Travel/Culture List

Located in Byeonsan Peninsula National Park in Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Monkey School is a theme park where visitors can learn about monkeys and nature. Thirty-one monkeys (all with different names and personalities) show off their tricks by standing on their hands or riding bikes on a set decorated like a classroom. Monkey school also has a crocodile area with live crocodiles, a Museum of Natural History complete with fossils, and a Nature Learning Center where visitors will find unique ways to learn about and experience nature.

The shape of Ulsan Station resembles the image of a crane’s wings, as Ulsan’s historical name was ‘Hakseong’ (‘Hak’ means crane in Korean). The station features a pleasant and comfortable environment for visitors.

Designated as a provincial park in November 1979, Gajisan Provincial Park (가지산도립공원) covers the Tongdosa Temple (통도사) area of Habuk-myeon, Yangsan; the Naewonsa Temple (내원사) area; and the Seoknamsa Temple area of Sangbuk-myeon, Ulju-gun, Ulsan. Mt. Yeongchuksan, located in the Yangsan part of the park, is called ‘Korea’s Southeastern Alps’ for its superb scenery and naturally draws many hikers. The cool water flowing in the valley that runs down the mountain is another source that attracts hikers. Popular tourist attractions in the park include Mt. Cheonseongsan, Tongdosa Temple and Naewonsa Temple.

Goseong-gun’s Hwajinpo Aquarium (화진포 해양박물관) is located in the Hwajinpo area of Gangwondo Province and consists of two exhibition rooms with one room featuring a total of 40,000 or 1,500 species shellfish including rare shellfish, crustaceans, coral, fossils and a stuffed specimens; and the other displaying 125 species of 3,000 fish living in fish tanks of varying sizes and shapes designed and equipped in accordance with the characteristics and habitats of each species of fish. There is a 300 ton overhead underwater tunnel on the first floor of the fish exhibition room. The second floor is home to the Ocean Beach and Beautiful East Sea Exhibitions; the Invertebrate Animal Center along with a 3-D Theater that shows films like "Hwajinpo Becomes a Lake", "Ocean Day", and the "Amazing Underwater Trip.

The O2 Ski Resort has a particularly good location in Taebaek City, Gangwon Province, which not only receives the first snowfall in Korea, but also has the longest snow season. The ‘town-style’ O2 Resort is located only ten minutes from downtown Taebaek and has a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities and entertainment options. The nearby locations of the Hangang and Nakdonggang Rivers provide particularly soft and natural snow, which is great for skiing. Even beginners can enjoy the 3.2km long course, which stretches all the way from the peak (1,420m high) to the base of the mountain. This mountain is so high that skiers literally ski down through the clouds! The 02 Resort has been specially designed for families. All ski courses start and end at the same place, enabling skiers of all levels to ski together. There is also sledding slopes and a children's park.

From 1974 to 1995, Wondae-ri Birch Forest has been reforested with approxmiately 690,000 birch trees in an area of 138 hectares, with 25 hectares of land being used as children's forest experience center. Tour of the forest is available by following its walking trail, only after completing a registration at the forest entrance. The forest was designed to promote educational and environmental values and recognize the beauty unique to the birch forest.

Built between 1919 and 1921, the Seon Byeong-guk house’s unique architectural style uses dimensions greater than those of traditional houses. The house is divided into three sections: an inner house, a separate house, and a shrine. They are surrounded by two walls: an inner wall and an outer wall. The house lies in the middle of Samgacheon Stream which flows from Sokni Mountain. This design resembles a lotus flower floating on water, which symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and longevity for the generations of dwellers. The house is also surrounded by lush pine trees.* Information on the HouseThe descendants of Seon Byeong-guk still occupy and manage the house. A separate structure is used as a tea house, while the inner house offers rooms for students. As the house is still a private home, visitors are asked to be courteous and maintain the privacy of the residents. 

Gapsa Temple is located in the forested foothills of Gyeryongsan Mountain, 19 kilometers from Gongju and a three-hour walk from Donghaksa Temple. The temple is most beautiful during fall when surrounded by crimson foliage. Gapsa Temple was established by monk Adohwasang in 420, during the early Baekje Period. The temple's beauty allowed it to escape destruction many times, but it was ultimately burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The current structures were built in 1604. Nearby attractions include Yongmunpokpo Falls, Sujeongbong Peak, and Cheonjinbotab Pagoda.

Located in Jangheung of Jeollanam-do, Cheongwansan Recreational Forest (천관산 자연휴양림) is located at the entrance of one of the five great mountains of the Jeollado region. Many people who love to climb the Cheongwansan go by the recreational forest. Cheongwansan is a rocky mountain with steep peaks. In the spring, red camellia flowers bloom, while in the fall pampas grass blankets the entire area, creating a spectacular scene. If you hike up this mountain you will able to see the Dadohae on the south coast. To the south there’s the Wolchulsan Mountain in Yeongam, the Jeamsan Mountain of Jangheung and Mudeungsan Mountain of Gwangju. On a clear day Hallasan Mountain of Jeju Island can be seen from across the ocean. The recreational forest is well-maintained and has many paths for a leisurely walk.  

Well-known for its uncontaminated, clear waters, Hallyeo Waterway flows from Odongdo island of Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do to Hansando island of Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do and remains protected due to its inclusion in Hallyeohaesang National Park. The waterway is dotted with over 500 large and small islands and was the site of countless navel battles fought by Admiral Yi Sun-Shin during the Japanese invasions of 1592-1598.