Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Chaeseokgang refers to a rocky cliff and the sea around it, situated in the Gyeokpohang and Dakibong areas on the Byeonsan Peninsula. It is easy to misunderstand the name for a river, but it is a very large rocky cliff. The origin of the name comes from China, from the story of Lee Tae-Baek, while drinking wine on a ship, he saw the moon reflected in the river and jumped into the water to grab it. The name Chaeseokgang was adapted as it resembles the Chinese equivalent of this location.Chaeseokgang was created from many layers of rocks stratified by the sea, and the blue sea and the rock cliffs together create quite a lovely picture. It is nature’s masterpiece of stratification, and you can see interesting structures and shapes here that are not seen elsewhere. You can enter Chaeseokgang twice a day when the water recedes, and at low tide, you can observe various sea life existing in the lower areas of the rock cliffs and the cave. If you are able to see the sunrise or twilight at the cave, the scenery there is simply awesome.Around Chaeseokgang, there also lies the stately Mt. Naebyeonsan as well. Mt. Naebyeonsan has a temple called Seonunsa Temple, and it is a fine place to be introduced to Buddhism. The quiet mornings and evenings at the temple adds to the calmness and beauty of the twilight.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Muju Gucheondong Valley is located within Deogyusan in Jeollabuk-do, and is often referred to as Mujugucheon-dong, meaning the 25km stretch of land and water from Najetongmun to Deogyusan Mountain's Baengnyeonsa Temple. Muju Gucheondong Valley is not a deep valley. However, the valley flows through a lush forest that's quite beautiful. The calm and soothing sounds of the river are very refreshing.The 33 scenic points of Gucheondong are what make it so famous. Of the 33, the most famous are Najetongmun and Sushimdae. Najetongmun, the first scenic point is a huge boulder with a hole through it like a tunnel. During the Samguk era, this spot once served as the border between the Silla and Baekje nations. Because it was the dividing line between the two nations, even to this day, the east and west side's speech and customs are different. No one knows how the hole got there, but the experience of walking through it is quite interesting. Sushimdae, the 12th scenic point, is a valley approximately 400m in length. It is surrounded with mountain cliffs, which makes the area resemble Geumgangsan Mountain, and so it is often referred to as Sogeumgangsan, or little Geumgangsan. The clear water and beautiful scenery makes this spot a must-see.Many people come to Muju Gucheondong Valley for trekking. The trails go from Deogyusan National Park to Baengnyeonsa Temple. It's a 3-hour roundtrip hike for this 6km trail. Though it's a mountain trail, it's not that steep, making it ideal for trekking.


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power 600-641 AD) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At the time of their revelation, the king and queen were on their way to visit a Buddhist monk in Sajasa Temple on Yonghwasan Mountain (now known as Mireuksan Mountain). In response to their vision, the king drained the nearby pond and established Mireuksa Temple. The temple is believed to have shown the most advanced architectural and cultural skills of Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo (the three main kingdoms at that time). Records indicate that King Jinpyeong of Silla even sent his craftsmen over to assist with the temple construction.The two main features of the Mireuksa Temple Site are the stone pagoda (Mireuksaji Seoktap) and the flagpole supports (Mireuksaji Dangganjiju). The 14.24-meter-high west stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) is the oldest and largest Korean stone pagoda in existence. The west pagoda currently has only six tiers, but is estimated to have originally had nine. The nine-story east stone pagoda (27.67m in x_height) was restored to its original stature in 1993 based on historical records. Other surviving landmarks include the flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) to the south of the stone pagodas. The 395 centimeter-tall poles are estimated to have been created during the Unified Silla period (676-935 AD) and are set 90 meters apart from east to west.


Jeollabuk-do()

Byeonsanbando National Park is a 35km stretch encompassing five townships along the coast. Designated as a national park in 1988, it is the only national park in the country that has both a seashore and mountainside. The park is divided into two large sections: the shore area, called Oebyeonsan (Outer Mt. Byeonsan), and an inland area called Naebyeonsan (Inner Mt. Byeonsan). Chaeseokgang Cliffs and Byeonsan Beach are the main tourist attractions of Oebyeonsan. Located to the west of the Byeonsan Peninsula, Chaeseokgang Cliffs includes the rock wall and the sea. The sedimentary rocks formed by the waves over a long time look like piles of hundreds of thousands of books. With its fine sand, Byeonsan Beach is one of the top three beaches on the west coast. The pine forest along the beach attracts the most visitors. There are also many attractions at Naebyeonsan such as Jiksopokpo Waterfall and Gaeamsa Temple. Mt. Naebyeonsan (459m) is especially known for its waterfalls, valleys, and lush woodlands.In Byeonsanbando National Park, there are three famous highlights, collectively referred to as "Sambyeon." The first is Byeonjae, the long and straight pine trees. The second is Byeonran, the wild orchids. The third is Byeoncheong, the natural honey produced from the slopes of Mt. Byeonsan. It is very fragrant and sometimes used for medicinal purposes.Perhaps the most notable feature of Byeonsanbando National Park is that you can enjoy the sea and the mountains both at the same time. The islands and sunset from the peak of the mountain make for a perfect backdrop. Many people come to see the sunset at Byeonsan Peninsula every year.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Originally christened the Hansol Paper Museum in 1997, it was changed to the Pan-Asia Paper Museum in 2001. Again, in 2005, it was changed once more and is today called the Jeonju Hanji Museum. It’s located in Jeonju, Jeollabuk-do. As Korea’s first museum specializing in paper it has an extensive collection of 3,000 artifacts and a data-base documenting the long history and superiority of Hanji (Korean paper). The museum also hosts two special exhibitions every year with diverse paper-related themes.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

