Travel/Culture List

Situated in Tongyeong (Gyeongsangnam-do), Mireuksan (461m) is considered one of the 100 best mountains in Korea. While not as high as other mountains, it is home to a lush forest, valleys with pure water, odd-shaped rocks, rock caves, and ancient temples. Upon climbing to the top of the mountain, visitors can see the breathtaking view of the sea enveloping Tongyeong. Near Tongyeong are a number of large and small islands including Mireukdo.Hiking used to be the only option to climb up the mountain, but a cable car (covering over 2km, the longest in Korea) now carries visitors to a stop that leads to the top of the mountain through wooden decks (400m in length). In clear weather, visitors can even see Tsushima Island (in Japan), Cheongwangbong Peak in Jirisan, and Dolsando in Yeosu. The top of the mountain boasts a dazzling array of flowers in spring and exquisite fall foliage, attracting visitors in droves year-round. At the outskirts of the mountain are two ancient temples, Yonghwasa and Miraesa. 

The temple located upon Maisan Mountain was called Sangwonsa Temple during the early Joseon Dynasty and was later known as Jeongmyeongam Hermitage. According to the Korean Language Society, the temple began to be called Eunsusa (meaning ‘Silver Water Temple’) after King Taejo (the founder of the Joseon Dynasty) visited the temple and remarked that the water flowing nearby was as clean and smooth as pure silver. The temple is home to the largest known Beopgo (Buddhist drum used for rituals), which was produced in 1982. A stone sculpture and a statue of Granny Samsin (a goddess that looks after babies’ births and keeps them healthy) also stand at the temple. However, the temple’s most treasured assets are its two Natural Monuments: Emerald Gaiety (a climbing vine, Natural Monument No. 380) and the Cheongsil Pear Tree (Natural Monument No. 386). Reverse icicles, though found all over the mountainsides, are most readily and abundantly found in the Eunsusa Temple area.

Silleuksa is located along a riverside village overlooking blue water and a spacious sand beach on the edge of the river running south, running from Mt. Bongmi to the Yeo River. It is said that Silleuksa was built by Monk Wonhyo during the reign of King Jinpyeong in the Silla Period, but it is not for sure. Silleuksa Temple’s name was said to originate from a legend that an uncontrollably swift horse was reined up by the power of god. Inside the temple is Josadang, the temple’s oldest building; Dancheungjeon-tab, a tower made of mud bricks; Daejanggakgibi; Bumjonggak; and at the heart of the temple stands Geuknakjun Hall (Hall of Paradise). Gangwolhun, located along the riverbank’s cliff, is Silleuksa Temple’s, one of the most popular sights for couples, where tourists can view the Han River in the south and its surrounding scenery.

Nongoldam-gil Street refers to the road going uphill from Mukho Port to Mukho lighthouse. 30 years ago, Nongol was the representative port of pollack and squid, but about 20,000 residents left town as fishing resources dwindled. For now, nearly 4,000 people are living in the town whose atmosphere became empty and silent.To improve the ambience of the town, Donghae Cultural Center applied for a project named ‘Mukho Deungdae Damhwa’ to the Ministry of Cultures, Sports and Tourism. In August 2010, the center started visiting older people living in Nongol Village to find out their life story and then painted their stories on the walls throughout the village’s alley. Members who majored in art made the sketches and the elderly in their 60-70s colored the sketches to create the mural street of Nongol Village. The starting point of the street has various frames hanging on the wall which depict the history and process of the village.

Gimhae Nakdonggang River rail bike runs for about 3km in distance and you may enjoy nakdonggang river's beautiful view while riding on the rail bike. Experience a unique atmosphere as you bypass the vintage railway bridge, and a wine cave can also be found in the vicinity.

Phoenix Park is a vacation resort, surrounded by nature 700m above sea level. Less than two hours away from Seoul, it is a perfect mountain area resort, containing everything from hotels, condominiums, ski resorts, and a golf course. Phoenix Park, which was designated as an official Tourist Site in 1999, is open all year round, but it is especially crowded in winter during the ski season. The runs are divided into beginner, intermediate, and advanced level so that people can ski by their corresponding level.The ski range makes maximum use of the surrounding mountains. Therefore from any one of the twelve courses, you can clearly see the 500 meter-wide ski base at the bottom of the slope. The ski range also has a mogul run, an 8-person gondola, a 500 meter ski base which is the largest in Asia, cliff-style ski slopes, and the best quality facilities, which all adds to its popularity. Even the facilities are of international level. A wide variety of slopes, the highest quality rental service, a large cafeteria that can seat 1,000 persons, meeting rooms, children’s play room, and many more are offered for your comfort and enjoyment.

Located in Songdo Beach, Busan Air Cruise was restored after 29 years to revive the reputation of the first public beach in Korea. From Songlim Park on the east to Amnam Park on the west, 39 cabin cars provide an amazing view including crystal cabin that offers a glass bottom view for extra thrill. Visitors can also enjoy the first cable car museum in the nation at Songdo Doppelmayr World, Asia's first midair swing "Sky Swing", theme park photo services and more.

Since its opening in 1963, this beach, out of the other 3 beaches in Donghaean (East Coast) continues to have a great number of visitors every summer. Dense pine tree forests, 4 km of white sands, and shallow waters of 1.5m ~ 70m are characteristic of this beach.Also, Naksansa Temple, one of the eight beautiful sights of the Gwandong area (Gwandongpalgyeong), and the Uisangdae tourist attractions surround this beach, making it even more attractive to visitors. The beautiful four seasons of Seoraksan Mountain can be witnessed in just 10 min. by car, and one can taste delicious seafood at Jeonjinhang, only a 5 min. car ride away.

The Traditional Food Town around Namhansanseong Fortress has nearly 70 restaurants offering rice, dotori-muk (acorn jelly), tojong-dak (chicken), and other traditional dishes. The place embraces almost 300 years of Korean history and the restaurants were built in traditional hanok-style around Namhansanseong Fortress, a military stronghold built during the period of the Three Kingdoms (57 BCE-668 CE).

Jinhae NFRDI Environment Eco-Park (Inland Water Eco Park) is part of the land of the Nambu Inland Water Research Center and lies on an area measuring 83,897 square meters. This environmentally-friendly park boasts a splendid natural landscape with over 65 different species of trees (sheepberry, willow, boxwood, cherry blossom trees, etc.) and an abundance of flowers (golden reed, hosta, water canna, irises, etc.). The park is open to the public and is a favorite retreat for residents of the area.