Travel/Culture List

Eochi Valley
 
Jeollanam-do(Gwangyang-si)
Only recently discovered by the public, Eochi Valley (어치계곡) is the deepest and most picturesque valley of Baegunsan Mountain’s four valleys. There are many waterfalls, large and small, along the 7km valley. The scenic beauty is comparable to that of the valleys in Jirisan Mountain. The sound of the waterfalls and chirping birds are pleasant to the ear. Also, there is Orodae Peak (오로대), where the soothing murmur of cool running water and singing birds welcome visitors throughout the day.  

Youngeun Museum of Contemporary Art
 
Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si)
Youngeun Museum was established in November, 2000 in the natural forests of Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. The museum is largely composed of two sections: an art museum and a studio. Youngeun Museum is considered a museum of contemporary art as it focuses on the research, preservation, and exhibition of modern art works. It is the first museum of its kind to also operate studio space for artists and has consequently received praise in the art world as a forward-thinking museum. Thanks to the museum’s focus on creating new works of art, the museum has become a gathering place where artists, writers, critics, and the general public can interact with one another and appreciate the art-making process. Visitors can engage in various forms of art at the Youngeun Museum, ranging from plastic arts to performing arts. There are also educational programs that allow guests to watch or even experience how art is made. By providing these innovative programs, Youngeun Museum aims to spread art among the masses.

Birthplace of Yuk Young-soo (Okcheon) (옥천 육영수 생가)
 
Chungcheongbuk-do(Okcheon-gun)
The birthplace of Yuk Young-soo is the last house on Hyangsu 100-ri gil in Okcheon-eup, Okcheon-gun of Chungcheongbuk-do. Mrs. Yuk Young-soo was born from the house and raised, until to later stage the establishment to fall in disrepair. Luckily, the building was restored in May of 2011, and it became open to the public. The house was originally built in the 1600s by Kim Jeongseung, and subsequently lived in by Song Jeongseung, and then Min Jeongseung, gaining the house the nickname of "Samjeongseong House," meaning the house of three Jeongseong's. (The Jeongseong's rank is similiar to that of prime minister's today.) Before Mrs. Yuk Young-soo was born, the house was bought in 1918 from the sons of Min Jeongseung by Yuk Jong-gwan, and then repaired in the likeness of a typical Chungcheong yangban (noble class) house from the late Joseon period. After entering through the main gate, the large site features a meeting room, outer room, inner room, backroom, servants quarters, annex, back garden, arbor, and lotus pond.

Ganghwa Seonwonsaji Temple Site
 
Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)
Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site was first discovered in 1976 during a surface examination around Ganghwado Island undertaken by the Ganghwado Island Academic Research Team of Dongguk University. The site was designated as Historic Site No. 259 in 1977. Seonwonsa Temple was built by General Choi Wu in 1245 (the 32nd year of King Gojong’s reign during the Goryeo dynasty), which was right after the transfer of the capital to Ganghwado during resistance against the Mongolian invasion. The temple was meant to be a spiritual mainstay in fighting against Mongolia. It used to be one of the two largest temples in Korea along with Songgwangsa Temple. However, the temple was completely destroyed during the early Joseon era, leaving only the site itself. The famous wood blocks of Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana), currently housed in Haeinsa Temple at Hapcheon, are said to have been originally stored in Seonwonsa Temple. It is believed that the carved wood blocks were taken from Seonwonsa to Heungcheonsa Temple during the Joseon era and again moved to Haeinsa Temple during the reign of Sejo. Located on a mountain slope, the presumed location of the building site extends 250 meters from south to north and 170 meters from east to west.

Sunmot Ecological Park
 
Ulsan(Jung-gu)
Sunmot Ecological Park is home to the famous Sunmot Pond, which is associated with the legend of Dongbangsak and Grandmother Mago. The pond provides a beautiful resting space in the heart of Ulsan.

Yecheon Samgangjumak
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yecheon-gun)
A place where people can see traditional jumak (small taverns serving food and liquor), Samgangjumak serves food for people who travel through Samgang Port, offers rooms for peddlers to stay, and provides poets with a place to sit and get inspirations for their poems. Built around 1900, this tavern is small but the floor plan is so compact that its historical value in Korean architecture is high. It also reflects the local history and culture of the past. The tavern closed after the last jumo (female owner of a jumak) Yu Okyeon died in 2006. However, it has been restored and re-opened in 2007 with a new female owner welcoming guests. The total restoration cost amounted to 150 million won (approx. US $140,000). [Cultural Relics Information] - Designation: Gyeongsangbuk-do Folk Material No.134 - Registration date: November 20, 2005 - Managed by: Yecheon-gun - Total scale: 1 building (28.67㎡) - Classification: Buildings

Daesung Water Leports
 
Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)
Daeseong Water Leports is a private water sports specialty business located in Daeseong-ri that offers a variety of enjoyable programs that include water skiing, motorboating, wakeboarding, banana boating, an excursion ferry, and paddle boats. They also provide several other conveniences such as a restaurant, series of bungalows, a convenience stand, a sporting field, camping grounds, and a large cherry tree forest. The clean and clear waters of the North Hangang River makes the perfect place for an outing or large social gatherings and events.

Goyang Eoullimnuri Arts Center (고양 어울림누리)
 
Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si)
Goyang Eoullimnuri (고양 어울림누리) is a complex dedicated to all spheres of culture and the arts. When night falls in Goyang, starlight fills the heavens. Against the backdrop of its beautiful natural surroundings, the Goyang Eoullimnuri complex is a space where people can tend to their wellbeing, both physical and mental. The complex features state-of-the-art theaters, a cultural center, an art gallery, a sports complex, a gymnasium, an ice-skating rink, a swimming pool, and other facilities, which are given pure Korean names (not derived from Chinese characters) that instantly arouse a nostalgic feeling with Korean visitors.

Seogwangsa Temple - Seosan
 
Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)
Seongwangsa Temple is located in the quiet downtown area of Eupnae-dong, Seosan in Chungcheongnam-do. Its convenient location makes it easily accessible from almost anywhere in town. The temple was built by Great Monk Daegyeong in 928 in the end of Silla period and the scholar Choi Chiwon came here to study while he was serving as the governor of Buseong-gun (currently Seosan) in 893. Originally, the temple was called Samseonam, or Three Hermitages, for there had been three hermitages in the upper, middle, and lower part of Mount Buchunsan. During the late Joseon Dynasty, the hermitages in the upper and middle part were closed and only the one at the bottom survived. In 1987, the name of the temple was changed to Seogwangsa. Mount Buchunsan is not very tall; however, its pine tree colonies and wild flowers offer a great hiking trail for the residents of Seosan. In wintertime, it offers a magnificent snow-covered landscape.

Chuncheonho Lake
 
Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)
Chuncheonho Lake was formed as a result of the construction of Chuncheon Dam in February 1965. The area around the dam has been developed into a recreational park with a camping ground, fishing spot, picnic areas, lookout sheds, bungalows, restaurants and other convenience facilities. The Chuncheon Circular Road lies along Uiamho Lake, and connects Chuncheon Dam with Uiam Dam. It has a fishing site, and a street lined with restaurants serving maeuntang (spicy fish stew). Its nearby attractions include Chuncheon Dam Valley, Satgatbong Mountain, and Jibdarigol Recreation Forest.