Seolbongsan Mountain (설봉산, 394 m) dominates the western portion of Icheon City. It has also been called Bugaksan Mountain and Muhaksan Mountain since the mountain resembles a crane with its wings spread open. Although the mountain is not rugged and maintains a well kept walking trail, it has many intriguing rock formations. There are as many as eight natural springs from which clear water gushes, and there are also Buddhist temples and relics scattered across the mountain. There are other attractions to see and enjoy as well, such as Seolbong Park, which was established at the opening of the World Ceramic Exhibition, as well as the municipal museum.

High 1 Country Club is located 1,100m above the sea level, making it the highest golf course in Korea. Due to the lower air pressure, golfers may enjoy longer and farther-reaching golf drives. In addition, the temperature never goes over 25 degrees Celsius even in the middle of summer, offering a cool and pleasant condition for summer golfers. Taking nature conservation into account, most of the area was formed using recycled rocks and debris from an abandoned mine, preventing acidic wastewater leaking from abandoned mines or dumps from contaminating the environment with heavy metals. At the same time, plants and wildflowers are planted around the surrounding areas to promote sustainable ecological stability. Golfers who want to stay for more than just a day can experience warm hospitality with a lovely ambiance at the High 1 Country Club which has 197 rooms in total and also offers a great view of the 18-hole golf course.

Sandong-myeon in the Gurye-gun region is widely known as the home of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) and is responsible for 67% of Korea’s Sansuyu fruit production. The Sangwi Village located at the foot of the southwest side of Manbokdae Mountain (1,433m) is considered the region’s most representative village of Sansuyu. The village has a beautiful natural landscape with the snow-covered Jirisan Mountain range to its back and a small valley to its right. Visitors to Sangwi Village can wind down at the hot spring complex near the village, which is famous for its germanium content and said to have numerous health benefits. The Sansuyu flowers of Sanwi Village typically are at full bloom between March 20th and March 31st, drawing throngs of visitors. * Please note that blossom dates are not exact and change slightly from year to year.

Nadeul-gil means a leisurely outing (nadeuri) road. Comprised of 19 courses in total, the Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail offers a variety of historical assets and cultural sites to see. Each Nadeul-gil course connects Ganghwa Fortress outposts that are located every 1.3 km on high ground along the walking paths. The trails are on the island of Ganghwa which holds many Goryeo Dynasty remains that are important to Korean history. Fortresses that stood against Mongolian invasions are still standing and many of the Goryeo Kingdom’s palaces and royal tomb sites are also found in Ganghwa region. Exploring the major cultural heritage sites dispersed throughout the town can be just as fun as exploring Ganghwa’s natural beauty. The sunset on the Seohae (West coast), expansive open mud flats, views from Marisan and Goryeosan Mountains and the peaceful farming villages are just a handful of the sights along this walking trail. The establishment of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil’s begins with the ancient scholar Go Jae-hyeong (pen name Hwanam), who left his hometown Ganghwa on a spring day in 1906 when the peach trees were in full bloom. He walked through more than 100 villages around the whole island. Back home, he composed poems about his journey and published them under the title of “Simdo Gihaeng (Simdo Travels),” Simdo being another name for Ganghwa. During his travels, he sang songs of his home Ganghwa. Thanks to his work, people can now follow in the footsteps of Hwanam and his appreciation of the beautiful scenery and great people of Ganghwa Island.

Palgongsan Mountain (1,192m in elevation), in the outlying reaches of the Taebaek Range, stands sentinel over the spot where the Nakdonggang and Geumhogang Rivers converge. In the past, Palgongsan Mountain was regarded as a sacred mountain because it resembles the shape of the Three Buddhas. This mountain has magnificent granite formations at higher elevations, and the beautiful valleys, seamlessly interwoven with rock formations and thick forests, make for a spectacular view. Palgongsan Mountain borders Gyeongsan, Yeongcheon, Gunwi-gun and Chilgok-gun in the north and surrounds Daegu metropolitan city in the south. With Birobong Peak in the middle, it extends to Dongbong Peak – Gwanbong Peak (Gatbawi Stone Buddha) in the east and Seobong Peak – Gasan Fortress in the west (20km long). It also offers many beautiful trails. At Gunwi-gun (Palgongsan Provincial Park), you can find a Grotto of the Three Buddhas and Ingaksa Temple. This park reflects the glory of Korean Buddhist culture, containing numerous statues of the Medicine Buddha.  

Yeosu City is nestled on the Yeosu Peninsula and the areas of Yeosu-si, Yeoncheon-si and Yeocheon-gun, which all have the same first character ‘려(麗) (ryeo)’ were combined as one into Yeosu-si as of April, 1998. Located at the entrance of the breakwater of Odongdo Island, the park embraces Namhae Sea (south sea). Thousands of evergreen trees and flowering plants spread out over the wide flats when approaching the peak by the steep staircase. The park has a 15m-high Yi Sun-sin statue, built in 1967 to honor his birth along with Jinnamje Festival, Jasangak, Chunghontop (memorial tower) and a fair view with a refreshing sea breeze. In addition, Ilchuljeong, Sunrise Arbor which was constructed in 1998, is beloved as a resting spot by many visitors.

