Travel/Culture List

Okcheon Yongamsa Temple
 
Chungcheongbuk-do(Okcheon-gun)
Yongamsa Temple is a branch of the Beopjusa temple. It was built during the Silla period. Unlike the more common temple arrangements, the stone pagoda in Yongamsa is uniquely situated on a low peak in the north with a view on all sides. The twin three-story stone pagodas, which are designated Treasure no. 1338, can be found here, as well as the Baaebulsang Buddha statue, and the Mokjoamitayeoraejwasang seated Buddha in Daeseongjeon Hall.

Namildae Beach
 
Gyeongsangnam-do(Sacheon-si)
Located in Sacheon, Gyeongnam Province, and home to the huge Elephant Rock that resembles an elephant drinking water, Namildae Beach (남일대해수욕장) is a popular vacationing spot all year round thanks to its clean water and soft sand. The thick surrounding forests and Jinneol Observation Deck, as well as many fishing spots, add to its popularity. During the summer season, the beach is the site of both a singing competition and a film festival. Vacationers can also visit Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridge (창선-삼천포대교), the biggest bridge in Asia, and see Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park (한려해상국립공원) on a ferry cruise.

Yuseong Special Tourist Zone (유성 관광특구)
 
Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)
Daejeon is the center of state-of-the-art science and technology in Korea, where the nation’s top-tier venture enterprises, including Daedeok Special Research and Development Zone, run their business. As the representative city of science and technology for the nation, it is comparable to Silicon Valley in the United States. Yuseong Special Tourist Zone, which is located in Daejeon Metropolitan City, has won a nationwide reputation as a tourism and resort district rich in hot springs and tourism resources. Yuseong Special Tourist Zone includes a hot springs water source that yields high quality water in copious streams; therefore, there is no need to dilute the water or raise the temperature. With its healing effect proven, Yuseong Hot Springs has been the place for treatment and recuperation since the Three Kingdoms Period, and today, it is a travel destination for the middle-aged to get some rest. The water is supplied to the hotels and other hot springs in the zone, and there are many restaurants serving a variety of dishes. There is also a facility where visitors can take a foot bath for free. Since Gyeryongsan National Park is near Yuseong-gu District, after a long hike, it is a good idea to take the opportunity to immerse ones tired body in the hot water. Science museums and pavilions, including Expo Science Park, around Yuseong Special Tourist Zone are popular destinations for families with children. Bordered by Gongju-si City which was the capital of Baekje during the period of Three Kingdoms, visitors can see the cultural heritage of Baekje. * Current State of Yuseong Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Yuseong Hot Springs and Expo Science Park (Jangdae, Guam, Gung, Eoeun, Doryong and Bongmyeong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon) 2) Area: 5,858,972㎡ * Tourist Attractions Yuseong Hot Springs, Daedeok Science Complex, Kumdori Land, Expo Science Park, Art Museum, museums, ferry tour, amusement park, etc.

Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Chilgok-gun)
Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs opened on June 1, 1998. Its Grand Hot Springs Bath is capable of accommodating almost 2,000 people at once. The Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs has several facilities such as accommodations, convenience stores, a Korean restaurant, and more. Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs uses alkali sulfur spa water that contains 12.3mg of sulfur, 0.01mg germanium, 30.6mg sodium, 3.11mg chlorine, and 3.09mg fluorine and the water is around 35℃. Prior to first use, the water does not undergo any filtering so that it maintains all its natural benefits. There are several tourism attractions near the hot springs like the Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest, Dabudong War Memorial Museum, and Waegwan War Memorial Museum.

Najeong Beach
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)
Najeong Beach is situated on the shores of the East Sea. The beach offers many facilities as well as a seawater hot spring. The parking lot and pine tree forest by the hot spring are open to the public. Various water sports are also available in the area.

Ganwolsan Mountain
 
Ulsan(Ulju-gun)
Ganwolsan Mountain is a popular destination for hikers in the Ulsan and Busan area as well as other regions of Gyengsangnam-do Province. In early August, the reeds and lilies near the summit create a splendid view. To the west, the deep Naerijeong and Wangbonggol valleys channel clean water to Baenaegol Valley. From the Ganwol Gogae Ridge, follow the Singallo Path to Wanbonggol towards Paraeso Falls. There you will find a cave called Jungnimgul, which is sacred Catholic ground often visited by the Catholic faithful. The first church built by Catholics in the Yeongnam region to escape persecution is found in Buldanggol (Ganwolgol) Valley in Ganwolsan Mountain area. The tomb of Kim Agatha who died in persecution is also in the Ganwolgol Valley.

