Travel/Culture List

Baengnyeonsa Temple (Gapyeong) (백련사(가평))
 
Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)
Baengnyeonsa Temple is surrounded by mountains, as it is located off Yongmunsan and Myeongjisan Mountains. On each side of the temple, one can also find Unaksan Mountain as well as Cheonmasan Mountain. In addition, just behind the temple are Chungnyeong Mountain and Seorisan Mountain. This temple was built relatively recently, so there are little cultural treasures in places. However, as compared to the average temples in Korea, it is distinguished by its well-designed and refined architectures. The decorations in the temple are simple, with not too vibrant colors nor complicated designs so as to help in seeking peace and inspiration. The temple is also known for its hiking trails and beautiful scenery offered by the surrounding mountains.

Ganwol Recreational Forest
 
Ulsan(Ulju-gun)
The Ganwol Natural Recreation Forest is situated on Ganwolsan Mountain, which is part of the “Yeongnam Alps.” The forest offers various outdoor leisure facilities such as forest bathing paths, training sites, hiking trails, a children’s play ground, tennis courts, and an observatory. The camping site inside the forest can accommodate up to 700 people, and there are small cooking areas, shower facilities, a sports ground, and various other convenience facilities. The forest is used for corporate training and education, company picnics, student orientations, club picnics, and various other social events.

Woldae (월대)
 
Jeju-do(Jeju-si)
Located in Oedo-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, "Woldae," which means “a moonlight plain,” is a rock in a stream surrounded by densely-packed with centenarian pine trees and hackberry trees.Jogongcheon Stream is a special stream that flows through a valley year-round, which is particularly unusual in Jeju. The stream was named after that a relic, called "jogong", was transported from a government office during Joseon and Goryeo Dynasty to a nearby location. Tourist destinations in the area include Iho Beache, Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock), and Yongyeon Pond. 

Gimpo Hyanggyo Confucian School
 
Gyeonggi-do(Gimpo-si)
The Gimpo Hyanggyo Confucian School is where the tablets of the Five Sages (Confucius, Mencius, Xunzi, Weng zi, Zisi), the Wisemen of the Song Dynasty, and the 18 wisemen of Korea are kept. The confucian temple had moved to Geolpo-dong in Gimpo before being relocated to its current site.

Bisl Pottery Studio
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)
Located in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Bisl Pottery Studio is run by potter Kim Byeong-Yeol. An old abandoned school was renovated into a serene studio where you can make your own pottery while taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Through the teaching of Byeong-Yeol, you'll be able to make your own clay cup, plate, or ornament. There are also hands-on programs such as natural dyeing and seasonal produce harvesting (potatoes, sweet potatoes, persimmons and strawberries). The studio exhibits artwork such as Gyeoljeongyujagi, a type of pottery decorated with a mixture of glaze and gold powder. Other works of art include those painted with persimmon juice! In summer, the Bisl Pottery Studio is especially popular among families as a vacation destination since there are accommodations and an outdoor swimming pool providing relief from the summer heat. There is also a large playground, where visitors can play sports and make campfires.

Hanboknam
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Started in Jeonju in 2012, Hanboknam strived to promote the beauty of hanbok. In 2016, Hanboknam opened a hanbok exhibition and rental shop in Seoul to provide customers with numerous style of hanbok from the king and queen to beggar.Various accessories that go with different hanboks are also available to try with rental period available in 1 hr 30 min., 2 hr 30 min., and 4 hours.

Goryeong Janggi-ri Rock Art (고령 장기리 암각화)
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)
Yangjeondong Rock Art (discovered in 1971) is a rock painting 3 meters high and 5.5 meters wide that vividly depicts the life and religion of the Prehistoric Age. Rock art from the time period was created on rocks or other planes considered to be sacred and usually carried a message of fertility. The artwork of Yangjeondong shows layered circles (symbolizing the sun and the moon), crosses (depicting the “life zone” of the tribe), and 17 masks. The artwork is considered to have been used for ceremonial purposes or farming events.

Seongsusan Recreational Forest
 
Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)
Located in Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, Seongsusan Recreational Forest (성수산자연휴양림) grows in a deep valley that contains historic sites from the founding days of Goryeo through to the Joseon dynasty. Because of its secluded location and clean air the forest has recently become a new popular destination for summer vacationers. There is a children’s playground, and above it are condominium-type lodgings which can accommodate over 200 guests. There is a camping ground as well where all you hear are the sounds of flowing running water and chirping birds. It is an out-of-the-way little hideaway ideal for relaxation.

Jungmisan Recreational Forest (중미산자연휴양림)
 
Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun)
Jungmisan Recreational Forest (중미산자연휴양림) unfolds at the end of a lovely drive along the famous Nongdachi-gogaegil road (the highest ridge road in the vicinity of Seoul). The forest boasts a striking landscape of thick groves of trees and a view overlooking Namhangang River. Some mornings, the forest’s log cabins are veiled by a thick fog, further adding to the beautiful natural ambience. Rising 834 meters above sea level, Jungmisan Mountain is a popular sunrise destination frequented by throngs of hikers every year. Thick forests of pine trees create a rooftop of branches from spring to fall. Being surrounded by tall mountains of Baegunsan, Yumyeongsan, and Yongmunsan, Mount Jungmisan feels like it is in the inner mountainous region of Gangwon-do, although it is close to Seoul. The forest has log cabins that can accommodate groups of 4, 7, or 16 people as well as campsites that seem to complement the surrounding natural environment. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable walk through the trees on a trail that winds through the heart of the forest. The recreational forest is located in Yangpyeong County, which is known as an environmentally-friendly town of suburban residences, vacation homes and inns. Nearby tourist attractions include the Mount Jungmisan Astronomical Observatory, Wild Flower Botanical Garden, the birth house of Lee Hang-ro, and Yongmunsa Temple.

Dumo Village (두모마을)
 
Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)
Dumo Village is a terraced paddy field with a developing slope, and given its location along the coast, functions as a farming village and a fishing village. The field, which spans over about 20,000 pyeong, is full of flowers like canola in the spring and buckwheat in the fall. Starting from the entrance of the village, a stair-like canola field stretches out 2 km into the distance. Tourists can rest up in the village while walking through the flowery field that captures the fragrance of the ocean. The blossoming season for canola occurs in April when a month-long festival is held, which offers various activities like camping and water sports.