Byeokbong Korea Jewelry Museum is dedicated to displaying and promotiong the jewelry work by royalty during the Joseon dynasty. Visitors can learn about the various styles and the meanings behind the designs.

Geumpung Brewery: A Taste of Tradition on Ganghwa Island 1. Overview Geumpung Brewery is a traditional Korean brewery (often referred to as a “양조장”) located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon. Renowned for its production of artisanal alcoholic beverages—particularly traditional Korean rice wines or soju—it has grown into a popular destination for travelers looking to experience Korea’s deep-rooted craft brewing culture. Surrounded by Ganghwa’s serene countryside, Geumpung Brewery combines heritage, taste, and hands-on learning, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into local traditions and flavors. 2. History & Significance * Roots in Korean Brewing Culture Ganghwa Island has long been known for its agricultural heritage, and local breweries have historically relied on nearby farms for high-quality rice and grains. Geumpung Brewery carries on this legacy by using carefully sourced ingredients and time-tested methods handed down through generations. * Revitalizing Traditional Techniques In an era of large-scale industrial production, Geumpung stands out by preserving age-old recipes and natural fermentation processes. By doing so, it offers visitors a glimpse into the classic Korean brewing style that has shaped the nation’s beverage culture for centuries. 3. What to See & Do * Brewery Tours & Tastings Many visitors come to sample makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine), soju, or other craft liquors produced on-site. Brewery tours typically explain the fermentation process, ingredient selection, and cultural significance of each beverage. On some occasions, guests may enjoy guided tastings where they can learn to discern subtle flavor variations or pair them with local dishes. * Hands-On Workshops Depending on the brewery’s schedule, Geumpung Brewery may host short classes or workshops where visitors can try their hand at basic fermentation or bottling. These sessions often include interactive discussions with brewmasters, offering insight into the artistry behind Korea’s traditional liquors. * Traditional Ambience & Architecture The brewery itself may feature rustic wooden structures or courtyard areas reminiscent of rural Korean architecture. Strolling around the premises allows visitors to soak in the calm Ganghwa Island atmosphere, as well as snap memorable photos showcasing a blend of history and modern craft. 4. Practical Information * Location Situated on Ganghwa Island, Incheon, Geumpung Brewery benefits from the region’s peaceful environment—just a short drive or bus ride away from other notable attractions such as temples, coastal walks, and historical sites. * Hours & Admission Operating hours, tour times, and workshop availability can change due to seasonal or production considerations. It’s best to check Geumpung Brewery’s official website or social media channels for the latest updates, reservation details, or special promotions. * Transportation By Car/Taxi: Travel times from central Incheon or Seoul range from one to two hours, depending on traffic. Enter “Geumpung Brewery” or “금풍양조장” in your GPS/map app for directions. By Public Transit: Take an intercity bus to Ganghwa Bus Terminal, then use local bus routes or a short taxi ride to the brewery’s vicinity. * Visitor Tips While some staff may speak basic English, bringing a translation app or knowing a few Korean phrases can enhance your experience, especially if you want to ask in-depth questions about the brewing process. For travelers on a tight schedule, pairing a short brewery tour and tasting with other Ganghwa highlights—like Ganghwa dolmens (a UNESCO World Heritage site) or scenic coastal areas—makes an ideal day trip itinerary. 5. Why Include Geumpung Brewery in Your Incheon Trip * Authentic Cultural Experience Observing how rice wine and soju are still made using traditional methods is a window into Korea’s culinary heritage and the island’s agrarian roots. * Tasting Local Flavors You’ll get to savor freshly brewed rice wines or spirits—often showcasing a more nuanced taste than mass-produced versions. * Hands-On Learning If you join a workshop, you can gain firsthand knowledge about Korea’s unique approach to fermentation—a cornerstone of its food and drink culture. * Ganghwa Island Exploration Ganghwa-do boasts numerous temples, old fortresses, and picturesque landscapes. Adding Geumpung Brewery to your travel route enhances the overall cultural depth of your journey. Conclusion Geumpung Brewery stands as a testament to Korea’s vibrant brewing heritage on Ganghwa Island. Its commitment to preserving age-old techniques, along with offering tours, tastings, and occasional workshops, makes it a standout attraction for foreign visitors. Whether you’re on a day trip from Incheon or planning an extended stay to explore the island’s historical and natural sites, Geumpung Brewery provides an authentic, palate-pleasing introduction to the rich tapestry of Korean traditional alcohol. Enjoy the relaxed pace, savor local flavors, and leave with a deeper appreciation for a centuries-old craft that continues to thrive in modern times.

Anyangcheon Stream starts to the west of Baekunsan Mountain in Uiwang-si and crosses through Gunpo-si, Anyang-si, Gwangmyeong-si in Gyeonggi-do and Gemcheon-gu, Guro-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul. After passing those areas, the stream meets the Hangang River near Seongsandaegyo Bridge. Anyangcheon Stream flows in front of Anyang City and the stream was once known as Daecheon as well as Gitan during the Joseon Dynasty period.