Travel/Culture List

Maze Land is a themed park boasting the world’s longest stone maze, measuring roughly 5.3km in total length. The maze is made mainly using stone and wood found on Jeju and is created to reflect the Jeju's three principle items or "Samda," which describes the things abundant on Jeju Island: rocks, wind, and women. Not just a fun activity for you and your friends, the maze is also good for your health, as the stones emit high levels of far-infrared radiation and the wood (T. occidentalis) produces a large volume of phytoncides. The park, with its variety of trees several decades old, is the perfect place for "forest bathing,” in which people surround themselves with nature (particularly trees) to soak in the natural benefits. In addition to the mazes of tree and stone, visitors are encouraged to check out the maze museum detailing the history of mazes starting from their origin in the 14th century. During the museum tour, visitors may also participate in hands-on activities such as puzzles and games.

The Songchu Resort (송추유원지) is 3km south of Songchu station and is easy to access. Consisting of 4km-long valleys, it has a swimming pool, a fishing spot and other facilities. Seasonal fruits from local farms such as strawberries, pears, peaches and grapes sate the appetites of visitors. Designated as a national park, the area is characterized by its beautiful natural scenery, undulating valleys, and a three-tiered waterfall. ※ Camping and cooking is banned in the Bukhansan National Park area.

The historical site of Hangpaduri is where the Sambyeolcho military unit of the Goryeo Dynasty resisted the invasion of Mongolia until the last possible moment. The site houses an exhibition hall, a monument, and a unique mud fortress. Nearby is Jangsumul Spring (Jangsu means general) which flowed from the footprints of General Kim Tong-jeong. Today, water from the spring cannot be used as drinking water. Sambyeolcho was a military unit of the Goryeo Dynasty. When the Goryeo Dynasty made peace with the Mongolian forces in February 1270 (the 11th year of King Wonjong), the Sambyeolcho special defense unit opposed it and launched a resistance movement. They moved their base to Jindo in Jeollanam-do but after suffering a huge defeat, they moved to Jeju-do and built Hangpaduseong Fortress. They continued to fight against the Mongolian forces for two more years there. However, all the members were killed in April 1273 (the 14th year of King Wonjong). This independent anti-Mongolian movement was born out the deeply patriotic belief in the need to safeguard the nation from foreign invasion. In 1977, the government invested 745 million won to restore part of the fortress and build a monument in commemoration of those who died in the war. The work was completed in June 1978.

The historic Dogapsa Buddhist Temple is located within the Wolchulsan National Park and in 1984, was designated Provincial Cultural Property No. 79. At an elevation of 376m, the site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, so impressive it carries the nickname ‘Sogeumgang River’, meaning “Small Geumgang River” of Jeollanamdo-Province. Founded by Buddhist Monk Doseon during the later years of the Silla Kingdom, the temple houses many historic and cultural treasures, most notable of which is Haetalmun Gate (gate of emancipation); designated as National Treasure No. 50 and one of few remaining original Korean structures. In addition, there are the Maaeyeoraejwasang (National Treasure No.144) and Seokjoyeoraejwasang (National Treasure No.89) sitting Buddha statues, the Mokjomunsu•Bohyeondongjasang (Treasure No. 1134), the Doseonsumibi (Jeollanam-do Tangible Cultural Property No.38) and the Daeungbojeon, or ‘main temple hall.’ An added bonus is the walkway lined with cherry trees leading to Dogapsa Temple. During the spring season, the 1km path offers a fabulous touch to the pristine surroundings. Nearby attractions are Wolchulsan National Park, Historical Site of Dr. Wangin, Yeongam Pottery Museum and Gurim Village.  

Geochang-gun is situated in the mountainous inland area in the northwestern part of Gyeongnam Province and shares borders with Gyeongbuk and Jeonbuk provinces. Suseungdae (수승대) is located in Deogyusan National Park (덕유산국립공원), which is located in the center of the adjoining three provinces. Suseungdae is one of Geochang’s oldest tourist attractions. Suseungdae was originally named ‘Susongdae’ since it was a place where Baekje dispatched its envoys to Shilla during the Three Kingdom Era. Later, in the Joseon Dynasty, the name was changed to Suseungdae. Old-style lecture halls and pavilions provide great lookout points for visitors. The attraction is also fully equipped with an outdoor swimming pool, a camp site, and various other facilities. On August evenings, it is also the place of The International Theatre Festival.

