Travel/Culture List

The water at Angseong Carbonate Hot Springs comes from 700 meters underground. This water contains about 2.800㎎/L of carbonic acid and is beneficial in many ways. It is known to be effective in preventing high and low blood pressures, diabetes, arthritis, neuralgia, depression, lifestlye diseases, obesity caused by lack of exercise, stiff shoulder, back pain, colds, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Carbonic acid hot springs are also good for stress relief, increasing metabolism, stimulating blood circulation, and for the treatment of hypersensitive skin, cosmetics allergies, freckles, age spots, athelete’s foot and eczema. The water temperature at the hot spring stays between 25-38 degrees Celcius. A separate pool is available for people who prefer a warmer temperature than that. Known for promoting physical and psycological health, a carbonic acid hot spring bath also softens the skin and helps fatigue recovery. For added benefits, Angseong Carbonate Hot Springs also uses oak wood for heating its jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) and the water.

Nongae was born in Juchon Village, Daegok-ri, Janggye-myeon in the 7th year of King Seonjo (September 3, 1575). A clever and beautiful lady, Nongae voluntarily registered as a gisaeng (female entertainer) at the age of 19 when the nation was infiltrated by Japanese invaders during the Imjin War. While entertaining one evening, she led Japanese general Keyamura Rokusuke to the edge of a cliff and flung her arms around him, casting both herself and the general into the Jinju Namgang River to their deaths. To commemorate her faithfulness and allegiance her country, a project to restore her place of birth was completed in September 2000, drawing many visitors. Nearby Nongae’s birthplace are many tourist attractions, including the Deogyusan Mountain and Odongje (both of which have a compelling view) and a hiking trail that connects Jangansan Mountain County Park, Jiji Valley, and Donghwa Dam.

The Dalseong Korea-Japan Friendship Center opened on May 3, 2012 to highlight the philanthropy of General Kim Chung-seon (Japanese name Sayaka, 1571-1642) and promote friendship between Korea and Japan. Kim Chung-seon was a Japanese general who defected to Korea during the Japanese invasion. Shortly after arriving on Korean soil as a commander of a Japanese army, Choi together with his subjects defected to Korea, a choice that has been traditionally attributed to his respect for Korean culture. He transferred the technology of manufacturing rifles to the Korean army and contributed greatly in battles in Gyeongju and Ulsan. A great number of tourists visit the center to learn about history, including students and their parents, as well as numerous Japanese tourists who visit to commemorate the spirit of General Kim. The center features exhibition rooms, a 3-D theater, a tea ceremony room, relics, manifestations of traditional games in Korea and Japan, documents from Wakayama Prefecture in Japan, and a site for experiencing archery, all of which can be utilized free of charge.

The Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest is located at the foot of Gibansan Mountain (464.7m). The forest is filled with wild flora and fauna and is a habitat for many different wild animals like hare and roe deer. “House in the Forest,” the Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest’s accommodation for visitors, is made of all natural, eco-friendly materials such as red clay and logs. Within easy access from urban areas, it is the perfect weekend getaway for those who want a refreshing break in the woods.

Located in Pyeongchang-gun of Gwangwon-do Province, Baengnyong Cave is a 1.8㎞-long, natural limestone cave. Its entrance, located 10-15㎞ above sea level, is surrounded by rocks and was once accessible only by boat. In 1976, local residents expanded a small lane in the middle of the main corridor to allow easier exploration. Alongside Donggang River, the cave harbors mysteries of the past 500 million years including a piano-shaped stalactite, a huge stone pillar, and a stalagmite looking just like a fried egg. The cave was designated as Natural Monument No. 260 in 1979, and it also opened Baengnyong Cave Eco Experience Center in 2010. Visitors may also venture out to nearby tourist sites for trekking, rafting, and studying nature at Donggang Fresh Water Fish Center.

Nakdonggang River (506.17km in length with a total watershed of 23,384.21㎢) is South Korea’s longest river. The name Nakdonggang means “a river that runs through the East (dong) of Garak(nak)guk (or Gaya Kingdom).” The Nakdonggang River is located to the East of the Goryeong, Sangju (of Gyeongsangbuk-do) and Hapcheong (of Gyeongsangnam-do) areas, which were regions of the Gaya Kingdom. Nakdonggang River used to be a main route for inland transportation with marinas prospering on the riverfront. During the Korean War, the river was the final line of defense for the U.N. Troops. Eulsukdo, located at the end of the Gimhae Delta is a famous wintering site for migratory birds.

Gaeamsa Temple (개암사) is a small, quiet temple built in 634 AD during the Baekje Dynasty. Historical records tell about three-year restoration campaign undertaken by the people of Baekje after the fall of the dynasty. Daeungjeon, the temple's main sanctuary, has been designated as Treasure No. 292. The building itself expresses both refined beauty and majesty as it stands in harmony against Ulgeum Rock, seemingly taking the role as its steadfast protector.

The Maritime & Fisheries Science Museum is situated in Musulmok Resort, a historical site where Admiral Yi Sun-Shin won an important battle over the Japanese during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The Resort is connected to many popular tourist destinations along South Coast, such as Hallyeosudo Marine National Park. The major facilities of the museum include aquariums, maritime and fishery exhibition halls, a maritime science exhibition hall, a marine life cultivating facility and AV facilities. A 3-D theater and marine natural history exhibition hall were recently opened to enhance the visitor experience. In the lobby, a statue of red seabream (a type of fish and the symbol of Jeollanam-do Province) welcomes visitors, who are then guided into the main aquarium area by sea turtles and red seabreams swimming in a wave-shaped aquarium installed along the wall.

Founded by Suncheon City, Ppurigipeunnamu Museum displays the collections of Han Chang-gi, the founder of two renowned magazines in Korea. The collections range from the relics of the Bronze Age to those of modern times. Through the museum, visitors can catch a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of Korea’s ancestors.

Myeonangjeong Pavilion (Jeollanam-do Provincial Monument No.6) is located on the slopes of Mt. Jebongsan in Jewol-ri, Bongsan-myeon, Damyang-gun County. The pavilion was constructed in 1533 by Song Sun (1493~1583), who built it as a place for writing poems. After its construction, the pavilion served as a meeting place for scholars and intellectuals and was even frequented by Lee Hwang (1501~1570), a representative Confucian scholar who is pictured on the 1,000-won bill. The roof of Myeonangjeong Pavilion was originally made of reeds, straw, grass and other materials, which could not withstand the elements. After several repairs, the building was developed into the wooden structure that it is today. From the back of pavilion, you can see the mountain ranges and open wide fields; renowned scholars’ poems are engraved on the wooden panels that decorate the pavilion walls.