Travel/Culture List

Gounsa Temple lies on Deungunsan Mountain in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and was built by Monk Uisang in 681 during the reign of King Sinmun of the Silla Kingdom. Although the pronunciation of the name was never changed, its meaning slightly changed from “High Cloud Temple” to “Solitary Cloud Temple” after Choi Chi-won, a renowned scholar in the late Silla Period, helped to build two pavilions (Gaunru and Uhwaru) and renamed it. It is Branch Temple No.16 of the Korean Buddhist order, Jogyejong, and manages temples in Uiseong, Andong, Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Yeongyang. Befitting its meaning, the temple is surrounded by outstanding scenery on Deungunsan Mountain, meaning “Riding on the Clouds.” Quite isolated from villages, the temple is a very quiet, serene place. Gounsa Temple is home to one of the most cherished pieces of architecture, Gaunru Pavilion (“Floating over the Clouds”). This elegant pavilion is propped up by wooden columns, which are, in turn, supported by foundation stones. It looks as if the pavilion placed its feet in the water while standing. Among the many buildings comprising the temple complex, Yeonsujeon Hall is a unique building that was built to store Eocheop (the genealogical record of royal families) in 1774 (20th year of King Yeongjo). As a royal building, it shows the Confucian architectural style, different from other Buddhist buildings within the temple.

Vivaldi Park Ski Resort Where urban energy meets alpine rhythm—Vivaldi Park stands as South Korea's premier winter destination for trendsetters and global travelers. Renowned for its exceptional proximity to Seoul, this dynamic resort seamlessly connects the capital's vibrant cultural hubs directly to the slopes via dedicated international shuttle networks. With a uniquely stylized trail system named after iconic music genres—such as Ballad, Jazz, and Hip-Hop—Vivaldi Park blends high-octane snow sports with a youthful, contemporary vibe. Beyond the slopes, it plays host to Snowy Land, South Korea’s grandest snow-play theme park, ensuring an enchanting winter wonderland experience for skiers and non-skiers alike.   Alpine Beats and Winter Wonders: The Ultimate Guide to Vivaldi Park Ski Resort Nestled in the pristine valleys of Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, Vivaldi Park Ski Resort has long established itself as the beating heart of South Korea’s contemporary winter tourism. While traditional resorts lean heavily on pastoral alpine aesthetics, Vivaldi Park takes a decisively modern, energetic approach. It is a destination meticulously crafted for the global traveler who seeks both the thrill of flawless corduroy snow and the effortless convenience of a world-class lifestyle resort. Effortless Transit: From Seoul's Neon Streets to Powder Fields One of Vivaldi Park’s greatest luxuries is its seamless accessibility. For international visitors, navigating transportation in a foreign winter landscape can be daunting. Vivaldi Park elegantly resolves this by operating a dedicated, foreigner-friendly shuttle bus fleet that departs directly from Seoul's most iconic districts, including Hongdae, Myeongdong, and Konkuk University. Within a comfortable, scenic ride of less than two hours, travelers are transported from the urban core to the mountain base, making either a spontaneous day trip or an extended alpine holiday completely frictionless.   The Rhythm of the Mountain: Music-Themed Slopes and Night Sessions The resort's creative identity shines through its uniquely conceptualized trail map. Slopes are deliberately organized and named after musical genres, echoing the vibe and technicality of the terrain: • The Ballad (Beginner): A wide, gentle, and forgiving slope designed to build confidence. It offers a smooth, lyrical progression for those clipping into skis or a snowboard for the very first time. • The Jazz & Reggae (Intermediate): Offering a more rhythmic, fluid tempo, these trails feature engaging pitches and sweeping wide turns perfect for intermediate riders looking to carve with style. • The Hip-Hop & Rock (Advanced): High-energy, steep gradients that demand quick reflexes and precision edge-control. These slopes cater to seasoned enthusiasts looking to test their limits under the crisp mountain air. As the sun sets, Vivaldi Park transforms into one of Asia’s most spectacular night-skiing venues. Illuminated by state-of-the-art, low-glare floodlights, the mountain takes on a celestial glow. The crisp night temperatures freeze the moisture in the air, creating a fast, exhilarating surface that keeps the energy high long into the midnight hours.   Snowy Land: The Kingdom of Winter Joy for Non-Skiers Recognizing that a perfect winter vacation means different things to different travelers, Vivaldi Park is home to Snowy Land, the largest dedicated snow-play theme park in South Korea. This fairy-tale-inspired zone is a paradise for families, couples, and non-skiers who wish to immerse themselves in winter's magic without hitting the traditional slopes. • Multi-Lane Snow Tubing: Experience the exhilarating rush of sliding down specifically engineered snow tracks on high-speed tubes, featuring both straight high-velocity runs and twisting family courses. • Immersive Photo Zones: From wind-blown snow tunnels to beautifully lit character villages, Snowy Land is designed to be highly photogenic, capturing unforgettable memories against a pristine white backdrop. • Traditional Winter Play: Guests can enjoy classic sledding, build snowmen, or simply stroll through candlelit snow trails that evoke a sense of pure, nostalgic wonder. Beyond the Snow: Premium Wellness and Living Art The resort experience extends far beyond outdoor recreation. Vivaldi Park functions as a self-contained luxury ecosystem. • Ocean World (Winter Thermal Experience): After an active day in the sub-zero mountain air, guests can retreat to Ocean World’s indoor sanctuary. Heated by natural, mineral-rich hot springs, the premium therapeutic pools, open-air jetted baths, and traditional Korean jjimjilbang (sauna) facilities offer the ultimate head-to-toe physical restoration. • Vibrant Underground City: Beneath the resort lies a massive, beautifully designed subterranean complex filled with gourmet dining venues, chic cafes, bowling alleys, and retail boutiques. Whether you crave authentic Korean barbecue, hot stone hotpots, or artisanal international cuisine, the culinary offerings cater directly to global palates. • Sophisticated Accommodations: The resort's hotel and premium condominium properties provide refined, spacious sanctuaries. Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows that gaze directly onto the illuminated slopes, they offer a warm, elegant space to unwind and toast to a perfect winter day.

