Travel/Culture List

Located in Jindo-gun (Jeollanam-do), Jangjeon Art Museum (Formerly, Namjin Art Museum) was founded by a calligrapher named Ha Nam Ho in 2003. It is a three-story building with five exhibit halls that display various genres of art such as Korean paintings, Western paintings, calligraphy and sculpture. Over 350 pieces of work are on display, all of which are part of the collection of founder Ha Nam Ho. The artwork includes creations by deceased artists, veteran artists, and modern artists and includes Goryeo celadon, Joseon porcelain and much more. The name “Namjin” is made up of the founder’s middle name “Nam” and his wife’s name “Jin.” The little hill next to the museum is thick with pine trees, and the clear water in the nearby valleys adds to the peaceful museum atmosphere. The museum is closed on Mondays; Opening hours are from 10am to 6pm.

The Dinosaur Tracksite of Hwasun was discovered in 1999 during a land survery for the construction of Hwasun Hot Springs Area. Most dinosaur tracks found in Korea are located in coastal areas in cities like Haenam and Boseong, so the discovery in the inner region of Jeollanam-do was a first. Most prints here come from carnivorous dinaosaurs of the Cretaceous period. The site is famous for there being tracks from no fewer than five different dinosaurs, as well as for being one of the longest trails and most direct examples of the exact movements of the dinosaurs. The tracks of one dinosaur are the longest in the world, stretching for 40 meters. Based on the foot size of 20-22cm with a stride of approximately 90cm, it is estimated that the prints were formed by a 4-5 meter tall Koolasuchus. In addition to the canivorous dinosaurs, tracks were found of 12 herbivorous dinosaurs, as well as fossilized plants. These plants offer much assistance in the research of herbivorous dinosaur diets.

Gwangdeoksa Temple is said to be established in 637 by Monk Jajang Yulsa during the Silla Kingdom and was refurbished during the reign of King Heungdeok (832). The temple sits in the southeast of Mount Gwangdeoksan (elevation: 699.3m), which borders Asan-si and Cheonan-si, and the southwest of Mount Taehwasan (elevation: 455.5m). It was the biggest temple within Chungcheong and Gyeonggi Province before the Japanese invasion. However, it was burnt down during the Japanese invasion and the main buildings such as Daeungjeon, Myeongbujeon, and Cheonbuljeondeung were recently constructed.Gwangdeoksa Temple contains a three-story pagoda that is estimated to be the work of the early Goryeo Dynasty and Jonggak Tower, which is a unique octagonal pavilion. The quiet and peaceful ambience of the temple seems to perfectly capture the spirit of Zen meditation.

This is the site where Cheongnyongsa Temple, a major temple in the Goryeo era, once stood. The following legend is associated with the temple. One spring day, a monk took refuge from the rain under a tree. There, he saw two dragons at play with a cintamani (wish-fulfilling jewel), which fell towards the ground. One of the dragons flew towards the cintamani and on its way up, it went up to Cheonggyesan Mountain. The dragon and the cintamani disappeared and the rain stopped. Near the site, there remains the Jeonghyewonyungtap Pagoda where the sarira of National Preceptor Bogak Guksa is enshrined, a stone lantern, and Jeonghyewonyungtap Pagoda. On the bottom of the Jeonghyewonyungtap Pagoda, a lion is dynamically depicted, so it is also called Sajaseokdeung (lion stone lantern). The latter, together with the Ssangsajaseokdeung (twin lion stone lantern) in the Hoeamsaji Temple site in Yangju, Gyeonggi-do Province, are representative lion stone lanterns from the Joseon era.

The Gusipo Haesu World provides a diverse selection of jjimjilbang facilities. There is a “Haesuyakjjim (Medicinal Seawater Bath)” full-body bath, where special healthy ingredients are added to heated seawater. This is believed to effectively treat neuralgia, arthritis, and obesity.This process extracts unnecessary substances from the skin, creating a more beautiful radiance. There are also other enjoyable facilities such as the indoor sand bathing room and a green tea spa. 

d.forest is the largest dog park in Korea at approximately 99,173 ㎡. It has various attractions to enjoy, together with visitor's pet dog, including museum, walking trails, playground and more. The museum focuses on the theme of human and dogs living in harmony. The museum provides pet waiting room for owners to enjoy the exhibition without distraction. Various walking trail courses are available with age and physical condition of the dog in mind. A large and small playground where dogs can play without leashes are available as well as a cafe with drinks for dogs, market and more.

Bangdong Mineral Spring is located in Bangdong-ri in Girin-myeon. It is so renowned that it has been designated as one of the Great Mineral Springs of Korea. The water has a high content of carbon that makes it sparkle, and it tastes like Korean 7-up when sugar is added. In addition to carbon, the water also contains iron, manganese, and fluorine, making it effective in curing gastric problems and helping digestion.According to legend, there lived a simmani (ginseng digger) 300 years ago who, one day, dug a 60-year old wild ginseng in Bangdong-ri. Called yukgumandal, the ginseng was known to have been a great medicine of mystery. From the spot where the ginseng was dug came a mineral spring, which became today’s Bangdong Mineral Spring. The mineral spring has continued to attract people since the first day the ginseng was found and people who have drunk its water are said to have experienced various beneficial effects.Bangdong Mineral Spring is also close to the woods, several valleys, and waterfalls. With Bangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest nearby, the mineral spring is indeed one of the most popular tourist attractions of Bangdong-ri.

Soando Island, the third in the group of three main islands of the Bogil-myeon island region, features a flourishing fishing port, and eight scenic wonders. In addition, Mira-ri and Maengseong-ri Evergreen Forests, which have been designated as Natural Monuments No.339 and No.340, respectively, offer a breathtaking ocean view. Mira, in particular, is famous for its unique mudflat pebbles. Island History The name of "Soando" comes from the courage of the early island settlers, comprised mostly of the Oh Family of Dongbok and the Kim Family of Gimhae, that had long served as a basis for protection and happiness during the Imjinwaeran (Japanese Invasion). Soando Island is essentially one of the "Holy Lands" of the anti-Japanese colonialism movement. Patriots like Song Nae-ho, who fought hard for independence of Korea from Japan, are remembered on the island. Furthermore, a memorial hall, which houses the Anti-Japanese Colonialism Monument, was established by the islanders in honor of the patriots.