Travel/Culture List

Reflected by the outstanding performance of Korean archers at recent Olympic games, Koreans have an esteemed reputation for their skills in archery and craftsmanship. But this undoubted skill has historical precedent, as bows were an important weapon of war throughout Korean history. The Bucheon Bow Museum (부천 활박물관) was established to show visitors the spirit of the Korean archery, and demonstrate its ancestral traditions of bowyer craftsmanship. The museum houses traditional bows (gukgung, 국궁), which are considered, prized cultural pieces, and have been made by a Bucheon family, which has fostered a lineage of bowyers across five generations for over than 160 years. In addition, the museum exhibits various pieces and articles such as gukgung, arrows, and other military technologies.  

Situated in Jeongseon (Gangwon-do), Mindungsan Mountain (1,118.8m) is an unusual site when compared to other national peaks. As its name indicates (bare mountain), there are few trees near its summit. Locals also refer to it as Eoksaesan (silver grass) Mountain because of the waves of Eulalia covering its sides. The mountain remains this way because villagers burned the fields once a year to encourage the growth of wild herbs.The mountain’s gradual slope offers an enjoyable trekking experience for hikers of all levels. In mid-October, waist-high silver grass is indeed everywhere, making it challenging for hikers to view the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain spots near the peak offer breathtaking views of the gentle ridges and flowing hillsides.Silver grass begins blooming in September and reaches peak colors between October and November. The Silver Grass Festival is held on Mindungsan Mountain every October, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees for a wonderful outdoor hiking experience and picturesque photo opportunities. The mountain is easily accessible by train allowing visitors from near and far to enjoy the fall colors.On the outskirts of Mindungsan Mountain near Balgudeok village is Goebyeonggol Valley, which contains magnificent rock formations and limestone caves. Other nearby attractions include Hwaam Yaksu (spring water site), Auraji Naruteo famous for creating Jeongseon Arirang (a local version of the traditional folk song, Arirang), and Gariwangsan Mountain (known for wild ginseng). 

The Korea History and Culture Park was created 200,000 square meters of land in Jisanri Gukhagwon, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. It is based on the creation myth Dangun’s Gaechoen & Hongik spirit that encompasses and embraces every ideology, religion and culture.At the center of the park is a 33 meter high statue of the founder of Korea, Dangun, holding a globe. The statue is the largest of its kind in Korea.At the entrance is a monument of Cheonbugyeong, a scripture of Daejonggyo, and at the Square of Liberalization History are statues built to remember the spirits of independent movement activists who sacrificed their lives for the nation, including Yu Gwan-Sun, Ahn Jung Geun, and Yun Bong-Gil. There are statutes of five internationally beloved religious and philosophical figures: Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, Socrates and Indian Saint. As a symbol of sacred love, there’s also a statue of the Mother Mary.By the year 2013, the Korea History and Culture Park will include facilities to provide visitors with a valuable experience of the nation’s history and culture: Korea History & Culture Center, Damul Exhibition Hall, Seondo Cultural Experience Field (including Ungnyeo cave, waterfall and a gazebo), the Jangseung totem pole, Sotdae Park, Sculpture Park, Traditional Seondo Folk Village, National archery place, and a stable for horseback riding.In collaboration with Gukhagwon Inc. the Korea History and Culture Park offers a tour program where you may take a special lecture on Gukhak and visit the exhibition area. It is a great opportunity for visitors to experience first hand Korean history and cultural tradition. 

The Ansan Culture & Arts Center officially opened on October 2, 2004, following its success at the Ansan Yeormio Festival and Harmony Festival. The center boasts state-of-the-art stage facilities capable of holding any type of production orchestrated by Korean and international theater directors.

Geojedo Island is Korea's second largest island with breathtaking scenery. At Jangpyeong-ri, simply pass the great bridge and you will be led directly to Geojedo Island, which boasts the bulk of the South Sea's tourist attractions. Haegeumgang, Mongdol Beach and Oedo Island Paradise Island are the most popular sites among them.Haegeumgang, an island made of rocks, belongs to Hallyeo Marina National Park and is also called the Geumgang of the South Sea. It is famous for both its sunsets and sunrises, and its unique rock formations. Also, Hakdong Mongdol Beach, made of pebbles called Mongdol, has camellias and fairy pits in spring, and comes alive as a beach resort in summer. Oedo Paradise Island, which recently became a popular site, is called the ‘Paradise of Korea’ because of the 3,000 kinds of decorated trees and the Mediterranean style buildings that stand upon this 264 square km land. This island is a poplar site for filming soap dramas due to the combination of the exotic atmosphere and sea.Geojedo Island is historically a significant place. Memorial services are held annually in memory of General Lee Sun-Shin at the Okpodaecheop (war) Memorial Park, built in memory of the battle of Okpo(1592.5.7 - 5.8). Geojedo Island also had the biggest prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War, and the camp has been restored as a historical relics site. 

