Travel/Culture List

Opened in May 2010, the Sancheong Oriental Medicine Theme Park is Korea's first hanbang (traditional oriental medicine) themed park. It is divided into five distinct sections, each representing one of five elements of the universe: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. As an environment-friendly facility, the theme park uses eco-friendly materials in its statues of mascots, memorials, as well as other subsidiary facilities. Also, it features natural hiking trails through the surrounding forest and valley, a wooden promenade, and a medicinal herb garden with ample rest areas. Moreover, visitors may check out the Oriental Medicine Museum located adjacent to the theme park.

Bonghwasan Mountain (alt. 160m) in Jungnang-gu, Seoul offers scenic views of Buramsan, Dobongsan, and Namsan mountains. From the mountain, hikers can even see as far as the Yangju area of Gyeonggi-do Province to the north. Officially designated a “neighborhood park” in July 1977, Bonghwasan Mountain has a variety of convenience facilities, not least of which is the beacon tower of Achasan Bongsudae (remolded in 1994) perched on the mountain summit. Also near the summit is Sansingak Shrine, which is the site of the annual Bonghwasan Dodanggut (Intangible Cultural Property of Seoul No. 34), a shamanistic rite performed on the third day of the third lunar month.

The House of Choi Champan is known as the setting of the famous novel ‘Toji’ (‘The Land’) by noted author Park Gyeong-ri. Located in a small folk literature village in Agyang-myeon, Pyeongsa-ri along the Seomjingang River at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, Choe Champandaek consists of fourteen hanok (Korean traditional house) buildings.Also used as the main set of the drama version of ‘Toji’ (2004), Choi Champandaek gives visitors a look at the life of the Korean people in the late Joseon Era. The house has not only made its appearance in many films, but is also a valuable cultural asset of Hadong-gun Country.The Daecheong Maru (wooden-floored hall) connected to the Sarangchae (men’s quarters in a hanok) offers a wide view of the vast field of Pyeongsa-ri and an opportunity to meditate and reflect while appreciating the beautiful surroundings. Located in the vicinity are numerous tourist attractions including the Pyeongsari Literature Center, Hwagae Market, and Ssanggyesa Temple. In the fall of each year, Choi Champandaek hosts the Toji Literature Festival.

Chujado Island is a group of four inhabited islands, called Sangchujado, Hachujado, Chupodo, and Hoenggando as well as 38 uninhabited islands. The majestic peaks of these islands makes Chujado look as if it were the top of a mountain. The dazzling array of islands is home to rich habitats of fish from yellow corvinas to hairtails, Japanese Spanish mackerels, snappers, bass, and horn fish, andd as such, it is a popular place for sea fishing. The main natural and cultural attractions include the habitat for black wood pigeons and streaked shearwaters (Natural Monument No.333), General Choi Yeong Shrine, and Chuja Cheosa House. Jeju City opened Chujado Olle Trail (or Jeju Olle Trail 18-1) in June 2010. Stretching over 17.7km, the trail begins at Chuja-myeon Office and connects peaks in Sangchujado (the largest island in Chujado) and Hachujado. Because of the numerous peaks, the trail is more of a hiking trail than a simple walking path and is easily one of the most demanding trails on Jeju Island.  

Ulsan Petroglyph Museum was established on May 30, 2008 at the entrance to Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace, National Treasure No. 285 in Ulju-gun. The museum is comprised of 311 exhibit materials, an exhibition hall (1,249㎡), a storage room (45.42㎡), an office room (72.96㎡), a research room (30.36㎡), and an audiovisual room (79.52㎡). The exhibition hall presents models for the petroglyphs of Bangudae and petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri (National Treasure No. 147), video facilities for petroglyphs, a children’s hall, and family experience facilities. Visitors can also take a look at models of petroglyphs famous from Korea and overseas in an outdoor space.

Gamgok Cathedral was founded in 1896 by Father Camillus Bouillon, who came to Korea from France directly after gaining his priesthood. The church was dedicated to the Virgin Mary due to the priest's prayers to the Blessed Mother to provide the land for the church. The church has a long history spanning over 100 years. It was reportedly used as a shelter for local citizens from North Korean soldiers returning north during the end of the Korean War. The current structure was built in 1930, designed after the Myeong-dong Cathedral in Seoul. Also on the church grounds is Maegoe Museum, originally the house of Father Bouillon, and now converted into a museum showing the history of this small, yet important Cathedral.

Seongpanak is one of the parasitic volcanoes on Jeju-do island. Parasitic volcanoes are smaller volcanoes formed by lava bursting through the edge of the main volacano, and there are over 350 on Jeju-do Island. Seongpanak is 1,215m high and situated between Jocheon-eup, Bukjeju-gun and Namwon-eup, Namjeju-gun. The name came from the shape of the vertical cliff that spreads roughly 500 meters outward and resembles a fortress (seong) made of wooden boards (pan). With its thick verdant forest, Seongpanak has a unique atmosphere all year around. The road here is clear and wide, but a bit uncomfortable to walk because of many rocks. The azaleas create a pink blanket in the spring, and blends well with the clear waterfall in the area.  

Established upon the signing of a friendship pact between the city of Namyangju and the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongol Cultural Village is a unique place in Korea where visitors can experience the traditional culture of Mongolia.Inside the exhibition hall, about 800 items from Mongolia including traditional clothes, instrument and household goods are on display. Also, there is a performance hall with 320 seats where visitors can enjoy various cultural arts shows. While residing in the village, the 19 members of the Mongolian cultural arts performance group put on traditional music and dance performances and rope circuses. Performances are held twice on a regular day, and three times a day on national holidays and from July through August.

Known as the last untouched region in Korea, Donggang River is the best rafting spot in Korea. Starting from Daegwallyeong and running through Jeongseon and Pyeonchang to Yeongwal, the river has numerous rafting courses that flow with an abundance of water and wind past scene after beautiful scene. Courses generally have steep cliffs on one side of the river and banks of pebbles or sand on the other. The most famous course is called ‘Eorayeon,’ a name which has the connotation of a pond with fish that come to the surface and make the river shine like silk. As Donggang’s representative course, the course is said to take rafters over the entirety of Donggang River. The course is so picturesque that many people forget to paddle and just float along and enjoy the scenery.