Travel/Culture List

Geomundo Lighthouse, completed on April 12, 1905, was the first lighthouse to be built on the southern coast of Korea. The white, 6.4 meter-high lighthouse shines a beam of light every 15 seconds that is visible for up to 42 kilometers away. In January 2006, a 33-meter high lighthouse top was added to replace obsolete facilities. The previous hundred-year-old lighthouse top was partially restored and is on display as a maritime relic. While at the lighthouse, don’t forget to visit the Gwanbaekejong Pavilion next to the lighthouse for an exquisite view of the southern sea.

The Jangseung Park on Chilgapsan Mountain is the largest preservation area for "jangseungs," the ancient wooden or stone totem poles that were usually placed at the village entrance to ward off evil spirits. It was established in May 1999 to counter the dwindling awareness of the artifacts, and houses some of Korea's tallest jangseungs (11.5m) as well as replicas of indigenous totem poles from across the world. Today, it continues to host the Annual Mt. Chilgap Jangseung Festival, and serves as an important site of Korean history learning.

Gyeongju Country Club is located within Bomun Tourism Area with spectacular scenery of the Bomun Lake. It is within 15 minutes from Gyeongju and is aiming to become the best golf course in Korea. The characteristic of Gyeongju Country Club is "Light Golf" which has enabled players to play golf at night and at daybreak under perfect light settings. It is located in Gyeongju, which is a tourism city, attracting the attention of tourists who love golf.

Manbokdae Peak in the west soars at the boundary between Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun and Namwon-si at the altitude of 1,433m. ”Man” means “full of something” and “bok” means “fortune.” Like the name, Manbokdae is considered as a fortunate mountain with great views as it is surrounded by smooth hills. According to an old story, Manbokdae Peak was chosen as one of the 10 scenic areas, where people come to receive good fortune. It is the largest reed habitat in Jirisan Mountain Park and the peak is covered with reeds creating stunning view. Visitors can overlook Banyabong Peak. Many of visitors come to this area for trekking from hot springs like the Jirisan Hot Spring Land. When sansuyu flowers bloom in the spring, the hike up to Manbokdae Peak comes to life with bright yellow flowers. Also, it has wonderful scenery in the fall and winter.

Cheonan’s Sangnok Resort possesses a diverse entertainment facility, offering a Leisure Town with Sangnok Hotel, a convention center, Sangnok Land, and golf course. Sangnok’s featured attraction is Aquapia, known as a “Water World", or "Water Paradise”. If you take a look around the indoor water-park, Aquapia, there is a variety of fun awaiting each guest: a tidal wave pool with 5 different types of waves; 'The Flowrider', a ride that simulates the thrill of surfing on ocean waters; 'Master Blaster', a ride that takes two riders up at a time, up and down through the water’s heavy pressure; 2 new slides; and 3 types of spas used as resting areas.

The largest irrigation facility in Korea, Byeokgolje Reservoir (Historic Site No. 111) is considered the birthplace of Korea’s rice-farming culture. All that remains of the reservoir today are a three-kilometer long embankment that spans from Sinyong-ri to Wolseung-ri in Buryang-myeon, Gimje-si and a monument that was erected in 1415. The Byeokgolje Museum of Agricultural Culture exhibits around 250 artifacts related to rice farming; located within the same complex is an experience center where visitors can discover the many properties of irrigation facilities first-hand.

Ganghwa Janghwa-ri Tidal Flats in Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon is well-known among photographers as a great spot to view the sunset from. Along with Dongmak Beach, this area has one of the most beautiful tidal flats and views of the sunrise in the western sea. The place provides different views depending on the rise and ebb of the tide.

Opened on June 4, 2008, Kalbongsan Natural Recreation Forest is oriented towards human-nature interactivity, providing spaces for accommodations (Forest Cabin), recreation (Forest Culture Recreation Center), and leisure (camping site, walking trails, forest path, multi-purpose field, etc.). Access to several infrastructures including parking spaces and shower rooms is also available. Gyeongban Valley with its uniquely shaped rocks and pine nut trees, Gyeongban Lake, and forest paths covered with chestnut and pine nut trees, can be found around the area. Gapyeong Dam and Cheongpyeong Dam, which are both great spots for picnis and camping, are also located near the forest.

Designated as National Park in 1975, Deogyusan National Park (덕유산국립공원, 1,614m) covers four counties. The ridgeline from the Hyangjeokbong peak of Mt. Bukdeogyusan to Mt. Namdeogyusan is 17.5km, and the altitude is 1,200m high. There are five peaks over 1,330m above sea level and eight large valleys. Mt. Deogyusan is one of Korea's tourist highlights and boasts temples, relics as well as a ski resort. Of the many wonderful sites, Mujuguchon-dong, the 25km valley range from Najetong gate to Baekryeonsa Temple, is especially noted as one of the 10 best tourist areas of Korea. Every valley has scenic spots and Gucheon-dong is particularly famous. Baekryeonsa Temple is located at the end of Gucheon-dong Valley. It is famous for the Stone Samjon Buddha, cerated during the Goryeo Dynasty and many monks came from this temple before and after the Injinwaeran War (1592~1598). Also, Jeoksangsanseong Fortress, Anguksa Temple, Guebul and many other relics are scattered throughout the park. Mt. Deogyusan boasts an abundance of beauty throughout all four seasons, and the 600 species of animals and plants, including the unique landscape of the yew trees are especially eye-catching.