Travel/Culture List

As one of the best scenic mountains in Korea, Jeoksangsan Mountain (1,034m) showcases imposing, steep rock walls. Red maple trees around cliffs make the mountain look like a giant red skirt in the fall. That’s why it is called Jeoksangsan (Red Skirt Mountain). The mountain boasts a variety of attractions from Hyangrobong (Hyangro Peak/1,029m), Cheonil Falls, Songdae Falls, Jangdobawi (Jangdo Rock), Janggunbawi (Janggun Rock), and Anryeomdae. The rugged shape of the mountain was considered ideal for building a fortress. And after Jeoksangsan became a designated site for storing Joseonwangjo Sillok (annals of the Joseon Dynasty), the fortress surrounding it was further rebuilt. The mountain is also home to Anguksa Temple, an ancient temple built in 1227 (during the 3rd year of King Chungryeol’s reign) by Monk Wolin. The mountain can easily be climbed by hiking or by vehicle; there is a paved road stretching over 15km that leads to the top of the mountain thanks to the construction of Muju Power Plant, letting tourists visit Sanjeong Lake and Anguksa Temple conveniently.  

Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress (Seosaengpo Japanese Fortress) is a stone fortress typical of the Japanese style popular in the later part of the 16th century. It was built under the leadership of Japanese General Kato Kiyomasa in 1592-1593 at the beginning of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). The main fortress is located on a mountaintop 200 meters above sea level, a second fortress is halfway down the mountain, and a third fortress is located at the bottom of the mountain. The whole fortress is rectangular shaped. The fortress wall is 6 meters high and slants at an angle of 15 degrees. In 1594, a Buddhist monk named Samyeong-daesa came to Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress four times to negotiate for peace, but he failed each time. In 1598, the fortress was taken over by Korea with the assistance of General Magwi of the Ming Dynasty. A year later, Changpyodang Shrine was built in honor of the 53 Koreans who died during battles against the Japanese invading forces. However, the shrine was destroyed during the Japanese imperialism period and no trace of it remains. It is possible to tell from Seosaengpo Jinseongdo (a map drawn up in 1872) that the fortress was also partially used by Korean forces.

Jeongnamjin in Jangheung is a pristine region with beautiful mountains, beaches, and rivers. One of these attractions is the cypress forest, where a refreshing breeze blows through the green shade of these 40-year-old trees. Cypress Forest Woodland is a wood culture & experience center located on Eokbulsan Mountain, allowing visitors a view of the entire downtown area. Guests can stay in the various hanok-style pensions, enjoy the cypress and salt rooms of the jjimjilbang, and take part in various ecology education experiences at this relaxing family leisure resort.

The name ‘Yedang Reservoir’ was created by combining the first syllable of Yesan-gun and Dangjin-gun since the reservoir supplies water to farmland in both of these places. For the last 40 years, this area has been known as the best place for fishing in central Korea, home to a variety of freshwater fish including crucian carp, common carp, eel, snakehead, Korean bullhead and mudfish. The fish are biting almost year-round (from early spring to late fallm, as well as ice fishing in winter). 

The name of the temple is believed to have originated from the fact that it is located in the south of Gajisan or Seokansan. Built in 824 A.D. (during the 16th year of King Heondeok’s reign), the temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1674 (during the 15th year of King Hyeongjong’s reign). Since then, it has gone through rebuilding several times. Consisting of 30 buildings, the temple is home to many Buddhist nuns. Seongnamsa Three Story Pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Property No. 5) was built in 824 A.D. by Monk Doui, reflecting his wish of protecting the country from foreign invasions. The pagoda was initially placed in front of Daeungjeon, but moved to the current location in 1973. Other notable relics in the temple include the Statue of Monk Doui (National Treasure No. 369), Three Story Sarira Pagoda, and Stone Water Tank (Cultural Property Material No. 4).  

