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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

If you go 5 km up along the valley at Baegam-ri, under the thick woods, you will find a 180 square meter long stone named ‘Jeomjeong Rock’ and a small waterfall. This valley is Baegundong Gyegok Valley. For almost 6 km, the water of the valley flows over only rocks, with over twenty large and small falls and lakes. Large stones in the valley are gorgeous because the stones are washed with sunbeams and the strong current of water. The most famous falls are Baeun Pokpo Waterfall and Odam Pokpo Waterfall. Strong current of water flows in Deungcheondae, where the letters ‘Yeongnamjeilcheonsok’ are carved. Baegundong Valley is a clean area due to maintenance of the clean natural environment. Many tourists visit here because the valley is decorated with azaleas in spring and it is cool in summer.


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

Imjonseong Fortress (also known as Daeheungsanseong Fortress) is located at the top of Bongsusan Mountain between Yesan-gun and Hongseong-gun in Chungcheongnam-do. This stone fortress was designed as a place to launch attacks against enemies. One of the ways in which those in the fortress fended off intruders was to unleash the water from the giant fortress well and let it gush down the mountain towards the oncoming forces. The fortress wall is about 2.5m high and 3.5m wide and has a ditch 7-8 meters that runs alongside the southern wall. Compared with other Korean fortresses, Imjonseong Fortress is higher and about 2 meters thicker. It is the largest fortress of the Baekje Kingdom and has become the subject of much research. History shows that the fortress was the central hub of the Restoration Movement of the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC - 660 AD). In the 20th year of the reign of King Uija (Baekje Dynasty), the kingdom was defeated by the united forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty (currently, China). Boksin (a cousin of King Uisa), a monk, and Heukchisangji stayed at the fortress for three years while trying to return the king to power. As you walk along the winding trail, you’ll be able to see Daeryeonsa Temple and as you continue to the top, you’ll be treated to spectacular views of Oseosan, Baekwolsan, and Gayasan mountains. Those who come to the fortress from Masa-ri, Gwangsi-myeon, can drive and park their car in the parking lot located right below the fortress.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Baeksasil Valley in Seoul is a historic site (Baekseokdongcheon, Famous Site No. 36) that rests amid untouched natural surroundings. The valley is a habitat to a diverse amount of animals, including salamanders, frogs, minnows, and crayfish. There are also wild boar sitings from time to time so be careful. The preservation value of this area is especially high as the valley is home to a large colony of salamanders, which are indicator species of the clean water and a protected wildlife species of Seoul. Baeksasil Valley is a tucked away treasure in the bustling city. The path along the area’s thick forest and natural valleys provides an excellent getaway. Since the area is a habitat to several protected species, visitors are asked to refrain from dipping their feet in the valley’s waters while exploring the scenery. The entrance to the valley is located past the Sanmotungi Café.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

문수사는 전북 고창과 전남 장성과의 사이에 놓여 있는 문수산(621m)중턱에 자리 잡고 있다. 고수면소재지에서 고수도요지를 지나 위로 올라가면 조산 저수지가 나오고, 왼쪽 골짜기를 타고 6km 정도 비포장길을 오르면 울울창창 숲이 우거진 산등 서향으로 문수사가 있다. 물이 맑고 숲이 좋은데도 인적이 드물어 오염이 전혀 되지 않은 곳이다. 신라의 명승 자장율사가 당나라로 건너가 청량산에서 기도를 거듭한 끝에 문수보살의 가르침을 받고 귀국한 후, 우연히 이곳을 지나다가 산세가 당나라 청량산과 흡사하여 문수산에 있는 굴속에서 며칠간 기도하자 역시 문수보살이 나타나므로 이곳에 절을 지었다고 전하나, 지어진 시기는 확실치 않다. 지방유형문화재 제51호인 대웅전과 52호인 문수전이 있으며 기타 명부전, 한산전 등이 남아 있다. 대웅전은 소규모의 건물로 맞배지붕이 특이하다. 우거진 녹음 사이로 계곡 물과 가을 단풍이 천년 고찰과 잘 어우러져 보는 이의 발길을 잡는다. 수령 100~400여 년 된 단풍나무 수십 주가 군락을 이루고 있다. 고창 은사리 단풍나무숲은 문수산 입구에서부터 중턱에 자리한 문수사 입구까지의 진입도로 약 80m 좌우측 일대에 수령 100년에서 400년으로 추정되는 단풍나무 500여 그루가 자생하고 있는 숲이므로 2005년 천연기념물 제463호로 지정되었다. * 관람최적시기 : 가을(단풍)


