Travel/Culture List

The Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs are a group of ancient Baekje-era tumuli located 100m above sea level on the northeast brow of Chilmokjae Hill in Ipjeom-ri, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The burial ground covers an area of more than 18,520 square meters and is officially listed as Historical Site No. 347. To date, a total of eight tumuli have been excavated, all of which are chamber tombs. Surprisingly enough, the tombs were first discovered in 1986 by a high school student. While digging for arrowroot, a young man from a local high school found some pieces of gold that resembled a hat. He quickly notified the authorities and it was soon discovered that the pieces of gold were in fact valuable ancient artifacts. An emergency excavation was conducted and the eight tumuli were uncovered, but unfortunately all of the tumuli except Tomb No. 1 had been severely damaged. Tomb No. 1, which is still in relatively good condition, boasts an entrance measuring an impressive 16m in x_height and 2m in x_width. Inside the tombs archaeologists found valuable relics from the Baekje Dynasty including earthenware, jewelry (a gilt-bronze hat, gold earrings, glass beads, etc.), harnesses and ironware. Given the shapes and the types of the pieces found, historians estimate that the tumuli were built in the 5th century. Since the gilt-bronze hat is similar in shape to those found in Japan, experts believe that there was an active exchange between the Baekje people and the people of Japan.

From Pungho-dong, follow Haengam-ro for four kilometers and cross the small mountain pass to reach Suchi Village and Suchi Beach. Nestled in the mountains facing the quiet sea, Suchi Village was once a small village with only a few inhabitants. In recent years, the city has grown dramatically and draws a steady stream of visitors who come for the hoe (sliced raw fish), a local specialty served fresh all year round.The town and its main beach boast a variety of amenities including hoe restaurants, accommodations, and parking lots. Happo, the nearest town, also offers plenty to see and do and surrounds visitors with forests and other natural wonders. Happo is famous as the site where Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (1545-1598) achieved many victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin Waeran War (1592-1598).

Located on the foot of Mt. Dongrisan, Taeansa Temple was built by three monks during the reign of the Silla King, Gyeongdeok (742). Afterwards, monk Hyecheol constructed a large temple with 132 rooms during Koryeo Taejo’s reign, which was established as a central seminary of the Mt. Dongrisan area. In the precincts there are four treasures, including Hyecheolguksa Sari Pagoda (national treasure no. 273), Gwangjaseonsa Pagoda (national treasure 274) and Neungpagak (regional tangible asset no. 82) which are worth seeing. However, it was badly damaged during the Korean War and had been refurbished since then. An invigorating valley and a shady nook can be reached just 1.8km from the entrance of the temple. It is a popular trail during the fall, with its bright maple leaves.

Sail Spa Land is uniquely located at the top of a mountain. Sail Spa Land offers top-ranking hot spring water, and also has a whirlpool-equipped hotel-style family pool, the first of its kind in Korea, and an open-air bath about 330 square meters that is directly connected to a public bath.

Located on the Taean Coast, Yeonpo Beach has been a desired vacation spot since 1972. The long stretch of curved sandy beach provides magnificent scenery. It is famous as the beach with the longest period of seasonal operation in the country thanks to its relatively high water temperature resulting from the warm currents. The pine groves and oddly shaped rocks along the coastline make for a fine view.

Manyeonsa Temple is known to have been built in 1208, the fourth year of King Heejong’s (r. 1204-1211) reign during the Goryeo Dynasty. It is said that Manyeonsa Temple was constructed by Great Monk Manyeon after he dreamt of 16 nahans, Buddha’s disciples, preparing to build a temple to preserve Buddha’s statue when taking a short nap during his journey back to Songwangsa Temple in Jogyesan Mountain from Wonhyosa Temple in Mudeungsan Mountain. When he awoke from his nap, he noticed that snow had completely covered his nearby surroundings except for the exact spot where he lied down, which remained so warm that snow had melted and steam was rising from the ground. He then settled in the area by building a dugout where he continued to practice asceticism and later built Manyeonsa Temple. The temple was partially destroyed during the Korean War (1950) and restoration efforts were made in 1978.

Samtan Art Mine, an art complex transformed from an abandoned mine! “Samtan” refers to Samcheok Tanjwa, which was a major coal mine in Korea, and today the name “Art Mine” derived from the term ”coal mine”. Opened in 1965, the coal mine once flourished as the mecca of the industrial age but later declined and was closed in October 2001. Today, both the dynamic and poignant history of the mine are still reflected in the art space. Samtan Art Mine exhibits over 100,000 art works collected from 150 countries from around the world. The art complex also runs artist sponsorship programs. The harmony between the art installations and the interior, which still maintains elements of the former coal mine, creates a unique atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere. With lots to see and the availability of many special programs, Samtan Art Mine is an unique experience and great photo spot for tourists.