Yi Sunsin Plaza is located in Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si and contains the history and achievements of General Yi Sunsin. The plaza is the starting point for the history culture tourism belt and the surrounding artifacts and in May hosts the Turtle Ship Festival. The main attraction in the plaza is the life-size turtle ship which visitors can not only view from the outside but also the inside. There are also various performances on Saturdays in the plaza. 

Ssangam Park is located in front of the Gwangju Institute of Science and technology within Cheomdanjigu (the high-technology district) in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. Thanks to the beautiful lake at its center, the park is also known as “Lake Park.” The lake is surrounded with landscaped azaleas and pine trees and is home to several fountains. At least once a month, a cultural festival takes place at the park. Convenience facilities include 146 benches, 3 restrooms, and 3 playgrounds. The park is especially popular among students since it has a gym and a wide grassy field perfect for playing sports.

Jejuhyanggyo Confucian School is an educational center that teaches Confucianism to local people, and holds ancestral ceremonies for the great Confucian scholars. It is also used as an administration office, and a gathering place for the local Confucians. It has two main halls: Myeongnyundang and Daeseongjeon, which houses ancestral tablets.

Opened in December 2007, Gwanaksan Mountain Ecological Park is divided into two sections: Eco Forest, a forest of broad-leaved trees, and Eco Pond, a habitat of aquatic animals. There is also an arboretum that provides space for relaxation and ecology experience.

Located within Mt. Naejangsan National Park, the Visitor Information Center was first opened in July 1998 to promote the public’s understanding of nature and national parks, and to provide enhanced park services. The Center features models of the topography and cultural relics of the mountain, videos of local plants and animals, and a history gallery with models of traditional homes. Here, visitors can also get a guide map of the hiking trails and information on neighboring tourist attractions.  

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.

Gyeokpo Port, located on the mainland of Jeju, is the departure point to Wido and Wangdeungdo Islands. Seawall fishing and rock fishing can both be enjoyed at the same time here. A wide rock belt is formed in the sea at the front of Gyeokpo creating lots of boat fishing sites (the main catch being black porgy and armorclad rockfish). Fishing spots include the sea west of Dongho Island, near Ssanyeo, the sea north of Daehyeongjedo Island and near Sumeunyeo. Big black porgy can be caught from the seawall and armorclad rockfish by fishing with rod (mostly in October). The sea south of Wido Island, one hour by boat from Gyeokpo, is famous for boat fishing to catch yellow drum. The sea north of Anmagundo is one of the best places for trolling to catch Japanese/Spanish Mackerel. Sadangdo Island has recently emerged as the best rock fishing site in the Gyeokpo region. Sadangdo Island is the largest island among those around Gyeokpo and has an abundance of good fishing spots. The waters are around 5m deep in all areas around Sadangdo Island. Wangdeungdo Island is a relatively new site as a number of 40cm-long big black porgy have been caught here recently. When the muddy tide goes out and clean water rises, black porgies start to bite.* Fishinf Spots: sea in front of Gyeokpo, Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. 

Jeonpyeongje was a neglected reservoir for decades originally built to provide agricultural irrigation to farms in the Maewol-dong and Byeokjin-dong regions as well as to prevent both floods and droughts. Since 1999, the reservoir had been changed little by little into a rest area and in 2002 was developed into an ecological park.