Travel/Culture List

Gujora Beach is a soft stretch of sand (30m wide, 1.1km long) that runs alongside the emerald-blue ocean. It was initially used by U.S. soldiers when a prisoner-of-war camp was established in Geoje in the aftermath of the Korean War. Since the 1970s, after the beach was opened to the public, it became better known for its natural beauty than its military history. The relatively shallow and warm water and nearby attractions (Mangsan, Sujeong Peak, Anseom, and Yundolseom) has made this beach one of the best weekend retreats in the region.Situated farther inland, partially encircled by the coastline, the water at Gujora Beach is calm and serene. Not only a great swimming spot, there are also a number of places nearby selling fresh sashimi as well as famous local produce such as anchovies and seaweed. Visitors can tour the nearby attractions (such as Gujora Fortress, Haegeumgang, Naedo, and Oedo) by taking a cruise. 

Heungryunsa Temple is a Buddhist center of the Jogyejong Order. Located in Jukdobong Park (downtown Suncheon), Heungryunsa Temple is a shrine of the god Sakyamuni (the main statue of Buddha). The site was previously used as an archery range. * History Heungryunsa Temple is a branch of Hwaeonsa Temple, which is the 19th local temple of the Jogyejong Order. It is said that Heungryunsa Temple was constructed during the reign of King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty and that the site was used as a place where naval forces practiced archery during the Japanese invasion in 1592. At the same time, the temple was the first military base of monk-turned-military officers from Hwaeomsa, Songgwangsa, and Seonamsa Temples. The current building was re-constructed in 1986 by Monk Jongwon, who is still the chief abbot of the temple.  

Daehanuiwon (Daehan Medical Center) is an antique two-story brick building within the grounds of Seoul National University Hospital. It was established under the direct administration of the Uijeongbu (State Council), combining the Gwangjewon (under the Home Ministry), Gyeongseong Medical School and the Korean Red Cross Hospital (under the Royal Household). Built in the Madubong Hill area, this location where Hamchunwon, the outer garden of Changgyeonggung Palace, once stood in 1484 (15th year of King Seongjong), was also once the site of Gyeongmogung Palace, where King Jeongjo enshrined the mortuary tablet of his birth father Crown Prince Sado Seja in 1776 (the year King Jeongjo ascended to the throne). These places that held importance for the royal family were destroyed as the Japanese built Gyeongseong Empire University in its place. In 1907, with the announcement of the plan to establish Daehan Medical Center, construction began on the main building, seven wards and affiliated buildings. Construction was completed in November 1908. The Daehan Medical Center opened in Gwangjewon, but upon Japanese colonization in 1910, its name was changed to the Japanese Viceroyalty Hospital. In 1926, it was included as a part of Gyeongseongjeguk University to become a university hospital. Since the liberation of Korea in 1945, it has been a hospital affiliated with Seoul National University.

Rafting refers to riding swift currents using thick rubber boats (I.B.S). Places where you can enjoy rafting in Korea are Hantangang River in Cheorwon, Naerincheon Stream in Inje, and Donggang river in Yeongwol. The most ideal spot is without a doubt the Hantangang River in Cheorwon. The river, situated about an hour and a half away from Seoul, is deep and clear, and filled with naturally formed Giamgoeseok rocks. Touring the picturesque area will surely leave lasting memories.

The area of Haenam Uhang-ri is designated as Natural Monument No. 394 since the area remains not only a fossil district with footprints of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and birds, but also has a rich geologic history. So, Haenam-gun created the Haenam Uhangri Dinosaur Museum in order to showcase the natural heritage and experience the dinosaur exhibition such as a 4D video room and special exhibition. The museum is the very first dinosaur museum in the southwest region of Korea and features plenty of dinosaur remains and other related exhibits.

The town of Cheongpyeong was named after the area's clear waters.  Located not too far from the station are Cheongpyeong Dam and Homyeong Lake, and the winding course of Cheongpyeongcheon Stream is quite a sight to behold. Cheongpyeong Station is also a gateway for tourists visiting Homyeongsan Mountain, Homyeong Lake, Anjeon Recreation Area, The Garden of Morning Calm, and Petite France. The station opened on July 25, 1939 upon the opening of the Gyeongchun Line. It was originally located at 338 Chongpyeong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, and was later moved to its current location on September 1, 2009. The Gyeongchun Line finished upgrading its double-tracked line in 2010; the new alignment opened and the old one closed on December 21, 2010.

Sinseondae Observatory, located between Dojangpo Maeul and Haegeumgang, offers picturesque views of the fantastically shaped rocks against the deep-blue ocean hues. "Sinseon" in Korean mean supernatural beings; the beauty of this spot is said to attract such beings to come frolic. The blue and yellow colors layered in the rocks tell a unique history of the terrain. A stairway from the road leads directly to the lookout point.Just past a gas station along the coastal highway, Sinseondae Observatory reveals itself. Walking out onto the rocks of Sinseondae, views of the surrounding islands and incredible landscape open up to viewers. Many commercials and TV shows have been filmed here taking advantage of this amazing setting. April and May are the perfect times to see the bright-yellow rapeseed flowers across the island.

Cheonmasan Mountain (천마산, 812m), located in the center of Namyangju City, is shaped like Dalma, a famous Buddhist monk, sitting with his shoulders back, and giving a grand and calm impression. The name Cheonma was given by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty. It means a mountain that is high enough to touch the sky. The mountain is renowned for its beauty year-round, being snow-capped in winter; erupting in fresh verdure during spring; taking on a deep, lush green hue in summer and a myriad of colors in the fall. The mountain’s proximity to Seoul and its pristine spring waters that rush over the cliffs on the southwest face, make the mountain a popular destination. Mt. Cheonma is perfect for a day hike with its lush forests and natural springs where fresh healthy waters well up from the ground.

  A special Incheon trip to enjoy on National Day

Jikjisa Temple (직지사), located at the foot of Mt. Hwangaksan in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, was constructed in 418 (the 2nd year of King Nulji’s reign, Silla Kingdom). This temple is in perfect harmony with the nearby valley and pine forest. The foliage in fall is particularly breathtaking. It features Birojeon Hall (also known as ‘Cheonbuljeon Hall’), in which approximately 1,000 Buddha statues are enshrined, along with a thousand year old arrowroot. Iljumun Gate, Daeungjeon Hall (one of the most famous architectural structures of the Joseon Dynasty) and a 1.63m-tall Seated Stone Buddhist Statue (Treasures No. 319) from the Unified Silla Period, can also be found on the temple grounds.* Hwangaksan MountainMt. Hwangaksan (1,111m in elevation), located in the Sobaeksan Mountains, should be called ‘Hwanghaksan’ because of the many cranes that reside on this mountain. However, it is written as ‘Hwangaksan’ on the Jikjisa Temple tablet and in the Taengniji Records (택리지). This mountain is famous for its thick pine forests, pristine streams, beautiful fall foliage and splendid snowscapes.