Travel/Culture List

Bogyeongsa Temple (보경사) in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-go rests, enveloped by pine forests, with Mt. Jungnamsan to its rear, surrounded by the peaks of Mt. Naeyeonsan. This temple grounds boast 12 beautiful waterfalls flowing from Mt. Naeyeonsan and a picturesque landscape. The temple was built in 602 during the Silla period and also has 4 smaller temples on the grounds.

Located Hwasun-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Marine Park is the first national whale experience site with 2 above-ground floors and 1 basement level. It is comprised of a 3D photo zone on the first basement level, an indoor dolphin experience site on the first floor, and children’s aquarium that exhibits 100 species of fish local to the Jeju region on the second floor. Activity programs include feeding dolphins, experiencing being a dolphin trainer, dolphin swimming and snorkeling, diving with dolphins and prenatal education with dolphins. Marine Park participates in ocean animal transportation, as well as rescue and leading trainer business.

Located in the farthest upstream of Jangheung Dam, Beetle Valley preserves the clean natural environment from the past. The village has a large population of beetles and other insects like Asian longhorn beetles as there are many farming houses growing Shiitake mushroom using eco-friendly farming methods. The village has shiitake mushroom center, eco experience center, and beetles farming field where children and teenage students may visit and learn about /familiarized with the nature and its eco system. The village is also open to the general public for hands-on experience of the nature and quality rest. In the stream flowing in front of the village, you may even catch crawfish and marsh snail which inhabit only in the cleanest water (first-rating water). You may buy and take home the beetles raised and farmed in this village.

Haposeowon is where the tablets of Munseonggong An Hyang, a forerunner of Sung Confucianism from the late Goryeo era, are enshrined. It was first built in 1716 as Anjabyeolmyo Shrine by An Gyeong-sin, An Gyeong-in, An Gyeong-jeong, and An Gyeong-sang, who are the 15th descendants of An Hyang, and memorial services have been held there every year on March 3rd and September 9th on lunar calendar. In 1843, the shrine was renamed Haposeowon. The shrine was demolished upon the order of regent Daewongun during the reign of King Gojong. Later, An’s descendants rebuilt the shrine in Haposa Temple to perform memorial services for An Hyang. In 1931, additional buildings were constructed while descendant An Bae-ho held discussions with Confucian scholars about rebuilding the shrine. In 1949, the Confucian school was rebuilt with the consent of 218 Confucian schools nationwide. Today, the Yeongi Confucian Scholars Association organizes memorial services for An Hyang on September 12 on lunar calendar.

Cheoyongam is a very small rocky island sitting in the middle of Gaeunpo Inlet in front of Saejuk Village in Hwangseong-dong, Nam-gu, Ulsan. It is a historic islet related to the famous folktale of Cheoyong. The tale is about a dragon that emerged from the east sea along with his seven sons at the end of the Silla Kingdom (57BC - 935AD). One of the dragon’s sons named Cheoyong came to the capital and married a beautiful woman. One night, he found an evil spirit trying to attack his wife so he sang and danced, whereupon the spirit presented itself and kneeled in apology. Since then, people have used the image of Cheoyong to dispel evil spirits. The dance that Cheoyong is said to have performed has been titled Cheoyongmu and has been designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property. Cheoyongam is the sacred rock where the dragon in the tale is said to have appeared. There are many attractions nearby including Mokdo Island (Natural Monument No. 65), which offers magnificent lush greenery all year round.

The site used to be part of a temple but Nampyeong Moon Clan organized the land following a well-field system to make the area a residence for many generations. As of now, 9 houses and 2 pavilions as well as a low wall are located near the road. Subongjeongsa is the large main building, located in the center of the entire area. It is used as a gathering place, and features beautiful gardens. Gwanggeodang is the educational place for studies and refinement. Insumungo preserves about 10,000 books and clan treasures, starting from a small building but later being resized larger, including an additional building to read books.

Yeonhwasan Mountain (연화산, located in Goseong, Gyeongnam Province) is just 528-meters, encompasses the three peaks of Ongnyeobong, Seondobong and Mangseonbong, and is widely recognized as an important provincial park. Although Mt. Yeonhwasan is called a ‘mountain’, it is more of a hill surrounded by picturesque scenery. Its north side is dotted with Buddhist temples such as historical Okcheonsa, Baengnyeonam, Cheongyeonam and Yeondaeam temples. Of these, the best attraction on Mt. Yeonhwasan is definitely Okcheonsa Temple (옥천사). If you begin hiking from the foot of the mountain you will see the beautiful sea off Danghangpo Port. If you continue southward you will soon run into the Okcheon Temple hidden in the Yeonbong woods. Okcheon Spring, located right behind the main hall of the temple, provides medicinal water all year round. The continual flow remains the same temperature all year round and is said to be an effective treatment for stomachaches and skin conditions. The surrounding area is well known for its healthy food products such as pine mushrooms and wild berries. 

Yulpo Beach blends the beauty of a pine tree forest and silver sands on this 1.2 kilometer-long beach. The air is scented with the ocean breezes, pine trees and the hint of fresh green tea. Although being a small fishing village, the region’s famous green tea and beautiful beaches have resulted in many tourists visiting Yulpo Beach. The area has become a family summer resort, fully equipped with accommodation and leisure facilities.