Travel/Culture List

Yeongoksa Temple is located in Naedong-ri, Toji-myeon, Gurye-gun and was constructed by Yeongi, a high Buddhist monk, who also helped create Hwaeomsa Temple. The temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of Korea and the Korean War. In spite of the damage, the temple has continued to house two national treasures: East Monk Stupa of Yeongoksa Temple (National Treasure No. 53) North Monk Stupa of Yeongoksa Temple (National Treasure No. 54). The temple also houses four designated treasures. Jangsungbu, a Buddihist monk at the time, demolished the previous temple and rebuilt a Buddist sanctuary on the site. It has 5 rooms in the front and 3 rooms on the side made with embankments of granite stones and natural stones, and opened on March 1, 1981 through donations and government support. There is a memorial stone near the temple of Go Gwang-sun, who was the leader of the army who died for his devotion. According to the story, Yeongi discovered a pond in the current sanctuary area when reading about the land's topography. While he was looking at the middle of the pond, one swallow flew from a whirlpool. After that, the pond began to dry up and the place was then used for the temple. As such, the name "Yeongok refers to the phenomenon of "Yeon," a swallow, and "Gok," a valley.

The O-Train derives its name from the word "One," as the three provinces (Gangwon-do, Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeongsangbuk-do) in the country's central inland region are connected by this one circular route. The train was designed with the theme of the four picturesque seasons of Baekdudaegan, Korea's biggest and longest mountain range that stretches from Baekdusan Mountain to Jirisan Mountain. The four-cabin train carries up to 205 people and includes separate seating options for families and couples to accommodate the needs of different passengers. There are also individual observatory seats for people traveling on their own. The train is well-equipped with various convenience facilities including a café, children's play area, toilets, etc. The train moves at the 165km per hour of speed, allowing passengers to reach Seoul to inland region quicker and easier than before. The exterior of the train is decorated with the pictures representing the beautiful scenery of Korea's four seasons, whereas the insides are dotted with highlights taken from Baekdudaegan mountain range.

Soulone, meaning "filled with laughter," is a hidden healing space of approximately13,200 m². This is a place where you can rest your weary body and mind while being surrounded by the trees and flowers. You can also rest your eyes quietly gazing at garden trees, rocks, and potted plants (bonsai) beautifully decorating the place along with other other kinds of plants, like tropical plants in the greenhouse. A coffee shop with a modern interior will allow you to enjoy the landscaped garden at a glance while sipping your coffee. Also, it is refreshing to take a light walk along the tunnel of trees on the mountain road.

Punggi Station is a station on the Jungang Line, located in Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is located 199.7 km away from Cheongnyangni Station and serves as the mangagement station of other stations in the Yeongju district of Gyeongbuk Headquarters, including Huibangsa Station and Anjeong Station. The area around the station is famous for insam (ginseng) it is easy to see ginseng sculptures and ginseng paintings to promote their specialty product in and around the station. Nearby tourist attractions include Punggi Ginseng Market, Sobaeksan Mountain and Buseoksa Temple, with many tourists arriving through Punggi Station.

Wolmyeong Park is a popular tourist destination of Gunsan City and connects five mountains in the vicinity. The total size of the park is 2.6 km² and there is a 12km-long walking trail in the park. From the Susi Tower, which resembles a flame and or wind-blown sail, people can see all of Gunsan City, the sea to the south of Gunsan, the mouth of Geumgang River, and the giant Janghang smelting factory. At the foot of Seollimsan Mountain is an old temple named Eunjeoksa, and the Jeil Reservoir is located between Jeombangsan and Seollimsan Mountain. The park also contains an observatory, a sculpture park, and various monuments. The park has well-arranged gardens and 30-year old rattan and cherry trees. Every April, when the park is covered in cherry blossoms and is especially beautiful, a cherry blossom photo contest is held at the park.

