Travel/Culture List

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.

Dorimsa was built during the Silla Period (57 B.C.-935 A.D.). It lies on Seongchul Peak at Mt. Dongak (approximately 4km to the west of Gokseong-eup). Monk Wonhyo built the temple in 660 during the 7th year of King Muyeol. It houses Bogwangjeon (a Buddhist sanctuary) and many buildings such as Eungjindang, Jijangjeon, Yaksajeon, Chilseonggak, and Yosachae. The temple possesses the precious Buddhist painting called Gwaebultaeng created in 1683 during the 9th year of King Sukjong. The mountain surrounding the temple is Mt. Dongak (literally Movement of Music) because the sound of music reverberated across the entire mountain when Monk Wonhyo embarked on building the temple. In front of the temple is a beautiful valley surrounded by many odd-shaped rocks. The area shows traces of visits by some of the best scholars, writers and painters since the Joseon Period (1392-1910). Water flowing deep from Mt. Dongak, which stretches over 735 meters in x_height, converges into Dorimsa Valley and forms a dazzling landscape amidst magnificent waterfalls and lush pine forest. Naturally, the temple and its vicinity attract many visitors year-round.

Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground is the site where nearly 1,000 Catholics in Chungcheongnam-do were buried alive during the time between the Byeongin Persecution in 1866 (3rd year of King Gojong) and 1882 (19th year of King Gojong). At that time, Catholics were executed outside Haemieupseong Fortress' Seomun Gate (West Gate). As it was difficult to execute them one by one, the martyrs were buried alive in a big hole all at once. When confronted with their death, the martyrs prayed while singing 'Yesumaria' (Jesus Maria). Because is also sounds like "Yeosumeori" (여수머리), the place was called 'Yeosutgol' as well.The 16-meter-high memorial tower was set set up near Haemicheon Stream to pay tribute to the nameless martyrs wo were buried alive. Many Catholics visit this location every year to remember and honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their belief.

The sandy beaches of the half-full moon shaped island have around 200 pine trees that form a dense forest creates a calming effect. The water is shallow, around 1~2m near the beach. With its clear waters the beach is considered one of the best three beach resorts in the south-western part of Korea. The setting of the sun covers the entire area from atop Geumjeongsan Mountain to the small islands in the distance. Near the beach area there is a coastal drive way with a wonderful view of the coast. Dombaeseom island, famous for ocean fishing, and Chilsando Island, which is so named because of seven hills that are shaped like each other, are lined up more or less in a row.

The Great Monk Wonhyo (617-686) once acclaimed that four days was not enough to appreciate the beauty of Daedunsan Mountain in full. The mountain is divided into three areas Geumsan, Nonsan, and Wanju and each has distinct characteristics and charms. The Geumsan area is home to a battlefield from the Imjin Waeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598) and the historic Taegosa Temple. The Nonsan area is noted for its scenic forests, valleys, and brooks, while the Wanju area is defined by grandiose rock peaks. Daedunsan is especially beautiful in the fall when its rock peaks are surrounded by the autumnal tints of turning leaves.

This gray heron habitat is located behind the Nogok Village in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. The Migratory birds roost on a 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree from March to October. In November, they fly back to their southern homes, such as Taiwan. Gray herons have migrated to this area for hundreds of years and the villagers from Nogok began tending to them roughly 100 years ago.

Nestled at the edge of Chiaksan Mountain’s (alt. 1,182m) Namdaebong Peak, Sangwonsa Temple was built on an area spanning over 100 pyeong (330.59㎡). Cool spring water gushes up through the crevice directly in front of the temple, and just before the crevice is a 40-meter high cliff at the end of which stand three rare specimens of cinnamon trees. Although the exact time of its foundation is unknown, it is assumed to have been built during the Silla Period. Designated as Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 25, the temple has two pagodas standing in front of Daeungjeon Hall, displaying the typical style that was popular in the Unified Silla Period, and hinting at the flourishing Buddhist culture of that time. As the temple is located on high land, it commands a sweeping view of the southern part of Chiaksan Mountain. * Historical Site of Sangwonsa Temple Existing structures include Daeungjeon Hall (designated as Cultural Heritage Material No. 18 on June 2, 1984) and others including Simudang, Simgeomdang, Beomjonggak, Sansingak, etc. The two pagodas in front of Daeungjeon became popular throughout the nation after the unification of the Three Kingdoms. The tips of these pagodas are rounded with a lotus bud carved on each one, making these pagodas extremely unique.

Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park (한려해상국립공원) is a national sea park that encompasses the most beautiful stretch of Korea’s south coast, covering parts of Sacheon, Geoje, Tongyeong, Hadong and Namhae of Gyeongnam Province and Yeosu of Jeonnam Province. Its 510,323㎢-wide area covers Dadohae Islets, Bijindo Island and Haegeumgang. The Donam Complex in Tongyeong is being continually developed as a world-class marine tourist attraction. The sea-view of the Namehae section of Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park is particularly breathtaking. Here visitors will be captivated by the view of Sejondo Island, the Pipe Organ Valley and Ssangyonggul Cave. Sangju Beach, at two kilometer-long and 150 meter-wide, is the biggest beach on the south coast and is covered with silver-white sand. The pine forest carpeting the surrounding environment also offers visitors a refreshing atmosphere. Located nearby is 681-meter-high Mt. Geumsan, making the beach a place where vacationers can appreciate both the sea and the mountain at the same time. Other attractions available in this area are the 38 Attractions of Mt. Geumsan, and Irak Shrine (Historic Site No.232) and Chungryeol Shrine (Historic Site No.233) dedicated to the great Admiral Sunsin Yi.

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.

The Geumgang Speed Muju Rafting resort is located on the upper Geumggang River and offers rafting, survival, hiking, and fishing programs. The area is over 3,000 pyeong in size and can accommodate lodging for up to 200 guests.