Travel/Culture List

Namsadang (남사당) is a renowned troupe that combines regional traditional arts such as acrobatics, singing, dancing and circus performances, originating from the Anseong area. The troupe was formed in honor of Baudeogi (바우덕이), a celebrated artist of the Joseon Dynasty and Korea's first entertainer. Namsadang performs on an ongoing basis and also focuses on developing and promoting various hands on Namsadang programs. Through their world tour, Namsadang plays a big role in spreading Korea's culture worldwide. The annual Baudeogi Festival is also a great opportunity for visitors take in various performances and take part in activities.

Yanguidae Wetland Protected Area located between Peace’s Dam and Ojak-gyo is home to a variety of critical species deemed to have a significant value that is worthy to protect. Left untouched for 50 years due to the conflicts between North and South Korea, the area has a well preserved ecosystems. Efforts to conserve this ecosystem and guarding otter nests are needed.

Located in Gurye, southwest part of Jirisan Mountain, and built during the Unified Silla Period, Cheoneunsa Temple is a branch temple of Hwaeomsa, and is one of the three great Buddhist temples on Jirisan Mountain. Situated on the sunny side of the mountain, water flows from the deep valleys just next to the temple and a majestic peak softly embraces the temple.Cheoneunsa Temple is believed to have been built by Monk Deokun from India in 828 A.D. during the 3rd year of King Heungdeok. Because it initially lay next to spring water as clean and cold as morning dew, the temple was also called Gamrosa, meaning Sweet Dew Temple. The spring water was rumored to clean one’s body and soul, leading to throngs of Buddhist monks to visit the temple. During King Chungryeol’s reign, the temple was named the Best Temple in the South.The temple was later renamed Cheoneunsa. Legend has it that while the temple was being rebuilt after the Japanese Invasion (1592-1598), somebody killed a large serpent appearing out of nowhere and, subsequently, the spring water miraculously dried up. Hence, the name Cheoneunsa, meaning Disappearance of Spring Water, was given.The temple is home to Geukrakbojeon (a Buddhist sanctuary) and a Buddhist painting called Amita Hubul Taenghwa (National Treasure No. 924). The temple is enveloped by an exquisite pavilion called Suhongru and Iljumun Gate. 

Housed in a 27,124 m2 building with two ground floors and two underground floors, the Bucheon Botanical Garden houses many rare plants for visitors to see. The building was built in the shape of a peach flower, the symbol of Bucheon City, and has five thematic gardens: the general plant garden, aquatic plant garden, tropical plant garden, succulent plant garden, and indigenous plant garden. At the central garden, 9,975 trees representing some 310 species are planted. With a forest nearby, the botanical garden offers a great nature learning experience for visitors. Together with the Natural Ecology Museum and Children Zoo nearby, it is also a great cultural and recreational destination.

Cheongnyangsa Temple, located in Gayasan National Park, is famous for its stone lanterns, pagodas, and images of Buddha. The exact date of the temple's foundation is unknown (estimated to be in the 9th century), but was recorded by Choi Chi-won in the Three Kingdoms Period and is believed to have been built during the Silla Dynasty.

Located at the foot of Bukhansan Mountain, the National Cemetery for the April 19th Revolution was established in memory of the 224 people who passed away during the April 19th Revolution in 1960. In the cemetery (135,901m²) are a memorial hall (1,652.9m²) and a traditional wooden structure (330.58m²) that houses the grave of historic figure, Yu Yeongbong. At the cemetery is a pond surrounded by sculptures such as the ‘Symbolic Door,’ ‘Roots of Democracy,’ and ‘Sparks of Justice’ and a memorial tower bearing an inscription for the brave patriots who lost their lives during the revolution. The grove of pine, juniper, yew, and maple trees along with the well-kept hiking path serve as a natural addition to the overwhelming ambience of peace and serenity. In May, many people come just to take in the glorious scene of the sunset over Bukhan Mountain.

During ancient times, when King Jin-heung of the Silla Kingdom reigned, a mysterious occurrence gripped many with both a sense of fascination and fear. According to legendary myth, a sudden massive thunderstorm mysteriously brought nine dragons to heaven. That is where Guryongpo (meaning Nine Dragons) Beach got its name.What makes this destination so special is its climate and geographical location. Featuring a hilly terrain, warm winter and cool summer weather, and a long shoreline extending to about 15.8 km, Guryongpo Beach is an ideal getaway. The Guryeong-po seaport is well developed because of its inshore fishery, as it is the heart of the major fishing industry within the district. Here one can find cuttlefish, mackerel pikes, mother crabs, and other delicacies that are caught and shipped to the markets. With the fish boats and buoys gently swaying in the background, and seagulls gliding peacefully overhead, Guryeong-po beach is an ideal location to watch the beautiful sunrise during the winter months.The Guryeong-po beach, which is favored by many tourists not only for its beauty but also for being the perfect summer getaway, is only about 24 km away from the city of Pohang and 1.5 km from the Guryeong-po town. The half-moon shaped shoreline, with a length of about 400 m and a x_width of over 50 m, is favored most amongst campers who find the place a perfect summer getaway.

At the Baegam Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone, visitors can enjoy both the lush mountain terrain of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range and the magnificent scenery of the East Sea. The hot springs of Baegam are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region and are visited by travelers from across the nation. The water temperature reaches as high as 53 degrees Celsius and contains various minerals and elements, including a strong alkaline content. This makes the water effective in treating neuralgia, arthritis and apoplexy. Recently, it was reported that the water is also beneficial for those with atopic dermatitis, thereby attracting the elderly and families. Recreational facilities for children are also available. The hot springs are located at the foot of the 1,004-meter-high Baegamsan Mountain. The mountain trails lead to Yeongyang and Bonghwa and are frequented by hikers. Densely covered with pine trees, the mountain also has plenty of deep valleys. Sinseon Valley, where, according to legend a dragon once lived, has an abundance of water flowing in different directions. The Baegam Hot Springs Festival takes place annually in early August. On weekends during the festival period, visitors can enjoy street performances and other programs. In the vicinity are Jukbyeon Port and Hupo Port, which are known for snow crabs, and Mangyangjeong Pavilion and Wolsongjeong Pavilion where one can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea. [Baegam Hot Spring Special Tourist Zone] Areas Covered: Onjeong-ri and Sotae-ri, Onjeong-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do Area size: 1,740,000㎡ Tourist attractions: Hot Spring Town, Baegamsan Mountain, Seohwasan Mountain, etc.  

Located on a ridge of Sinseonbong Peak (845m) nearby Geumsusan mountain, Jeongbangsa Temple was founded by Buddhist monk, Uisangdaesa in the second year of King Munmu’s reign during the Silla Kingdom (662). Jeongbangsa Temple is a branch of the Beopjusa Temple located at Mt. Songnisan and is a well known oratory amongst Buddhists. The temple offers fantastic views of Chunpungho Lake that are said to calm and clear the mind. A unique feature is the mountain wall making up a portion of the temple roof. 

A memorial park for the world-renowned composer Isang Yun was created in Docheon-dong, Tongyeong-si where the great composer was born. The Isang Yun Memorial Park consists of several sections including an exhibition hall displaying the composer’s legacy; a multi-purpose lounge, serving coffee and selling souvenirs; a Memorial Hall, where all kinds of performances and seminars take place; and Gyeongsa Square, an outdoor event venue.