Munui Cultural Properties Site offers overlooks of Daecheongho Lake. Attracting many visitors, the place was created to preserve and promote the local traditional culture of Cheongwon (Chungcheongbuk-do); it is a great place to learn about local history, culture, and arts.The spacious complex (132,232m2) is home to ten traditional houses (Munsangwan, houses by aristocrats, a museum, and a tavern), showing a form of a traditional village. It is also full of dolmens, stones (symbolizing abundant procreation), Jangseung (totem poles at the entrance of villages or temples), and Yeonjabanga (millstones worked by horses or oxen), providing visitors with opportunities to learn about traditional culture and life.With the theme of roof tiles, a relics gallery in the complex boasts over 774 local items, categorized in each historical period (e.g. the Silla Period, Baekje Period, etc.). Munsan-ri Stone Bridge, believed to have been built during the Goryeo Period, was restored in front of the gallery.The complex also offers a wide array of amenities including mineral spring sites, playgrounds, and Munui Movie Village (a drive-in movie theater in the parking lot). Nearby notable attractions include Artificial Falls, Yangseongsan Mountain, Jakdusan Mountain, Daecheongho Lake, Nosan Pine Forest, Donghwasa Temple, and Bugang Mineral Springs. 

Yeongsangang River (136 kilometers) is one of the four major rivers in Korea. It is the shortest of the four rivers (Hangang River 482 kilometers, Nakdonggang River 522 kilometers, Geumgang River 396 kilometers). The river starts from Yongchubong Peak (560m) located in Yong-myeon in Damyang Country, South Jeolla Province. It runs through Damyang, Gwangju, Naju, and Yeongam and eventually flows into the Yellow Sea at Mokpo through the estuary bank. The river also faces some environmental challenges and extreme weather events have caused flooding that lead to ecosystem loss and habitat degradation. In December 1981, a dam was built and the damage was significantly reduced. The government has also introduced the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project in 2009 with the objective of restoring the rivers while achieving regional development. Under this project, a significant amount of budget was allocated for resolving problems plaguing the Yeongsangang River.

Designated as a biodiversity conservation area by the UNESCO, Jeungdo Island in Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do has become popular. Taepyeong Yeomsaeng Botanical Garden is located next to one of the largest solar-evaporation salt fields, and spans over an area of 110,000㎡. Over 70 species of various salt plant colonies grow at the natural mud flat including glasswort, sea-blite, East Asian seepweed, and Herbaceous seepweed to create a splendid scene. Also, one can easily see Tti (a plant) which can not grow in polluted places. Walking along the 220m-long walking path, diverse mud flat creatures like mudskipper, chilge (crab), bangge (crab) and gastropods can be met with close sight.

If you go south from Seoknamsa Temple coming off Mt. Gajisan, you will arrive at Deokhyeongjae, and if you continue walking south, you will see Baenaegol (valley), within which you will find the Paraeso Falls. Because of the rugged road leading toward these scenic falls, they have remained somewhat hidden and off the beaten track. The captivating falls cascade downward from a x_height of 15 meters, spraying white clouds of mist as the waters reach the bottom. The falls feed into a wide pond below, 100 meters in diameter. The falls and surrounding valley are a popular attraction during the summer for those hikers eager to escape from the summer heat and to enjoy a therapeutic walk in the nearby natural forest.  

Baekmagang Leisure Park provides camping all year round as well as caravan facilities and water sports facilities. Visitors can enjoy waterski, wakeboarding, banana boat, and water playgrounds as well as outdoor swimming pool in the summer. Maximum Occupancy Approx. 110 people 부대시설 Swimming pool, market, animal farm 주요시설 Caravan, autocamping zone, ATV track Parking Facilities Available Parking Fee Free 이용요금 Waterski / wakeboarding (Beginner) : 1 person (including training and rental / two runs) 60,000 won Waterski / wakeboarding (Middle / High level): 1 person (Including training and rental / Single run) 25,000 won Peanut boat / Banana boat / Band wagon: 20,000 won per person Fly Fish: 25,000 won per person Motor boat ride: 50,000 won for 4 people Package A: Waterski (beginner) or wakeboarding (beginner) + 2 water activities: 80,000 won per person Package B: 2 water activities: 30,000 won per person Package C: 3 water activities: 50,000 won per person Package D: 4 water activities: 55,000 won per person * Check the official website for caravan rental prices 대여안내 Price include skis or wakeboard, life vest, and shorts (if necessary) 강습안내 Water ski and wakeboarding training courses for all levels Reservations Website or telephone Age Limit for Activities Ages 7 and older