Travel/Culture List

Sogeumgang Valley located on the east side of Mt. Odaesan, and because the mountain scenery looks as if a crane ('Cheonghak') was spreading its wings, it was also called Cheonghak Dongsogeum. But after it became part of Mt. Odaesan National Park, it is now referred to by its current name, Sogeumgang Valley. It was designated as Famous Site No. 1 in 1970, and it occupies almost a quarter of the Mt.Odaesan National Park. Sogeumgang is the name used by scholar Yul-Gok of Joseon Period (1392~1910) when he wrote a book called Cheonghaksangi, and that name became its name. They say these mountains resemble Mt. Geumgangsan’s scenery, only miniaturized, hence the name Sogeumgang, meaning “small Geumgang”. Near Sogeumgang is Geumgangsa Temple, and there are the words “Sogeumgang” written by Yeol-Gok himself.Sogeumgang, starting with Mureung Valley as center, is divided lower half and upper half. The lower half is called Oesogeumgang and the upper half is called Naesogeumgang. Oesogeumgang includes the Geumgangmun, Chwiseonam, and Bibong Waterfall areas, and Naesogeum includes Samseonam, Sesim Waterfall, and Cheongsim Waterfall areas. Besides these, there are also Mureung Valley, Yeonjuam, Manmulsang and other well-known places, as well as Sipjaso pond that is shaped like a cross, Baekmabong, Okryudong, Sikdangam, and others. At the top of the mountain is Amisanseong (or Geumgangsanseong fortress), said to have been built by Mauitaeja (Silla 56th King, reign 927~935) a thousand years ago, to relieve himself of the grief of losing his kingdom. To the right of Mt Hwangbyeongsan is Noinbong Peak, and to the left is Maebong Peak. The current down from Noinbong Peak goes on for about 13 km and becomes Sogeumgang, which has many rocks, swamps, and waterfalls as well. Also, Sogeumgang has pine trees, various kinds of plants, bandal bear, woodpeckers, mountain sheep and other animals, making the area very valuable for ecology or biosphere studies. Sogeumgang is also famous for its winter snow flowers.

Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, rising just 510 meters above sea level, but the mountain has long been deemed as a spiritual guardian of the Yeosu peninsula. During the old days, people held rituals for rain or offered wishful prayers here. Geumseongdae and Dosolam Hermitage are two Buddhist places of worship on the mountain. As Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, taking any hiking course will lead you to the peak within about four hours. The mountain is a perfect place for family travelers to go hiking. Yeongchwisan Mountain is also widely known as the first place in Korea where azaleas begin to bloom in the spring, and is one of the top three most famous places in Korea for azalea blossoms. In April each year, the azalea festival is held in the mountain. The festival offers a variety of programs including a ritual for the god of the mountain, a writing contest for students, a photo contest, and Miss Azalea beauty pageant. During the festival, visitors can enjoy various events and local foods.

Naksan Provincial Park (낙산도립공원) has 24km of shoreline that extends through the Seonsa relic area, Dongho Beach, Hajodae Beach, etc. and is centered round Naksansa Temple and Naksan Beach of Yangyang.At Naksan Provincial Park, there is Hongryeonam, Uisangdae Pond, Giamgoeseok, and a shoreline cliff of pine trees, trees which have endured for a very long time. Near the beach, Namdae stream, which flows from Mt. Seoraksan, forms a lake. Hajodae, where traces of Ha-ryun and Jo-jun (retainers of the Joseon Period (1392~1910) remain, is famous for the Giam Cliff and lighthouses on high cliffs. Naksan Beach is a famous recreational area, with its amusement parks and various other facilities. It is a sandy field surrounded by 4km of thick pine forest. The beach is safe due to its shallow waters, and nearby is Uisangdae and Naksansa Temple, some of the most famous sites of Gwandong.

Maengbang Beach is the ideal place for families because of its shallow waters (about 1-1.5m) and various facilities nearby. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the 4-kilometer stretch of beach or in the dense forest nearby. Many events are held during the summer season, including a race along the beach, trout and flounder catching contests, and a clam catching contest. The popular Korean movie, One Fine Spring Day was filmed here.

Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju is home to many temples and shrines, and was considered sacred by many during the Silla Kingdom. This mountain boasts nearly 40 valleys winding down from Geumobong Peak (468 m in elevation), Gowibong Peak (494 m in elevation), and other surrounding peaks. Also, this 4 km-wide and 8km-long oval-shaped mountain runs almost perfectly north to south. Namsan Mountain is a veritable open-air museum, with 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues, and 60 stone pagodas scattered across the mountainside. Topographically, it features nearly 40 valleys and is divided into the Southwest Mountain, a sacred place during the Silla period, and the Southeast Mountain, where many Buddhas can be found around the valleys. Najeong Well, at the western foot of Namsan Mountain, is the mythic birthplace of King Park Hyeokgeose, founder of the Silla Kingdom. The local Yangsanjae Shrine was built in honor of its founder who lived in Seorabeol before the Silla Kingdom was established. Poseokjeong Pavilion is the place where the glorious era of the Silla Kingdom came to an end. In the Southeast Mountain region, one can encounter the Seated Buddha of Borisa Temple, a 9-meter Bulmusa Stone Buddha Statue, and a Seated Stone Buddha at Gamsil Shrine. Namsan Mountain also features 12 treasures, including Mireukgol Seated Stone Buddha, a three-storey stone pagoda in Yongsangsa Temple, the Maae Stone Buddha in Chilbulam Temple, and others. There are also twelve historic sites, such as the site of Poseokjeong Pavilion, Najeong Well, and Samneung Royal Tombs, as well as nine local tangible cultural properties (Maaegwaneumbosalsang Buddha in Samneunggol Valley, Ipgolseokbul Buddha, Yaksugol Maaeipsang Buddha, and others), and one important piece of folklore material. Namsan Mountain is also famous for its scenic landscapes in addition to its cultural heritage. Numerous valleys, unique rock formations, and beautiful trails are abundant throughout the area. Many tourists say, “You cannot say that you know Gyeongju without hiking up Namsan Mountain.” Namsan Mountaint is a place where the scenic nature and long history of the Silla Kingdom coexist, and also where the aesthetic consciousness and religious traditions of the Silla people evolved into the artform it is today.

