Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

The Ssamgneung (Twin Tombs) in Iksan are stone chamber tombs that were unearthed during an academic excavation survey in 1917. At the time of the survey it was discovered the tombs had already been illegally excavated, most likely during the reign of King Chungsukwang of the Goryeo Dynasty. Though looters had stripped the tombs of any burial accessories, the wooden coffins were found to be relatively intact. The coffins were severely damaged in the aftermath of the Korean War, but were later restored by the Jeonju National Museum. When they were first found, the twin tombs measured 3.1 meters high and 0.5 kilometers wide, but some of the original wood was lost during the tombs’ tumultuous history and the restoration that followed. The larger of the restored tombs now measures 30 meters in diameter and 5 meters in x_height while the smaller tomb measures 24 meters in diameter and 3.5 meters in x_height. On January 21, 1963 the tombs were designated Historic Site No. 87. The Twin Tombs are roughly 200 meters apart, with the tomb in the east called Daewangmyo (big royal tomb) and the one in the west Sowangmyo (small royal tomb). The interiors of the tombs are done in the same style as the stone chamber tombs found in the tomb cluster of Neungsan-ri, Buyeo. Considering that the nearby Mireuksaji Temple Site was built during the reign of King Mu of Baekje Dynasty, it is highly likely that the Twin Tombs are those of King Mu and his wife, Queen Seonhwa.


Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)

The history of Imsil cheese began in 1958. At that time, Imsil had no local specialty or unique color of its own, which changed when Ji Jeong-hwan, a Belgian priest came to the region as a missionary. The governor of Imsil-gun asked the priest to work for the community, not just for Catholics in Imsil. After much thoughts, he decided to make cheese. In the beginning, he made cheese with goat milk. Imsil's reputation as a cheese village, which began with just two goats, is now blooming with the establishment of Imsil Cheese Theme Park. Imsil Cheese Theme Park consists of cheese experience centers, a promotion center, a milk processing factory, a local specialty shop, etc., where one can meet the past, present and future of Imsil cheese. The Cheese Science Lab is continuing research to make premium cheese.


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

Iksan Godori Standing Stone Buddha is Treasure No. 46. The two Buddha statues (each measuring 424cm) stand face-to-face at a distance of 200 meters apart and tell the story of an eternal, but unrequited love. According to legend, the two Buddhas (one male, one female) are lovers that can only meet for one night in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. After the sunset on that special day the lovers are allowed to meet, but must return to their respective positions before the rooster crows at dawn. The two statues are very representative of the Goryeo Era, which produced many stone statues with minimal expression of the physical body. True to the era, each Buddha has almost no curves and is depicted with plain clothing and barely distinguishable arms. On their heads, the Buddhas wear a crown topped with another square hat. With their square faces, small eyes, pug noses, and small lips, the Buddas are reminiscent of guardian deities typically placed at the entrance of villages.


Jeollabuk-do(Sunchang-gun)

Hoemunsan Recreational Forest (회문산자연휴양림) is situated south of Hoemunsan Mountain (830m). Since the area boasts clean valleys and various tree forests it is a good place for people who want to enjoy their rest and take leisurely strolls. In addition, above the waterfall there is a vast cloud bridge where people can feel the thrilling forces of nature. Long time ago, Hoemunsan Mountain was used as a battleground during the Korean War (1950-1953) and still features several relics that date back to that time.   Within Hoemunsan Recreational Forest, there are promenades, sporting equipment, a headquarters’ base, and an observatory. Lodging facilities include Forest Cabin, a forest lodge, camping decks, and camping grounds. Reservations can be made through the homepage (Korean).


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

The Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs are a group of ancient Baekje-era tumuli located 100m above sea level on the northeast brow of Chilmokjae Hill in Ipjeom-ri, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The burial ground covers an area of more than 18,520 square meters and is officially listed as Historical Site No. 347. To date, a total of eight tumuli have been excavated, all of which are chamber tombs. Surprisingly enough, the tombs were first discovered in 1986 by a high school student. While digging for arrowroot, a young man from a local high school found some pieces of gold that resembled a hat. He quickly notified the authorities and it was soon discovered that the pieces of gold were in fact valuable ancient artifacts. An emergency excavation was conducted and the eight tumuli were uncovered, but unfortunately all of the tumuli except Tomb No. 1 had been severely damaged. Tomb No. 1, which is still in relatively good condition, boasts an entrance measuring an impressive 16m in x_height and 2m in x_width. Inside the tombs archaeologists found valuable relics from the Baekje Dynasty including earthenware, jewelry (a gilt-bronze hat, gold earrings, glass beads, etc.), harnesses and ironware. Given the shapes and the types of the pieces found, historians estimate that the tumuli were built in the 5th century. Since the gilt-bronze hat is similar in shape to those found in Japan, experts believe that there was an active exchange between the Baekje people and the people of Japan.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Taekwondowon located in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, serves as a Mecca for the 70 million taekwondo practitioners in 186 countries worldwide. Covering an area of 2.31 million square meters, the park includes training grounds, hands-on program facilities, accommodations, and more.The Taekwondowon Observatory (522 square meters) is a three-story building located on a hill near the Taekwondo Strong Kick Statue. Go to the top of the observatory for a dramatic bird’s-eye-view of the crystal clear Muju area.


Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)

Okjeongho Lake (옥정호), in Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, was once a popular place for fishing. But since it was designated as a water supply source protected area, fishing has been prohibited. The picturesque lake is large in scale with a total volume of water amounting to 430 million tons. The Okjeongho Dam blocks the upstream of Seomjingang River, which flows through the Noryeong Mountains in Imsil-gun (county), and supplies the Jeongeup on the other side. There are the Unam Bridge and Byeorakbawi (boulder) in the area. The early morning view of the thick fog lingering above the still water is especially breathtaking to see in autumn.


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

Seodong Park (est. 2004) is a sculpture park spanning the Donggodo-ri and Sinyong-ri areas in Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si. The park covers an impressive 132,000 square meters and features approximately 68 works by famous Korean sculptors. Also located within the park limits are an observatory, rest areas, fishing grounds, walking trails, and the Mahan Exhibition Hall displaying artifacts from the Mahan Era.


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Gwisinsa, located in Cheongdo Village, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, is now a temple of the Jogye Order, but once belonged to the Haweom Order. The temple is widely believed to have been established by the great monk Uisang Daesa during the 16th year of King Munmu (676). However, some experts site the existence of the Namgeunseok stone animal sculpture as proof that the temple was originally the private temple of King Beop of the Baekje Kingdom. Throughout history, the temple has had many names—Guksinsa, Gwisinsa, Gusunsa, and Gwisinsa (same English spelling, different meaning)—but not much is known about when the temple was called by which name. On the temple grounds are a 3-story stone pagoda and some stone sculptures including seoksu (animal statues) and budo (a stupa in honor of a great master). Inside the temple are Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (Treasure No.826), Myeongbujeon Hall, and Gongyangjib Chamber (a chamber for Buddhist offerings).


Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)

Located at the beginning of Seomjingang River, the steep banks in Gudam Village are covered in maehwa (plum blossoms) in white and red. While strolling along the 3m-path of the riverside, connecting Gudam Village to Cheondam Village, tourists will be impressed by the beautiful scene created by maehwa (plum blossoms) and cherry blossoms. The village became more and more famous thanks to its cozy ambience comprised of Seomjingang River, plum blossoms and Zelkova in the mouth of the village, attracting visitors to enjoy a walking trip. The village has also served as a filming location for movies, including the movie Spring in My Hometown, released in 1998.