Travel/Culture List

To the southeast of the royal tomb, is a small monument that has been erected among the pine trees; next to the monument is a well called Najeong. According to Samguksagi (Historical records of the Three Kingdoms) and Samgungnyusa (Memorabilia from the Three Dynasties), Park Hyeokgeose, the founding monarch of Silla, was born by this well. In 69 BC, Sobeolgong, the head of Goheochon Village, saw a white horse on its knees by the well. When he approached the well he found that the horse had magically disappeared and that a large egg was left in its place, from which a boy was born. When the boy turned 13 years old (57 BC), he was appointed king by the village chiefs and began to rule the area then called ‘Seorabeol’. A memorial stone (2.25 meters high, 45 centimeters long, and 21 centimeters wide) was erected in 1803 in the third year of King Sunjo's rule (Joseon Dynasty) detailing the historical origins of the founding father of Silla.  

Geumodo Island, included in the area of Dadohaehaesang National Park, has a shape resembling a big terrapin. Many fables, folk songs and folk games have been told of this island. It features dense forests along with wild ginseng and used to be an area for hunting deer, available only to the Royal House during the Joseon period. Also, the island is a spawning areas for Black Porgy (Gamseongdom). Including the black porgy, the fishing site is suitable for other types of fish such as a red sea bream, rock bream and more. 35 species of rare birds such as brown shrike, eagle-owl and more are living in the island, so it is regarded as an animal paradise. * Composition of island: 37 islands including Geumodo Island * Area: 42.34㎢

Uljin-gun’s southern most port of Hupohang has beautiful seaside scenery throughout the four seasons. Almost all of the fish caught in the East Sea can be seen at Hupohang Port. On the hill behind the port is the Hupo Lighthouse, which lights the waters for boats coming in at night, and its observatory provides a great view over the East sea during the day. Also, children’s playground and rest area are situated on top of the hill next to the lighthouse. On the opposite side of the hill, visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the 1,004-meter tall Baekamsan Mountain.At dawn, visitors can tour Hupohang Park and look at the many freshly caught fish. Visitors can also buy fresh fish at extremely low prices. Furthermore, the Hupohang Port is known for its numerous raw fish restaurants and the hot springs are located nearby as well.

The Hansan Mosi (Ramie Fabric) Museum (한산모시관) in Seocheon was founded to publicize Hansan ramie fabric, pass down the craft and develop its long tradition. One can view the entire ramie fabric manufacturing process, and watch as women weave ramie products on looms. Every spring, the Hansan Ramie Fabric Festival is held at the Hansan Mosi(Ramie Fabric) Museum. During the festival, visitors can weave a ramie product themselves. Also, because nearly 250 local cultural resources are on display, guests can take a look at and gain an understanding of the lifestyle and culture of Koreans of old.

Oedo-Botania is a marine botanical garden located in Hallyeo Maritime National Park, which has a beautiful view of the crystal blue South Sea and surrounding landscape. It is 4 kilometers away from Geojedo Island. About 20 minutes by ship from Gujora Port, past Naedo Island lies the European-like Oedo Island. In 1969, Lee Chang-ho first came to this island to escape from the wind and waves as he was fishing. He and his wife created this breathtaking landscape with all the care for 30 years.In April, the island is covered with a plethora of flowers. The Venus Garden displays twelve sculptures and a western-style garden. At Paradise Lounge, one can enjoy the sunshine and the sea while drinking beverages. Camellias and various kinds of rare flowers from all over the world can be found in Oedo. When coming down the 'Stairway to Heaven,' visitors can view the beautiful garden and the ocean in the background. Magnificent terrace landscaping line both sides of the stairway. Oedo Paradise Island is without a doubt, a true paradise.

Magoksa Temple was founded by Monk Jajangyulsa in 640, a representative temple of the Chungcheongnam-do Province. Magoksa is surrounded by a mountain and rivers curving a yin-yang shape. Perhaps because of such a shape, this temple was never damaged by any major wars during the Joseon Period (1392-1910). As much as the temple's fame, the beauty of the surrounding mountains is renowned especially the area surrounded by Mt. Taehwasan, where Taegeukcheon River flows in the shape of the yin-yang. It is most beautiful during the spring time, when the cherry blossoms, sansuyu, and magnolias fill the whole area.One eye-catching sight at Magoksa Temple are the Ocheung Stone pagoda and the Chinese juniper trees scholar Kim-Gu (Korean politician and freedom activist) is said to have planted. The top of Ocheung Stone pagoda is decorated with bronze. This style was influenced by the Lama Buddhist sect of Tibet, and there are said to be only three of such structures left in the world. Inaddition Daegwongbojeon and Geuknakgyo are also worth a visit.

Along with Geumgansan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named ‘Jiri’ because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla, On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam; Gurye in Jeonnam; and Namwon in Jeonbuk region. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryong National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido.At 1,915.4 meter-high, Cheonwangbong Peak (천왕봉) is the second highest peak in Jirisan Mountain. From Cheonwangbong Peak begin several valleys such as Chilseon, Tongsin, Cheonwang and Jungsan. The big sheet of rock on the very top of the peak looks as if it is supporting heaven. Sunrise observed from Cheonwangbong Peak is extremely beautiful so much that the old Korean lore says it is a view reserved for people whose family conducted good deeds for three consecutive generations.

The Museum of Old Roads (Former Mungyeongsaejae Museum) offers the history of traditional roads and routes in Korea. In the past, Mungyeongsaejae was a transportation hub for the people of Korea, particularly during the Joseon Period. Mungyeongsaejae is home to Haneuljae (one of the oldest roads in Korea, first established in 156 AD), Tokkibiri (a famous trade route), and Yugok Station (a transport hub in the Yeongnam area).Even though the importance of the roads as travel routes has diminished over time, they continue to increase in culture significance, conveying the area’s rich traditional heritage to visitors. The Museum of Old Roads was opened in 2009 after having been remodeled from the Mungyeongsaejae Museum, which mainly dealt with local history.

Songaksan Mountain is also called 99 Bong (99 Peaks) due to its 99 small peaks. The road from Sanbanggulsa Temple in Southern Jeju to Songaksan Mountain is a famous coastal drive with breathtaking scenic views. Though not as enormous as Hallasan Mountain, the view from the peak of Songaksan is truly scenic. From the summit, one can see nearby islands such as Marado, Gapado, and Hyeongjeseom, and as far as Hallasan Mountain and the Pacific Ocean.The main peak rises 104 meters above sea level. To the northwest of the main peak is an expansive prairie with several peaks. There is a crater about 500 meters in diameter and 80 meters in depth, with some blackish volcanic ash still remaining inside. Looking along the jagged coastline, one can spot the large man-made caves built during the Japanese occupation. The seashore at the base of Songaksan Mountain is a famous fishing ground and diverse fish such as sawedged perch and black porgy are caught here.