Travel/Culture List

Kim Yujeong Station is named after one of the prominent Korean writers of Kim Yujeong from the area. It was firs time using the person's name for the station and located between Gangchon and Namchuncheon Stations in Gyeongchun Line. The station commenced its operations in July 25, 1939, which was back then called Sinnam Station. The name of the station was changed into the current name in December 2004. As of December 21, 2010, the station was officially transferred to the new station after the new line of Gyeongchun Line of Seoul Metropolitan Subway started to operate. Near the station, Kim, Yujeong Literature Village and Sindong-myeon community office and post office are located.

Sinbuk Hot Springs opened it in April 1994 amidst beautiful streams and forests. The hot spring water comes from 600m underground includes sodium bicarbonate help creating a soft and smooth texture and the water helps anti-aging and general skin care. Along with a hot springs bath, saunas were built as well as a resting area that attracts a diverse clientele. In the area around the hot springs are tourism spots like Yeoldugaeul Valley in Deokdun-ri and Samjeong-ri Mineral Spring. Trekking is also available on the walking trail at Wangbangsan Mountain, Soyosan Mountain and the hot springs as there is a trail connecting Sinbuk Hot Springs and the middle of the mountain.

A caldera basin (a large volcanic depression, caused by collapse or explosion), Nari is the largest flat area in Ulleungdo Island. Its land is well drained and composed of fertile volcanic ash soil. While most island residents are fishers, those living in the basin earn a high income by producing medicinal plants.

One of 8 scenic views of Seocheon, the Maryang-ri Camellia Forest is designated as Natural Monument No. 169. Almost 500 years worth of camellia trees cover an area of 8,265㎡ in this forest. The best time to enjoy the camellias is from the late March to the early May. If one goes to the top of Camellia Pavilion (Dongbaekjeong), there is a beautiful view of the blue sea and also is home to great sunset views.    

Halleyo Maritime National Park was designated as a National Park in 1968. It is composed of parts of the southern coast and Namhaedo Island and Geojedo Island of the southern coast. Hallyeo Maritime National Park is famous for Odongdo island, which is covered with camellias and subtropical plants, and boasts beautiful sunrises and sunsets over Haegeumgang of Geojedo, Bijindo Island – famous for its native plant, Palsonyi Tree. Hansan Island is especially important because this is the grounds where General Lee Sun-Shin won the Imjinwaeran (War by Japan’s invasion of Korea in 1592).Hallyeo Maritime National Park is well known for the beautiful sea, islands and pristine seashores. Since there are many sites to visit, many visitors come in summer on vacation, and others return in spring or autumn on excursion trips. Among these sites, Geoje Haegeumgang river and Oedo Island Marine Tourism Farm, also known as the Paradise of Korea, are highly popular tourist courses.

Chosun Minhwa Museum finished construction in 1998, in Waseok-ri, Gimsatga-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do and opened on July 29, 2000. The museum contains about 3,000 folk paintings (minhwa) from the Joseon era and is comprised of a hands-on program hall where visitors can paint a minhwa on a wood plate and the chunhwa (obscene painting) exhibition which is eligible for only adults. In addition to this museum, Gimsatgat Culture Hall and Indian Art Museum are also in Yeongwol.

Situated on the outskirts of Sinbulsan Mountain (part of the Yeongnam mountain range, in southeastern Korea), Deungeok Hot Springs (72,727m²) is a sprawling geothermal site which includes the Sinbulsan, Eonyang, and Gajisan Hot Springs. Nearby to the Sinbulsan, Gajisan, and Ganwolsan Mountains of the Yeongnam mountain range, the complex is ideal for visitors seeking rest and relaxation after their hiking adventures. The water found in the area contains high concentrations of sodium bicarbonate (substance similar to baking soda), which is believed to be a remedy for dermatitis, indigestion, bronchitis, high blood pressure, and many other ailments. Nearby attractions include Amethyst Cavern Park, Dokkaebi Road, Jakcheonjeong, Ganwol Natural Recreation Forest, and Seongnamsa Temple. ​

As the only natural energy source available in Korea, coal played its part as an important fuel for the industrial development of the nation. Now that the country relies more on cleaner energy sources, the demand for coal has been in steady decline and the coal industry is gradually losing its significance. The Taebaek Coal Museum is a place where you can learn about the history of Korea’s coal industry through the well-organized exhibitions.* The exhibitions will win the attention of visitors because:i) the unique story-telling method of the exhibitions is both interesting and eye-catching;ii) the exhibitions are presented in a way that facilitates the visitors’ understanding and take advantage of a spacious venue;iii) excavation and coal-collecting techniques are demonstrated by means of videos and mannequins;iv) various technologies are integrated into the simulation system, including special lighting, sound effects, and other mechanisms to enhance reality. 

Hongwon Port, located near Chunjangdae Beach, is a popular place for enjoying sea fishing and delectable meals of fresh raw fish. In addition to its culinary appeal, the port offers the picturesque scene of long stretches of shoreline guarded by two beacons in red and white.Located only 10 minutes away by car is Maryang Port, which is one of the rare places where visitors can see both the sunrise and sunset. Maryang Port is the third most popular spot along the west coast after Anmyeondo Island and Daecheon Beach and is particularly loved by couples. Though Hongwon Port is perhaps not as scenic as Maryang Port, Hongwon is bigger and has more fishing boats (thanks to its small tidal range), resulting in a livelier atmosphere and cheaper sashimi prices.There is also a beautiful camellia hill, called ‘Dongbaekjeong’ located nearby. When the camellias are in full bloom, short-tentacled octopuses are in season at Hongwon Port. However, gizzard shad is by far the most popular seafood caught in the waters off the port. There are even old Korean sayings that stem from the popularity of the gizzard shad, which is said to be most abundant and delicious in the fall. According to the sayings “In the head of Gizzard Shad caught in autumn are three bags of sesame” (referring to the worth of the fish) and, “The smell of grilled gizzard shad brings the runaway daughter-in-law back home” (in reference to its taste).Hongwon Port (along with Gwangyang Port in Jeollanamdo) is the prime spot for gizzard shad. Each autumn the port holds the Gizzard Shad Festival, a festival that has plenty of events & delectable fish dises. While at the festival, visitors are also encouraged to check out the Seocheon Museum of Marine & Natural History and Dongbaekjeong. The stuffed specimens at the museum are worth the visit and the view of the Maryang Port from atop the museum is unbelievable.Representative festival of Hongwon Port: Gizzard Shad FestivalHongwon Harbor hosts the Jeoneo (gizzard shad) Festival every October. During the festival fresh gizzard shad is served up in a variety of ways (including salads mixed with spicy marinated Jeoneo, cucumbers, sesame leaves, and parsley) and the village comes alive with fish-catching activities, performances, and fireworks.Jeoneo is known as a good hangover food and a good diet food because it is low in fat and high in protein. Also said to be good for the skin, this tasty fish appeals to a wide audience (as evidenced by the diverse crowds that visit the festival each year).