Located in Damyang, Jellanam-do, Gwanbangjerim (Natural Monument No. 366) is a forest that was made along the banks of Damyangcheon Stream. The two-kilometer-long forest stretches from Dongjeong Village in Namsan-ri to Hwanggeum-ri, Subuk-myeon and Gangui-ri, Daejeon-myeon. Gwanbangjerim is a special manmade forest that was planted to prevent flooding along Damyangcheon Stream. It is comprised of large trees such as muku trees, zelkova trees, nettle trees, and cherry trees that are about 200 to 300 years old. The forest’s beauty is so well known that it was even selected as “Korea’s Most Beautiful Forest” by the Korean Forest Services. Visitors enjoy this gorgeous natural getaway all year round, with many stopping by the forest Sculpture Park for pictures. Nearby attractions include the Jungnogwon Bamboo Garden and the Metasequoia-lined road.  

Yeonpyeongdo Island is a small island resided by fishing communities. Despite the tragic incident of November 2010 shelling from North Korea, this bucolic island offers many natural and cultural attractions. Island History The earliest known history of Socheongdo Island comes from Chungmin-sa Temple, which was built to commemorate the island's once abundant but now extinct fish species called Yellow corbina (Sciaenidae). This fish was related to the family of fish commonly called drums, croakers, or hardheads for the repetitive throbbing or drumming sounds they make. When the economy flourished thanks to profitable fishing, the Socheongdo port was congested with fishing boats, so much that it was said that one could cross from one island to the next by walking over boats. The species of fish is depleted, and the island remains as quiet with views of North Korea. In November 2010, Socheongdo Island was hit by the fatal shelling from North Korea that killed two civilians and two soldiers. In recent months, the island has made an attempt to recover its tourism industry and to develop security tourism by blending its newer military presence at tourist attractions.

Baekdam Valley is the representative valley of the Naeseorak area, and the river is a typical S-shaped stream formed by the winding geography from the Naegapyeong Village to the front of Baekdam Villa. The valley is named Baekdam after the claim that there are 100 naturally formed puddles in the valley. The stream that runs into Baekdam Valley comes from Suryeomdong Valley, which in turn starts from the joining of Gayadong Valley and the Baewundong Valley.Baekdam Valley is surrounded by many clean valleys, where natural monuments such as Manchurian Trout and Korean Salmon live, and also by various Buddhist temples such as Yeongsiamsa, Oseamsa, and Bongjeongamsa. It is a 2 hour walk (8 km) from the ticket booth to Baekdamsa Temple on the valley path. You can also take a shuttle bus to the upper course of the valley. After getting off the bus, walk 3 km to Baekdamsa Temple and another 300m more will lead you to Baekdam Mountain Villa. Walking up to the right side of Geumgyo, which is the first bridge on the path, you will see Dutaeso on the left side below. Then after crossing the third bridge, Gang-gyo, you will see Eunseondo, where swirling water streams of mountain ranges create an image of an island. From the forth road called Won-gyo, all the paths are sand paths. Cheongryongdam is located 300 m from Won-gyo, and Sushim-gyo leads to Baekdamsa Temple. Baedamsa Temple, located at the center of Baekdam Valley, is known as a temple where Han Yong-Un (1879-1944), a famous monk and a poet, stayed during his lifetime.

The waters of Guramy spa come from hot springs located 500 meters underground. The hot spring waters are perfect for children and old-aged patients since they contain very little salt and are therefore hypoallergenic. The waters are believed to be effective against neuralgia, muscular pains, and even women’s diseases.Visitors can also drink the hot spring waters, which can help digestive ailments such as constipation. In addition, Guramy Spa’s hot springs water is said to gently soothe the skin to eliminate skin irritations, reduce pains, and is even great for dandruff problems.

The Jeongok-ri Prehistoric Site (전곡리 선사유적지), is a prime site on the Korean peninsula for the study of Paleolithic relics, and was unearthed after the discovery of a stone implement by an American soldier who was visiting an amusement park near Hantangang River in the winter of 1978. It was identified as an Acheulean Paleolithic stone implement by an expert, and gained the attention of experts from around the world. The Jeongok-ri Prehistoric Site is situated on a basalt deposit that was likely formed during the Precambrian era. More than 3,000 relics have been discovered, allowing extensive Paleolithic research not only by Korean, but also international experts. The Jeongok-ri Prehistoric Site also maintains a Paleolithic Relics Hall, an archive, and other facilities for visitors. There are also outdoor sculptures that represent daily life during the Paleolithic era, erected with the intent of preserving the natural aesthetic. Together, the facilities and sculptures aid our understanding of the Paleolithic era.