Travel/Culture List

Geumjeongsan has historically been considered as a mountain conducive to the defense of the country. For this reason, Beomeosa, a leading temple believed to defend and protect the country, was built along Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, the nation’s largest fortress, built in The Three Kingdoms period. Geumjeongsan Mountain contains Godangbong Peak, the main peak rising 801.5 meters above sea level, as well as Janggunbong Peak (727 meters) to the north, Sanggyebong Peak (638 meters) in the south, and Baegyangsan Mountain (642 meters) behind Seongjigok Valley. In between these peaks are numerous other smaller peaks like Wonhyobong, Uisangbong, Mireukbong, Daeryukbong, Paryubong, and Dongjebong. The mountain is not startlingly tall, but has a graceful shape with dense forest and clear water fountains throughout the exquisite rocky cliffs, proudly representing itself as a famous mountain in Busan. There are 14 mineral springs in Geumjeongsan Mountain. The springs are used by hikers and serve as a water source for people living nearby. With 2,300 types of trees and 600 or so types of animals, the mountain is a habitat for wild life. Nearby, there are various tourist sites, such as Dongnae Spa, Geumgang Gongwon Park, Beomeosa Temple, Gukcheongsa Temple, Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, and Sanseong Maeul Village.

Located in Jung-gu, Incheon, Gwandong Gallery is a unique cultural space that blends history, art, and architecture. The gallery is housed in a 90-year-old Japanese-style wooden residence, offering visitors a glimpse into Incheon's past while serving as a hub for contemporary artistic expression. Historic Architecture & Cultural Significance The gallery is set in a well-preserved wooden hanok-style building from the early 20th century, reflecting a time when Incheon was a key point of international trade and cultural exchange. The structure retains traditional wooden beams, sliding doors, and tiled roofs, giving visitors an authentic experience of period architecture. It stands as a historical landmark, preserving the legacy of Incheon's architectural evolution. Exhibitions & Programs Gwandong Gallery serves as a dynamic exhibition space, featuring: * Art Exhibitions – Showcasing both modern and traditional Korean and international artworks. * Historical Displays – Exhibits that delve into Incheon's urban and cultural history. * Cultural Events – Workshops, artist talks, and educational programs that engage the local and international community. The gallery continuously curates new content, making each visit a fresh and engaging experience for returning guests. Visitor Information * Location: 38, Sinpo-ro 31beon-gil, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea * Opening Hours: Typically open Friday to Sunday (Hours may vary depending on exhibitions) * Contact: +82 32-766-8660 It is recommended to check the gallery’s schedule in advance, as exhibition times and special events may affect visiting hours. Nearby Attractions A visit to Gwandong Gallery pairs well with exploring Incheon’s historic sites, such as: * Incheon Chinatown – Korea’s largest and oldest Chinatown, known for its rich culinary scene and cultural landmarks. * Open Port History District – A heritage zone with preserved architecture from Incheon’s early trade era. * Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village – A colorful neighborhood with murals and themed streets. Why Visit? Gwandong Gallery offers more than just an art space—it is a historical landmark, a cultural storytelling venue, and an immersive artistic experience. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply looking to explore Incheon’s lesser-known gems, this gallery provides a quiet retreat into the past while embracing the creative pulse of the present.

The deep blue ocean of Hwajinpo Beach invites an endless trail of visitors to the area where you can also find other attractions such as the magnificent Hwajinpoho Lagoon, historical summer villas and a refreshing pine tree forest.Hwajinpo Beach is originally known for its beautiful 1.7-km long shoreline, preserved with shallow yet clean water and fine sand. The spectacular view of sunset is another reason many visit this place.If you move inland from the beach you will find Hwajinpoho Lagoon. This is one of the most beautiful lagoons you will find in Korea, with its graceful scenery, surrounded by a forest of pine trees and a field of sweet briers. The lagoon presents a renewed sense of appreciation for nature. The name Hwajinpo, in fact, originated from the numerous sweet briers blooming in the region.If you head down south a bit from the beach, you will also find a few villas in the midst of the woods. They once belonged to historical figures such as North Korean dictator Kim Il-Seong and Korea's first president Yi Seung-Man. Some of these historical villas have been restored to attract many visitors. 

