Travel/Culture List

At a length of 150 meter and highest x_height at 70 meters, Dancing Sea Fountain is the biggest sea fountain in the world. With various shows such as music, video, and laser show, visitors can enjoy exciting fountain shows while looking out at the ocean.

Situated in Aemakgol (Dongchon-ri, Hwacheon-eup), this spacious dam is a popular destinations for those visiting the area near the DMZ. Built against possible North Korean water attacks, the dam curbs the upstream Bukhangang River. With the development of nearby tourism resources (including the Iron Triangle, Yanggu Punch Bowl Battle Battlefield, and the Goseong Unification Observatory), the dam has become a favorite tourist attraction in recent years. 

Gwisinsa, located in Cheongdo Village, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, is now a temple of the Jogye Order, but once belonged to the Haweom Order. The temple is widely believed to have been established by the great monk Uisang Daesa during the 16th year of King Munmu (676). However, some experts site the existence of the Namgeunseok stone animal sculpture as proof that the temple was originally the private temple of King Beop of the Baekje Kingdom. Throughout history, the temple has had many names—Guksinsa, Gwisinsa, Gusunsa, and Gwisinsa (same English spelling, different meaning)—but not much is known about when the temple was called by which name. On the temple grounds are a 3-story stone pagoda and some stone sculptures including seoksu (animal statues) and budo (a stupa in honor of a great master). Inside the temple are Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (Treasure No.826), Myeongbujeon Hall, and Gongyangjib Chamber (a chamber for Buddhist offerings).

The Africa Museum of Art was established with the purpose of hosting various art festivals and providing the grounds for researching various art themes. A major principle of the gallery is to promote works of art that actively attempt to explore the human mind.

Dutayeon Falls (두타연) is located on a branch of the Suip Stream (수입천) that flows through Geonsol-ri (건솔리), Bangsan-myeon (방산면), which is north of the Civilian Control Line. The amount of water that flows into the pond is limited, but the surrounding forest provides superb and almost primeval scenery, while the pollution-free waters offer a habitat for Korea’s largest lenok population. Lenok are a species of freshwater fish under the official monitoring and control of the Korean government. A 20-meter screen of flat rocks surrounds the pond and the east wall features a 10-meter square cave, the floor of which is imprinted with the shape of a comb and horse harness.

Geumgang Natural Recreation Forest is made up of mostly broad-leaved trees. From the forest, visitors can overlook Geumgang River which is in the heart of Chungcheongnam-do. In addition, there are various facilities such as a forest museum, an arboretum, a greenhouse, an animal village, a wild flower garden, a pond, and a pavilion, and more that make this one of the biggest forest culture recreational and educational sites in Korea. In particular, the building of the Forest Museum is modeled in the traditional architectural style of the Baekje Dynasty. There are six exhibition rooms, each with a different theme. About 3,000 pieces of forest-related materials are on display, and real-sized models of the ginkgo trees of Geumsan Mountain, the shrine trees of Gongju, and the pine trees of Anmyeondo Island. The big greenhouse has a glass dome and houses tropical and subtropical plants. The Wild Animal Village features Asiatic Black Bears, wild boars, mandarin ducks, and eagles.

The Museum of Natural History has numerous collections of rare shellfish, butterflies, birds, animals, and fossils from around the world on display. Visitors can also observe live reptiles and other animals at the museum.

“Human-powered gliders” refer to gliders under 50kg that can be operated by shifting one’s weight; this include devices such as hang gliders and paragliders. Paragliding, despite its short history, is the most popular type of human-powered glider. Mungyeong Flying Land, a top paragliding facility, is conveniently located in Mungyeong, which offers excellent conditions for this amazing sport. Mungyeong’s geography creates an excellent updraft and steady winds, and the area’s total absence of high-tension wires means plenty of wide-open space for a safe landing. Mungyeong Flying Land is surrounded by outstanding mountains (Juheulsan, Joryeongsan, and Seongjubong) giving visitors a unique and exciting flying experience. Nearby attractions include Mungyeong Spa, Mungyeongsaejae, Mungyeong KBS Drama Studio, Mungyeong Coal Museum, and more. * Flying Site - Location: Goyo-ri, Mungyeong-eup, Mungyeong, Gyeongsangbuk-do (North Latitude 36˚44´03˝ / Longitude 36˚44´03) - Opened on November 21, 1998 - Take-off Sites 1) No. 1 Take-off Site: 730m above sea level and 3,500m2 in area 2) No. 2 Take-off Site: 866m above sea level and 6,800m2 in area - Landing Sites 1) No. 1 Landing Site: 220m above sea level and 13,000m2 in area 2) No. 2 Landing Site: 165m above sea level and 10,000m2 in area 3) No. 3 Landing Site: 150m above sea level and 15,000m2 in area  

As the only temple in Jeoksangsan (or Mt. Jeoksang), Anguksa Temple was built in 1227 (during the 3rd year of King Chungryeol’s reign) by Monk Wolin. A secret historical archives, called Sagak, was built to store Joseonwangjo Sillok (annals of the Joseon Dynasty) in 1614 (during the 6th year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign) within the mountain, while Seonukgak was built in 1641 (during the 19th year of King Injo’s reign) to store Seonwonrok (royal genealogical records). The two sites were designated as Jeoksangsan Historical Archives during the Joseon Dynasty. Hoguksa Temple was also built at that time to prevent accidents from affecting the archives. The temple, along with the existing Anguksa Temple, was used to house monk soldiers who protected the archives.Because of the construction of Muju Power Plant, Anguksa Temple was relocated to the Hoguksa Temple site and rebuilt in 1995. Consisting of 15 buildings, the temple is surrounded by Sanjeong Lake. Boasting exquisite fall foliage, the temple can be easily reached by vehicle along a paved road. The nearby attractions include Muju Resort and Muju Gucheondong Valley. 

Naju Pear Museum (나주배박물관) in Naju, Jeollnam-do opened in 1992 to study and promote the renowned Naju Pear. Known as the birthplace of Korean pears, Naju even has a museum dedicated to the fruit. The Naju Pear Museum has everything you’ll need to know about pears, including the history of various kinds, storing methods and the process of growing them. Visitors can also buy Naju pears in the Naju Pear Distribution Center adjacent to the museum.