Travel/Culture List

A pine tree forest grows on the 1.2 kilometer sandy stretch of Boseong’s Yulpo beach, which is widely known for its spectacular scenery. Here you can enjoy the pine tree forests and the clean oceans.Formerly a small fishing village, the region’s famous green tea and beautiful beaches has resulted in many tourists visiting Yulpo Beach. The area has become a family summer resort, fully equipped with accommodation and leisure facilities.

Situated in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, the Silleuksa Temple Resort (신륵사관광지) features countless relics and remains, awe-inspiring scenery, the Geumeun Sand Zone, and Silleuksa Temple. Silleuksa Temple is also referred to as the byeokjeol (‘walled temple’ because it has a pagoda made entirely of bricks). The pagoda was erected by the renowned Buddhist monk Wonhyo during the Silla Kingdom, and is visited by many who are drawn to the beautiful natural scenery along the banks of the Namhangang River, which is served by convenient transportation. Geumeun Sand Zone Shade is provided by the roughly 200 zelkova trees that are 30 to 50 years old. There are also washrooms, water supply facilities, and parking areas, making the area a good place for camping and swimming by the river’s banks. The area also features boating facilities and offers visitors the chance to collect some of the uniquely shaped stones that are scattered along the riverside. Along the shoreline, visitors will find a shopping center, rest facilities, a video arcade, amusement facilities (16 attractions in addition to a Viking-ship ride), and other facilities to satisfy the various tastes of visitors to the resort. Silleuksa Temple District With lodging available at the Silleuksa Temple Resort, the district is winning attention as a tourist destination, along with the tomb of King Sejong and the Moga Buddhist Museum, the area between Yeoju Bridge to Silleuksa Temple is an inviting place for romantic walk. There is also a natural reed field along the river, a putting green, parking areas, lodging, restaurants, local product stores, water fountains and a sports park.

Peace Dam in Hwacheon-gun was built in response to a potential flooding attack from North Korea. The first phase of construction began in 1986, and ended in 1989; the second phase, which entailed raising the x_height of the dam, began in 2002, and ended in 2005.Over the years, the dam has become a major tourist destination. It has several cultural and recreational facilities including the Water Culture Center, an artificial wall stream, and rest areas. It is also located close to the DMZ, and natural landmarks such as Bimok Park, Bisugumi Valley, and Suhari Fishing Site.

Unmunsa Temple (운문사) in Cheongdo, Gyeongsangbuk-do belongs to Cheongdo-gun in terms of administrative district. However, it is actually better connected to Daegu. Unmunsa Temple was built in 560 during the Silla period. This ancient temple features seven treasured artifacts including an old pine tree (natural monument) and stone lantern. There are four small temples (Sariam, Naewonam, Bukdaeam and Cheongsinam) around the temple. Meanwhile, the surrounding forest of pine and fir trees only enhances the temple’s beauty. Unmunsa is the largest Buddhist nunnery in Korea, maintaining a capacity of roughly 260 nuns who practice Buddhism for four year periods. But, thanks to its magnificence and lush forest, Mt. Unmunsan, located on the southernmost part of Taebaek Mountains, has become a favorite spot for many tourists.

Including the beautiful bay, Maeho, Namae-ri has three beaches. The northernmost among the three is the largest, with a sandy beach measuring 2 kilometers long and 100 meters wide. The sand is great quality, and the water is shallow, with an average water depth of only 1 to 2 meters. Also, a field of reeds is beautifully stretched out like a painting on both sides of the water road in Maeho Bay. Near Maeho Bay is the breeding ground for egrets and grey herons in Pomae-ri, designated as Natural Monument No. 229. Namae 3-ri Beach, 1.3 km in length and 100 m in x_width, is close to Namae Harbor so that fresh seafood is always available. Namae 1-ri Beach is a small beach located in the southernmost area, measuring only 600 meters in length. Namae Harbor is one of the famous sunrise spots in this area of the East Sea, along with Chuam Beach in Donghae, and Naksan Beach in Yangyang.

Gapgot Fortification was built in 1679 to protect the Ganghwa Straits from invasions. A highly strategic location for the Goryeo Kingdom, the site had also endured multiple invasions by the Mongolian troops between 1232 and 1270. The eight cannons that were set up at the time of the fortification construction are displayed at the site.

Situated in Gapyeong, the city of peace and relaxation, Interactive Art Museum is the first of its kind to be opened in Korea. The museum displays artworks that incorporate state-of-the-art technology, offering unique and interactive art experiences to viewers, and distinguishes itself from regular art museums. Interactive Art Museum engages visitors to enjoy art with all their five senses through interactive three dimensional artworks and illusory multimedia effects.

Nangye Korean Traditional Music Experience Center was established to celebrate the musical talents of Nangye Park Yeon and preserve it. Furthermore, the center contributes to making Yeongdong the origin of gukak (Korean music), featuring a hub of gukak (Korean music) as well as world-famous traditional culture. Near the experience center, Nangye Korean Classical Music Museum, Nangyesa Shrine, and Nangye Gukak Instrument Production Village are situated to further experience the spirit and soul of Park Yeon. Nangye Korean Traditional Music Experience Center offers opportunities to play musical instrument as much as visitors want. Also, professional lecturers who majored in gukak (Korean music) work in the center to assist visitors in handling Korean musical instruments such as gayageum (Korean twelve-stringed zither), geomungo (Korean six-stringed musical instrument), janggu (double-headed drum with a narrow waist in the middle), haegeum (traditional Korean stringed instrument), and buk (drum).  

Located to the east of Mt. Baegamsan, Baegam Hot Springs is a unique opportunity for those seeking a relaxing alternative to Seoul’s busy lifestyle. The facility’s 48℃ alkaline water contains a great deal of lithium, and has been historically remembered long since the time of Shilla dynasty. Baegam Hot Springs takes up a large portion of Hot Springs town and boasts numerous convenient facilities, including lodging places. Baegam Hot Springs’ soft and transparent water is known for its therapeutic effects against neuralgia, chronic arthritis, and arterial sclerosis. Nearby highlights are Mt. Baegamsan –famous for its pine forest and clear sand- and Gusan Beach, visitors can enjoy hiking and sea-bath at one stop. 

Museum SAN (originally Hansol Museum), has its Welcome Center located in the vast abundance of nature, and is composed of three gardens within. From the Museum’s Welcome Center that is reminiscent of a huge fortress, visitors can walk through the the Flower Garden in full blossom, then to the Water Garden where a dazzling display of water reflecting the surroundings, and finally appreciate the Ando Tadao's Stone Garden featuring nine stone mounds inspired by ancient Silla tombs. The museum aims to rediscover the meaning and value of paper in the exhibition at the Paper Gallery, as well as a collection of artworks that reflects the development of Korean modern and contemporary art, which are presented in the Cheongjo Gallery. Last but not least, the Stone Garden is a space where visitors can view the unique exhibition of James Turrell’s main artworks – Sky Space, Horizon Room, Ganzfeld and Wedgework.