Travel/Culture List

Changnyeongmun Gate, the eastern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, is similar in shape and size to Hwaseomun Gate to the east. The main item of interest on this gate is the nameplate attached to the left of the gate. While the names carved into the polished granite at the other three main gates have become obscure over time, the nameplate at Changnyeongmun Gate is still clearly visable.

Gunsan Airport is located in Okseo-myeon, Gunsan. The airport opened in August 1970 as a U.S. Military airfield and become a busy destination connecting Seoul and Gunsan, along with the industrial development of Korea. The flights were suspended to save oil when the oil crisis hit the nation in March 1974. The airport was reopened in 1992 in a single-story government building, serving 440,000 passengers per year. It has a parking lot that can accommodate 330 cars.  

Yongin Recreational Forest (162ha) is perched on the southern foothills of Jeonggwangsan Mountain (562 meters high) in Chobu-ri, Mohyeong-myeon, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do. The recreational forest houses a variety of facilities and nature experience zones that were carefully constructed to cause minimum disruption to Mother Nature while providing maximum comfort to visitors.Facilities include the House of the Forest (forest accommodations), camping zone, meeting rooms, children’s playground, and tracking/walking paths. The forest is the perfect place for busy urbanites to take a rest and families and officemates to get together and reconnect.

Gyeongju East Palace Garden re-creates Korea's first zoo and botanical garden in the image of a modern Donggung Palace and Woliji Pond. The garden is comprised of botanical garden, agricultural experience facility and Bird Park. In particular, the greenhouses in the botanical garden are built with the design of traditional building from the Silla period but are made entirely of glass, providing this garden with a unique atmosphere.

Sammaebong Peak is a park for residents, and a popular destination for tourists. Oedolgae Rock (외돌개) is located near the park, toward the southern sea. On the top of the peak, Namseongjeong Pavilion offers an expansive view inclusive of Beomseom Island, Munseom Island, Saeseom Island and Seopseom Island, in addition to Marado Island and Gapado Island to the west. Baengnokdam Lake seems nearly within reach to visitors looking out from the peak. Legend has it that if you stretch your hands toward the sky at night, Canopus (second-brightest star) is almost within reach. The place is regarded as one of everlasting youth, as Canopus is associated with lifespan. Visitors can exercise and enjoy at walk at the park during the day and in the evenings.

Established in November 1967, the dam at Uiamho Lake is located at the point where the Bukhangang and Soyanggang rivers meet. It was created to balance the flow of water to the Hangang River from Soyangho (the nation’s largest artificial lake) and Paroho Lake. Uiamho Lake is a great fishing area since the water level in the lake fluctuates depending on the amount of water discharged from Soyangho and Paroho lakes. Unlike other dam-created lakes, it has a flat bottom with plenty of water grass growing in and around the water, making it the perfect place for carp fishing. Carp is the main catch from the early spring to the late fall and in winter, the lake is a great spot for ice fishing (mainly minnow and smelt). The two large islands of Bungeoseom and Jungdo are located in middle of the lake. Not only a good fishing spot, the lake offers beautiful natural scenery and is easily accessible from Chuncheon City via public transportation.

Bears Town Resort lies on the outskirts of Seoul. The ski slopes of this large leisure resort have been officially approved by the International Ski Federation. Bears Town Resort is a great destination for beginners; ski lessons are available, there are broad beginner slopes, and the comprehensive rental system allows you to rent all the equipment you need. Those skiers who are more experienced, however, will be able to enjoy the FIS approved 88 Challenger Slope. Bears Town Resort has a total of ten ski slopes and eight ski lifts, which can transport up to 15,200 skiers per hour. The resort also has numerous sledding hills.Getting to Bears Town Resort from Seoul couldn’t be easier, as the resort provides a free shuttle bus (reservations required). For more information, please visit the resort’s homepage.

Geojampo Beach is surrounded by pine trees. The beach's blend of white sand and mud flats attracts many tourists and there are plans to develop the beach as an international vacation area.

The tumuli in Daeseong-dong, located to the east of the royal tomb of Kim Su-ro, reflect the formation and development of the Gaya Era. The Daeseong-dong Tumuli are located in the center of the shell mounds of Hoehyeon-ri, setting of the founding of the Gaya Kingdom (according to local legend). The tumuli relics were excavated by researchers from the Kyungsung University Museum from 1990 to 1992 and were found to be the common burial ground of the dominant class of the Gaya Kingdom. On the hilltops, which were viewed as prime burial places, are the tombs of kings and rulers; on the slopes are the tombs of the lower classes. Historical Significance of Daeseong-dong Tumuli A total of 136 tumuli were found in the Daesong-dong area. Further investigation of the tumuli revealed several important and interesting facts. First, from the end of the third century, men and horses were buried alive along with the dead. Also, weapons were bent and buried as well, with many of these artifacts being unearthed among the tumuli. Other materials found in the tumuli such as cylindrical bronze items, pinwheel-shaped bronze items, and jasper items showed that Gaya was involved in trade with Japan. The Daeseong-dong Tumuli is significant in that it gives a glimpse into the political and social structure of the Gaya Kingdom, and the cultural exchange between Korea, China, and Japan.