Travel/Culture List

Pyeongchang Donggang Freshwater Ecology Fish Center opened to the public in July 2009 in an effort to provide the general public with a chance to observe the indigenous fish of Donggang River and learn more about the local ecology. Along with Hemibarbus mylodon, Natural Monument No. 259, the center presents 45 unique species of freshwater fish including Rhynchocypris kumganensis, Coreoleuciscus splendidus, Zacco temminckii, and Ssoragi. At the center there are a variety of hands-on experience programs. Walk through a gigantic model of a fish’s stomach and explore its internal organs. Or, check out the 3D theater, virtual rafting program, or the huge tank where you can observe and touch an array of freshwater fish. There is also an outdoor training center where you can try your hand at rock climbing.  

‘Got’ in the name of Wolgot means ‘peninsula’ and it is also called ‘dalwol,’ and the area was considered an important strategic point during the Joseon Dynasty. In 1991 a land reclaimation project succeeded in creating a new recreation site. Now there are many seafood restaurants, various auxiliary facilities, and an amusement park that rest on reclaimed land. Because the inlet is located on the west coast where the difference in the water level between high and low tide is great, fishing boats avoid the area during the shifting tides. But, whenever the boats return, visitors can enjoy fresh sushi and other seafood. The Marine World facilities have authentic European-style restaurants, an outdoor seawater pool that can be used free of charge, and a barbecue facility along with other amenities.  

With the aim of enriching the lives of Dong-gu district’s inhabitants, Ayang Art Center (former Donggu Arts & Sports Center) is equipped with a wide range of facilities for hosting performances, exhibitions, culture classes, sport events, etc. Available facilities include a grand performance hall (1,165 seats), variable black box theater (200 seats), outdoor performance hall (400 seats), recreation ground, exhibition hall, culture and arts educational facilities, a wedding hall, sports center with a swimming pool, and a fitness center. As of March 1, 2013, the center's name has been changed from Donggu Arts & Sports Center to Ayang Art Center.

Sangwonsa Temple is located 8km north of Woljeongsa Temple. Stories are told that Sangwonsa Temple was built by Buddhist monk Ja Jang (590~658) in 643, in the 12th year of Silla Queen Seon-Deok, and others say that it was built by Bocheon and Hyo-myeong, the sons of King Sin-Mun (reign 681~692), the 31st king of the Silla Kingdom. It was rebuilt in 705 during the 4th year of King Seong-Deok's reign (702∼737). However, in 1946 it was burnt down in a fire, but later restored once again in 1947. Only a Bell Pavillon remained during this period until the building was rebuilt after Korea’s Independence Day. The oldest relic left today is Dongjong (National Treasure No.36), Munsu Child Figure, and the Jungchang, the promotion of virtue in rebuilding Sangwonsa Temple, written by the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty King Sejo (reign 1455∼1468).At the entrance is a site called Gwandaegeori, named after the story about how King Se-Jo would hang his royal garments here when he took baths. Also, there is the Munsu Child Figure where the story of King Sejo and monk Munsu comes from. As National Treasure No. 221, the official name is Sangwonsa Munsu Wooden Seated Child Figure. At Sangwonsa Temple, there are other pieces other than the Munsu Child figure. The 91cm diameter Sangwonsa Dongjong was established in 725, in the 24th year of Silla King Seong-Deok. It is famous for its beautiful bell sound and the delicately carved Juakbicheon figure but nowadays it sits silent in order to preserve the bell.Sangwonsa Temple is located at Jungdaeam on the way to Jeokmyeolbogung in the Mt.Odaesan Birobong Peak direction. At the 2km southwest point is a hermitage where Utongsu Stream, the origin of the Hangang river, flows. Jeokmyeolbogung is a reliquary which possesses the bonesetting relics of Buddha, which was brought by monk Ja Jang from Tang (China).

Bongsan Cultural Center is a comprehensive culture & arts complex located on Bongsan Culture Street in downtown Daegu. The center serves to satisfy the cultural desire of Daegu citizens and promote their emotional development. It aims to contribute to the development of traditional culture and local art in addition to providing opportunities for healthy recreational activities and lifelong education related to culture and arts. The center has five modern exhibition halls (Exhibition Hall No. 1-4 and Art Space) and two performance halls (Gaon Hall with 442 seats, and Space Raon with 90 seats). As the center is located near Banwoldang Station (Daegu Subway Line 1), it is easily accessible by public transportation.