Birthplace of Baekje Buddhism
 
Jeollanam-do(Yeonggwang-gun)
Beopseongpo (법성포) is where an Indian Monk Mirananta first set foot on Korean territory in A.D 384 to spread Buddhism, having made his journey via Dongjin in China. This area then is being developed as a tourist destination as the originating place of Buddhism in Korea. Note: the word ‘Beop’ in ‘Beop-seong-po’ means Buddhism while ‘Seong’ means a saint, referring to the Indian Monk Marananta. The origins of Buddhism in Korea are clear for Goguryeo and the Silla Kingdoms, but regarding the Kingdom of Baekje it is a little more obscure. It has been claimed by word of mouth in this region that the Indian Monk Marananta came to Beopseongpo of Yeonggwang to deliver his message of Buddhism and built the Bulgapsa Temple (불갑사) which hence became the first monument of Buddhism in the Baekje Kingdom.

[Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 3] Road to the Royal Tombs ([강화 나들길 제3코스] 능묘 가는 길)
 
Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)
Nadeul-gil means a leisurely outing (nadeuri) road. Comprised of 19 courses in total, the Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail offers a variety of historical assets and cultural sites to see. Each Nadeul-gil course connects Ganghwa Fortress outposts that are located every 1.3 km on high ground along the walking paths. The trails are on the island of Ganghwa which holds many Goryeo Dynasty remains that are important to Korean history. Fortresses that stood against Mongolian invasions are still standing and many of the Goryeo Kingdom’s palaces and royal tomb sites are also found in Ganghwa region. Exploring the major cultural heritage sites dispersed throughout the town can be just as fun as exploring Ganghwa’s natural beauty. The sunset on the Seohae (West coast), expansive open mud flats, views from Marisan and Goryeosan Mountains and the peaceful farming villages are just a handful of the sights along this walking trail. The establishment of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil’s begins with the ancient scholar Go Jae-hyeong (pen name Hwanam), who left his hometown Ganghwa on a spring day in 1906 when the peach trees were in full bloom. He walked through more than 100 villages around the whole island. Back home, he composed poems about his journey and published them under the title of “Simdo Gihaeng (Simdo Travels),” Simdo being another name for Ganghwa. During his travels, he sang songs of his home Ganghwa. Thanks to his work, people can now follow in the footsteps of Hwanam and his appreciation of the beautiful scenery and great people of Ganghwa Island.

Gurye Special Tourist Zone
 
Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)
The vast region of the Gurye Special Tourist Zone comprises Toji-myeon, Gwangui-myeon and Sandong-myeon, which has a river and an open field surrounding the mountainous area. Every part of Gurye deserves the title of Special Tourist Zone for offering many things to see. Well-known for its rich soil, the most outstanding natural resources of Gurye is Jirisan National Park, the first to be designated as a national park, and Seomjingang River. Every year, many hikers visit Jirisan National Park, also called the “bosom of a mother.” The park is cherished for its unpolluted scenery, such as its deep and wide geographical features and crystal clear valleys. The park offers diverse hiking trails and has mountain retreats for backpackers. Jirisan Dulegil Trail that runs along the periphery of Jirisan Mountain is where one could enjoy the experience of mountain glens, different from mountaineering. On their way hikers and trekkers can see groups of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) in spring as well as the autumnal tints of the mountain and valley in autumn. Another strength is that the park has different types of accommodations including Hanok (Korean traditional house) homestay and a guest house, apart from leisure facilities including hot springs in Jirisan. The park is a great place for historical inquiries as it is filled with historic temples, including Hwaeomsa Temple and Yeongoksa Temple, and historic relics. Flowing from Gokseong to Hadong, Seomjingang River creates a tranquil ambience. The cleanest ever in Korea, a large number of marsh snails and sweetfish live in this river. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic view from the riverside road and various festivals which are held all year round, such as the Sansuyu Festival, the Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival and the Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival. * Current State of Gurye Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered / Areas around Toji, Masan, Gwangui and Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do 2) Area / 78,024,000㎡ * Tourist Attractions Jirisan Mountain, Seomjingang River, Jirisan Spa Land, Piagol Valley, Sansuyu Theme Park, Hwaeomsa, Cheoneunsa and Yeongoksa Temple, Hanok Village, etc.

Zaha Museum (자하미술관)
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan and Inwangsan makes it worth the effort. Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-storey museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and the small garden on the second floor has a great view of the mountains.