As neighboring Oseosan Mountain goes through seasonal changes, so do the colors Jeongamsa Temple. Oseosan Mountain brings flowing fields of silver grass every autumn. The fields stretch across the entire mountain and are the inspiration for the annual Silver Grass Festival in October. Situated halfway up the mountain, Jeongamsa Temple’s small size is common for rural villages, but its unique location draws many visitors year-round. * History There are few existing records that can point to the temple’s exact beginning. Some suggest that it was built around 527 A.D. during the 5th year of King Seongwang’s reign, but there is little evidence to support this theory. The only reference alluding to a specific time is Yeojidoseo (‘Detailed Survey of Korean Geography’ published during the late Chosun Dynasty). It states the Jeongamsa Temple location as on Oseosan Mountain, and Oseosan Mountain being surrounded by Hongsan Mountain and Baekwolsan Mountain and intersected by Hongju, Gyeolseong, and Boryeong. This indicates the temple was recognized in the mid-18th century and around the same time, Garamgo (a book about temples, published in the late 18th century) also states that Geongamsa Temple is located approximately 11km to the east of Gyeolseong-hyeon. It is still uncertain whether the temple referred to is Jeongamsa Temple on Oseosan Mountain. Nonetheless, some foundation stones measure 70-80cm on each side. These stones indicate the old Buddhist shrine of Jeongamsa Temple was laid out with five rooms at the front and three rooms on the side. Future archaeological studies will help identify the true history of Jeongamsa Temple.  

For those hoping for a view of the winter sea, or those longing for the engulfing embrace of the clear dark-blue waves crashing into huge rocks, this is the place to be. When one thinks about Shin-myung Jeong-ja Beach, most people are reminded of Sokcho, Gangneung, Donghae and Samcheok in Gangwon-do. Nevertheless, many tourists seek the east coast that spreads from Jujeon in Uljin to Gampo. The costal road, with its beautiful scenery of sea and mountains, is a popular driving route. With diverse attractions nearby, many vacationers are attracted to this beach during the winter.

Maryang Port, situated on the southwestern coast of Korea, is a well-known place to catch a view of the sunrise. The port has long been an important haven for fishing boats sailing in the west sea. The dried laver (seaweed) produced in this area is known to be among the best of its kind and was served to the kings during the Joseon Dynasty. It is now one of the main means of livelihood for the fishing village. Maryang Port is also famous for its Gizzard Shad Festival which takes place in autumn.

Haposeowon is where the tablets of Munseonggong An Hyang, a forerunner of Sung Confucianism from the late Goryeo era, are enshrined. It was first built in 1716 as Anjabyeolmyo Shrine by An Gyeong-sin, An Gyeong-in, An Gyeong-jeong, and An Gyeong-sang, who are the 15th descendants of An Hyang, and memorial services have been held there every year on March 3rd and September 9th on lunar calendar. In 1843, the shrine was renamed Haposeowon. The shrine was demolished upon the order of regent Daewongun during the reign of King Gojong. Later, An’s descendants rebuilt the shrine in Haposa Temple to perform memorial services for An Hyang. In 1931, additional buildings were constructed while descendant An Bae-ho held discussions with Confucian scholars about rebuilding the shrine. In 1949, the Confucian school was rebuilt with the consent of 218 Confucian schools nationwide. Today, the Yeongi Confucian Scholars Association organizes memorial services for An Hyang on September 12 on lunar calendar.

If you travel along Geumsan Route 29 from Gimje you’ll soon come upon the city of Mangyeong. Continue along 12.3km west of the city and you’ll be rewarded by the sight of Manghaesa Temple sitting atop a cliff on the crest of Jinbongsan Hill. True to its name, which comes from the phrase ‘mang mang dae hae’ (roughly meaning ‘a boundless sea’), the temple commands a sweeping view of the ocean below.The temple was established by the great monk Buseol Geosa during the 2nd year of King Uija of Baekje (642 AD). Years later, Dobeopsa (a Chinese monk from the Tang dynasty) renovated the temple. The temple was altered again during the reign of King Injo of the Joseon Dynasty when the great monk Jinmuk Daesa built Nakseojeon Hall.

Nojeokbong Peak is marked by a large boulder on Yudalsan Mountain overlooking Mokpo. This peak was used during the Imjin War (1592-1598) by Admiral Yi Sun-shin to win a victory without fighting. Men made of straw were placed throughout the mountain to create the appearance of a larger force, causing the invading Japanese navy to flee.

Unmunsan Recreational Forest (운문산자연휴양림) in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do is located at the foot of Mt. Unmunsan (1,188m, elevation) which is also called ‘Mt. Hogeosan.’ Because it is surrounded by taller mountains (more than 1,000 meters above sea level) such as Mt. Munboksan (1,014m) and Mt. Gajisan (1,240m), and it is a great place to spend time in summer. Yongmi Falls (20m) and Byeokgyesu Valley, in which the waters flow across the sandless rock bed, are famous locales in the forest. Located in a thick broadleaf forest, inhabited by many diverse species such as Korean mountain camellia, Unmunsan Recreational Forest offers lush greenery in summer, beautiful foliage in autumn, and cozy, splendid snowscapes along with the Yongmi Ice Wall in winter. In Unmunryeong, located 2.5km to the east, you can watch the spectacular sunrise above the Donghae Sea (East Sea, 동해).

Designated Scenic Site No. 6, Buryeongsa Valley spans 15 kilometers in length. Due to a lack of convenient transportation infrastructure leading to this site, it has not been visited much in the past. However, with the opening of national road 36, it became a popular summer vacation spot. Near the valley, there are about 30 tourist sites, including the old Buryeongsa Temple from the Silla Kingdom, Gwangdaeko Bawi Rock, Jujeori Bawi Rock, Changokbyeok, Myeonggyeongdae, Uisangdae, Santaegeuk, and Sutaegeuk.Follow the valley and you will find Sarang Bawi (or Love Rock) by the road. It is said that those passing by the rock will see their love come true. The white granite cliffs are in odd shapes as they were weathered over time. The cliffs and the valley waters combine to create splendid scenery. The view from Seonyujeong and Buryeongjeong, which are two-story octagonal pavilions, are even better. The landscape is set against Cheonchuksan Mountain.