Travel/Culture List

Uisangdae (의상대) is located on a seaside hill, on the way to Hongnyeonam Hermitage’s Gwaneumgul Cave from Naksansa Temple. It is a small temple, believed to have been built by Great Monk Uisang (625-702) during King Munmu’s reign (661-681) during Silla Period, on the spot where Uisang used to meditate while building Naksansa Temple. The current pavilion was built in 1925.Hongnyeonam Hermitage is a place you shouldn’t miss when you visit the octagonal Uisangdae. Believed to be built 5 years after Naksansa Temple, it is also where Great Monk Uisang used to meditate. It was named Hongnyeonam ('Hong' meaning 'red' and 'Ryeon' meaning 'lotus flower') because there is a legend that a red lotus flower bloomed in the sea during Great Monk Uisang’s seven days of prayer. It is built against the cliff beside a rocky cave, making it part of a great scenery, and the sunrise from Uisangdae is absolutely spectacular.Songgang Jeongcheol, who was a poet from the mid Joseon Period (1392-1910) expressed his feeling on the spectacle of sunrise from Uisangdae like this: “After the pear-tree flowers have fallen and when the cuckoo cries sadly, beyond the hill east of Naksan Mountain at Uisangdae, I get up in the middle of night to see the sun rise. The auspicious clouds look like they are blooming, and the sun look as if it is being held up by six dragons. As the sun rises majestically from the sea to the sky, the whole world shakes and the sun rises swiftly, shining more brightly than a thousand candles.” That is how much wonder the view of sunrise from Uisangdae has created from long ago.

This was the location of the palace fortress during the Shilla Dynasty (57 BC ~ AD 935). The fortress takes after its name, which, literally translated, means 'a crescent moon shape on top of a hill'. The famous history books of Samgukyusa mention that Shilla’s 4th King Seoktalhae (AD 57~80) thought this area was an ideal spot for the fortress and bought the land from a nobleman. The 2nd King Namhae (AD 4~24) impressed by Seoktalhae’s actions, took him in as his son-in-law, later, becoming the 4th king. The area was then under Shilla’s rule for 900 years, the last king being the 56th, Gyeongsoon (AD 927~935).Although the magnificent grandeur of the palace is now just an empty lot, it has been told that this area was filled with imperial buildings during the Shilla Dynasty. Currently, the region of Wolseong has a freezer made out of rocks called Seokbinggo, an archery range, horse-riding field, and a traditional playground, which resembles the grounds of the Joseon Period (the dynasty that ruled the Korean peninsula from 1392-1910). 

The Traditional Arts & Crafts Studio was created to give both locals and international visitors a chance to experience the traditional arts of Korea firsthand. For international visitors, programs serve as a brief introduction to some of the finer points of Korean art. For many Koreans, the studio’s programs are ways to relive childhood memories or experience traditional culture as a family.

The city of Chuncheon is surrounded by Uiamho, Chuncheonho, and Soyangho lakes and is widely known as Hobanui Dosi (Lake City). Much like the Hangang Riverside Park is a representative landmark of Seoul, the Gongjicheon Resort is a beloved treasure of Chuncheon.Within Gongjicheon Resort at the end of Gongjicheon Bridge you’ll find “The Street of Gold Scales,” a themed avenue based on the novel “Hwanggeumbineul” (The Gold Scales) by Korean author Lee OiSoo. Lee, a native of Chuncheon, drew much inspiration from Gongjicheon Stream and Uiamho, using the two locations as the setting of his bestselling novel “Hwanggeumbineul.” In recognition of the author’s literary works, the themed street is decorated with paintings, poems, and stories about the author.Not just a place of interest for scholars, the area is also a favorite among nature lovers. The ring-road walkway by the lake is a favorite spot for weekend excursions and the nearby Sculpture Park, fountain, ferry boat, lakeside park, and outdoor performance stage offer plenty to see and do. In the surrounding area you’ll also find the Dohajugyo Bridge of King Jeongjo the Great, the War Memorial, Children's Hall, and a monument commemorating the participation of Ethiopia in the Korean War.

