Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

This stone grave is known to be the tomb of King Guhyeong, the 10th King of the Gaya Kingdom. He is also known as King Guhae or King Yang, and is the grandfather of Kim Yoo Shin. Since becoming the King of Gaya in 521 CE, he reigned for 11 years until he handed over his country to King Beopheung of the Silla Kingdom in 532 CE.There are two different scholarly opinions about this tomb. One is that it should be classified as a stone pagoda and the other, a royal tomb. The reason why this was regarded as a pagoda is that there are similarly shaped stone pagodas in the Andong and Uiseong regions. The basis for it being called Wangreung, or royal tomb, is that there is a record in Dongguk Yeoji Seongram (an ancient history book published during the rule of King Seongjong in the Joseon Dynasty) and in Saneum-hyeon Sancheonjo (a record of events in the region) of it being a tomb. The notes state that "there is a structure with steps on the four faces, in the form of nine dragons piled up of stones at a distance of about 16 km (40 ri in traditional Korean scale) from the village, so people believe it must be a royal tomb".The record describing the name of the king buried in this tomb can be extracted from a record of travels called Wangsan Shimreunggi written by Hong Ui Young, a Joseon Dynasty scholar. In addition, there’s also an entry  in Wangsansagi, a book on the history of Wangsansa Temple (a temple located west of the tomb) that the person buried in the tomb is King Guhyeong.Unlike ordinary graves, the tomb is built at the middle part of the hill's slope. The tomb has a unique appearance made up of steps and layers, with the highest point being 7.15 meters high. There are seven layers at the front and no steps at the back due to it being built on an inclined surface. The overall shape of this tomb is different from the pyramids built on level ground. The top of the tomb is oval in shape. At the center, there is a stone tablet with the words "Royal Tomb of King Yang of the Garak Nation". In front of the tomb, there are several stone pieces that have been added to the original tomb.During the 17th Year of King Jeongjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1793), a wooden box that was passed down from generation to generation in Wangsansa Temple was discovered. The box contained portraits of King Guhyeong and his queen, their clothes, an archery bow, and other objects. To preserve these, a royal building called Deogyangjeon Hall was constructed. To this date, a memorial service is held here in spring and autumn of every year. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Along with Geumgansan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named ‘Jiri’ because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla, On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam; Gurye in Jeonnam; and Namwon in Jeonbuk region. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryong National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido.At 1,915.4 meter-high, Cheonwangbong Peak (천왕봉) is the second highest peak in Jirisan Mountain. From Cheonwangbong Peak begin several valleys such as Chilseon, Tongsin, Cheonwang and Jungsan. The big sheet of rock on the very top of the peak looks as if it is supporting heaven. Sunrise observed from Cheonwangbong Peak is extremely beautiful so much that the old Korean lore says it is a view reserved for people whose family conducted good deeds for three consecutive generations.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Located on Mt. Adongsan next to Namcheongang River in Miryang, Yeongnamnu (National Treasure No. 147) is one of three great pavilions of Korea together with Chokseoknu Pavilion of Jinju and Bubyeoknu Pavillion of Pyeongyang.A two-story-pavilion with a hip-and-gable roof was constructed on this same site during the Silla period, as part of Yeongnamsa Temple, which was one of the five great temples at that time. The pavilion was torn down and re-constructed during the rule of King Gongmin of the Goryeo Dynasty. The current structure was built in 1884 according to the design of the then-magistrate Yi In-jae.The pavilion area consists of Neungpagak, Chimryugak, Sajumum Gate, Iljumun Gate and Cheonjingung. Stone-carved calligraphy from the Joseon Period abounds in the pavilion complex, drawing many visitors.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The Great Master Wonhyo first built this temple in 683 where he practiced asceticism. After that, he called the mountain Bogwangsan (보광산) and the temple Bogwangsa (보광사). Later, King Taejo Lee Sung-gye began the Joseon Dynasty after he prayed for a hundred days at this temple. Thanks to this, King Hyeonjong in 660 deemed the temple as a main prayer space and changed the name of the mountain to Geumsan and the temple is named as Boriam. Nestled at the top of Geumsan Mountain, Boriam Temple is a picturesque temple embracing the beautiful mountain surroundings and the Namhae sea. Inside of the temple, Jwaseondaebawi Rock where the Great Master Wonhyo sat in meditation catches one’s eye, as well as Ssanghongmun (쌍홍문) which is a cave that is one of 38 scenic views in Geumsan Mountain. Boriam Temple along with Naksansa Hongryeonam Temple in Gangwon-do and Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon are one of three noted praying temples in Korea. * Cultural Asset Boriam Three-story Stone Pagoda (Gyeongsangnam-do’s Tangible Cultural Asset No. 74): The stone pagoda is similar to stone pagodas of the Silla Period but it is considered to be built in the early Goryeo Period.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Located at the eastern foot of Jirisan Mountain, Daewonsa Temple (대원사) was first built in 548 during the Shilla Dynasty, but it remained closed for over a thousand years until it was renovated and made much bigger and named Daewon. Unfortunately, however, the entire premises were lost to a big fire during the night of 12 January 1914, and all the halls and pavilions, including Yosachae, totaling 184 rooms in 12 buildings, were rebuilt in 1917. They were damaged once again during the Korean War and were abandoned for some time, but when the war was over the temple was rejuvenated and made even bigger. Located nearby are Geoyeonjeong and Gunjajeong Halls that are believed to have been the studying venue of scholars from olden times.* Daewon Temple ValleyThe two-kilometer-long valley that stretches from the parking lot at the entrance to Daewon Temple to the temple itself is surrounded by high hills and curious-looking rocks. The clean water that oozes out through craters between the rocks generates unusual scenery. Associated with Yongso Pond is the legend that a dragon lived in it for a hundred years before it finally flew away. Somakgol Valley is known to be the place where the last king of Garak Kingdom came to feed his cows and horses.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Gangguan Port Geobukseon is life-size reconstruction of a Geobukseon ship constructed by the South Korean Navy and commissioned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to commemorate the patriotic spirit of Admiral Chungmugong Lee Sun-Sin. The 2.2-billion-won project was completed in the downstream area of the Hangang River (part of the DMZ), which previously had limited public access. After that, the area was opened to the public for the first time in 52 years (since the division of the peninsula) to allow the Geobukseon Ship to travel from Hangang Park to Tongyeong-si. The area is also the location of Admiral Lee's victory in the Great Battle Hansan, and the ship’s final destination to be on public display. * Size Entire length: 34m, ship length: 25m, ship x_width: 10m Top speed: Approx. 7 knots Ship x_height: 6m Displacement: 185 tons Materials: Wood (hull made from fiber reinforced plastics) The length of mast: 11.5m


