Travel/Culture List

Located in Namseori Beach in the west of Ulleungdo, Saja Bawi Rock is famous for its spectacular sunset views. There is also a legend of General Yi Sa-bu of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC ~AD 935). Upon the order of the king of Silla, Yi set out on a military campaign to conquer Usanguk, the former name of Ulleungdo. The rough land and strong waves of Usanguk made it difficult for Yi to anchor his vessel. Showing the King of Usanguk the wooden lion sitting at the head of his vessel, Yi threatened to kill everyone on the island. Fearful of the lion, the king took off his war helmet and surrendered. Legend says that the wooden lion became Saja (Lion) Bawi Rock.

Gangneung Green City transformed a coal yard into an example green city as a representation of the natural resources available in Gangneung. The site uses only natural energy gathered through solar panals and geothermal heat pumps. The Gangneung Green City Experience Center provides a space for visitors to spend the night while they take part in various experience programs to learn more about clean energy, including the science and usability of clean energy in daily life.

Seogwang Tea Garden, located in Seogwipo-si, Jeju, is known as the most well managed and largest tea plantation in Korea. Here, the tea leaves receive just the right amount of sun for it to be made into the highest quality product. Occupying an area 528,928m², the green field is spread out across the slopes of Seogwangseo-ri, attracting many visitors to the site. The fields didn't use to be this green though; the ground was rocky and the soil composition wasn't fertile enough for plants to survive. Seogwang Tea Garden's transformation from a barren land to a lush green plantation became a good example of successful agriculture in the mountain areas. The garden was also where Kim Jeong-hui (pen name Chusa), one of the most celebrated practitioners of calligraphy in the Joseon Dynasty, spent his life of exile growing tea plants.

The area of Naju has long been at the forefront of the natural dyeing and silk production industry. The natural setting of fresh water from Yeongsangang River along with the salt water from the sea are perfect for growing the plants necessary for a deep indigo color. As such, it is the only area to be recognized for its natural dyeing (Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 115) by the Cultural Heritage Administration. The best place to experience this local heritage is at the Natural Dyeing Culture Center. The center offers experience programs and educational programs, as well as exhibitions and sales of naturally dyed products.