Travel/Culture List

Korea Country Club, located in Korea Golf & Art Village, is just 30-40 minutes away from the Gangnam area of Seoul. The club offers high-tech quality equipment and facilities including a night lighting system and 5-people electronic carts. With the recent addition of 9-hole course, the club is now better positioned to accommodate its customers with better services. The golf course at the club has few up-downs but there is large pond in the middle of the course where there is an island green with 4 holes on it, which give a certain degree of challenge that golfers may enjoy. Different plants and trees are planted near each hole creating a unique atmosphere and beauty. The club, which hosted a number of pro and amateur golf competitions, is putting its best effort to keep the courses in the best quality and condition.

Before the Korean War, trains used to run along the Gyeongwon Line, transporting people and goods between Seoul and Wonsan, but now they turn back at Sintan-ri station. There is no longer a railline running past the old Cheorwon station and across the armistice line, from Sintan-ri station to Pyeonggang. North Korea changed the name of the Gyeongwon Line that connects Pyeonggang to Sepo, Gosan, Tongjiwon, Wonsan, and Gowon to the ‘Gangwon Line’ many years ago. Near Sintan-ri station is a signpost that says, ‘We want to be back on track,’ symbolizing that this area is the northernmost point of the Gyeongwon Line in South Korea, resonating with a sense of sadness for South Koreans over the continuing division of the peninsula.

Seoul Cathedral Anglican Church of Korea began construction under Mark Trollope, the third bishop of the Anglican Church of Korea, in 1922. It was designed by a English architect Arthor Dixon. Dedication ceremony of the church was held On May 2, 1926 when the construction work hadn't been completed yet. At that time, the church building was a 3-storey building with a 992 m² floor size. Later in 1993, the original blue print of the church was found at a library in England and the construction resumed and would be completed in 1996. The church building is a harmonious combination of Romanesque and traditional Korean style. The exterior of the church is shaped like a cross with various lines placed in harmony. Inside the cathedral, there are 12 stone columns symbolizing the 12 apostles, a mosaic of Jesus on the front wall, and a brass plate in commemoration of Mark Trollope. Under the brass plate, the remains of the bishop Mark Trollope are enshrined. * Size: B1-3F * Building site area: 519㎡ (157 pyeong), Ground area 909㎡ (275 pyeong)

Launched in October 13, 2000, the Seoul City Tour Bus introduces tourists to Seoul’s major attractions. The bus departs every 30 minutes from Exit 6 of Gwanghwamun Station (Seoul Subway Line 5). One ticket will grant you access to all its routes throughout the day. Simply get off at your chosen attraction, tour the area, and catch the next bus according to the bus schedule to continue your trip. Each bus is equipped with personal voice guidance systems (headphones installed in every seat) which allow the passengers to listen to information about the attractions in Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese and French.

Chilgok Patriots & Peace Memorial is a memorial museum dedicated to the soldiers who seized victory by holding up a fierce battle at Nakdonggang River's line of defense for 55 days in Chilgok during the Korean War. The museum consists of a spacious 4-story high building with 2 basement floors and an outdoor exhibition with a variety of artifacts. The museum also has battle miniatures and experience facilities to help foster patriotism and appreciation for the soldiers who gave their lives to protect the country. * Opened on October 15, 0215

Chilbaekuichong, or the Tombs of Chilbaek Cemetery of Righteous Fighters, are reknowned historical attraction located in Geumsan, Chungcheongnam-do. This holy sites are interred with 700 martyrs who fought in the Korean militia against 15,000 Japanese soldiers in Geumsan during the Japanese Invasion in 1592. Among the martyrs is the leader, Jo Heon. In order to learn about the patriotic spirit of these ancesters, shrines and momuments were also erected in their honor. The site is popular among family who like to share the brave story with their children, enjoying a historical lesseon as well as a leisurely walk around the area. In addition, by the host of the Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea, an annual ceremonial rite is performed every year on September 23 at 3 p.m., offering more attractions for visitors.

This 1.4m-high rock-carved Bodhisattva was carved on the southern rock standing right above Chilburam Rock on Namsan Mountain, which may be regarded as a repository of relics and artifacts including Buddha statues spanning the Three Kingdoms Period to the late Unified Silla Period. Judging from the three-sided bejeweled crown he’s wearing on his head, this is clearly a Bodhisattva statue. He looks as if he is sitting on a cloud; while the closed eyes in the plump face give the impression he is lost in deep thought. He seems to be watching mankind from his world above the clouds. He is holding a flower in his right hand and his left hand is held up to his chest as if he is preaching. His robe is very thin, revealing the curves of the body, and hangs down to the base of the pedestal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which consists of both the dugwang (light radiating from the head) and hte singwang (light emanating from the Buddha’s body), is also the shrine for the statue, so the image of the Bodhisattva looks more prominent. It is presumed that this rock-carved Bodhisattva was made during the late eighth century during the Unified Silla Dynasty.

Baenaegol Valley is located at the heart of the mountainous region affectionately known as the Yeongnam Alps. The valley derives its name “Baenaegol,” meaning “the valley of pears,” from the wild pear trees that grow in large numbers along the valley. The valley covers nearly 8 kilometers of land between the range connecting Sinbulsan Mountain and Yeongchuksan Mountain and the western range connecting Cheonhwangsan Mountain and Jaeyaksan Mountain in Miryang. It is a popular vacation destination in the summer. Also, many tourists come to drink the water containing acer mono sap, which is known to be produced in this region during the springtime. Baenaegol Valley is just a short distance away from downtown Yangsan. The valley provides an opportunity to enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. The long valley is wedged between highlands, which results in at least two hours less of sunshine than other regions, so it feels cooler in the summer months. Strawberries are also widely grown in the area.

Jindo Island (진도) is the principle island among the cluster of 230 islets in the south western part of the Korean peninsula. The island is blessed with an abundance of fertile land therefore much of it is used for agriculture. The sea around it is teeming with fish and wildlife. The island has many park reserves like the Dadohae National Marine Park, historical relics and sites; and you can find traditional artistic performances everywhere. With the Jindo Bridge construction completed, the island is connected to the mainland. Every year during the month of February on the Lunar Calendar, the sea parts, mimicking the parting of the sea by Moses. Many tourists come to watch this rare spectacle. There are mascots found around the island that symbolize the friendly image of the Jindo dog, which happens to be natural treasure no.53.

Let's Run Park Busan Gyeongnam is located just outside Busan, making it convenient for both Busan locals and residents from Gyeongsangnam-do. The park is loved as a venue for family outings and fun experience programs. Visitors can enjoy all the park has to offer, including restricted areas, through the Electric Tram tour. The entire park becomes a beautiful attraction at night with Light Festival Illumination. Children will love the thrilling ride of Sled Hill and the experience to get close to the animals through a horse back ride at Pony Stables or feeding the animals in Toma's Garden.