Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The name of the temple is believed to have originated from the fact that it is located in the south of Gajisan or Seokansan. Built in 824 A.D. (during the 16th year of King Heondeok’s reign), the temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1674 (during the 15th year of King Hyeongjong’s reign). Since then, it has gone through rebuilding several times. Consisting of 30 buildings, the temple is home to many Buddhist nuns. Seongnamsa Three Story Pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Property No. 5) was built in 824 A.D. by Monk Doui, reflecting his wish of protecting the country from foreign invasions. The pagoda was initially placed in front of Daeungjeon, but moved to the current location in 1973. Other notable relics in the temple include the Statue of Monk Doui (National Treasure No. 369), Three Story Sarira Pagoda, and Stone Water Tank (Cultural Property Material No. 4).  


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

Wolmyeong Park is a popular tourist destination of Gunsan City and connects five mountains in the vicinity. The total size of the park is 2.6 km² and there is a 12km-long walking trail in the park. From the Susi Tower, which resembles a flame and or wind-blown sail, people can see all of Gunsan City, the sea to the south of Gunsan, the mouth of Geumgang River, and the giant Janghang smelting factory. At the foot of Seollimsan Mountain is an old temple named Eunjeoksa, and the Jeil Reservoir is located between Jeombangsan and Seollimsan Mountain. The park also contains an observatory, a sculpture park, and various monuments. The park has well-arranged gardens and 30-year old rattan and cherry trees. Every April, when the park is covered in cherry blossoms and is especially beautiful, a cherry blossom photo contest is held at the park.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Sangju-si)

Gyeongcheondae Terrace (경천대) is said to be the most beautiful spot along the nearly 510km-long Nakdonggang River (낙동강). Gyeongcheondae Terrace, with its sheer cliff walls and scenic landscape, is imbued with a sense of serene mystery and harmony. It has also been called Jacheondae. It is located above Muujeong Pavilion, which was built during the Joseon Period. In Gyeongcheondae, you will find Yongso Pond, which has a legend concerning a general who died during the Imjinwaeran (the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592) and an ancient manger. Gyeongcheondae Terrace offers a spectacular view of the winding Nakdonggang River and beautiful rock formations peeking through the pine trees’ branches. It features an observatory, an artificial waterfall, Gyeongcheondae Children’s Land, and campsites and is the location of the mega-hit TV series, ‘Sangdo.’


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Baengnyeonam is part of Daejeonsa Temple and is located opposite the temple. With crystal clear stream running in front and Janggunbong Peak at the back, you can enjoy a beautiful view of Baengnyeonam Hermitage. Although it unknown when this hermitage was built, it is said that it was named after the daughter of King Ju 'Baengnyeon'. During the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592-1598), the great Buddhist monk Samyeong stayed here in the building named Songunjeongsa. But the building does not exist today and you can find only the site and the board where the name of the building is written. There remains some buildings called Sanwanggak and Yosa in the hermitage and also you can see the portrait of the great Buddhist monk Samyeong.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Founded by Suncheon City, Ppurigipeunnamu Museum displays the collections of Han Chang-gi, the founder of two renowned magazines in Korea. The collections range from the relics of the Bronze Age to those of modern times. Through the museum, visitors can catch a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of Korea’s ancestors.


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Myeonangjeong Pavilion (Jeollanam-do Provincial Monument No.6) is located on the slopes of Mt. Jebongsan in Jewol-ri, Bongsan-myeon, Damyang-gun County. The pavilion was constructed in 1533 by Song Sun (1493~1583), who built it as a place for writing poems. After its construction, the pavilion served as a meeting place for scholars and intellectuals and was even frequented by Lee Hwang (1501~1570), a representative Confucian scholar who is pictured on the 1,000-won bill. The roof of Myeonangjeong Pavilion was originally made of reeds, straw, grass and other materials, which could not withstand the elements. After several repairs, the building was developed into the wooden structure that it is today. From the back of pavilion, you can see the mountain ranges and open wide fields; renowned scholars’ poems are engraved on the wooden panels that decorate the pavilion walls.  


Jeollanam-do(Gwangyang-si)

Baegunsan Mountain (1,218m) is believed to hold three diving spirits: phoenix, fox, and boar. Part of the Baekdudaegan mountain range, Baegunsan borders Seomjingang River to the north and Jirisan Mountain to the south, and has four major valleys - Seongbul, Donggok, Eochi, and Geumcheon - with clear waters and lush forests. The forest in the mid-section of the mountain is home to around 900 rare plant species. In fact, Baegunsan houses the largest variety of plant species only after Hallasan Mountain.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Hyangiram (Cultural Property Material No. 40) is one of four Buddhist hermitages in Korea where the faithful come to pray. It was originally named Wontongam, established by monk Wonhyo during the fourth year of Baekje King Uija’s reign (644). Monk Yunpil later renamed Wontongam as Geumoam in the 9th year of Goryeo King Gwangjong’s reign (958) and then Hyangiram named by monk Inmuk during the 41st year of Joseon King Sukjong’s reign (1715). Hyangiram was a base camp for Buddhist monks who helped Admiral Lee Sun-shin fight the war during the Japanese invasion.The temple contains Daeungjeon, Gwaneumjeon, Chilseonggak, Dokseodang, and Chwiseongru, all of which are well preserved. Camellias and subtropical plants surround the Bawibong Peak and the fantastic rock of Mt. Geumosan. The mountain path to Hyangiram is very steep and it is one of the exciting mountain courses of Korea. To reach the temple, you will need to climb the rock at the midpoint of the trail and pass the stone gate, situated between two large rocks near the temple.


Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)

Located in Osan-ri, Gosan-myeon, the Gosan Recreation Forest is a popular family destination throughout each of the four seasons. Full of thick groves of larch trees, Korean white pines, rigida pines, and plenty of broad-leaved trees, the forest and its streams offer locals a cool and refreshing retreat during the sizzling summer months. As summer turns into fall, the whole area transforms into a rainbow of bright yellows, reds, and orange. With the coming of winter, the snow covers the trees and blankets the ground, turning the forest in a winter dreamland. Come spring, the azaleas and wild cherry trees burst into full bloom, making the forest a popular date spot for young couples.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gumi-si)

Nakdonggang River (506.17km in length with a total watershed of 23,384.21㎢) is South Korea’s longest river. The name Nakdonggang means “a river that runs through the East (dong) of Garak(nak)guk (or Gaya Kingdom).” The Nakdonggang River is located to the East of the Goryeong, Sangju (of Gyeongsangbuk-do) and Hapcheong (of Gyeongsangnam-do) areas, which were regions of the Gaya Kingdom. Nakdonggang River used to be a main route for inland transportation with marinas prospering on the riverfront. During the Korean War, the river was the final line of defense for the U.N. Troops. Eulsukdo, located at the end of the Gimhae Delta is a famous wintering site for migratory birds.