Samhwasa Temple is located near the entrance of the Mureung Valley of Mt. Dutasan in the City of Donghae, Gangwon Province. The one-thousand year old, small but historical temple falls under the supervision of Woljeongsa Temple. It was originally named “Geukryeondae” when built by monk Jijangyulsa in the eleventh year of Queen Seonseok of the Silla Kingdom (AD 642). In 864 it was renamed Samgongam by the chief monk, and during the reign of King Taejo of the Goryeo Dynasty, it assumed the current name, Samhwasa Temple. The temple houses the main shrine (also called Yaksajeon), Jeokkwangjeon, Beomjonggak pavilion, Geukrakjeon shrine, Birojeon shrine, Chilseongdan shrine, and Muhyanggak pavilion. The temple is also home to national treasures No. 1277 (three story stone pagoda) and No. 1292 (steel sitting Buddha statue). Samhwasa Temple operates a school teaching Buddhism and offers temple stay programs providing a beautiful, serene experience of temple life.  

Ontrepieum, meaning "to bloom flowers in a garden," is situated in Andong's Cultural Tourism Complex. With an area of approximately 30,000 ㎡, it consists of a 1,500-㎡ tropical green house, a 6,600-㎡ herb garden, farming land, an animal performance theater, a nature experience section, and other areas. The tropical greenhouse features tropical and subtropical plants, including herbs, coffee and palm trees. Over 17,000 trees planted in the park, along with its water fountain and photo zones, make it the perfect place for a fun weekend getaway, not to mention that it has been used as a filming location. It is a fantastic place to take some photos with a unique feel. The Andong Cultural Tourism Complex also has a couple of attractions nearby, including a KBS studio, the Korea Folk Museum, the Water Museum and Arts and Crafts Museum.

Located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu in Seoul, the Seoul Central Masjid was the first Islamic mosque in Korea. Construction of the mosque began in October 1974 on a piece of land (5,000 square meters) that was donated by the Korean government. Funded by the Islamic countries, the mosque officially opened on May 21, 1976 and now stands proudly halfway between the Hangang River and Namsan Mountain. The first floor of the mosque houses meeting rooms and the office of the Korea Muslim Federation; on the second floor is the men’s musalla (prayer hall) measuring 427 square meters; and on the third floor is the women’s musalla (prayer hall). The Islamic Center, originally a 2-story building (1,362 square meters) attached to the mosque, saw the addition of a third floor on July 20, 1990 thanks to generous funding from the Islamic Development Bank of Saudi Arabia. The Islamic Center now features a madrasah (educational institution for Muslim children), the Islamic Culture Research Institute, and more.

Must-Visit Tourist Spot in Incheon: The Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway If you are planning a trip to Incheon, one of Korea's representative cities, the Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway is a must-visit attraction. Located in Jeondong, Jung-gu, Incheon, this historical site marks the boundary between the Qing Dynasty and Japanese concessions established in 1884. It was designated as Incheon's Monument No. 51 on December 23, 2002. The area, which began with the Japanese concession in 1883, is a space where the boundary between the Qing Dynasty and Japanese concessions was established in 1884, connected by steps and landscaping to what is now Jayu Park (formerly known as Manguk Park). This stairway, with a history of about 120 years, has a central stone staircase, with the left side representing the Qing concession and the right side representing the Japanese concession. The buildings on either side of the stairs distinctly showcase the architectural styles and characteristics of each country. One of the notable features of the Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway is its design, which includes a rest area to accommodate the steep incline and landscaped areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic views of Incheon Port. The stairs are located on the steep southwestern slope of Jayu Park, where the different architectural styles of the Qing and Japanese buildings vividly illustrate the historical significance of this area. While the stairs themselves might not hold much intrinsic value, the historical and locational significance of the Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway makes it a site of great importance. When visiting Incheon, it is highly recommended to explore this historic site along with Jayu Park, offering a glimpse into the intertwined history of Korea, Japan, and China.

Pohang Station traces its history back in 1918. Since its initation into KTX service in April 2, 2015, the station is ready to emerge as a hub of the southern line of the east coast. It is adjacent to the Jukdo Market, one of the biggest fish markets in the nation (5 min away by foot) and located near famous tourist attractions such as Sunrise Park, Bogyeongsa Temple, Northern Beach, and Oeosa Temple.