Travel/Culture List

‘Dongheon’ refers to the administrative building or headquarters for the top city official of the Joseon Dynasty. This tile-roofed house measures six Kans* (14.4 meters) on the front, two Kans (or 4.8 meters) on the side and is 3.3 meters in x_height. Records carved on its gate show that the wooden house was constructed in 1407. The house, which is characteristic of late Joseon Dynasty architecture, was once used as Daeheung-myeon Office, but was dismantled and restored to its original appearance in 1979.*Kan: ancient building area measurement unit corresponding to the space between two columns

Sinjindo Island is located at the end of Jeongjuk Peninsula in Sinjindo-ri, Geunheung-myeon, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do. The island has an area of 1.06 ㎢, and is 40 km away from Taean-gun and 1km away from Geunheung-myeon. People settled on the island after Manhocheon fortified the shore during the period of King Seongjong.

With the release of the recent movie 'Roaring Currents (2014)', the haenam region is gaining in popularity, thanks in a big part to the Woosoo Tourist Attraction Area. This area commemorates the Myeongryang Battle and the great victory that was achieved by Admiral Yi Sun-Sin in 1597. This remarkable site embraces an important role in Korean history and became a national tourist site in 1986, in addition to the Memorial Park (1990) of Admiral Yi, overlooking Uldolmok. A number of exhibition halls are designed to showcase the remains related to the naval battle and sculpture parks in rememberance of the great defeat over Japan.

Ganggol village is one of the few remaining Hanok villages from the Joseon Dynasty that has maintained its original look. Most of the houses in the village were built by the Gwangju Lee Clan after the 19th century. About 30 houses stand closely together with Obongsan Mountain located behind the village. Old cherry blossom, magnolia, and pomegranate trees stand throughout the village, protecting the houses. Stone walls between the houses are covered with ivy and bamboo. With all the scenery, the village retains the atmosphere of a typical Korean old town. In the Ganggol Village Experience Program, participants spend a night at the traditional Hanok village where Koreans actually lived during the Joseon Dynasty to experience the lifestyle of the old days (using conventional toilets and getting water from a well, etc.). In addition, during the cherry blossom blooming period, participants also have the chance to experience into the beauty of cherry blossoms at the Cherry Blossom Café at Deungnyang Train Station. From spring through early autumn, participants are surrounded by the beautiful scenery and scent of the misty Boseong green tea fields at dawn. An eco experience programs runs from spring to fall and offers participants a chance to catch clams and mud shrimp at Deungnyangman Bay.

Yangbangsan Paragliding Site is situated 664 meters above sea level at the top of Yangbangsan Mountain. Upon arrival at the site, one can get a panoramic view of Danyang, including the meandering Namhangang River. While serving as the main venue for major gliding sports competitions, the site is also frequented by tourists and extreme sports enthusiasts who want to experience hang gliding and paragliding.

Gwangju Pyeongchon Village, located north of Mudeungsan Mountain, is a cozy farming village made up of four villages Dongrim, Daman, Woosung, and Dangmoe. The village still has an excellence natural preservation, growing environmental-friendly rice in the fields and Punam stream that runs through the middle of the village houses fireflies and otters. Also the village keeps the tradition of making pottery as the village was the place that made grayish-blue-powdered celadon during the Joseon Dynasty. The village street corner offers visitors to Mudeungsan Mountain a place to rest with Mudol-gil shelter and Bandi-lodging.

The National Center for Korean Namdo Performing Arts is located at the skirt of Yeogwisan Mountain in Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do. In addition to its gorgeous mountain and coastal views, the center is well known for its critical role in preserving spreading the traditional Korean music and art of the southern regions of Korea through traditional music performances, cultural experiences and traditional music study programs. At the center, visitors can sign up for traditional music lessons or tour the facilities. Key facilities include a traditional Korean music theater called Jinakdang, outdoor concert halls called Dalbitmadang (Moonlight Square) and Byeolbitmadang (Starlight Square), a lodging facility named Sarangchae (with space for 160 people), and the Samuyeonseup Building, which includes practice rooms, seminar rooms, and a cafeteria. Various culture experience programs and traditional music programs are available, such as the “Friday Traditional Korean Music Performance” and the “Weekend Culture Experience,” in which families can come and experience the traditional culture of Namdo (southern Korea). The “Weekend Culture Experience Program” includes traditional Korean music performances, traditional music lessons, and the learning of traditional games, followed by a tour of Jindo-gun and nearby historical sites.  

Imjonseong Fortress (also known as Daeheungsanseong Fortress) is located at the top of Bongsusan Mountain between Yesan-gun and Hongseong-gun in Chungcheongnam-do. This stone fortress was designed as a place to launch attacks against enemies. One of the ways in which those in the fortress fended off intruders was to unleash the water from the giant fortress well and let it gush down the mountain towards the oncoming forces. The fortress wall is about 2.5m high and 3.5m wide and has a ditch 7-8 meters that runs alongside the southern wall. Compared with other Korean fortresses, Imjonseong Fortress is higher and about 2 meters thicker. It is the largest fortress of the Baekje Kingdom and has become the subject of much research. History shows that the fortress was the central hub of the Restoration Movement of the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC - 660 AD). In the 20th year of the reign of King Uija (Baekje Dynasty), the kingdom was defeated by the united forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty (currently, China). Boksin (a cousin of King Uisa), a monk, and Heukchisangji stayed at the fortress for three years while trying to return the king to power. As you walk along the winding trail, you’ll be able to see Daeryeonsa Temple and as you continue to the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Oseosan, Baekwolsan, and Gayasan mountains. Those who come to the fortress from Masa-ri, Gwangsi-myeon, can drive and park their car in the parking lot located right below the fortress.