Dangunjeon Shrine was built in honor of Dangun, a legendary figure known to be the founder of Gojoseon, or the ancient Korea. He is known to be the grandson of the heavens and the son of Hwanung. According to the legend, Hwanung was approached by a bear and a tiger who wished to become human beings. Hwanung attended to their plea by instructing them to avoid sunlight for 100 days and live only by consuming garlic and mugwort. Unlike the tiger who gave up, the bear followed the instructions faithfully and transformed into a woman, who then married Hwanung and gave birth to Dangun. Located near Yeonguncheonbyeon in Gokseong-eup, Dangunjeon Shrine was first founded in Hakjeong-ri, Samin-dong in 1916 by Shin Tae-yun, also known as Baekdang, but later moved to its current location and went through reconstruction in 1931. An annual ancestral rite takes place at the shrine on October 3 (National Foundation Day) and March 15 to pay respects to Dangun. Dangunjeon Shrine was also a place where civilians gathered to take an oath of patriotism in action against the Japanese during Japanse colonization period; a stone plaque commemorating the March 1st Independence Movement and Baekdang Memorial Hall dedicated to Shin Tae-yun can also be found within the area. Shin Tae-yun was captured by the Japanese soldiers during the March 1st Independence Movement and served two years in prison.

Goryeong was the old capital of Daegaya (42-562 AD), a city-state of the Gaya confederacy that once spanned the region now occupied by Gyeongsangnam-do Province to the south of the Korean peninsula. The city of Goryeong played such a central role in the development of the confederacy that many artifacts and historic sites of the Daegaya period can still be found there today. Some of the most prominent landmarks are the 200 gobuns (ancient tombs) that lie along the southeastern slope of Jusan Mountain in Goryeong. In ancient times, the higher and larger a tomb, the higher the social status of the person buried inside. Given this tradition and historical evidence, the largest tomb in the south has been identified as Geumnim Wangneung (Royal Tomb of King Geumnim); the other large tombs are also presumed to be those of the kings of Daegaya. The large royal tombs (over 20m in diameter) dominate the mountain ridge (the highest point) while mid-sized and smaller tombs can be found on the mountain slopes and foothills. Historical research on Daegaya began with the excavation and partial identification of the ancient tombs of Goryeong by research teams from Kyungpook National University and Keimyung University in 1977. Excavators discovered a great number of relics—gilt-bronze crowns, swords, armor, and trinkets of gold, silver, and jade—that shed light on the flourishing culture of Gaya. To continue to encourage interest in the history and culture of Daegaya, officials of Goryeong-gun County established the Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall at the foot of Jusan Mountain in Gobun-gun, Jisan-dong. The exhibition hall depicts the social structure of the era through ancient customs such as burying servants alive with their dead masters.

Manseongni Black Sand Beach is located 3 kilometers to the north along the coastal road from Yeosu Station. The beach, 540 meters in length and 25 meters in x_width, has an average water temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. The black sand is said to help blood circulation and remove toxins from the body. April 20 by the lunar calendar (around the end of May to early June in the solar calendar) is known as the “day when the black sand opens its eyes.” Visitors flock to Manseongni Beach to enjoy the maximum effects of the black sand bath. Located 2 kilometers from Manseongni Beach is another beach surrounded by excellent scenery. This place is ideal for taking drives and is popular among vacationers as well as anglers in the summer.

Sueojangdae (守禦將臺 Defense Commander's Post) is a two-story military facility used for observation as well as for directing battles. This structure was built on the western side of Namhansanseong Fortress as one of four command posts. During the Manchu Invasion of 1636, King Injo himself helped to direct and encourage the troops from here. They held out for 45 days against a Qing force of 120,000. At Samjeondo, King Injo of Joseon had to surrender and was forced to accept vassal status to the Manchu Empire. It marked Joseon Korea's humiliating submission to Manchu Qing Dynasty.