Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Mireukdo Island resides in Tongyeong, a city that holds great historical significance for being the home of the Tongjeyeong naval station during the Joseon Dynasty. The Tongyeong base served as the central command station for the three other naval bases in the Gyeongsang, Jeolla and Chungcheong regions. Not only is Mireukdo Island designated as a Special Tourist Zone, it is also a part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park and serves as the center of tourism in the South Coast. The Mireukdo Special Tourist Zone, with the Donam Tourist Complex as its core, is well-equipped with a variety of leisure facilities, tourist accommodations and restaurants. This district caters to visitors with yacht services and a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and water skiing. Exceptionally popular is the ferry cruise that takes visitors to Hansando Island, which is located just off the coast of Tongyeong, and to the other scenic islands such as Bijindo and Maemuldo. Mireukdo Island is connected to Tongyeong through an undersea tunnel, Chungmu Bridge and Tongyeong Bridge, making it even more accessible to visitors. At the center of the island is the towering Mireuksan Mountain. The panoramic Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, which opened in 2008, takes visitors to the summit of Mireuksan Mountain. The top offers a commanding view of the forests and valleys below. On a clear day, visitors can even see the Japanese island of Tsushima. The mountain’s hiking trails are well-maintained and are suitable for short hikes. The most traveled trail is the one starting from Yonghwasa Temple. Hikers taking this trail pass through Gwaneumsa Temple and Mireukjae to reach the top. The trail leads to Miraesa Temple and a grass field on the way down before finally going back to Yonghwasa Temple. [Mireukdo Special Tourist Zone] Areas Covered: Part of Sanyang-eup (Mireukdo Island and Obido Island), areas of Misu-dong, Bongpyeong-dong and Donam-dong in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do Area size: 32,900,000㎡ Tourist Attractions: Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, Ferry Cruise, Tongyeong Concert Hall, Undersea Tunnel  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The Bangudae Petroglyphs are located in Daegok-ri, (Ulsan City) and were discovered by the Dongguk University Investigation Team in 1971. Since then, these rock engraving have been a representative cultural asset of Ulsan and have been a key reference point in research on rock carving techniques. The Bangudae Petroglyphs were designated National Treasure No. 285 in 1996. Petroglyphs (岩刻畵) are figures of animals or geometrical symbols engraved on rock. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are engraved on rocks located on the lower western banks of the man-made lake at Taehwa River. Due to the increased water levels resulting from the construction of the dams, the petroglyphs (10m wide and 3m tall) can only be seen during the dry season from October to February. Since the Daegok River blocks a closer view of the engraved figures, a model measuring 6m in x_width and 3m in x_height has been set up across from the Bangudae Petroglyphs to give visitors a better understanding of this unique ancient art. The engravings depict a total of 200 etchings including figures of land animals (deer, tigers, wild boars, etc.), hunting scenes, sea animals (whales, seals, sea turtles), and boats and fishermen. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are important reflections of the hunting rituals and religious arts of Korea’s prehistoric era and serve as an important clue into the lifestyle and customs of ancient Koreans.  


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

About 3 kilometers from Osaek Mineral Spring in South Seorak, the road splits, and you can take a trail to Yongso Falls and Sibi (Twelve) Falls. Jujeongol is the name of the valley that meanders up to Sibi Falls. As you hike along this delightful path you encounter Seonnyeotang Pond, Dokjuam Rock, and Yongso Falls, and the Second Osaek Mineral Spring is a refreshing treat for thirsty hikers. The path is relatively smooth and can be enjoyed by hikers of all abilities.The hiking routes in South Seorak are open from 4 am to 2 pm in winter and from 3 am to 3 pm in summer.


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si)

Seolbong Park is a pleasant resting area that includes a walking path around a wide lake in the middle of the park, a traditional garden and a traditional palanquin. Visitors can take part in caramic making programs at a reasonable price with a professional instructor at the Ceramic Experience Hall which is located near the World Ceramic Center.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Daejanggyeongpan (the Tripitaka Koreana) is stored inside the four wooden buildings of Janggyeongpanjeon located within the Haeinsa Temple in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Daejanggyeongpan is the world’s oldest Buddhist canon, and has been designated as the 32nd national treasure of Korea. It is also known as Palman Daejanggyeong (Eighty Thousand Tripitaka), because a total of 84,000 Buddhist scriptures are engraved on some 80,000 wooden printing blocks. The complete collection was made over the period of 16 years starting in 1237 (24th year of King Gojong’s reign) to appeal for spiritual help in overcoming the national crisis of the Mongolian invasions. Janggyeongpanjeon which houses the Tripitaka Koreana was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1995.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Cheongsapo Port is located on the right at the end of Dalmaji Hill in the direction of Songjeong in Haeundae. Along with Gudeokpo Port and Mipo Port, Cheongsapo Port is among the three ports lined against the coastal shore between Haeundae and Songjeong. Cheongsapo Port is famous as a place to view beautiful sunsets and where quality seaweed can be found. The rocks scattered along the port's shore are crowded with fishers. Railroad tracks that run along the shoreline make the area even more special, being one of the only two railroad tracks in Korea to be situated near sea.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Situated in Yeongok-myeon (Dongdeok-ri), this spacious beach (56,000m2) stretches over 700m. Surrounded by a lush pine forest, this beach is ideal for camping. Fishing lovers can enjoy catching sweetfish at Yeongokcheon Stream flowing from Sogeumgang (Sogeum River); there are a variety of restaurants offering delicious Korean food along the stream as well. Dongdeok-ri used to be home to a railway station and a traditional market. Trading ships—moving between the Hamgyeong and Gyeongsang areas—used to populate the beach. The beach and its surrounding attractions are great for both hiking and swimming.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

The Park of Geojedo, P.O.W Camp was built to hold prisoners during the Korean War. Out of a total of 170,000 prisoners of war, 20,000 were from China and 150,000 were from North Korea. The camp was closed upon the signing of the 1953 armistice which ended the war. Remains of the war, such as tanks, trucks and other relics are on exhibit here. The camp was turned into a park in 1997 to ensure that the Korean War is not a forgotten war. It takes approximately one hour to walk the park grounds.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

There are four large and small swamps around the Yibang-myeon, Daehap-myeon, and Daeji-myeon areas of Changnyeong-gun, which are collectively called ‘Upo Wetland’. They are the largest natural swamps in South Korea, with a total size about 5,550 square km. The bottom of the swamp is shallower than 1m and there are over 1,000 species living in its murky waters. It has a primitive atmosphere with 100 kinds of plants containing 28 kinds of aquatic plants and 72 types of hydrophytes.Upo Wetland is a primitive low bed wetland, which was created about 140 million years ago. When soft ground collapsed, water started to come to a low basin, and this was a lake where dinosaurs lived 100 million years ago. Upo Wetland was formed in with the sediments from the mountains brought in by rivers. From the outer edge, the current Upo Wetland is going through natural alteration and ecological succession from a lake to swamp and from grass-covered plain to a forest. At Upo Wetland there are eight famous sites such as fireflies, constellation gazing, and willow groves, but there are many, many other interesting things to see. Among the eight famous sights, the Upo rain-fog is an especially eye-catching natural phenomenon, becoming visible when there is no wind, when skies are clear, and the temperature difference between day and night is 10 degrees or more. The fireflies come out around 8~9 P.M. in August and September, and they are also worth watching. In winter, migrating birds spend their winter here and you can watch about 33 species of birds such as swans, whopper swans, bean geese, teals and wild ducks. It is better to take a walk in the evening or early in the morning rather than in the daytime, it would be great also to visit in the night under the starlight.