Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

In search of a great place to build a Buddhist Temple invoking national security, Great Monk Uisang travelled around the country and reached this place. He built a small thatched hut here for a temporary stay and continued his search. Finally, he found a perfect place and built Buseoksa Temple. He also set up another temple in the site where his small thatched hut was and called it Choamsa Temple. Choamsa Temple is located below the valley in the south of Gungmangbong Peak of Sobaeksan Mountain. After the Korean War, the temple building had to be rebuilt, but it managed to preserve some of Provincial Tangible Cultural Asset including Samcheung Seoktap (a three-storied stone pagoda; Tangible Cultural Property 126), Dongbudo (East Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 128) and Seobudo (West Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 129). * Jukgyegugok Valley The valley stretching from Baejeom-ni to Choamsa Temple is called Jukgyegugok which Sobaeksan Mountain surrounds like a folding screen. Near the valley, one can find famous tourist attractions such as the Sosuseowon Confucian Academy and Buseoksa Temple. Toegye Yi Hwang came up with the name Jukgyegugok inspired by the fantastic scenery of the valley and the beautiful sound of the flowing water.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Yeongju Station is a railway station on Jungang Line, Yeongdong Line and Gyeongbuk Line.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongcheon-si)

Historically the forest was called Orijangnim (오리장림) but nowadays it is also widely known as the Jacheon Forest (자천숲). The name Orijangnim originates from the fact that in olden days, before roads were established, there was a thick forest that stretched as far as "O-ri (five-ri or 1963m)"surrounding Jacheon-ri. As the national road was developed, the forest was divided into two parts, and afterwards major parts of the forest were lost to school buildings, wider roads and Typhoon Sara. It’s surely a pity that only the remaining settlements near Jacheon village can give us a feeling on what life was like in the forest long ago. However, as you drive down the un-crowded road, surely you will be able to feel the tranquility of the region. Around 400 years ago when the forest was first created, villagers annually held a ritual at midnight on the 15th of January of the lunar year to pay tribute to their ancestors and wish for peace and safety in the village. The forest houses more than 10 species of trees that come in a variety of fantastic shapes looking just like potted plants. In the summer, the cool wind of Gohyeoncheon Stream, flows in front of Jacheon Village and keeps visitors cool and refreshed, while shade from the trees of Orijangnim seem to completely blot out the the sun. Composition of Orijangnim The forest has a total of 12 species of trees made up of 9 species of 231 broadleaf trees including a gingko tree, Glandulosa willow; oriental oak; Hemipteleae davidii; Zelkova serrata; and Celtis Sinensis, to name a few. As for evergreen trees, there are 3 species of them including pine trees, black pine trees; and the Himalayan Cedar. Most of the trees in the forest are huge with an average age ranging from 20 to 350 years and a x_height of six to 24 meters.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)

Unmunsan Mountain (1,118 meters) is one of the seven mountains rising over 1,000 meters above sea level in the Yeongnam Alps in the Taebaeksanmaek Mountain Range. Unmunsan Mountain features dense groves, attracting a large number of hikers. From the summit, one can get a great view of the golden reeds on Cheonhwangsan Mountain to the south, and the ridges of Gajisan Mountain to the east. There are various sized temples and hermitages on the mountain, nestled among a splendid landscape. Unmunsa Temple is situated at the foot of the mountain on the northern side. It was built by Sinseung in the 18th year of the reign of King Jinheung (557) of the Silla Kingdom. Though some buildings burned down during the Imjin War, the Obaengnahanjeon Hall and Gwaneumjeon Hall have been preserved in their original state. The dense groves of pine trees and fir trees add to the tranquility of the beautiful scenery. In the temple, seven treasures are kept, including the stone lantern (Treasure no. 193) in front of Geumdang Hall. The historic relics date back to the Silla Kingdom and Goryeo Dynasty.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Tohamsan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest is home to various broad leaf and needle leaf trees, animals, and plants. It is close to Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Cave, and other famous tourism sites that make the area a nice natural and resting area. Cabin House is a suitable camping site. Group accommodations are available and reservations can be made through the homepage.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Jeoksangsan Mountain (적상산, elevation 1,034 m) in Muju, Jeollabuk-do, is surrounded by precipitous walls of stratified rocks. The basin on the mountain top there is a lake called ‘Jeoksangho’; and along the ridge enclosing the lake stands Jeoksangsanseong Fortress (적상산성) extending over 8,143 m. During the Goryeo period the region was a place of refuge for civilians at times of war. The fortress wall was built during the Joseon era.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Dotseom (돝섬) is an island 10 minutes off Masan Port. ‘Dot’ is an ancient name for pigs after which the island was named because its shape resembles that of a reclining pig. Gagopa Land is an amusement park located on Dotseom Island accessible by frequent ferry services that connect the island and Masan Port. Gagopa Land includes amusement facilities, restaurants and paths for walkers. On the island’s peak there is a 2000 m² wooden-floor observation deck where you can enjoy the sea view. The deck is equipped with a stage for holding various events such as sport competitions, games, balls and parties. The entire island is covered with thick forests, either manmade or naturally growing, where visitors can enjoy the abundant greenery.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)

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).