Beach, Seonsu Port (also called Hupo Port) is the largest port on Ganghwado Island. Fishing boasts anchored here often travel to and from the Seokmodo Island area which is known for catches of Large-eyed Herring. Thus the port is known for its many sashimi restaurants offering freshly-served cuts of this fish.Usually return with Large-eyed herring are known for their tenderness and delicious taste. Herring sashimi is available year-round, but many believe it tastes best in May when the fish grow plump in size. In addition to sashimi slices, Large-eyed Herring can be enjoyed roasted, fried, mixed in dishes, or added to soups. Large-eyed Herring soup is a spicy stew that contains ground herring. This delicious menu item is difficult to find away from Seonsu Port. The fish market inside the cluster of restaurants offers fresh seafood including herring, blue crab, king prawns, bass, gray mullet, and webfoot octopus at reasonable market prices.The seaside destination is close to many nearby attractions including: Jeondeungsa Temple, Dongmak Beach, and a scenic drive along the coast Ganghwado Island. The port is also known for romantic sunsets which are best enjoyed when viewed from between the port and Dongmak Beach.