Located 30 km away from Taean, Anmyeondo Island is the sixth biggest island in Korea, where a 200-meter bridge constructed in 1970 connects the island with Taean-gun. The peninsula connected to Nammyeon was isolated during the Joseon Dynasty by cutting off access between Changgi-ri in Anmyeon-eup and Shinon-ri in Nammyeon for the convenience of tax transportation. The island's coast is lined with some 14 beaches as well as abundant pine trees, which are symbols of Anmyeon-eup. The island also owns Anmyeondo Natural Forest, along with the Mogamju Forest. (Natural Monument No. 138)

The Dokdo Island Observatory Cable Car, from which one can get a bird's eye view of Ulleung-do Island, is a must-see tourist attraction. Located inside the Dodong Yaksu Park, the cable car takes visitors up to Manghyangbong Peak. When the sky is really clear (about 50 days a year), you can see as far as Dokdo Island that is located 92 kilometers away. This is also the first place to view the rising sun in Ulleung-do Island.The cable car usually begin operations early in the morning, just in time for visitors to bask in the views of the beautiful sunrise, and operates until 7 pm. or 8 pm.Tickets can be purchased on-site without any reservation.

Donggureung Tombs are located in a large forest area, and they are the resting place of Joseon's kings and queens. There are nine royal mausoleums and seventeen graves in total. The tombs are very large compared to other tombs in Korea, and the surrounding forest adds to the scenery. The nine royal mausoleums include the tomb of Joseon Dynasty’s founder King Taejo (1335-1408), which is called Geonwolleung (건원릉).All around the mausoleums are thick forests, and between the graves there are casual walking trails. An especially famous part of the Donggureung Tomb area is the historically significant field of purple eulalia reeds. The long reeds are said to have been transplanted from King Taejo’s hometown in the Hamheung region. The burial site carries 600 years of Joseon history with it.

The beach from Jujeon to Gangdong is a big tourist destination in Ulsan. A small fishing village and gently rolling mountains rest in the back drop of this black pebble beach, one of the few in all of Korea. At night, the lights of fishing boats make quite a scene as they reflect against the water. This is a great area to dine on fresh seafood.

The Park of Geojedo, P.O.W Camp was built to hold prisoners during the Korean War. Out of a total of 170,000 prisoners of war, 20,000 were from China and 150,000 were from North Korea. The camp was closed upon the signing of the 1953 armistice which ended the war. Remains of the war, such as tanks, trucks and other relics are on exhibit here. The camp was turned into a park in 1997 to ensure that the Korean War is not a forgotten war. It takes approximately one hour to walk the park grounds.

Robo Life Museum is located on the first floor of the Korea Institute of Robot and Convenience. The museum consists of the Intelligent Robot Interest Hall, Intelligent Robot Experience Hall, KIRO Promotion Hall, Robo Café and Intelligent Robot Education Center. Visitors can experience futuristic everyday conveniences made possible by robots through exploring each of the robots' functions.

Baengnyeonsa Temple is located in the upper part of Gucheondong Valley on Deogyusan Mountain. It is said that during the Silla Kingdom, a white lotus flower bloomed here, and that's why the temple is called Baengnyeonsa. Baengnyeonsa Temple is surrounded by Deogyusan Mountain and is a very elegant and quiet temple.After walking over the Baengnyeon Bridge at the entrance of the temple, you will come to a stone stairway. At the top is the main sanctuary. The majesty and beauty of the main sanctuary is well complemented by the mountains. The Mokjosamjonbul Stone Buddha within the main building is presumed to have been built in the latter half of the Joseon Dynasty. Past Myeongbujeon is Baengnyeonsa’s Sajeokbi tombstone, and the workmanship of the calligraphy carved on them are very highly regarded.Baengnyeonsa Temple is famous for the camellia trees that surround the temple. About 1,500 trees are growing here, and in the blooming season, the entire temple become one large flower garden. The Camellia trees are designated Natural Monument, and you really would want to see them in their full glory in the spring. It is especially beautiful during the fall with the crimson leaves as well.