Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

Unjusa Temple is unlike other temples in that it has unusual Buddha statues and pagodas – it is often referred to as a mysterious temple. The founder of Unjusa Temple is not known but it is speculated that it was built during the Silla Period (BC 57~935).Unjusa does not have a Geumgangmun or Cheonwangmun, which are very often seen in Buddhist temples. The first thing you see when you enter Unjusa is the 9-story stone pagoda (National Treasure no. 796). The tower, again, does not have intricate designs, and is very simple. As you walk past the 9-story pagoda, you come to a forked road. Turning left, you will see Chilseong Rock. Because it resembles the 7 stars of the Big Dipper, some people argue that the rock is imitating the constellation. Follow the same road further and you will see two Buddha statues, called Wabul, where Buddha is resting on its side, lying down. These statues are, among the ones in Unjusa Temple, the most intricate in design and execution. Go up a bit further, and you will see the Siwibul Statue standing. Pass Siwibul Statue through the thick groves, and you will come to a series of 7-storey and 5-storey stone pagodas. What makes the stone pagodas of Unjusa Temple interesting to examine is that they each boats several unique designs and features.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Sangju-si)

Chunguisa Temple is home to the tablets of General Chung Ki-ryong (1562-1622), a military official from the mid-Joseon Dynasty era. In 1973, the temple was designated as the Regional Cultural Asset Monument No.13. It also houses a set of five relics, together designated as Treasure No.669, as well as several other cultural assets. Every October, the temple hosts a reenactment of the recovery of Sangjuseong Fortress from the Japanese invasion.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Boeun-gun)

Built between 1919 and 1921, the Seon Byeong-guk house’s unique architectural style uses dimensions greater than those of traditional houses. The house is divided into three sections: an inner house, a separate house, and a shrine. They are surrounded by two walls: an inner wall and an outer wall. The house lies in the middle of Samgacheon Stream which flows from Sokni Mountain. This design resembles a lotus flower floating on water, which symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and longevity for the generations of dwellers. The house is also surrounded by lush pine trees.* Information on the HouseThe descendants of Seon Byeong-guk still occupy and manage the house. A separate structure is used as a tea house, while the inner house offers rooms for students. As the house is still a private home, visitors are asked to be courteous and maintain the privacy of the residents. 


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Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress (Seosaengpo Japanese Fortress) is a stone fortress typical of the Japanese style popular in the later part of the 16th century. It was built under the leadership of Japanese General Kato Kiyomasa in 1592-1593 at the beginning of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). The main fortress is located on a mountaintop 200 meters above sea level, a second fortress is halfway down the mountain, and a third fortress is located at the bottom of the mountain. The whole fortress is rectangular shaped. The fortress wall is 6 meters high and slants at an angle of 15 degrees. In 1594, a Buddhist monk named Samyeong-daesa came to Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress four times to negotiate for peace, but he failed each time. In 1598, the fortress was taken over by Korea with the assistance of General Magwi of the Ming Dynasty. A year later, Changpyodang Shrine was built in honor of the 53 Koreans who died during battles against the Japanese invading forces. However, the shrine was destroyed during the Japanese imperialism period and no trace of it remains. It is possible to tell from Seosaengpo Jinseongdo (a map drawn up in 1872) that the fortress was also partially used by Korean forces.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Manbokdae Peak in the west soars at the boundary between Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun and Namwon-si at the altitude of 1,433m. ”Man” means “full of something” and “bok” means “fortune.” Like the name, Manbokdae is considered as a fortunate mountain with great views as it is surrounded by smooth hills. According to an old story, Manbokdae Peak was chosen as one of the 10 scenic areas, where people come to receive good fortune. It is the largest reed habitat in Jirisan Mountain Park and the peak is covered with reeds creating stunning view. Visitors can overlook Banyabong Peak. Many of visitors come to this area for trekking from hot springs like the Jirisan Hot Spring Land. When sansuyu flowers bloom in the spring, the hike up to Manbokdae Peak comes to life with bright yellow flowers. Also, it has wonderful scenery in the fall and winter.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

The Oksun Bridge was constructed to alleviate increased traffic that resulted from the Chungju Dam and Chungjuho Lake. Spanning a distance of 450m, the bridge is part of a driving course winding around Chungju, Jecheon and Danyang as well as Gudambong and Oksunbong Peaks. Views from the bridge of the surrounding mountains and cliffs are known to be quite remarkable. 


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

Yun Seondo, a non-military civil administrator and poet in the mid Joseon Dynasty (1587~1671), could hardly contain his anger after hearing the news that the king had surrendered to the invaders during the Byeongjahoran War (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636). Following the events, he decided to live in seclusion by moving to Jeju Island. However, on the way to Jeju, he came across Bogildo Island and he was so inspired by its beauty that he ended up settling down on Bogildo instead. For 13 years since he was 51 years old during the 15th year of King Injo's reign 1631, he composed great poems such as 'Eobusasisa' (Fisherman's Song for Four Seasons) on Bogildo Island. Some of the mountain peaks and rocks named by him still remain on the island. Seyeonjeong Pavilion was built by Yun Seondo and this is the birthplace of his literary works. On clear days, he would come to the pavilion with his family and let singers sing his verses. Bogildo Island embraces both the Eastern outlook on nature and Neo-Confucianism ideology. While going around the island, visitors will get some semblance of how Yun Seondo harmonized man and nature through the combination of the island's natural and the man-made features.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa Janghwa-ri Tidal Flats in Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon is well-known among photographers as a great spot to view the sunset from. Along with Dongmak Beach, this area has one of the most beautiful tidal flats and views of the sunrise in the western sea. The place provides different views depending on the rise and ebb of the tide.


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

The name ‘Yedang Reservoir’ was created by combining the first syllable of Yesan-gun and Dangjin-gun since the reservoir supplies water to farmland in both of these places. For the last 40 years, this area has been known as the best place for fishing in central Korea, home to a variety of freshwater fish including crucian carp, common carp, eel, snakehead, Korean bullhead and mudfish. The fish are biting almost year-round (from early spring to late fallm, as well as ice fishing in winter). 


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Geomundo Lighthouse, completed on April 12, 1905, was the first lighthouse to be built on the southern coast of Korea. The white, 6.4 meter-high lighthouse shines a beam of light every 15 seconds that is visible for up to 42 kilometers away. In January 2006, a 33-meter high lighthouse top was added to replace obsolete facilities. The previous hundred-year-old lighthouse top was partially restored and is on display as a maritime relic. While at the lighthouse, don’t forget to visit the Gwanbaekejong Pavilion next to the lighthouse for an exquisite view of the southern sea.