Travel/Culture List

Since opening on October 25, 2002, the Nokcheongja Museum has been running ceramic classes for visitors and offering academic data about the Green Celadon Kiln Site in Incheon (Historic Site No. 211). The excavation work for the Green Celadon Kiln Site in Incheon was conducted on four separate occasions from December 1965 to May 1966 by joint research teams of the National Museum of Korea and Incheon Metropolitan City Museum. The celadon fired in this kiln has a dark green or brownish green glaze with an uneven surface. The Green Celadon Kiln Site was the first cultural property in this area to be designated as a Historic Site (designated on May 1970).

Andeok Valley in Gansan-ri Village is located within 2km east of Hwasun-ri. The tall trees of Evergreen Forest (designated as Natural Monument No. 377), cover the surrounding area of the valley. The road from the entrance to the waterfall offers a picturesque scenery. The view at night, when the place is lit up with lights, is nothing short of spectacular.

Located in southern part of Mt. Chiseosan, Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. The name 'Tongdosa' was named after the belief that mankind can be saved through Buddhism. After Monk Ja-Jang brought the shrines of Buddha from Dang China, Tongdosa Temple was built during Queen Sun-Deok's reign (646). Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and Pagoda's, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha.Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate, the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple.'

Known as one of Korea’s leading short story novelists, Kim Yu-jeong (1908~1937) was born in Sille Village in Sindong-myeong, Chuncheon. A restoration of his birth house, the Kim Yu-jeong House of Literature is part of an effort to turn the whole village into a literature village, commemorating the novelist. The house has an exhibition hall, a walking path, and a hiking trail.Kim Yu-jeong spent a great deal of his life in Seoul and returned to his hometown in 1931 at the age of 23. He published his first novel 'Sangol Nageune (The Wanderer)' followed by numerous rural-based novels such as 'Dongbaekkkot (The Camellias)' and 'Bom bom (Spring)'.Inside the exhibition hall, his birth home and even a treadmill are reproduced in their original form. A variety of programs reproducing his works are on display.

Uirimji (originally called “Yimji”) is a reservoir that was created during the Samhan Era hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Due to its deep-seated history it is one of the most famous reservoirs in Chungcheong-do (also known as the ‘Hoseo Region’) and was designated Monument No. 11 of Chungcheongbuk-do.The reservoir is 1.8km in circumference and 151,470m2 in water surface area and has a water level of 8-13m. It supplies water to around 289.4 jeongbos (unit) of farmland and was one of the 3 major reservoirs of the Samhan Era along with Byeokgolje of Gimje and Susanje of Miryang. With a water gate built of onggi (earthenware), Uirimji is also a valuable historical site for studying farming methods from long ago.The reservoir and is one of the main tourist attractions of the Jecheon region. In the area around the reservoir are the Yeonghojeong Pavilion (erected in 1807 in the 7th year of King Sunjo) and the Gyeonghoru Pavilion (built in 1948). The traditional beauty of the structures is accented by the neighboring ancient pine and willow trees and the 30 meter-high waterfall. Nearby attractions include the Pine Field Park, National Archery Field, and Parkland.Among the local specialties of the region are Gongeo fish (a.k.a. Bingeo) which can only be seen during the spawning season that takes place during the spring thaw. Enjoyed only for a small time window each year, the fish is largely popular among tourists visiting the area.

Gimpo International Airport, located in Gangseo-gu neighborhood in Seoul, was first established in 1939 as a military facility by the Japanese Army. After Korea regained its independence from Japan, the facility continued to be used by the American Air Force until 1957. The airport was officially designated an international airport by a presidential mandate in 1958, and it started to function as one after 1971. Since then, Gimpo International Airport has been a major gateway of Korea.With the opening of the Incheon International Airport in 2001, the main function of Gimpo Airport shifted from that of an international airport to that of a domestic airport. However, it still remains one of the representative airports of Korea, serving millions of travelers every year. Recently the airport has expanded its facilities to include Sky City, a large multi-purpose leisure and shopping complex.

Along with Geumgansan Mountain (금강산) and Hallasan Mountain (한라산), Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla. On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam Province; Gurye in Jeonnam Province; and Namwon in Jeonbuk Province. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park (계룡산국립공원) and 52 times that of all of Yeouido (여의도).The Hadong (하동) part of Jirisan National Park is full of great tourist attractions such as Ssanggyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, Bulil Falls, Hwagye Valley, Cheonghak-dong Village and Doinchon Town.

Buseoksa Temple is considered a 'masculine' temple. It differentiates itself from other temples by its huge size and the scenery is refreshing and beautiful. Buseoksa Temple was built in 676, when King Munmu (661~681) ruled the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. ~ A.D. 935), by the founder Uisang (625~702) after he received orders from the King. Later in the 7th year (1016) of the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) was in the reign of King Hyeonjong (reign 1010 to 1031) Great Buddhist Monk Wonyung (964~1053) renovated Muryangsujeon (National Treasure No.18). It was renovated several times afterwards.The legend of lady Seonmyo and Uisang is famous. The two met when Priest Uisang went to Dang (Dynasty of China) to study. When Uisang told Seonmyo he would go back to his country, Seonmyo jumped into the sea and drowned. After death, she became a dragon. Seonmyo followed Uisang to Silla to protect and be with him. When Uisang ran against a crowd that had gathered to stop him from building Buseoksa Temple, Seonmyo brought up stones in the air three times. The stone that floated stands on the left side of Muryangsujeon. Because a wide, flat stone had floated above the ground, the temple was named Buseoksa Temple.At the entrance of Buseoksa you will see 108 steps between Cheonwangmun gate and Anyangmun gate. The number of steps represents redemption from agony and evil passions through 108 cycles. You will find Buseoksa Temple's Three Story Tower when you pass the Iljumun and Cheonwangmun gates. Above the tower you will see Beomjongru. When you pass Beomjongru, you can see a pavilion called Anyang, which means 'entrance to Heaven'. Go past Anyang Pavillion and you will reach the main building of Buseoksa Temple, Muryangsujeon, which boasts beautiful curved lines of the building structure.Muryangsujeon is a wooden building made in the Goryeo Dynasty. Inside you will find National Treasure No.45, Sojo Yeorae Seated Figure. There are more National Treasures and relics inside such as the Josadang (National Treasure No.19), Josadang Wall Painting (National Treasure No.46) and the Stone Lantern (National Treasure No.17) in front of Muryangsujeon.

Kkottongnae was established on November 15, 1976 by Father John (Woong-jin) Oh, the founder of religious congregation called Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. Father Oh started Kkotdongne from 1,300 won, when he purchased 5 kans (5 rooms) residence, temporarily named it as ‘Sarang House’, inspired by an old man Choi Gui-dong looking after the homeless people. Kkottongnae now has grown into internationally known institution, committed to local and overseas missionary work, charity work, and social welfare services.

Jecheon Station is located 154.9km away from Cheongnyangni Station, the first station on the Jungang Railroad. The station is built at a key junction, passing through Taebaek and Yeongdong Lines to the east, passing such cities as Yeongwoel, Sabuk, Hwangji and going all the way to Bukpyeong. To the southwest, it connects to the Chungbuk Line, which stretches 110km in length, passing through Eumseong, Chungju, Cheongju and Jochiwon. Famous tourist attractions within 4km of the station include Uirimji and Hanbyeokru.