Travel/Culture List

Hongbeopsa Temple is located in Geumjeong dugu-dong, Busan, known for its largest bronze Amida Buddha Statue (21m). Surrounded by Mt. Cheolmasan and Mt. Geumjeongsan, a beatiful scenery is revealed and it stretches to Suyonggang river, making one feel as if you were in Yeonhwajang, the ideal world, filled with lotus flowers in Buddhism. Zen and meditation classes are also provided and the meditation room is where you can find your own quiet time in the temples. The temple also exhibits a bust of Gandhi, donated by the Government of India to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India. The temple has a wealth of attractions luring increasing number of tourists every year. It also has a huge buddha's statue that you can not see another temples in Korea, India Cultural Center, Jeokmyeolbogung Palace and a beautiful ecological garden, the best place to see the natural environment.  

Cheokjudonghaebi Monument Erected by Heo Mok, the governor of Samcheok City during the second year of King Hyeonjeong's reign (1661), Cheokjudonghaebi Monument is 170㎝ tall. It was originally built to protect the village on Malli-do Island that had been frequently inundated by heavy rain and rough waves. It is believed that the mystical inscription, penned by Heo Mok, on the monument calmed the rough sea waves. Today, the monument stands to prove the wisdom and distinguished penmanship of the former Samcheok City Governor. Daehanpyeongsutochanbi Monument Daehanpyeongsutochan-bi Monument is 145㎝ tall. It was erected by Heo Mok's successor and former governor of Samcheok City Jung Un-cheol in reverence for his wise forebear. The monument contains 48 ancient Chinese characters that describe many achievements of Heo Mok's.

Aegibong Peak is located at the northern tip of Gimpo City about an hour’s drive from the downtown area. The mountain is where North and South Korea engaged in a fierce battle at the end of the Korean War; after the battle, Korea was divided into two nations. Since the peak is still a restricted area, visitors must present their passport in order to be admitted. From the peak, an open view of North Korean territory unfolds below and visitors can see South Korean territory as far as Songhaksan Mt. in Chungcheongnamdo Province. Even before the Korean War, Aegibong carried much historical significance as the setting of the sad love story between the governor of Pyeongyang and his mistress. The two lovers were separated during the Sino-Korean War in 1636 and the peak (‘Ae, 애’ means love, ‘gi, 기’ mistress in Korean) was named in honor of their love. In 1968, president Park Cheong Hee visited the peak and wrote a note by hand, saying the mistress' pain of being separated from her lover because of the war was much like those of families separated by the division of the two Koreas. The president’s writing was carved in a tablet and placed at the peak, where separated families still come every thanksgiving to perform an ancestral ritual and wish for reunification. Currently, the observatory at the peak is used for security training. Within the observatory is Mangbaedan Altar, which is where those originally from North Korea perform rites honoring ancestors in the North. Every year, there is a giant tree at Christmas and large lamps on Buddha’s birthday that are lit up here, their lights so big and bright that the even shine onto North Korean soil. The observatory also contains a naval war monument that commemorates naval personnel lost in battle. At the foot of the mountain, Han River empties into the ocean along the west coast, which is expressed by the term 'Jogang (조강)‘ (‘grandfather river’ in Korean). The scenery of the river with its boats, surrounding islands, and converging estuaries creates a unique and cozy scene that seems to be in harmony with the image of a kindly grandfather. ENTRANCE TO PEAK 1) Only those traveling by car will be admitted. **Entrance will not be granted to those traveling on foot or by bike. 2) All visitors are required to show their passport. **Korea citizens may show their government-issued ID instead of their passport. 3) Visitors must be fluent in Korean or accompanied by someone who can speak Korean fluently. 4) Fill in the tour request form and submit it to the office at the entrance. **All visitors must show ID; choose 1 person to fill out the form on behalf of your party. POINTS OF INTEREST 1) View of North Korean territory through telescope 2) Naval War Monument 3) Navy promotion video 4) Lecture on Aegibong (reservations required)

Sinbulsan County Park is located in parts of the Sangbuk and Samnam districts of Ulju (County). The massive area encompasses 11.66 square km and is home to one of the most impressive peaks in the Yeongnam mountain range found in the southeast of Korea. The park’s hiking trails interconnect with those of neighboring Gangwolsan and Yeongchwisan Mountains and attract a large number of hikers year-round. Near the peak of Silbulsan Mountain sits a fortress with breathtaking views of silver grass. Water starts high above the clouds at Danjobong Peak and trickles down through streams and waterfalls to join the deep mountain valleys. One of the better known attractions in Silbulsan Mountain is Hongryu Falls which offers impressive views from its gentle cliffs. Also nearby the mountain are Deungeok Hot Springs and a number of restaurants for hikers to visit and enjoy after a full day on the mountain.  

Hantaek Botanical Garden, located in Oksan-ri, Baekam-myeon, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, is divided into an East Garden and West Garden. The East Garden is comprised of 25 uniquely-themed gardens that together measure 70,000 pyeong (about 231,420 square meters). The West Garden is a natural habitat for research and conservation purposes and is not open to the public.Hantaek Botanical Garden holds a wide range of festivals, events, educational training programs and other activities while nurturing 9,000 different species of flowers in a clean, natural environment. Inside the garden are Korean restaurants, a souvenir shop, and a plant shop.

Donghae Station began operating as a regular station on August 1, 1940 under the name name of Bukpyeong Station. The station acts as an entrance to Donghae-si.

Wolchulsan Mountain Gichan Land is a new tourism attraction set in the clean valley and fresh air at the foot of Cheonhwangbong Peak of Wolchulsan Mountain. Many famous people come from the area, including Kim Changjo who created folklore music, Nangsan Kim Junyeon, a member of the Consituent Assembly, Admiral Kang Kicheon, Jo Hunhyeon, King of Baduk game and others. Gichan Land houses Gayageum Theme Park to offer folk culture as well as nature-pool, spirit health center, pension, physical facilities, well-being prayer road, and others. Wolchulsan Well-being Prayer Road features a health road to experience water, forest, and rocks on the road to Wolchulsan Mountain. The 1.1km long Wolchulsan Well-being Prayer Road stretches from Gichan-gil Walking path to Ki Sports Park and Sowon-ro. The path is decorated with more than 30 years of pine trees, eco-friendly wooden bridge, and a resting area. Wolchulsan Pray Road stretches from the entrance of Cheonhwangsaji and Ki Sports Park to Gichan Land (4km) plus the 3km-road from Historic Site of Wang In to the entrance of Dogapsa Temple. Wolchulsan National Park features breathtaking scenery, plentiful cultural resources and folklore atmosphere of the Southern area. The mountain was formed as a residual hill of the Sobaek Mountain Range going into the Mokpo sea and meets the projecting rocks. The whole area is centered around Cheonwangbong Peak (alt 809m) and is surrounded by uniquely-formed rocks and cliffs. The area is the birth place of Wangin (Baekje) and Doseon Guksa (Late Silla). Various cultural assets are also located here, including Gengnakjeon Hall and Rock-carved Seated Buddha in Muwisa Temple in south side and Dogapsa Temple in west side based on Cheonwangbong Peak.

Mt. Chilgapsan, located in Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, was designated as a provincial park in 1973. This mountain, 561 meters above sea level, has been called “The Alps of Chungcheongnam-do.” Mt. Chilgapsan area has many peaks, a thick forest and a beautiful valley. Each season has its own unique atmosphere. There are romantic cherry blossoms in spring, vivid green leaves in summer, autumn tints in fall and a snow-covered landscape in winter. Mountaineers visit all year round and can choose from seven courses.