Travel/Culture List

Chungnyeolsa Shrine (충렬사-정읍)
 
Jeollabuk-do(Jeongeup-si)
Located in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do, this shrine was established to embody the spirit of Admiral “Chungmugong” (honorific title in military) Yi Sun-Sin. He was a great national hero who led the Korean navy to victory in many naval battles using innovative ‘turtle ships’ against the Japanese during their failed invasion of Korea during the 25th year of King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1592). Situated on the heart of Mt. Gumisan overlooking the city of Jeongeup, the shrine is the location of a memorial ceremony held every 28th of April, the birthday of Admiral Yi. The ceremony is meant to pay tribute to the memory of the naval hero and his irreproachable service to the city. Yi Sun-Sin had been appointed as reeve of Jeongeup in 1589 but soon after in 1591 he left the post to work as the chief naval officer of the Jeolla region.

Bakdaljae Natural Forest (박달재자연휴양림)
 
Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)
Bakdaljae Natural Forest is a dense forest where pine trees and bushes have harmoniously coexisted together with oddly formed rocks and strangely shaped stones for 150 years. At the top of Bakdaljae Pass, there’s a pavilion, a spring, a resting area, and a wood sculpture park. From the top of the mountain, one can admire a view of Sobaeksan Mountain, Wolaksan Mountain and Gamaksan Mountain.

Yeongsangang River Culture Pavilion (영산강문화관)
 
Gwangju(Nam-gu)
With the slogan “Yeongsangang River, where Nature and Life Coexist,” Yeongsangang River Culture Pavilion consists of an open space that blends well with the surrounding natural environment. The center provides a variety of educational programs and hands-on events, through which visitors can increase their understanding of the Yeongsangang River restoration project, the history of Namdo region, and the cultural and ecological environment of the area.

Relics of Park Jesang (Chisanseowon Confucian Academy) (박제상 유적 (치산서원))
 
Ulsan(Ulju-gun)
Relics of Park Jesang is also referred to as Chisanseowon Confucian Academy. Park Jesang, a descendent of Park Hyeokgeose, was severly tortured and then burned to death after rescuing two hostages taken by Japan, who were the brothers of King Nulji. The nearby temple and Mangbuseok have a folk tale regarding the story. His wife and two daughters died waiting for him and then his wife is said to have turned into Mangbuseok (faithful wife stone) in the eastern Chisullyeong Mountain in Manhwa-ri, Dudong-myeon. According to the legend, her spirit became a bird, and flew away to hide behind Euneulam (Bird Hidden Rock). After Park Jesang's couragous act, King Nulji gave him a loyal officers position as well as the role of godmother to his wife for her model behavior of wifely duty. Chisanseowon Confucian Academy keeps their ancestral tablets to honor royalty.

Daeyasan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest (국립 대야산자연휴양림)
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)
Near the recreation forest are historically-famous sites such as Bongamsa Temple, the relics of Gyeon Hwon, the birthplace of Ungang Lee Kang-nyeon, and Mungyeong Saejae Mountain Pass. Allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing and leisure sports at the same time, the recreation forest offers various hands-on experience at the ceramics exhibition hall, ecological park, clay shooting range, rafting site, and the drama open set. Located right next to Yongchu Valley, the recreation forest’s facilities include the Forest Culture Recreation Center, Forest Cabin, Woodcraft Experience Center, and forest experience trails along Seonyudong Nadeul-gil.

Sobaeksan Oknyeobong Recreational Forest (소백산 옥녀봉자연휴양림)
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)
Sobaeksan Oknyeobong Recreational Forest (소백산 옥녀봉 자연휴양림) at the foot of Oknyeobong Peak on Mt. Sobaeksan is a great place to relax and take a rest, and beautiful trails are also available. This natural recreation forest features bungalows, a community kitchen, shower rooms, outdoor classrooms, and a designated parking area for visitors. The forest enjoys the scenic backdrop of Mt. Sobaeksan. You can also visit nearby attractions such as Buseoksa Temple, Sosuseowon Confucian School (소수서원), and Huibang Valley. Located in the northernmost part of Gyeongsangbuk-do, Oknyeobong Recreational Forest has numerous activities and beautiful natural locales. You can take a rest amidst the refreshing air, and enjoy the clean mountain waters. Also, the area offers a great view of Gukmangbong, Birobong, and Dosolbong Peaks; this recreational forest is busiest during the Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival. Main tree species – Pine trees (An approximately 200-year-old pine tree at the entrance)

