Jeollabuk-do(Jangsu-gun)

Seonggwansa Temple is located in the rural village of Geumdeok-ri, Janggye-myeon, Jangsu-gun in Jeollabuk-do province, yet the size of this temple is quite big with around ten buildings. It is said that the temple was established during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392), but the history of the temple is not very clear as there are no remains or written documents of the temple from the Goryeo period that remain today. The name of the temple was changed to Geumdeoksa in 1943, but it recovered its original name of Seonggwangsa in 1994. Seonggwansa means that its disciplines are to practice Buddhist teachings and spread the teachings of Buddha. The present temple site includes Daeungjeon (main hall), Seolbeopjeon (preaching hall), Samseonggak Pavilion, Junghwadang, Daegakseonwon, Iljumun Gate, Jonggak Belfry, and a nine-story pagoda.


Jeollabuk-do(Sunchang-gun)

Located approximately 1.8 kilometers from the entrance of Gangcheonsan County Park, Gangcheonsa Temple was built by Monk Doseon in the first year of Queen Jinseong of Silla (887 AD). In the third year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo (1316 AD), the temple saw the addition of a five-story stone pagoda, built by Monk Deokhyeon. At its peak, the temple was said to have had 12 hermitages and housed 1,000 monks. It was burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598 AD), leaving only the pagoda, but was rebuilt a few years later by Monk Soyo during the 37th year of King Seonjo (1604 AD). Unfortunately, the temple was burned down again in the Korean War, but was once again restored to its original state in 1959. Cultural assets found at the temple include Chungsinri & Namgyeri Seokjangseung (stone totem pole), the Sunchanggaeksa building, and the Sunhwari three-story pagoda. Nearby tourist attractions include Geumseongsanseong Fortress, Yongso Waterfall, Gangcheonho Lake, Damyangho Lake, Chuwolsan Mountain, Huimunsan Mountain, and Naejangsan National Park.


Jeollabuk-do(Jinan-gun)

Maisan Mountain has two major peaks made of sedimentary rocks; these peaks are said to be ‘couple peaks’ and cannot be found anywhere else. Sut Maibong (alt. 667m) is said to be the male peak while the slightly larger Am Maibong (alt. 673m) is deemed the female peak. In the early Joseon Period the mountain was named ‘Sokgeumsan,’ but began to be called ‘Maisan’ after the 12th year of King Taejong, who commented that the two peaks resembled a horse’s ears (‘maisan’ meaning ‘horse ears’). All along Maisan Mountain, you will find small crater-like rock cavities that are formed by prolonged weathering. These unique geological features, called ‘tafoni,’ are of great academic value. Inside Hwaeomgul Cave, you’ll find medicinal water that flows up from underground all throughout the year. It is widely believed that once you drink the water, especially on the days of the Spring and Autumn Equinox, you will soon have a son and be blessed by the mountain spirit. Even today, many women who have difficulty conceiving visit the mountain to pray to the mountain spirits for their heart’s desire—the gift of a child. The region in which Maisan is located is the birthplace of many talented people and national heroes, which some say is proof of the blessings of the mountain and its extremely powerful spirit.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Chilyeon Valley is situated behind Tongan Village (Anseong-myeon) in Deokyusan (or Mt. Deokyu). While not as famous as Muju Gucheondong, the valley boasts a beautiful array of waterfalls, odd-shaped rocks, and ponds. Its best known attraction is Chilyeon Falls, meaning “seven falls connected to ponds.” There, pure water falls gently, moving from one pond to the next.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Gyeokpo Beach, located in Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun in Jeollabuk-do Province, is part of Byeonsanbando National Park. From the beach, visitors can get a close-up look at the rock formations of Chaeseokgang Cliffs. Known for its clear waters, the beach offers a panoramic view of the west coast from the top of the cliffs and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast along with Daecheon and Mallipo beaches.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

A 1-kilometer walk north along the beach from the Chaeseokgang Cliffs brings you past Jukmak Village to the famed Jeokbyeokgang Cliffs. As you pass the village you’ll see a grove of silver magnolias (Natural Monument No. 123) that serve as a windbreak. The Jeokbyeokgang Cliffs stretch 2 kilometers from the village along the shoreline to Yongdusan Mountain and are said to resemble their namesake, the Jeokbyeokgang River in China.


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Geumsansa, located in Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, is home to a number of cultural assets. The temple offers a temple stay program where you can learn the traditional culture of Korean Buddhism and the way of a Buddhist practitioner while experiencing day-to-day life in the temple. Basic programs include Yebul (Buddhist service), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Barugongyang (formal monastic meal), 108 prostrations, walking in the woods and talking with a monk. On top of these basic programs, special seasonal programs are also provided.


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

The Wanggung Five-story Stone Pagoda is located on a hill about 2 kilometers south of Wanggung-myeon in Iksan, which is believed to have been the capital of the nation during the Mahan Era. The pagoda stands tall at 8.5 meters and was officially designated National Treasure No. 289. Relics from the Goryeo Dynasty that were found inside the pagoda were designated National Treasure No. 123 and are currently housed in the National Museum of Korea. Of the excavated relics, the most famous; the Sarijangeomgu, a magnificent container of Buddha’s Sarira; the green glass Sarira bottle topped with a lotus-shaped stopper; and the Sungeumgeumganggyeongpan, which contains the 19 golden plates of the Diamond Sutra.


Jeollabuk-do(Sunchang-gun)