Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Just north of Cheonhwangsan Mountain (Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do), Eoreumgol Valley (Ice Valley) sits at an elevation between 600 and 750m and covers an area of 29,752m². Designated as Natural Monument No.224, the valley is unusual in that it begins to freeze in March when the weather becomes warm and thaws in the fall when the weather becomes cold. In the winter, the valley generates warm breezes and the water rarely freezes. Because of these unique attributes, the valley is considered one of the Four Mysteries in Miryang and attracts visitors from early summer through fall.Other notable ice valleys in Korea include Binggye Gyegok in Uiseong (Gyeongsangbuk-do), Punghyeol Naengcheon in Yanghwa Village (Jinan, Jeollabuk-do), and Aircongul in Nari Plain (Ulleungdo Island). 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Seonyudong(선유동, 仙遊洞) means the place where fairies come down from heaven to play.It has been said that fairies would often come down to the valley to make liquor and store them in flagons. There are some leftover depressions in the boulders which demonstrate there may be some truth to the legend.Near Seonyudong Valley, they say that the bamboos and pine trees stay green all year long and wood nymphs fly down to play with each other under the Suweol Waterfall at the Suweol Village. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Situated in Tongyeong (Gyeongsangnam-do), Mireuksan (461m) is considered one of the 100 best mountains in Korea. While not as high as other mountains, it is home to a lush forest, valleys with pure water, odd-shaped rocks, rock caves, and ancient temples. Upon climbing to the top of the mountain, visitors can see the breathtaking view of the sea enveloping Tongyeong. Near Tongyeong are a number of large and small islands including Mireukdo.Hiking used to be the only option to climb up the mountain, but a cable car (covering over 2km, the longest in Korea) now carries visitors to a stop that leads to the top of the mountain through wooden decks (400m in length). In clear weather, visitors can even see Tsushima Island (in Japan), Cheongwangbong Peak in Jirisan, and Dolsando in Yeosu. The top of the mountain boasts a dazzling array of flowers in spring and exquisite fall foliage, attracting visitors in droves year-round. At the outskirts of the mountain are two ancient temples, Yonghwasa and Miraesa. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Agyang-myeon located in Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do province is home to Korea’s well-known Jirisan Mountain, and the crystal clear waters of Seomjingang River. Two mountain ranges, both beginning from Samsinbong Peak, form the natural boundaries of the area and its villages.Agyang-myeon’s unique atmosphere invokes feelings of nostaligia as well as fresh natural scents of the outdoors. At the foot of the mountain is a time-honored wild tea field that has existed more than 1,300 years. Green tea from Hadong has long been known as superior to all other green teas.The area is also famous as the setting of ’Toji’, a saga written by Korea’s famed author Park Gyeong-Ri. Some places referenced in the novel include Cham Pan Choi’s residence and Pyeongsa-ri Park. Every autumn, the “Toji Literature Festival” takes place here. For its representative traditions and many other reasons, Agyang-myeon was designated the fifth Slow City in Korea in 2009. The city is the first tea producing area designate as a Slow City, and the green tea of Hadong was officially recognized as a local specialty by the World Slow City Network General Assembly.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

The 4 km valley between the entrance of Mt. Gayasan National Park entrance and Haeinsa Temple is called Hongryudong Valley. It was named so because the leaves turn so crimson that the water of the valley reflects the color and appears crimson as well. This is the place where Chi-Won Choe, after returning from Dang China to Silla (BC57-AD935) found Korea in disarray. It was too much to bear for him so he retired to live privately with poetry until his death. There are 19 famous places in Hongryudong Valley, including major cultural assets like Jongsangjeong Pavilion, Nakhwadam, and Bunokpok. The scenery of Nongsanjeong Pavilion, where Chi-Won Choe read poetry and played baduk, is especially beautiful. On the opposite side is a rock where you can see the handwring of Chi-Won Choe. The Yongmun Falls, located in the north end of the valley, has beautiful scenery with its harmonious blend of silk like falling water and Giamgoiseok (fantastic rocks and stones). The scenery of Hongryudong Valley changes every season, and it is the finest part of Mt. Gayasan. It is famous for the azaleas in full bloom during the spring, and for the thousand-year-old pine trees and broad-leaved trees growing thickly throughout the valley and the cool, clear water that runs through it during the summer. In the fall, the nearby pine tree forests and broad-leaved trees tinge in color and accentuate the crimson foliage of autumnal leaves, making the crimson reflection of the leaves in the valley water look like a rising flame, and showing why the valley was named Hongryudong Valley.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

The Gyeongnam Culture and Arts Center is a cultural space located along the Namgang River. A beautifully designed building inside and out, the center has a performance theater and two exhibition halls, making for a total seating capacity of 1,564 spread throughout its two floors. The glass walls on each of the four sides of the building and the glass elevator in the lobby afford a wide-open view of the river. On the rooftop is a resting area where visitors can overlooking the beautiful surrounding and soak in the melodies of nature.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Opened in May 2010, the Sancheong Oriental Medicine Theme Park is Korea's first hanbang (traditional oriental medicine) themed park. It is divided into five distinct sections, each representing one of five elements of the universe: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. As an environment-friendly facility, the theme park uses eco-friendly materials in its statues of mascots, memorials, as well as other subsidiary facilities. Also, it features natural hiking trails through the surrounding forest and valley, a wooden promenade, and a medicinal herb garden with ample rest areas. Moreover, visitors may check out the Oriental Medicine Museum located adjacent to the theme park.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Standing grandly above the rocky cliffs of Namkang River is Chokseongnu Pavilion, arguably one of the most beautiful ‘nugaks’ (multi-storied building without walls) in the Yeongnam region. Chokseongnu (historically known as ‘Jangwollu’) has undergone 8 renovations since its establishment in the 28th year of King Gojong (1241, Goryeo Dynasty) and was once used as a stronghold for defending Jinju Palace in times of war. During times of peace, it was used for holding state examinations.Although the structure was burnt down during the Korean War, it was restored in 1960 through the efforts of the Jinju Historical Site Preservation Society. The design of the roof is similar to that of an octagon and the stone pillars were built with rocks collected from Mt. Chokseok, located in Changwon-si. The wood used for the structure was brought from Mt. Odae, situated in Gangwon-do. Noticeable features of Chokseongnu are the four engraved signboards and a board that holds the works of renowned poets and calligraphers.From the tall structure, visitors can catch a bird's-eye view of the rest of the Jinju Fortress and of the surrounding area.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geochang-gun)

Designated as National Park in 1975, Deogyusan National Park (덕유산국립공원, 1,614m) covers four counties. The ridgeline from the Hyangjeokbong peak of Mt. Bukdeogyusan to Mt. Namdeogyusan is 17.5km, and the altitude is 1,200m high. There are five peaks over 1,330m above sea level and eight large valleys. Mt. Deogyusan is one of Korea's tourist highlights and boasts temples, relics as well as a ski resort. Of the many wonderful sites, Mujuguchon-dong, the 25km valley range from Najetong gate to Baekryeonsa Temple, is especially noted as one of the 10 best tourist areas of Korea. Every valley has scenic spots and Gucheon-dong is particularly famous. Baekryeonsa Temple is located at the end of Gucheon-dong Valley. It is famous for the Stone Samjon Buddha, cerated during the Goryeo Dynasty and many monks came from this temple before and after the Injinwaeran War (1592~1598). Also, Jeoksangsanseong Fortress, Anguksa Temple, Guebul and many other relics are scattered throughout the park. Mt. Deogyusan boasts an abundance of beauty throughout all four seasons, and the 600 species of animals and plants, including the unique landscape of the yew trees are especially eye-catching.