Gyeongsangbuk-do(Sangju-si)


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.


Chungcheongnam-do()

A branch of Magoksa Temple, which is the 6th local temple of the Jogyejong Order, Yeongpyeongsa Temple has six traditional buildings and three small hermitages. Janggunsan Mountain, where the temple is located, is small but full of energy. According to Feng Shui, the mountain is a perfect location for a temple because it is shaped like a dragon curled along the Geumgang River. Yeongpyeongsa is a tranquil place that captures the purity of the temple’s Buddhist practice, with fresh air and clean water that offer a habitat for fireflies, crawfish, and black snails. On the way in, visitors are greeted by a multitude of wildflowers vying for their attention: the columbines and the prairie crocuses in spring, the white lotuses in summer, and the Siberian chrysanthemums in autumn. * Major event – Mount Janggunsan Siberian Chrysanthemum Festival


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)


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Designated as the top monument of Jeollanam-do, Sigyeongjeong Pavilion (식영정) literally means a place where even the shadow of the moon can find a place to rest. As its name suggests, this pavilion is set in a lush and remote forested area. Countless number of scholars and writers has been attracted to this pavilion as a place of profound inspiration. The pavilion has gained more fame from the legendary lyrics of Seongsanbyeolgok written by the poet Jeong Cheol. The elegant words of Kim Seongwon, a literary scholar, depict the scenic beauty of Seongsan Mountain during the changing seasons.Of all the pavilions situated at the basin of the Yeongsangang River the Sigyeongjeong is said to be blessed with a breathtaking view from the side. The current building was restored in the early 1900s. At the Sigyeongjeong pavilion you’ll find the Buyongdang, a monument with the lyrics to the Seongsanbyeolgok Poem, and next to it an old library building called jangseogak built to preserve the wooden blocks of Songgangjib, a book of poetry written by Jeong Cheol. 


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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongcheon-si)


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

On the foot of Mt. Cheomchalsan (485m), bordering Ssangyesa Temple to the North, sits Ullimsanbang. The building was once a home to the famous artist, Heo Yu during his last years, after his master Kim Jeong-hee (1789~1856), a noted scholar, passed away. Ullimsanbang is named after the romantic scenery of the mountain peaks nearby the Mt. Cheomchalsan appearing hazily amidst the foggy mist. According to Heo Yu’s writings, ‘Mongyeonrok’ once had various flowers and trees blossomed, but it had long been abandoned beyond recognition before undergoing restoration by his grandson, Heo Geon (1907~1987) in 1982. Surrounding the Mt. Cheomchalsan, Ullimsanbang has a C-shaped tile-roofed house containing a workroom among numerous bedrooms. It houses a wooden cottage at the rear and the So-Chi (Heo Geon’s pen name) Memorial to the right. Many of Heo family’s artworks are displayed here. At the middle of the courtyard, a crape myrtle stands gracefully on a small six-meter island floating on a pond of lilies. *Ullimsanbang was one of the filming locations for the movie, Scandal(2003). The scene where the three main actors were on a boat ride was shot here.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Deokhangsan Mountain (1,071m) is located between Singi-myeon and Hanjang-myeon in Samcheok-si. Hwanseongul Cave, Daeigul Gave and the neighboring area of Deokhangsan Mountain have been designated as Natural Monument No. 178 (Samcheok Daei-ri Cave area). In addition, the surrounding area of the cave is designated as a country park as well as National Important Folk Data No. 221,222 and 223.


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

Located in the southernmost part of the Korean peninsula, Sebang Nakjo Observatory is one of the best places in Korea from which to catch the sunset. From here, you can look out over a flock of small islands set amidst a sea sparkling with the glint of the setting sun’s rays. As the sun sinks below the horizon and the sky becomes tinged with a rainbow of reds and oranges, the color seem to catch in the rocks of each island, making for an indescribably stunning view. The Jindo West Coast Highway portion from Gachi-ri (where Sebang Nakjo is located) to Gahak-ri has been named one of the “Hundred Most Beautiful Roads of Korea” and is the best scenic driving course to take if you want to see unobstructed views of the islands and the expansive blue waters.