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hamyang-gun)


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Miryang Station opened on January 1, 1905 in conjunction with the opening of Gyeongbuseon Line, one of the oldest and the most important railway lines in Korea. The current station features element of hanok (traditional Korean house) architecture, with its traditional tiled roof constructed on Dec. 28, 1982 after the old building was destroyed by fire. Located by Sanseongsan Mountain and Yongdumok Recreational Forest, Miryang Station offers a fine view. The station has two floors above ground and one below and its traditional tiled roof style goes well with the image of Miryang, a city that values loyalty and filial piety. The open expanse of the station square provides a pleasant rest place to the citizens of Miryang, as well as travelers. Miryang Station is the only station in the Gyeongsangnam-do besides Busan Station that serves as a stop for KTX express trains. As such, it serves as a key transportation hub for passengers traveling to other cities in the Gyeongnam region including Masan, Changwon, and Changnyeong.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Jukgyegugok Valley is the valley stretching from Baejeom-ri to Choamsa Temple. Joseon-era Confucian scholar Toegye Yi Hwang (1501-1570) was inspired by the scenery of the valley and the enchanting sound of the flowing water, so he came up with names for each of the nine sections of the valley and collectively called them Jukgyegugok (nine bamboo valleys). The valley presents a splendid sight indeed with crystal clear waters, lush forest, and white rocks. In summer, vacationers from around the country flock to Jukgyegugok Valley to cool off from the sweltering heat by dipping their feet in the refreshing waters of the valley. Famous tourist attractions near the valley include Sosuseowon Confucian Academy, Buseoksa Temple, and Eupnaeri Mural Tomb. * Choamsa Temple On the path that ascends from Jukgyegugok Valley, there is a small temple located at the foot of Sobaeksan Mountain. The great monk Uisang Daesa of the Silla Kingdom reached this place during his search for an ideal site to build a Buddhist temple invoking national security. He set up a small thatched hut for a temporary stay until he found the most propitious spot, on which he built Buseoksa Temple. In the site where his thatched hut once stood, he built another temple and named it Choamsa Temple. The original structure was destroyed by fire during the Korean War (1950-1953). The temple has been restored to its present state by the Buddhist monk Lee Bo-won after years of arduous efforts.


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

Beopheungsa, which was then known as Heungnyeongsa, was created by Jajangyulsa in 647 under the rein of King Jindeok of Silla to enshrine Jinsinsari of Buddha. At the time, Preceptor Jinghyo earned 100 Jinsinsari of Munsubosal and enshrined them at Yangsan Tongdosa Temple, Odaesan Sangwonsa Temple, Seoraksan Bongjeongam, Jeongseon Jeongamsa Temple and Beopheungsa Temple while establishing Jeongmyeolbogung, Hall of Buddha, at each of the places.Beopheungsa Temple is one of the five Jeongmyeolbogung. Preceptor Jinghyo had Jinsinsari of Buddha in the mountain right behind the Jeongmyeolbogung of the temple. Inside the Jeongmyeolbogung there is no statue of Buddha and only a wide open window. This is because they believe the mountain as a whole with the enshrined Jinsinsari is the Buddha himself.Beopheungsa was once a large temple where over 2,000 monks gathered. Today, most of the temple buildings were lost to a number of fires leaving only a few buildings including Jeongmyeolbogung, simujang, yosachae, and Preceptor Jinghyo Bointapbi and a cave where Jajangyulsa meditated.The pine wood path from Beopheungsa Temple to Jeongmyeolbogung is one of the most picturesque sites in the nation. The location was originally named Sajasansa but later changed to Sajasan Jeongmyeolbogung in 1939. In addition to the path, the nine peaks (Gubongdae) lined up one after another forms another charming view.


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

The Wando Fishery and Folklore Museum, opened in May 2002 as the nation’s first fishing village museum, showcases the lifestyle of fishing villages and families, fishing know-how, facts about aquaculture, timeline of vessel developments, etc. The museum was built for people to also learn about marine folklore, and as an addition to Wando's tourist attractions.