Daejosa Temple (Buyeo) (대조사 (부여))
 
Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)
Below Seongheungsanseong Fortress (built in 501 during the Baekje Kingdom) in Buyeo is an ancient temple called Daejosa (great bird temple).  Inside the temple grounds stands a giant standing stone Buddha statue looking toward the east. The temple, which was founded during the 5th year of the Baekje Kingdom, has an interesting legend behind its origin. According to the legend, an old monk fell asleep after praying under a large rock on the slopes of Seongheungsan Mountain. In his dream, a large bird with a golden glow flew in from the west and sat on the rock where Daejosa currently stands. While the bird continuoulsy flapped its wings, a ray of light shone on the rock and it was there that the statue of Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva appeared. The old monk had the same dream at the same time for many days. He recounted his dream to the seongju (castle lord), who then reported it to King Seong of Baekje. The king interpreted the dream as a sign that it was the right time to move the capital of Baekje to Sabi (now Buyeo) and ordered the construction of a large temple at the location that appeared in the dream. The temple was so big that even at a hurried pace, it would still took 10 years to build. Workers had to work day and night and every time the workers felt tired, birds would come singing to brighten up the atmosphere so that the workers can forget the fatigue and continue working. Hence, the temple was completed after only five years. Because of the golden bird, the temple was named Daejosa, literally meaning 'great bird temple. The rock on which Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva appeared in the dream was turned into a stone statue of a Buddha. This standing stone Maitreya Bodhisattva statue is a fine work of sculpture which, along with the stone Bodhisattva of Gwanchoksa Temple (Treasure No.218), is representative of the early Gorye period.In front of Wontongbojeon Hall (a hall enshrining Avalokitasvara Bodhisattva) stands a pagoda. In the old days, the stone pagoda used to have only the cover stones but as the pagoda body stones were found, the pagoda structure was restored in 1975. This pagoda is assumed to have been built in the early days of the Goryeo Kingdom.

Gunwi Buddha Triad Grotto (2nd Seokguram) (군위 아미타여래삼존 석굴)
 
Daegu(Gunwi-gun)
Once you reach the Hantijae Peak of Mt. Palgongsan, the Gunwi Buddha Triad Grotto (known as ‘the 2nd Seokgulam Grotto’, 군위삼존석굴) stands to welcome you. This grotto, designated as National Treasure No. 109, is a natural cave on a sheer cliff. Here, you can see the beautiful Amitabul Buddha, the Bodhisattva of Power and the Bodhisattva of Compassion. This 4.25m-wide and 4.3m-long cave is located 20m above the ground. This grotto is the progenitor of the Gyeongju Seokgulam Grotto, preceding the construction of Seokgulam grotto by 100 years. It has been designated as a world cultural heritage. The square-shaped ceiling is highest in the middle of the chamber. The Amitabul Buddha sits in the center with the Bodhisattva of Power and the Bodhisattva of Compassion flanking its left and right sides. The main Buddha is very refined and graceful with short hair and a divine smile on its face, sitting with crossed legs in a full-lotus posture.

Wibongsanseong County Park (위봉산성군립공원)
 
Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)
This fortress was completed in 1675, the first year of the reign of King Sukjong (1674-1720) of the Joseon Kingdom. It was intended that in time of war or other emergency, the portrait of King Taejo enshrined in Gyeonggijeon Hall and the spirit tablet of the Yi Clan founder, kept at Jogyeongmyo Shrine, both in Jeonju, would be brought to the fortress for safekeeping. In fact, they were brought to the safety of the fortress when Jeonju was occupied by the Donghak peasant army in 1894. The original wall was 4m to 5m high, 3m wide and 16km long and had three main gates (East, West, and North) and eight smaller ones. Of the three covered gates of the fortress, only the stone archway of the west gate remains together with part of the stone wall. Inside the fortress are Wibongsa Temple and Wibong Falls, one of the 8 Beauties of Jeonju.

Seokcheon Valley (석천계곡)
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)
Waters from the Taebaek Mountains forged Seokcheon Valley (석천계곡), located in Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. The valley is wide, shallow, and surrounded by thick pine forests. Broad, flat rocks are scattered throughout, and the valley is a great place for children to play. Next to the valley, you will also find Seokcheonjeong Pavilion, which was built in 1535 (Joseon period). This pavilion, made of Bonghwa red pine trees called Chunyangmok, and mounted on stone, offers a great view of the nearby scenic mountain.