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Yi Sun-sin Park is located at the foot of Mangilbong Peak. The name of the park was changed from Hansan Battle Memorial Park to Yi Sun-sin Park. The park has a statue of Yi Sun-sin, a viewing deck, a walking-path, a traditional cultural hall, Hagikjeong Pavilion, a green square, a parking lot and so on.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Bijindo’s shape is often compared to that of a barbell because of the thin strip of land connecting the two ends of the island together. White sand and calm waves can be found along the island’s west coast while on the east coast, bigger waves break against a bed of pebbles on the beach. Thanks to the shape of the island, one can watch the sun rise and set from the same location.Bijindo Island is located just off the coast of Tongyeong in Hansan-myeon. The sandy beach, fresh seafood and the peaceful scenery make this a great weekend getaway. Aside from the beach, there are also hiking trails and fishing sites. As Bijindo is part of Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park, one can also find other beautiful islands nearby.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

On the way to Haegeumgang Village, one may encounter the fishing village of Dojangpo. On the left side of the village is Dojangpo Wharf, from where one can take a tour ferry to Oedo Island and Haegeumgang River. Looking up from here, one can see a hill covered in grass and overlooking the sea. This is Windy Hill. A growing number visitors come to the place after it was used a filming site for popular Korean dramas such as Eve's Garden (2003, SBS) and Merry- Go-Round (2004, MBC). The name “Windy Hill” was given by those who visited the island and became a fan. Walking toward the hill along the wooden promenade from the wharf, one can see Hakdong Village from a distance.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Located in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam Province, the 1,108-meter-high Hwangmaesan Mountain (황매산) encompasses the three peaks of Habong, Jungbong and Sangbong. Since the reflection of the mountain is also mirrored on the water of Hapcheon Lake, the mountain is also called ‘Sujungmae’ (literally meaning ‘ume (Japanese apricot) blossom under water’). In spring, azalea and rhododendron blossoms take over the entire mountain; in summer, you can enjoy the refreshing valley area; in the fall, the sound of birds singing is everywhere; and in winter, harsh winds swirl around the snow-capped Dongnipbong Peak.By starting the course from Sanjae and continuing past Mujigaeteo, Sungyeol Rock of Hwangmae Fortress and Guksadang hikers can take in the view of the alpine rhododendron-covered mountainside.