The Jeonju Crafts Exhibition Hall (made up of a Craft Hall, Special Exhibition Hall, and Experience Hall), celebrates the beauty of traditional Korean crafts. At the Experience Hall, visitors can create their own masterpieces and learn the art of mulberry paper, pottery, woodwork, embroidery, and other traditional crafts firsthand. The museum even houses a craft shop where visitors can purchase beautiful souvenirs lovingly produced by master artisans.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Deogyusan Resort (former Muju Resort) is one of Korea’s most famous mountain peak ski resorts. Covering an area of over seven million square meters, the resort is located in the Gucheon-dong Valley, at the base of the famous Deogyusan Mountains. Nature lovers will particularly enjoy visiting the resort, since it is located in one of Korea’s beautiful national parks, and was specially designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings.The six ski slopes are categorized according to level of difficulty. The Silk Road Slope is Korea’s longest course. It begins at the Peak of Deogyusan Seolcheon Mountain and follows the snow-covered landscape all the way to the base. The Raiders Course has the steepest slopes in the entire nation.As well as the truly great skiing on offer, the Deogyusan Resort also provides a wide selection of food and entertainment.


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Located near the entrance of the Moaksan Provincial Park, Geumsansa Temple (금산사) was established by King Beop, or Beopwang, of the Baekje period (599AD). The Buddhist temple features over ten designated cultural properties including Mireukjeon, a national treasure, as well as other attached buildings. The country’s only three-story building containing a Buddha statue, Mireukjeon was built with wood and has a single-open floor inside. In spring, cherry blossom trees come into full bloom from the mountain entrance all the way to Geumsansa; and in winter Buddhist adherents come to bow before the statue of Mireuk bodhisattva inside Mireukjeon or walk in circles around the pagoda. The statue is the largest indoor standing Buddha in the world reaching 11.82 meters of x_height. The two other Buddha statues standing on right and left of the Mireuk bodhisattva are 8.8 meters tall each.* Important Cultural PropertiesMireukjeon (National Treasure No. 62)Noju (Treasure No. 22)Seogyeondae (Treasure No. 23)Hyedeogwangsa Jineungtapbi (Treasure No. 24)Geumsansa Ocheungseoktap (Treasure No. 25)Geumsansa Bangdeunggyedan (Treasure No. 26)Geumsansa Yukgak Dacheungseoktap (Treasure No. 27)Geumsansa Dangganjiju (Treasure No. 28)Simwonam Bukgang Samcheungseoktap (Treasure No. 29)Geumsansa Daejangjeon (Treausre No. 827)Geumsansa Seokdeung (Treasure No. 828)


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Pungnammun Gate was built during the middle of the Joseon Dynasty (1768) and was designated Treasure No. 308. Of the original four gates, this is the only one left standing (located in the southern portion of the city). The structure was partially destroyed during the invasion of foreign forces from 1592-1598. It was later rebuilt in 1978. Jungcheung and mullu are located at the center of gate lending to the arch-like features. The round features aid in the protection capabilities of Pungnammun Gate, as well as the overall grandeur.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Baengnyeonsa Temple is located in the upper part of Gucheondong Valley on Deogyusan Mountain. It is said that during the Silla Kingdom, a white lotus flower bloomed here, and that's why the temple is called Baengnyeonsa. Baengnyeonsa Temple is surrounded by Deogyusan Mountain and is a very elegant and quiet temple.After walking over the Baengnyeon Bridge at the entrance of the temple, you will come to a stone stairway. At the top is the main sanctuary. The majesty and beauty of the main sanctuary is well complemented by the mountains. The Mokjosamjonbul Stone Buddha within the main building is presumed to have been built in the latter half of the Joseon Dynasty. Past Myeongbujeon is Baengnyeonsa’s Sajeokbi tombstone, and the workmanship of the calligraphy carved on them are very highly regarded.Baengnyeonsa Temple is famous for the camellia trees that surround the temple. About 1,500 trees are growing here, and in the blooming season, the entire temple become one large flower garden. The Camellia trees are designated Natural Monument, and you really would want to see them in their full glory in the spring. It is especially beautiful during the fall with the crimson leaves as well.