Anheung Jjinppang Village is located along National Highway 42, connecting Seoul and Gangneung. Travelers passing Daegwallyeong on their way to Seoul from the Yeongdong area often stopped here to have a light lunch from old times. Anheung jjinppang (Anheung-style steamed bun) was enough to satisfy their hunger. Over time, Anheung jjinppang has become one of Korea's famous nostalgic snacks. Jucheongang River, beginning from Taegisan Mountain and flowing through Yeongwol, offers the proper humid condition perfect for the bun's aging process. As of now, there are over 10 shops dedicated to selling steamed buns in the village. Since the early 1990s, over one million people have come to Anheung Jjinppang Village to get these steamed buns which became popular through word-of-mouth. Anheung jjinppang is made with high-quality red bean, using the traditional cooking process that creates the homemade flavor, which is immediatedly recognized by the mouth that has become used to instant foods.

The Sangseung Observation Post (상승OP) operates as a forward OP monitoring North Korean activities (currently Biryong Camp is in charge of the operation). Soldiers manning the post are on alert 24 hours a day. Visitors can view North Korean guard posts using binoculars, while iron fences and the vast Yeoncheon plain are also visible. Viewing the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) that stretching across the plains offers a view of the habitat of a wide array of plants and animals that are rarely found elsewhere, such as eagles, goshawks, roe deer, and goats. Visitors can see the faces and movements of North Korean soldiers at their guard posts, and depending on the time, hear various North Korean propoganda broadcasts targeted towards South Korea. This is truly a front-line observation post on the DMZ. The No. 1 Tunnel (제1땅굴) is not open to the public since it is located in the Demilitarized Zone. However, a life-size model has been created and is on exhibit at the Sangseung OP, the closest observation post. The No. 1 Tunnel was discovered on November 15, 1974, by Sergeant Koo Hasa when his reconnaissance team sensed suspicious steam rising from the ground. After a few gunshots from a guard post in North Korea, Koo’s team started the investigation. It turned out that the tunnel was made by North Korean soldiers to infiltrate and aid in the invasion of the South.  

After the fall harvest season, the fields on the Cheorwon Plain are littered with fallen grains, providing an abundant source of food for migratory birds. Meanwhile, the well-preserved ecosystem of the Demilitarized Zone provides clean water and a healthy habitat, making the Cheorwon area a paradise for migratory birds.Cranes stalking around the fields and birds taking off en masse from the reservoir make bird watchers exclaim in awe. In Cheorwon, which boasts the biggest white-fronted goose population in Korea, you can see over 110 species of birds, some of which are protected as national treasures. Examples include red-crowned cranes, vultures, white-tailed sea eagles, and golden eagles as well as mallards and spot-billed ducks, which migrate to Korea for the winter.The most spectacular views are generally at sunrise, between noon and 2pm, and at sunset, and for the rest of daylight hours you can choose from a wide variety of attractions located near the demarcation line. North Korean infiltrating the second tunnel, Woljeong Station Observation Deck, the former Labour Party building, Baekmagoji highland and Dopiansa Temple all reside nearby. Since the Cheorwon Plain is located north of the Civilian Control Line and normally not opened to civilian access, the ecosystem is very well preserved.

Gossi Cave located in Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do Province is a limestone cave almost 6km long. Its name came from the story that the Go family, fighting against Japanese soldiers, took refuge here during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Inside the cave, there are stalactites, stalagmites, four lakes, three falls, six plazas (open spaces) that have been formed over the past 400 million years. In addition, there are about twenty-four microorganisms that inhabit the cave. Spots where the Go family made fires can still be seen. Visitors can enjoy various facilities nearby such as an amusement park, shops for traditional local products, traditional restaurants, and accommodations.

The Dongnagwon House in Jeonju Hanok Village provides a getaway to experience hanok stay and traditional Korean life. Affiliated with Jeonju Kijeon College, Dongnagwon is also a memorial hall dedicated to W. M. Junkin, who came to Korea as a missionary from the South Presbyterian Church of the United States in 1892. Dongnagwon is a reproduction of the old hanok houses in Jeonju from the time when W. M. Junkin was doing his missionary work in the area. It is comprised of three buildings: Anchae (main hall), Sarangchae (guest house), and Haengnangchae (servants’ quarters). Visitors to Dongnagwon can learn and experience traditional Korean culture such as music, crafts, and dance while inhabiting traditional lodging. In addition to providing accommodation for individual guests, Dongnagwon is also used for group accommodations or activities such as seminars, conferences, and family events. For groups of 30 or more, it is possible to rent out the entire venue (in addition to all facilities, including Seungdokdang, Seunghwadang, Cheongyuje, and the front yard).