Travel/Culture List

As neighboring Oseosan Mountain goes through seasonal changes, so do the colors Jeongamsa Temple. Oseosan Mountain brings flowing fields of silver grass every autumn. The fields stretch across the entire mountain and are the inspiration for the annual Silver Grass Festival in October. Situated halfway up the mountain, Jeongamsa Temple’s small size is common for rural villages, but its unique location draws many visitors year-round. * History There are few existing records that can point to the temple’s exact beginning. Some suggest that it was built around 527 A.D. during the 5th year of King Seongwang’s reign, but there is little evidence to support this theory. The only reference alluding to a specific time is Yeojidoseo (‘Detailed Survey of Korean Geography’ published during the late Chosun Dynasty). It states the Jeongamsa Temple location as on Oseosan Mountain, and Oseosan Mountain being surrounded by Hongsan Mountain and Baekwolsan Mountain and intersected by Hongju, Gyeolseong, and Boryeong. This indicates the temple was recognized in the mid-18th century and around the same time, Garamgo (a book about temples, published in the late 18th century) also states that Geongamsa Temple is located approximately 11km to the east of Gyeolseong-hyeon. It is still uncertain whether the temple referred to is Jeongamsa Temple on Oseosan Mountain. Nonetheless, some foundation stones measure 70-80cm on each side. These stones indicate the old Buddhist shrine of Jeongamsa Temple was laid out with five rooms at the front and three rooms on the side. Future archaeological studies will help identify the true history of Jeongamsa Temple.  

Geumgang Resort (금강유원지) has become popular thanks to the construction of the Geumgang Service Area(금강휴게소). With scenic mountains and a large beautiful lake, this resort attracts many visitors. By crossing a nearby dam, visitors can get to Usan-ri. Recently, many modern homestay facilities have been built in this area, and it has been transformed into a perfect destination for families and young people alike.Utilize the many facilities of the Geumgang Service Area while relaxing at Geumgang Resort. Also, Joryeong-ri Local Food Village is located across from the Geumgang Service Area, and offers a variety of local foods.

Located on the Yeongdeok Wind Farm, Yeongdeok New & Renewable Energy Center allows visitors to learn more about new and renewable energy and Yeongdeok’s beautiful natural environment. On the first floor of the two–story center is a café and convenience facilities; on the second floor, visitors can learn about solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Visitors can even experience the power of renewable resources in action with a footbath warmed through solar energy. In the playground outside, the fun continues with a solar-powered bench that plays music when you sit down. On the top of the building is the Sky Garden, and on the hill next to the center is the Wind Garden, where a state-of-the-art telescope gives viewers a closer look at the surrounding wind turbines and the East Sea.

At the outskirts of Cheongwansan Mountain (723m, in Jangheung) is Cheongwansan Literature Park. The mountain itself is known for a unique array of odd-shaped rocks and ridges, attracting many visitors year-round. Jangheung is nicknamed ‘Literature Town’ for its history of producing outstanding writers. The park commemorates these writers and their development of the modern style of Korean poems, novels, and essays (including Song Gi-suk, Han Seung-won, and Lee Cheong-jun) with a total of 54 monuments; each displaying the best of each writer’s works. A separate monument (7 stories/15m) contains works and handwritten manuscripts by 35 writers and their chronologies in capsules. In addition, over 460 stone towers leading to Tapsansa Temple await visitors.  

The path to Buljeong Recreational Forest, lined with cherry blossom trees, is a beautiful and dense forest that offers a relaxing walk among the trees. The free forest tour from March to December offers visitors a guided tour complete with commentary. The resting area in the forest includes a forest cabin and a camping site. Built between trees, the forest cabins are either log houses or red-clay houses. 12 of the 14 houses open all year round. In addition, the nine zip line courses add more excitement to the whole forest experience.

Located in Yeoryang-ri, Buk-myeon, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do, Jeongseon Arirang Training Hall was established to preserve and promote the Jeongseon Arirang (Gangwon-do’s Intangible Culture Asset No. 1). The first floor of the Training Center Hall holds Jeongseon Arirang Material Room and a training center of Chang, Korea's traditional narrative singing method. On the second floor, Jeongseon Arirang Performance Hall, Training Hall, and video facilities are available. Also, Living Hall Building has a restaurant that can accommodate up to 50 people on the first floor and 5 guest rooms as accommodation facilities that can accommodate up to 6-7 people each on the second floor.

The Ttankkeut Marine History Museum houses approximately 25,000 specimens with 40,000 pieces on display including shellfish, coral, fish, mammals, crustaceans, fossils, reptiles, and insects from around the world, making it the most diverse collection of items in Namdo. Visitors can take part in ecological activities to learn more about phenomenal and rare marine resources and cultures.

Inje Speedium is the space where ardent racing car fans can experience the dizzy speed of racing cars. You can also meet world-class drivers at the domestic motor sports theme park, which was established for popularization of the domestic motor sports. The motor sports culture theme park meets with the pop culture here in Inje Speedium. In addition, the International Motor Racing to Motor Sports Culture can be all watched and experienced in a relaxing environment. The one-stop entertainment park is also featured alongside with accommodation.

Maryang Port, situated on the southwestern coast of Korea, is a well-known place to catch a view of the sunrise. The port has long been an important haven for fishing boats sailing in the west sea. The dried laver (seaweed) produced in this area is known to be among the best of its kind and was served to the kings during the Joseon Dynasty. It is now one of the main means of livelihood for the fishing village. Maryang Port is also famous for its Gizzard Shad Festival which takes place in autumn.