Travel/Culture List

Semiwon is a park located in Yongdam-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do that was founded on the principle of “natural purification.” The name “Semiwon” comes from an old proverb that says “one can cleanse his mind by looking at water and enlighten his spirit by looking at flowers.” To further emphasize the idea of literal and figurative cleansing, the park was designed with paths made out of washboards and is decorated with lotus-themed poetry and drawings.Semiwon is home to an army of water plants such as lotus flowers, water lilies, and irises, all of which are plants that are well-known for their natural purification properties. Not just a beautiful sight to behold, the plants also have an important function. The 180,000 square-meter park consists of six ponds through water is filtered and purified before flowing back into the Hangang River.Major facilities at Semiwon include the Environment Learning Center, Trial Cultivation Complex, and the World Water Lily Garden, which contains over 100 varieties of water lilies. Visitors to the park can also find water fountains, an observation deck, a traditional wind gauging device called Punggidae, and Monet’s Garden, which looks as if it came right out of the famous picture by French artist Claude Monet.

The Gimhae Arts and Sports Center is a performance hall featuring  high-class arts and staged performances. Maru Hall (1,464 seats) is a multi-purpose theater that also contains a moving orchestra shell (sound reflection board) that looks like another concert hall inside the theater. Performances of various genres are staged at the theater. Nuri Hall (540 seats) is an experimental theater for various thematic performances. This modernized square black box theater can also host performances like theater performances, recitals, and madang plays. The center also features outdoor theater Aedureum Madang, Yunseul Art Gallery, Media Center, Sports Center, and Aram Learning Center, as well as a café and restaurants.

Daedunsan Mountain is defined by the grandiose rock peaks of Macheondae, the summit, Chilseongbong and Janggunbong, as well as surrounding strange rocks and lush trees that make up Samseonbawi Rock, Yongmungul Cave and Geumgangmun Gate. The area spanning from Macheondae Peak to Nakjodae Peak along the northern ridge offers a magnificent spectacle, especially the sunrise and sunset views from Nakjodae. In addition, Okgyedong Valley with its crystal clear water flowing all year round is a great summer vacation spot. Meanwhile, since its official designation as a provincial park in 1977, Daedunsan Mountain Provincial Park has served as a scenic site equipped with recreational facilities including the newly installed cable cars and Geumgang Gureumdari (viaduct). A 5-minute cable car ride followed by a walk up the steep stairs leads to Geumgang Gureumdari, which is 81 meters high and 50 meters long across Imgeumbawi Rock and Ipseokdae Pedestal. The park is also home to historic temples including Taegosa Temple of Jinsan, Ansimsa Temple of Unju, and Sinsounsa Temple of Byeolgok.

Ocean 700 is a large water theme park located on top of Daegwallyeong Mountain in Pyeongchang of Gangwon-do Province. Its indoor facilities include several different pools and mega slides, while its outdoor facilities include cabanas, sunbeds and still more pools. Visitors may take advantage of the water park's special spa and massage services, or quench hunger and thirst with a variety of foods and beverages served.

The former Mooee Elementary School has been transformed into Mooee Arts Center exhibiting works of noted Korean artists. It is located in the town of Bongpyeong-myeon in Pyeongchang-gun County, which was the hometown of the famous Korean writer Lee Hyo-seok (1907-1942) and the background setting of his representative novel ‘When Buckwheat Blossoms Bloom.’ Mooee Arts Center opened on April 18, 2001 after 2 years of preparation by Korean artists of various genres including the Western-style painter Jeong Yeon-seo, calligrapher Lee Cheon-seop, sculptor Oh Sang-wook, and potter Kwon Soon-beom. The schoolyard has been turned into an outdoor sculpture park displaying large-scale sculptures. The arts center also offers hands-on experience programs and a chance to view the artists creating their pieces.

Gyeongju Yangdong Village (양동마을) is Korea’s largest traditional village, showcasing the traditional culture of the Joseon Dynasty and the beautiful natural surroundings. Thanks to its many cultural heritages, including treasures, national treasures, and folklore materials, the entire village has been designated as a cultural heritage site. Many people have visited this village to see its wealth of cultural heritages and scenic surroundings. Charles, Prince of Wales, visited this village in 1993.Mt. Seolchangsan and its four spines of mountains can be seen beyond the village. Approximately 160 old houses and 500-year-old thatched-roof cottages are nestled within the valley. Fifty-four of these homes, are over 200 years old and have been excellently preserved in their original state, offering a rare opportunity to view a variety of unique Korean traditional houses in person. 

