Jeollanam-do Travel Guide

Hanhwa Aqua Planet Yeosu is the second largest aquarium in Korea and is a landmark of the southern province with a record of about 1 million visitors every year. There are approximately 34,000 marine organisms of about 280 species including rare animals such as beluga (white whale) and baikal seal.

Gangjin Celadon Museum was established in 1997 to preserve and succeed Gangjin Celadon Kiln Site (National Historic Site No. 68) and Goryeo Celadon Cultural Heritage. Various exhibitions and educational programs are operated for Goryeo Celadon research at the museum. In addition, the museum opened an exhibition hall specially designed with a motive of color, pattern, and types of Goryeo Celadon and a Goryeo Celadon Digital Museum that aims to meet contemporary digital technology, allowing people to easily participate in the art of celadon with joy. This museum is considered to be an informative historic site to get knowledge of Goryeo Celadon through the past, present and future.

Naganeupseong Folk Village is located in Jeollanam-do Province, and contains a town castle that is over 18,000 Pyeong (1 pyeong = 3.3 sq m) in size. Within the east, south and west of the castle, about 100 families still reside, and the castle area has been very well preserved. You can observe the daily dwellings indigenous to the south provincial area such as the kitchen area, the clay rooms, and Korean-style verandas. There are also 9 houses designated as important cultural resources, and numerous straw-roof houses as well. The folk village’s other source of pride is the monument of General Im Kyeong-Eop (1594~1646). At every first full moon of the new year, they hold a ritual ceremony and celebration at the general’s monument, with games such as seesaw jumping, swings, and other folk activities.When you enter the front gate of Naganeupseong Folk Village, on the east side of the castle (called “Nakpung-ru”), you see a straight road leading to town. Follow along this road and you will come across the General Im Kyeong-Eop Monument, resource center, and other interesting sites. You may also walk to the end of this road, climb up to the castle itself, and walk along the castle wall to the south. The entire castle is exceptionally well-preserved, and you can view the whole town from the top level.

The most beloved breed of dog in Korea is the Jindo Dog (진도개), named after the island from which they are said to originate. The breed has been designated a national treasure, and great efforts are made to keep the bloodline pure. For example, any non-Jindo dog that comes to Jindo Island must be sterile. Jindos were originally hunting dogs, raised to take down small to large sized prey. They are known for their extreme loyalty and keen homing sense. Traditionally Koreans hunted without guns, instead taking with them a pack of Jindos. After making a kill, one dog promptly returns to the master while the others stand guard over the prey. The Jindo dog is registered with the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the British Kennel Club.

Jinnamgwan Hall (National Treasure No. 304) was the naval base of Jeolla-do Province during the Joseon Dynasty. Admiral Yi Sun-shin used this site as his headquarters, and at that time there was a watchtower called Jinhaeru. The original building burned down during the Jeongyujaeran (the second Japanese invasion in 1597), and Admiral Yi Si-eon constructed a large guesthouse (official residence) with 75 rooms on the burnt down site of Jinhaeru in 1599, a year after the conclusion of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). At the hall entrance is a small museum outlining the history of Jinnamgwan and the Imjinwaeran War, and the famous Yeosu Stone Statue (Tangible Cultural Asset of Jeollanam-do No. 33) is located within the precincts of the hall. Nearby attractions include Jasan Park, Odongdo Island, Dolsan Bridge, Chungminsa Shrine, and Manseongni Beach.

Located inside The Ocean Resort in Yeosu, Jeollanam-do, this large water park can accommodate 600 people at once. It opened in July 2008 in time for the opening of the resort equipped with 128 rooms. It is the only water park in Korea that provides views of the refreshing blue waters of the Dadohaesang National Marine Park. Its indoor facilities include an artificial wave pool with slides, Para Wave Slide, Aqua Kids’ Pool, and spa. Meanwhile, the outdoor facilities include Double Tornado, slides, and wave pools. The water park is also equipped with various convenience facilities such as cafeteria, DVD room, changing rooms, swim suit shop, and more. The resort has seven floors above ground and four below with all rooms providing ocean views. The resort facilities include a wedding hall, banquet hall, and restaurants.

Yudalsan Mountain (유달산), at only 228m, is located in Mokpo-si, Jeollanam-do. Despite its short x_height, the mountain boasts a panoramic view of the entire city of Mokpo and the sea. At the summit of the mountain visitors can find Nojeokbong Peak (노적봉) where a statue of Admiral Yi Sunsin stands – this is the landmark where admiral Yi is said to have fooled and scared away the Japanese troops by stacking straw thatches over the rocks making their small army seem like a much larger one. There is also a pavilion, the April 19th Memorial Tower, a monument with lyrics to the song ‘Mokpo’s Tears’, a Buddhist temple, a sculpture park exhibiting some 100 pieces of sculpture, an orchid park and the Dalseong Park with many things to see. These features make the mountain a must-see destination for those visiting the Mokpo region.  

The Tea Museum of Korea was built to preserve Korea’s tea culture and celebrate the history of Boseong tea, which dates back as far as the Baekje Era. Each of the three floors of the museum is unique and focuses on a different aspect of tea. On the first floor is the Tea Culture Hall, which explains the process of tea production through graphic panels, videos, and dioramas. The Tea History Hall on the second floor exhibits tea wares and tools from different periods in history, showcasing the evolution of tea culture over time. The third floor houses the Tea Life Hall, which is dedicated to education and hands-on experiences and gives visitors a chance to discover the tea cultures of Korea, China, Japan, and Europe as well as various tea tools from other countries. Visitors can further delve into the world of tea by visiting the Tea Making Workshop, which is equipped with facilities to make different types of green teas.

Situated on the southwest corner of Jirisan Mountain, Hwaeomsa Temple is one of the 10 most famous temples in Korea. It was constructed in the fifth year of King Jinheung’s reign (544) during the Silla Era, but was burnt down during Japanese Invasion, Jeongyujaeran in 1592. Including the main building Daeungjeon, the temple was rebuilt during the Joseon Period.The path to the temple lies along the valley named Hwaeomsa Temple Valley. It also takes you to Nogodan Plateau of Jirisan Mountain. With Korean traditional straw-roofed houses and a water mill, you can find a cozy place named Siuidongsan, which means the Hill of Poetry, to take a rest at your right on the way to the temple.Beyond this area is the main gate of Hwaeomsa Temple, Iljumun Gate, and a long stonewall. Entering the main gate, you can find Geumgangmun Gate and the stairs going up to Bojeru. At the top of the stairs, there are the main building Daeungjeon and Gakhwangjeon Pavilion.There are also Seo-ocheung Pagoda (west-five-story pagoda) and Dongocheung Pagoda (east-five-story pagoda) at each side of the front yard. In front of Gakhwangjeon Pavilion is the largest light made of stone in Korea. In addition, there are many national treasures here including the Sasaja Samcheung (3-story) Stone Pagoda, which is situated at the hill called Hyodae. The main building Daeungjeon and Bojeru is magnificent and graceful. Keeping its original beauty, Hwa-eomsa Temple makes beautiful scenery with the nature around it.[National Cultural Heritages]- Stone Lantern at Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple- Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Hanging Painting of Hwaeomsa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly)- Five-story Stone Pagoda in the east and west of Hwaeomsa Temple- Daeungjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Lion Pagoda at Wontongjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Stone Avatamsaka Sutra (The Flower Garland Sutra) of Hwaeomsa Temple- Higan Cherry of Hwaeomsa Temple- Bojeru Pavilion of Hwaeomsa Temple- Stone Lantern at Gucheungam hermitage of Hwaeomsa Temple