Travel/Culture List

Rafting is a challenging recreational activity in which a team of six to eight people navigates fast-flowing rivers. Rafting not only offers excitement, but also gives an overview of the natural landscape. Training for rafting provides participants with an opportunity to gain self-confidence, learn to cooperate with their teammates, and relieve stress.Naerincheon Stream in particular is considered one of the top three rafting spots in Korea along with the Hantangang River and Donggang River. Consisting of over ten rapid sub-streams, Naerincheon is the only stream in Korea that runs from south to north.The stream stretches over 6km from Wondaegyo to Gosari Resting Spot; its narrow x_width and pointed rocks offer one of the most exciting and challenging rafting experiences. Rafts are often turned upside down, and each sub-stream is connected to the others, offering little time for rafters to make each maneuver.Naerincheon Stream Rafting is also known for its excellent amenities, like its modern shower facilities with warm water. 

Daejin Beach, located in the north of Yeongdeok, Gyeongsanbuk-do in the small coastal village of Daejin-ri, is the longest beach on the east coast. The beach is popular among family vacationers for its clean and shallow waters. The area is surrounded by a lush pine forest creating beautiful scenery. There are also facilities such as shower booths and restrooms for the convenience of beach-goers. A major attraction of Daejin Beach is Songcheon Stream which flows across the white sands of the beach. Vacationers may enjoy a dip in the freshwater stream while fishing both freshwater and sea fish. In addition, the Gangchuk Coastal Road connecting Daejin Beach to Chuksanhang Port and Gangguhang Port is one of many scenic driving tours in Korea.

Next to Hwajinpo Lake and a dense forest of pine trees lays Hwajinpo History and Security Museum. Its premier location near amazing ecological sites makes the museum a popular destination to pay a visit. Originally built as a summer house former president Syngman Rhee in 1954 and used as a private villa until the early 1960s, after his regime was overthrown, the building was left neglected. In July of the following year, 1997, the Korean Army remodeled the house, turning the place into a historical museum for goods used during warfare and other historical remains of former presidents. Adding auxiliary buildings and completing another major restructuring projects in February 2007, it became open to the public displaying artifacts exhibiting Korea's significant past and serving as a hub for security education.

Pyochungsa Temple is located at the base of Jaeyaksan Mountain, 20 kilometers away to the east of Miryang-si. The temple was built in the fourth year of King Heungdeok’s reign of the Silla Kingdom (829). It was named as ‘Pyochungsa’ to praise Samyeongdang Yujeong (aka Monk Songun Daesa) who played an important role in the peace envoy during the invasion of Japan. There are the Cheungcheung Falls, Geumgang Falls an icy stream nearby, as well as Sajapyeong field at the ridge of the mountain.

Muwisa Temple is located on Wolchulsan Mountain in Wolha-ri, Seongjeon-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do. The temple has at least 1,100 years of history as it was established sometime before the early 10th century under the name Muwigapsa. The temple houses many significant Buddhist treasures: Geungnakbojeon Hall (National Treasure No. 13), Amitayeorae-samjon-jwasang (three seated Buddha statues; Treasure No. 1312), Muwisa Seongakdaesa-pyeongwang-tapbi (stele accompanying pagoda of Buddhist priest Seongakdaesa of Muwisa Temple; Treasure No. 507), and several Buddhist mural paintings including Amitayeorae-samjon-byeokhwa (National Treasure No. 313), Baegui-gwaneumdo (Treasure No. 1314), and Naebyeok-samyeon-byeokhwa (Treasure No. 1315).

Spa World in The K Hotel Gyeongju opened in June 2001 aims to guarantee guest satisfaction with excellent amenities, such as their sauna facilities, hot springs, sports center, and swimming pool. The hot springs were developed by Spa World by using all-natural hot spring water from 630 meters underground. Spa World's hot spring water is famous for having a high concentration of alkaline (9.12 pH). Impurities in the water are filtered out, boosting the beneficial effects of hot spring water on the skin, muscle fatigue, and back pains.

Gongseri Catholic Church is the main Catholic parish, which was built in 1894 on the hill of Gongseri, Inju-myeon that connects Asanman Bay to Sapgyocheon. Early missionaries landed here to begin their work. A common house was used as a church in the early years however, in 1897 a rectory was built and in 1922, the main church was created. This was the first church in Chungcheongnam-do and it was divided in different locations such as Gongju, Anseong, Onyang and Dunpo. The grounds have three graveyards of prosecuted martyrs, 4626 sq.ft. area parish and rectory, retreat house, meeting room as well as beautiful view of the green including an old zelkova tree.

Hongcheon Hot Springs has a great seaside view and the water at the springs contains a lot of alkali sodium bicarbonate that has a silky texture and is great for skin health. In addition, if people who suffer from hyperacidity drink this spring water, the water helps neutralizes stomach acid. It also is good for recovering from fatigue, neuralgia, rheumatoid arthritis, hypertension, allergy dermatitis, eczema chronicum, removing fat, healing skin cells, and anti-aging.

Jangneung (장릉) is located in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do province. This is the tomb of the posthumously designated king, King Wonjong (1580-1619), who was the father of King Injo, and of his wife, Queen Inheon (1578-1626).King Wonjong was the 5th son of King Seonjo. He had deep respect for his parents and a strong affection for his siblings. King Wonjong’s third son was exiled to Ganghwado Island under a false accusation and ended up committing suicide. King Wonjong was shocked at the tragic death of his son and died in 1619.The surroundings of the tomb have been well preserved and landscaped, so visitors can enjoy relaxing and walking in this area. Geunjeongsa Temple is located nearby.