Visitors who take the Naejangsan Mt. cable car will enjoy a stunning view of the entire park, then after a 300m walk from the cable car terminus they will reach Yeonjabong Peak’s observatory. The cable car starts from the Mt Naejangsan Visitor Information Center and is operated year round from 6am to 5pm. [Operating hours] Summer (Mar-Nov) 09:00-18:00 Winter (Dec-Feb) 09:00-17:00 ※ Interval: 20 min ※ Different time applies during the autumn foliage season. ※ The operating hours may change without notice, consults with the management office for more details.

Dosoram Hermitage, along with Seonunsa Temple, is thought to be built during the Beakje Era, 18 BC-AD 660. The temple is located inside of Seonunsa Temple on Dosolsan Mountain (Seonunsan Mountain) in Samin-ri, Asan-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The area of the temple features a picturesque view formed by the rocky outcroppings that were created by volcanic activity. And, two yosa where the Buddhist monks lives are attached to the temple, as well as Nahanjeon Hall, Cultural Property No. 110, and Dosolcheon Naewongung, Cultural Property No. 125, which is at the top of the stone staircase. Of note is the seated Buddha relief carving at Dongburam Hermitage Site of Seonunsa Temple (National Treasure No. 1200), with a x_height and x_width of 13 m and 3 m, respectively. It is carved into the face of a cliff called Chilsongdae, which is located to the west of Dosoram Hermitage. There is also a gilt-bronze seated Ksitigarbha bodhisattva at Dosoram Hermitage of Seonunsa Temple, Gochang (Treasure No. 280), which is enshrined in Dosolcheon Naewongung. The statue of Buddha follows the style of the late Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918-1382), featuring the most elegant and refined pieces of work from that period. Seonunsan Mountain, where Dosoram Temple is situated, has excellent scenery full of rocky crags and cliffs, even though it is not regarded as a tall mountain. Many visitors visit the mountain for its beautiful scenery.

Daegeumgul Cave (대금굴) is believed to be as old as Hwanseongul and Gwaneumgul Caves located nearby. The entrance to the cave was not exposed until 2003 when an excavation project revealed the entrance, and after a long preparatory period, the cave was opened to the public. This newly opened, well-preserved cave is filled with limestone features such as stalactites, and a considerable amount of water flows through the cave, creating waterfalls, both large and small, along with numerous ponds. You can also visit the ecological park, built in harmony with the natural environment of the cave and the surrounding area. Also, take Korea’s first cave monorail 140 meters deep into the cave, and be sure to stop by the Visitor Centre where you can learn about the significance of natural caves. Because of its fascinating features, Daegeumgul Cave is fast becoming a popular tourist attraction in the Donghae area.Sections of Daegeumgul Cave● Artificial Tunnel Section: The 140-meter stretch from the entrance of the cave is a man-made tunnel and the route for the monorail.● Waterfall/Platform Section: There is an 8-meter high, natural waterfall and the platform for the cave monorail.● Stalactite Section: This section contains various subterranean features, such as rim pools, stalactite pillars, bacon sheets, cave shields, cave pearls, deformed stalactites, and helictites. Many stalactites even come together, forming a smaller rounded cavern within the cave's main halls.● Lake Section: There is a cave lake that is 60 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 8 to 9 meters deep, and a considerable amount of clean underground water flows through it.

Icheon Ceramics Village produces traditional Korean ceramics, which are of high quality. The village became the center of traditional pottery during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) for about 500 years due to the easily obtainable materials in the areas. Icheon Ceramics Village was also the center of Joseon Baekja ceramics. Presently, about 80 pottery factories are congregated at the village, and about 300 pottery kilns are in use.Visitors can observe the pottery production process, and purchase them directly. It is worthwhile to see the crafts of these potters known as Living Cultural Treasures of Korea for creating the highest quality handicrafts. Not only are the traditional Cheongja,Baekja, and Buncheong pottery produced here, but you can also view modern design pottery. The Haegang Ceramics Art Center is the only ceramics Art Center in Korea, where you can learn about ceramics. One of the must-see events at Icheon Ceramics Village is the internationally famous “Icheon Ceramics Festival” held every year. Displayed pottery as well as, pottery classes, traditional kiln handling, pottery character show, and even parades are held.