Travel/Culture List

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.

Bugak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion exudes a tranquil, serene beauty regardless of the season. The pavilion, which sits on Bugaksan's 1,652,900m² (500,000 pyeong) area at an altitude of 345m, was built in a traditional Korean style to give a hint of history. Site area: 6,883㎡ (2,085 pyeong)Building area (Palgakjeong Pavilion): 652㎡ (197 pyeong)

Naewonsa Valley is just below Naewonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain. The valley is surrounded by Jeongsoksan Mountain to the northeast, Wonjeoksan Mountain to the south, and Cheonseongsan Mountain to the southeast. The water running through the numerous valleys between these mountains has formed streams like Yongyeoncheon and Sangricheon from Naewonsa Valley which are the source of Yangsancheon Stream. Naewonsa Valley was formerly Sogeumgang (little Geumgang), meaning that its beautiful scenery is comparable to that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also known as the “mystical valley” as crystal clear water flows all year round. The word “Sogeumgang” is distinctly engraved on one side of the cliff and large rocks stand in layers throughout the valley. Some of the rocks are called “byeongpung bawi,” literally meaning folding screen rocks, as they are stretched out much like folding screens. The valley and the surrounding mountains are a popular summer vacation spot and a well-known hiking destination during the spring, fall, and winter. Muk (acorn jelly) made with acorns gathered from this area not only tastes great, but is also very healthy. Nearby attractions include Tongdosa Temple, Hongnyong Falls, Tongdo Fantasia, Tongdo Finest Country Club, and Haewoon Youth Training Institute. *About Naewonsa Temple* Located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain, Naewonsa Temple was is one of the 89 branch temples surrounding Daedunsa Temple, which was founded by the great monk Wonhyo (617-686) during the Silla Dynasty. Originally called Naewonsaji, the temple was burned down during the Korean War. It was rebuilt by a Buddhist nun named Suok in 1958 and it became known as the prayer center for the nation’s greatest Buddhist nuns. ※ Entrance into the upper region of Naewonsa Valley is restricted.

Bangadari Mineral Spring is a crisp and healthy water source located in the woods off the Yeongdong Highway. The mineral spring contains over 30 kinds of healthy minerals including carbonic acid and iron, which are known to be especially effective in treating stomach disorders, anemia, and neuralgia. The 1-kilomter long path leading from the entrance to the mineral spring site is great for taking a stroll as it is surrounded by fir trees.

Built based upon the Cheontae Doctrine, Baengnyeonsa Temple (백련사) played an important role in promoting the restoration of Buddhism. Located east of Mandeoksan Mountain (만덕산), Baengnyeonsa Temple is famous for its camellia forest skirting the road to the temple. One of the two most beautiful camellia colonies in Korea, including camellias on Odong-do Island in Yeosu, this colony of camellias was designated as natural treasure No. 151. The camellias come into full bloom around the end of March. Gangjin Bay, seen from Baengnyeonsa Temple, and the road that leads from the temple to Dasan Chodang are also famed for their scenic beauty.

Situated in Boryeong (Chungcheongnam-do), Boryeong Coal Museum focuses on the history of the coal industry and its importance. Its indoor and outdoor exhibition halls display a wide array of coal equipment employed to mine and carry coal. Visitors can also see a video depicting the coal mining process. A reproduced mine is equipped with a tunnel (using the cold air from a closed mine) and decorated with photos on the wall of the tunnel. Reproducing the real process of coal mining, visitors may feel as if they are going up and down the mine, 400m underground. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (to 5 p.m. during the winter season); it is closed on Mondays.

The Byeonsanbando Peninsula has a shoreline that stretches 99 kilometers, protruding into the west sea in Jeollabuk-do, with the Saemangeum, the world’s longest man-made sea barrier, to the north and Gomsoman Bay at its south shore. The peninsula is part of Byeonsanbando National Park, which is widely known for its natural beauty. Its interior mountain range is known as Naebyeonsan Mountain (Inner Byeonsan Mt.) while the outer region near the sea is known as Oebyeonsan Mountain (Outer Byeonsan Mt.). The center of Mt. Naebyeonsan includes the highest peak of Byeonsanbando peninsula, Uisangbong Peak (509 meters) and Nakjodae (Sunset Viewpoint), Wolmyeongam Hermitage, Bongnaegugok Valley as well as Jiksopokpo Waterfall. The surrounding mountains and valleys of Mt. Byeonsan are not particularly high, standing at an altitude of around 500-600 meters, but the magnificent formation of mountains and valleys as well as the breathtaking view of the sunset from Nakjodae make it a must-see sight. The center of Mt. Naebyeonsan is the area that includes the highest peak of Byeonsanbando peninsula, Uisangbong Peak (509 meters) and Nakjodae (Sunset Viewpoint), Wolmyeongam Hermitage, Bongnaegugok Valley as well as Jiksopokpo Waterfall. The surrounding mountains and valleys of Mt. Byeonsan are not particularly high, standing at an altitude of around 500-600 meters, but the magnificent formation of mountains and valleys and the breathtaking view of the sunset from Nakjodae is especially one of the must-see sights.

Sainam Rock, located in Sainam-ri, Daegang-myeon, is one of eight scenic areas in Danyang, and is located in the southeast side of Danyang-gun, along with Sangseonam Rock, Jungseonam Rock, and Haseonam Rock of Seonam Valley. The Sainam Rock is a rugged outcropping with an inspiring x_height of 70 meters, and the deep blue Namjocheon Stream passes in front of it, located in the southern part of Danyang-gun. Most visitors to Danyang Eight Scenic Views tend to come to the rock as their first destination due to the good condition of the road. Also, Unseongugok Valley flows in front of Sainam Rock. The rock was picked as the most picturesque place among the Eight Scenic Views. On the cliff, there is a phrase carved by Utak’s own handwriting, as well as old pine trees on a rock floor that is reminiscent of the Haegeumgang River. Sainam was named after the great scholar Yeokdong Utak during Goryeo Period. He had taken up a public service to assist a king in a position called sain (사인), and then he retired to his hometown of Danyang, starting out teaching young students. For this story, a governor of Danyang named the rock Sainam to commemorate his achievement during King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty.

Chujado Island is a group of four inhabited islands called Sangchujado, Hachujado, Chupodo, and Hoenggando, as well as 38 uninhabited islands. From the mountaintop, one can experience the beauty of the beach below. The path is located to the far northwest of Jeju Island and connects the hills of Sangchujado (upper Chuja) and Hachujado (lower Chuja).

Cheoneunsa Temple is located on Dutasan Mountain in Miro-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do. At the tail end of the Goryeo Dynasty, Lee Seung-hyu, a renowned scholar, wrote ‘Jewangungi’, an epic for the Korean people at Cheoneunsa temple. After the temple burnt down during the Korean War, the temple was renovated. The temple houses Beophwagyeong (Lotus Sutra Statue) among other cultural significant artifacts. Also, the surrounding area is where the capital of Goryeo Dynasty was located, a number of relics such as pieces of Celadon and blue roof tiles are unearthed.