Travel/Culture List

Naju Moksanaea was the private residence of the moksa, the title of highest official in the region. This traditional hanok house was built in 1825 and is recognized as Jeollanam-do Cultural Hertiage No. 132. The house is open to the public during the day, and operates as an accommodation during the evenings.

Suyeong-gu of Busan is a historical district nestled between Geumnyeonsan Mountain and Gwangalli Beach. It was the site of the Gyeongsang Jwado Marine Headquarters during the Joseon Dynasty. In fact, its name 'Suyeong' was derived from 'Sugunjeoldosayeong', meaning 'marine headquarters'. The Suyeong Sajeok Park was established in commemoration of the spirit of the Suyeong residents. It is designed to show their maritime lifestyle.

Located on Garisan Mountain (1,051m above the sea level), the Garisan Natural Recreational Forest offers marvelous scenery of rich forest, old pine trees, and uniquely shaped rocks. The forest is equipped with various recreational, accommodation and convenience facilities including campsites, wood cabin, forest walking trails, swimming pool, sports facilities, and outdoor cooking facilities.

This unique architecture is a reinterpretation of the Hwangryongsa nine-story pagoda format from the Silla period using modern science technology and architecture methods. The building has become a new landmark in Bomun Tourist Complex and is also used as a training institute by offering various programs like meditation. There are simple one-hour programs or overnight tour courses available through prior reservation. 

House N Garden was created by people who love gardens including Park Won-suk, the TV actress. The garden is comprised of themed private gardens such as the perfume, palm tree, topiary, vegetable, windmill, spa, flower roof gardens and other facilities including a path, a pond, observation deck, a pavilion, a fountain, flower road, flower fences, and a green house. In addition, the garden offers the facilities like a cutting-edge video room, performance room, exhibition room, a café, and a guest house for visitors.

Jeolgol Valley in the southeast of Juwangsan Mountain isn’t special just for its pure and clear water flowing year-round. With amazing rock formations that tower high above like bamboo sprouts, and a dense forest all around, entering Jeolgol Valley is like entering another world. Upon entering the valley, the wind that buffeted the rock face outside becomes a refreshing breeze, keeping hikers cool even in high summer. The beauty of this 8km-long valley is second only to Juwang Valley. Located about 1km into the valley is Jusanji Pond. This reservoir is peculiar in the fact that there are many large, old willow trees growing out of the water, creating a mysterious atmosphere.

Maemul Islands (매물도) refer to the three islands in Maejuk-ri, Hansan-myeon: Daemaemul Island (대매물도), Somaemul Island (소매물도), and Deungdae (lighthouse) Island (등대도, also known as Geulssingiseom Island (글씽이섬)). The best view can be seen from the sea cliffs of Somaemuldo Island and Deungdaedo Island. Somaemuldo Island, whose entire area is no more than 2.51㎢, is the main island, and Daemaemuldo Island, Hongdo Island, Deungdaedo Island (Haeguemdo Island), Daegueulbido Island and Sogueulbido Island are all smaller islets scattered around the main island. Somaemuldo Island is home to about 20 households. If you hike up the hill behind the village, you can reach the highest point of Somaemuldo Island, or Mangtaebong. There is a natural observation spot where you can look out at all the islets of Tongyeong including Deungdae Island as well as Haegeumgang of Geoje. The waves hitting the cliffs, generating white foams and rainbow sprays, is one of the most fascinating views on Korean southern coast. At the peak of summer, you can enjoy water sports or try scuba-diving in the deep areas. Visitors are strongly recommended to look around Somaemuldo Island by passenger boat from which it’s easier to see the surrounding cliffs and wave action.

Chung Young Yang Embroidery Museum was founded in May 2004 to enhance public awareness and appreciation of embroidery art with ample facilities including exhibition hall, library, conservation center, learning center, embroidery study room, education and research rooms. The museum emphasizes on the variety of textiles and embroidery and also features collections from various Northeast Asian countries. The Chung Young Yang Embroidery Museum stresses the importance of embroidery as an evolving form of art through changes in technology, social and cultural environment. In addition, the learning center also aims to become a learning center for scholarship in embroidery and other textile arts that can be appreciated by a wide audience.

Yongcheonsa Temple is a branch temple of Baegyangsa Temple that is No. 18 of the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism. In the first year of King Mu, (the 30th king of Baekje, in power from 600-641 AD), Haengeun who was a Buddhist priest of eminent virtue, established the temple. The name of temple has the meaning of a spring called “Yongcheon”, that is under the Daeungjeon Hall stairs. According to legend, a dragon used to live in the spring and ascended to heaven. (‘Yong’ means a dragon and ‘cheon’ means a spring). Visitors can see vivid lotus designs on the stair's handrail and experience the great history of the temple.

The exact founding date of Munsusa Temple is unknown because there are no official records that have been discovered. The temple is estimated to date back to the Goryeo Dynasty, because a prayer found at the Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha in the temple’s Geungnaksiljeon Hall (hall of paradise) in 1973 dates back to 1346. Around 600 items were discovered along with the prayer, including unbleached ramie cloth, a short-sleeved gown, rice, and barley. Munsunsa has the tranquil atmosphere of a mountain temple. When spring arrives, cherry blossom flowers and wild flowers bloom across the mountain and the nearby cattle farm call to mind a traditional Korean painting. Munsusa Geungnaksiljeon Hall is a beautiful building constructed according to Jusimpo style (the column brackets placed only on top of the columns) combined with Dapo style (the column brackets placed between columns as well as on top of the columns). It is designated as Chungcheongnam-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 13. Inside the gorgeously and majestically carved hall are many relics including Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha, Samsebulsang statues (statues of Buddhas of Three Times (past, present and future)), Nahansang statues (statues of disciples of Buddha), and various portraits of Buddha. The Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha (x_height: 70cm, length between knees: 50cm) was created in 1346 (the second year of King Chungmok’s reign, the29th king of the Goryeo Dynasty). It is one of the fine examples of late Goryo dynasty style Buddha statue along with Gilt-bronze Seated Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of Janggoksa Temple (Treasure No.337).