Hyangiram (Cultural Property Material No. 40) is one of four Buddhist hermitages in Korea where the faithful come to pray. It was originally named Wontongam, established by monk Wonhyo during the fourth year of Baekje King Uija’s reign (644). Monk Yunpil later renamed Wontongam as Geumoam in the 9th year of Goryeo King Gwangjong’s reign (958) and then Hyangiram named by monk Inmuk during the 41st year of Joseon King Sukjong’s reign (1715). Hyangiram was a base camp for Buddhist monks who helped Admiral Lee Sun-shin fight the war during the Japanese invasion.The temple contains Daeungjeon, Gwaneumjeon, Chilseonggak, Dokseodang, and Chwiseongru, all of which are well preserved. Camellias and subtropical plants surround the Bawibong Peak and the fantastic rock of Mt. Geumosan. The mountain path to Hyangiram is very steep and it is one of the exciting mountain courses of Korea. To reach the temple, you will need to climb the rock at the midpoint of the trail and pass the stone gate, situated between two large rocks near the temple.

Auraji is the name of a lake located in Yeoryang-myeon in Jeongseon-gun. It is here that Jeongseon Arirang, the No. 1 Intangible Cultural Asset of Gangwon-do, originated. The area has long been famous for its beautiful, clean mountains and rivers. Its name is derived from the Korean word ‘eoureojida,’ meaning ‘to meet’ as the waters of Pyeongchang and Samcheok unite in this area. Part of the upper stream of Namhangang River, Auraji was a famous starting point of log rafts transporting timber to Hanyang, the original name of Seoul. In the old days, one could always hear the singing of boatmen who came from all over the nation. The lyrics of Jeongseon Arirang reveal the sadness and longing of a woman awaiting her husband who left for business to a far-away place or left to transport timber. Today, numerous tourists visit Auraji to enjoy its great scenic views or to see the symbol of a maid who, gazing into the river, seems to be waiting for her lover to return.

Seuldo Island is located off the coast of Ulsan City in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. Its name, Seuldo ("seul" meaning the Korean stringed instrument geomungo), was given as the sound of wind and waves hitting the rock island is said to mimic the sound of geomungo. In fact, the sound of waves hitting the island is so good that it is called seuldomyeongpa or the resounding of waves. The island is also known as Siruseom ("siru" meaning an earthenare steamer) for its resemblance to the upside down siru, and Gomboseom ("gombo" meaning pockmarks) for its stones with holes in them appear as gombos. On the island, there is an unmanned lighthouse dating back to the late 1950s. The main economic activity on the island is fishery. In 2010, the TV drama "Fire of Desire" was filmed on the island.

Yanggu Prehistory Museum displays artifacts from the Paleolithic Age in Sangmuryong-ri, Yanggu-eup and the Neolith Age in Hyeon-ri, Haean-myeon, to teach visitors about Korean prehistoric culture in an up-close and fun manner.

Daeseung Falls was known as a major recreation site of King Gyeong-Sun (reign 927~935), the last king of Silla Kingdom (BC 57~AD 935). The size is twice as large as those of Guryong Falls of Mt. Geumgangsan or Bakyeon Falls of Gaeseong. It is located in the Naeseorak area of the Mt.Seoraksan. Across from Daeseung Falls is a large rock, where in Chinese characters “Gucheoneunha” is carved. The stream of the waterfall is 88m long. Pass to the left of Jangsudae ticket booth, go past Sajung Falls and climb up a steep and rocky path, and you will reach an observatory area where you can view the scenery of Daeseung Falls. Along the path leading to the observatory area is an iron ladder. Walk on the right walkway to Daseungryeong for 5 minutes and you will meet a narrow path that leads right up to the waterfall. This pathway attracts many visitors because of its beautiful surroundings and water streams.According to the myth, there once was a person named Daeseung who lived alone after his parents died when he was young, and lived by selling mushrooms. One day, when he was plowing with his body tied to a hawser hung under the rock pillar of the waterfall, he heard his mother's voice calling for him. When he climbed up to the top of the cliff, he instead found a large centipede cutting the rope. Following the myth, the waterfall became to be called Daeseung because of the mothers voice that saved her sons life.