Travel/Culture List

The sandbanks, willow trees, and lush forest that can be found at Godeok Riverside Ecological Park are some things that people won't usually find in today's urban ecosystem. Located in the upper region of the Hangang River and next to the Godeok-dong Eco-scape Preservation Area, the park functions as a space for nature and wetland ecology exploration.Godeok Riverside Ecological Park was established as part of the Hangang River Renaissance Project, a comprehensive project that aims to transform the riverside areas into recreational spaces.

About 3 kilometers from Osaek Mineral Spring in South Seorak, the road splits, and you can take a trail to Yongso Falls and Sibi (Twelve) Falls. Jujeongol is the name of the valley that meanders up to Sibi Falls. As you hike along this delightful path you encounter Seonnyeotang Pond, Dokjuam Rock, and Yongso Falls, and the Second Osaek Mineral Spring is a refreshing treat for thirsty hikers. The path is relatively smooth and can be enjoyed by hikers of all abilities.The hiking routes in South Seorak are open from 4 am to 2 pm in winter and from 3 am to 3 pm in summer.

Seonamsa is a beautiful temple located at the west end of Mt. Jogyesan. You have to walk about 1 km from the entrance to reach the temple. If you go along the valley, two rainbow shaped bridges appear; the large one at the back is Seungseon Bridge. Seungseon Bridge is designated as National Treasure No. 400, and it is Korea’s most beautiful arched stone bridge. Because it blends in so well with the valley below, it is often used as shooting location for movies and TV shows. Just beyond Seungseon Bridge is Gangseonru Tower, a fitting pair to the bridge before it. Walk by the tower and you will come across a small oval-shape pond called Samindang. There is a small isle inside the pond, and an evergreen on the isle makes for beautiful scenery. Go further and Ilju Gate appears. Then various temple buildings come out. The big timber blocks of the temple buildings are impressive, and they blend in elegantly with the surrounding mountains. Anywhere you look, the structures harmonize with the nature surrounding them. The hiking course on the left of Seonamsa Temple takes you to Ma-aebuli, the 7m high sculpture engraved on a rock.Seonamsa Temple is beautiful throughout the year, but it is especially inviting during the spring when all the bluish and brilliant flowers start to bloom, as well as in the fall with the autumn colors.

Deogyusan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest (덕유산자연휴양림) is located south of Muju district. Within this recreation forest, there is small valley full of pine trees that extend toward the sky, creating a cool ambiance.Within recreation forest there are wildflowers, promenades, summerhouses, an observatory, a therapeutic forest walk, and various other facilities. Lodging facilities include a forest cabin, a forest lodge, row houses, and camping grounds. Reservations can be made through the homepage.

Samcheok Ocean Railbike is a four-wheeled bike on a 5.4㎞ rail that lies against a splendid backdrop of East Sea. Along the rail are Gungchon and Yonghwa Stations as rest stops, an observatory lounge, an ocean tunnel, and many more attractions. Since each bike has safety installations (double breaks, safety bars, etc.), it can be enjoyed by the whole family.

The Bangudae Petroglyphs are located in Daegok-ri, (Ulsan City) and were discovered by the Dongguk University Investigation Team in 1971. Since then, these rock engraving have been a representative cultural asset of Ulsan and have been a key reference point in research on rock carving techniques. The Bangudae Petroglyphs were designated National Treasure No. 285 in 1996. Petroglyphs (岩刻畵) are figures of animals or geometrical symbols engraved on rock. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are engraved on rocks located on the lower western banks of the man-made lake at Taehwa River. Due to the increased water levels resulting from the construction of the dams, the petroglyphs (10m wide and 3m tall) can only be seen during the dry season from October to February. Since the Daegok River blocks a closer view of the engraved figures, a model measuring 6m in x_width and 3m in x_height has been set up across from the Bangudae Petroglyphs to give visitors a better understanding of this unique ancient art. The engravings depict a total of 200 etchings including figures of land animals (deer, tigers, wild boars, etc.), hunting scenes, sea animals (whales, seals, sea turtles), and boats and fishermen. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are important reflections of the hunting rituals and religious arts of Korea’s prehistoric era and serve as an important clue into the lifestyle and customs of ancient Koreans.  

Danyanggang River Jando-gil Plank Road is a 1.12 kilometers long trekking road along Namhangang RIver. With an amazing view of the surroundings, the road is a must-walk when visiting Danyang. There are various attractions nearby including Mancheon-ha Skywalk and Suyanggae Light Tunnel offering tour, geology and history.

Eagle Valley Ski Resort Sledding Hill (Formerly Sajo Resort) is situated in the central region of Korea and is easily accessible from all areas of Korea. It is located near Suanbo Hot Springs, a hot springs resort with crystal clear water and outstanding facilities. Other attractions in the area include Wolaksan National Park, Danyang Palgyeong (Eight Scenic Sites of Danyang), and Mungyeong Ceramic Art Village.The sledding hills at the resort have one slope that is 165m in length and another that is 120m in length. High-quality snow covers the sledding hills, promising a fast, fun ride.

Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, a town famous for being Korea’s first cheese-making village, offers hands-on experience programs while living in clean, unpolluted farm country. The village is attracting the attention of foreign visitors who are interested in making and tasting local Korean cheese. Thanks to its proximity to the Hanok (traditional Korean-style house) Village of Jeonju, only 30 minutes away, many tourists choose to stay at a traditional hanok and visit the cheese village from there. The experience programs are run all year round except on Mondays. Visitors are advised to make a phone reservation at least three days prior to visiting.

Located 87.4km away from Ulleungdo Island, and formed entirely from volcanic rock, Dokdo is an isolated island off the east coast of Korea bearing a latitude of 37°14' north and a longitude of 131°52' east. Collectively, both Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo once belonged to a country named Usanguk. According to geographical records, Usanguk became part of the Silla Kingdom (57B.C. ~ 935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla. Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained significant strength during this period to overtake Usanguk.In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon Dynasty, there are passages by Kim Jaju describing Dokdo, which was referred to as Sambongdo at the time. Dokdo was initially called 'Sambongdo', 'Gajido' or 'Usando', but the name was later changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name 'Dokdo' was first used in 1906 by the Headman of Ulleung County Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do.After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Suk Jong (1674-1720), records that An Yong-bok went to Japan twice in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory. He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to Dokdo.Dokdo is comprised of two main islands: Dongdo, or East Island which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Island, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island formed due to weathering and erosion.Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the island, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.Presently there are security guards on Dokdo that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. For more information on traveling Dokdo, click here!