Busan Port Passenger Terminal provide a resting and waterfront area for passengers connecting Busan and Jeju island. Circular buses are on operation from Busan Station to Busan Port Passenger Terminal. The terminal is convenient for transportationis, being close to Jungang and Nampo Station of Busan Subway.  

From Jebudo Island (제부도) you can witness the parting of sea. This seemingly biblical phenomena can be experienced in Hoedong-ri, Gogun-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do; Sado-ri in Hwajeong-myeon, Yeocheon-gun, Jeollanam-do; at Muchangpo Beach in Gwandang-ri, Ungcheon-myeon, Boryeong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do; Hado in Unsan-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do and between Jebudo Island and Songgyo-ri, Seosin-myeon, Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi-do.The 2.3-kilometer stretch of water between Jebudo Island and Songgyo-ri, Seosin-myeon, parts twice a day during the low tide, and is where the sea parts most frequently in Korea. The exposed foreshore, which remains accessible for six hours until it is submerged by the tide, appears at a different time each day. Just roughly 20 years ago, the people of Jebudo Island would wade across the route, often getting soaked up to their waist, to reach the mainland. However, after cement pavement was installed in the late 1980’s, the route became quickly and easily accessible by car. Though Jebu Island is small there are some notable sights to see, like the Maebawi (falcon rock) that serves as roost for local falcons, and a 2.5 km beach that is dotted with clamshells.

 

The Bay 101 is a yacht club located at Haeundae beach, boasting itself as the no.1 Marine Sport facility in the largest marine city of Busan. With state-of-the-art facilities and equipment along with marine sports professionals, Public Marina offers a cozy and snug place for private dining and other cultural activities. Marine sports can be enjoyed by all ages at The Bay 101, as marine-related sports and services, such as the 360 spinning Jet Boat or Semi-submarine Boat, Speed Boat, Jetski, Peanut boat and Banana boat are available in one place.

Asan-si Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone includes Dogo, Asan and Onyang Hot Springs. When Onyangoncheon Station on Seoul subway line No.1 opened in December, 2008, the number of tourists who traveled here increased. It is said that Onyang Hot Springs is 1300 years old, which means that it dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period. During the period of the Joseon Dynasty, it was the rulers’ favorite spot for treatment and recuperation. Onyang Hot Springs has alkaline water and boasts high water quality and a large volume. The water temperature is 37~54℃. There are 200 accommodation facilities and amenities, including hotels, Oncheonjang hot springs and restaurants, which make Onyang Hot Springs the best place for recreation and rest. Designated as a therapeutic hot springs, Dogo Hot Springs is equipped with spa treatment facilities. The water park within the hot springs is popular with families. Near the hot springs is a station that used to be Dogooncheon Station, but today, visitors can experience rail bike riding there. Another spot to visit is Asan Botanical Garden, which shows off beautiful flowers even in the depths of winter. Asan Hot Springs has a variety of water park attractions in its theme hot springs. As the hot springs has soft water and contains plenty of minerals, such as silicic acid, sodium and calcium, it is said that drinking the water boosts metabolism and strengthens the digestive system. Apart from the modern style condominiums and inns, the hot springs has a golf course, water park and outdoor swimming pool filled with hot spring water and offers a great opportunity to experience various leisure activities. * Current State of Asan Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Sinsu-ri, Eumbong-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Onyang, Dogo and Asan Hot Springs, Sinjeongho Tourist Site) 2) Area: 3,710,000㎡ * Tourist Attractions Paradise Spa Dogo, Asan Spavis, Oeam Folk Village, Oncheonjang hot springs, Botanical Garden, Traditional Market, etc.

This is an observatory located along sanbok-ro road in Choryang-dong, Dong-gu, Busan. A mail box was installed to celebrate the arts and literature of famous poet Yu Chi-hwan. The observatory is divided into two levels. The first level consists of a terraced outdoor performance stage, while the second level is the arts exhibition area, covered in a full glass design.