Travel/Culture List

Daedunsan Recreation Forest (Former Jinsan Recreation Forest) contains deep valleys and magnificent peaks. The new-growth forest on the lower half of the mountain is in perfect harmony with its idyllic surroundings.Nearby tourist attractions include Daedunsan Provincial Park, Taegosa Temple and Ichidaecheop battlefield, where Japanese forces were lured and soundly defeated during Imjinwaeran (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592).

A large fire razed the lush pine forests and pristine coastline of the Donghae area in Changpo-ri, several years ago. But, thanks to strenuous restoration efforts over the past four years, a beautiful park along the scenic seashore and an unmanned lighthouse have been built. Also, a fascinating promenade has been constructed, using sleeper stairs made from the remnants of burnt trees. The observation deck enjoys a broad, open view of the surrounding area and is the best place for photography. A citizens’ shelter, in the form of a pergola, has also been constructed. A series of 18 musical fish sculptures have been installed, and an ecological education field has been developed with wildflowers and native plant species.

Yeonggeumjeong refers to the area covering the shore by the Sokcho Lighthouse in Sokcho-si City. The name Yeonggeumjeong comes from a notion that the sound of waves hitting the rocks is comparable to the melody of geomungo (traditional stringed instrument with 6 strings). At the end of the 50m-long bridge built over a rocky peninsula is a pavilion offering a view of the East Sea.

Nestled in the East coast of Dolsando Island (돌산도), the tranquil waters on this resort have mild waves that lap up on the shiny golden sand along the beach. Nearby there is a thick pine grove where some of the trees are 200 years old. This area is blessed with plenty of fresh inland water despite it being on the coast. The myriad of rocks near the sea are great for fishing. The beach is a popular spot to watch the sunrise. It is also situated on the way to Hyangiram Hermitage, one of Korea’s four hermitages where Buddhist followers come to pray.

Namsan Mountain, located in the southern part of Gyeongju-si, is a registered UNESCO site referred to as Gouisan for its highest peak, Cheollyongsan and also Surimoe (수리뫼) in pure Korean. Korean Traditional Food Experience Education Institute, Surime, is owned by Park Mi-suk who studied under Hwang Hye-seong, holder of the Intangible Cultural Property No. 38 for Royal Cuisine of the Joseon Dynasty. The institute operates various traditional cooking experience programs open for all to participate. Surime shares the walls of the Choi family home, designated as a cultural asset, spanning over 500 pyeong (1,652.89㎡) with well-preserved traditional hanok buildings built over 100 years ago. The center is comprised of various experiential facilities.

Nestled under Gwanbong Peak sits Seonbonsa Temple, under the administration of traditional Korean Buddhists. This temple is widely known as the ‘Palgongsan Gatbawi Stone Buddha.’ Despite nearby precipitous drops, the Gatbawi Stone Buddha is very popular. The Gatbawi Stone Buddha from the United Silla Kingdom is roughly 6 meters tall. The name ‘Gatbawi’ comes from the traditional cylindrical Korean hat that the Buddha wears upon his head.

Yeongwol Station finished its construction in June, 1955 with its titled roof a nod to the region where King Danjong was from. The station was selected as one of the most beautiful stations in Korea due to its antique ambience.