Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

On the bus from Gyeongju to Bonggil-ri, the sight of the vast blue sea spread before your eyes will leave you breathless. As you gaze at the glittering blue sea, a small but particularly beautiful islet catches your eye. This little rocky islet is the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.), who unified the three kingdoms and became the 30th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. The king gave specific instructions to be buried in the East Sea after his death so that he would become a dragon and protect Silla from Japanese intruders. The rocky island, about 200m in circumference, is divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forming a pool at the center, at the bottom of which is a granite 3.6 meters long, 2.9 meters wide and 0.9 meters thick. Legend has it that the remains of King Munmu’s cremated body are buried under this rock. Historians still debate whether the ashes of the King Munmu were scattered or stored in an urn and placed under the granite. The beauty of the landscape of the underwater tomb reaches its peak in autumn.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Seonbichon Village (선비촌) in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the cradle of Korean Confucianism, is where the spirit and cultural heritage of Korea’s classical scholars, referring to those who were intellectually and morally capable of leadership within their chosen fields, is preserved. The village is the perfect place to learn about traditional Korea, and is famous for its classical scholars’ loyalty and filial piety.Seonbichon Village offers a variety of fun and exciting exhibitions, participatory events and traditional culture hands-on programs.* Site area - 57,717㎡* Building area - 2,651㎡* Facilities – 7 tile-roofed houses, 5 straw-roofed houses, 1 tower, 2 pavilions, 2 Jeongryeogak pavilions, 1 Seonghwangdang Altar, 1 storehouse, 1 look-out shed, Jeojageori Market* Susinjega (수신제가)– Kim Sang-jin’s House, Haeudang Old House, Ganghakdang Village School‘Susinjega’ refers to moral training and home management. You can realize the classical scholars’ self discipline amidst the ancient buildings and experience the traditional Korean educational system in person.* Ipsinyangmyeong (입신양명)– Duam’s Old House, the Head House of Indong Jang Clan‘Ipsinyangmyeong’ means rising in the world and winning fame. Within these old houses you can take a look at the lifestyle of the classical scholars in Yeongju, who were engaged in diverse activities, acting as high-ranking officials.* Geomuguan (거무구안)– Kim Mun-gi’s House, Manjukjae House, Pavilion‘Geomuguan’ means forgoing comfort and convenience in life. Within these old buildings, you can witness the integrity and spirit of classical scholars who strove to live idyllic and pastoral lives while criticizing the petty focuses of society.* Udobulubin (우도불우빈)– Kim Se-gi’s House, Kim Roe-jin’s House, Jang Hwi-deok’s House, Lee Hu-nam’s House, Kim Gyu-jin’s House, Servants’ Quarters of Duam’s Old House‘Udobulubin’ refers to pursuing a faithful and upright life even in poverty. These old houses offer a glimpse at the humble and pure life of classical scholars who were not ashamed of being poor.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Cheongsong Apple Festival is held in October and November every year to promote the excellent quality of apples grown in the area. Cheongsong, said to be a clean area, has the perfect conditions for superior tasty and quality of apples, from being surrounded by mountains with an average altitude that is quite high, providing a huge daily temperature range to the fact that there are no industrial factories in the area. The festival offers various unique events to entertain visitors and the market sells qualified apples for a low price.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Located in Mt. Cheongnyangsan Provincial Park, Cheongnyangsa Temple was built by the great monk Wonhyo in 663, the 3rd year of King Munmu of the Silla Kingdom. According to the principles of feng shui, the area is an ideal place for a temple – with the 12 mountain peaks surrounding the temple like the petals of a lotus flower.The temple is home to two precious historical remains; one is the board of Yuribojeon that King Gongmin of Goryeo wrote upon and the other is Jibul. Yuribojeon is the building where Yaksa-yorae-bul (the Medicine Buddha Statute) is housed and Jibul is a Buddha statute made of paper that was painted with gold.At the back of the temple is Bosalbong Peak looking out towards Mt. Cheongnyangsan. A 30-minute walk along the hiking trail will lead you to Eungjinjeon, a hermitage with a beautiful view where the great monk Wonhyo once stayed. Behind Eungjinjeon stands Geumtapbong Peak and the sheer cliffs below. The peak was named Geumtapbong (meaning ‘golden pagoda’ in Korean) since it looks like a nine-story pagoda with pine trees growing around the base. In the autumn, the beautiful red, gold and orange hues of the maple trees are a true sight to behold.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Ulleungdo Family Hotel (Former, Seonginbong Motel) is located at the entrance of Dodonghang cruise passenger terminal where visitors to Uleungdo Island arrive. Cruise ships to Ulengdo Island depart everyday from Pohang or Mukhohang. The motel named after Seonginbong Peak that looks like saint who soothe sharpness of surrounding mountains. There are three types of guestrooms including western style rooms, Korean style rooms, and VIP rooms. Some rooms have romantic portable bathtubs. The motel building is not tall because the island has building x_height limits. On the first floor of the hotel are some stores. There is a Manghyangbong Observatory nearby, from which people can see the great view over surrounding mountains and sea. At night, bright lights from squid fishing boats are also worth seeing.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

The Ye-an branch of the Gwangsan Kim clan’s founder, Sir Hyo-ro Kim created this village Descendents of the family have resided in the village ever since. In 1974, when the Andong Dam was constructed, the village was moved from Ye-an Myeon, Andong to Waryong Myeon, Andong in its original form. Located between these two points are the designated national cultural heritage sites of Takcheongjeong Pavilion and Hujodang Annexed House. On display at the Sungwongak Pavilion Exhibition Hall are rare archives from the family’s history. Some of these documents on display include family records, estate documents and servant records. Among these writings, there are 7 varieties of ancient writings showing up in 429 pieces. There are also 13 varieties showing up in 61 records that are designated treasures. Takcheongjeong Pavilion The pavilion was constructed in 1541 by the Ye-an branch of the head of Gwangsan Kim clan. The pavilion is unique from others in that it is rather stately. It remains a highly treasured and important cultural landmark. During the Joseon Dynasty, noted calligrapher Ho Han named the pavilion 'Takcheongjeong.' Hujodang Annexed living quarters This house belongs to the head residence of the Ye-an branch of the Gwangsan Kim clan. The exact age of the house in unknown but it was built by Bupil Kim who lived from 1516~1577. This structure was built separately from the main house. The annexed living quarters were divided into interior and exterior areas. The exterior quarters were used for the male head of the household as a place for relaxation or social gatherings. The interior quarters were used as a place for elderly women or girls of marriage age to stay. Hujodang Annexed living quarters were exterior quarters.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Cheongnyangsan Mountain Provincial Park was regarded during older times as a place where many famous high priests and scholars resided. At Cheongnyangsan Mountain, the Giam cliff forms 12 peaks and the Nakdonggang River flows through it. On this mountain stands the Cheongnyangsa Temple, which was built by Buddhist monk, Won-hyo (617 ~ 686.3.30) during King Munmu’s (reign 661~681) third year of reign during the Silla Period (BC57~AD935). There are also various temples, Gwanchang Falls, and many other attractions nearby. Behind the Provincial Park’s boulder is a monument with a poem inscribed on it by the famous scholar Toegye I Hwang (1501~1570) of the Joseon Period called Cheongnyangsanga. When Toegye was planning to build Dosanseodang, a school for the teachings of Confucianism, he had a tough time deciding on whether to build it there at Cheongnyangsan Mountain, or the alternate spot, where it was eventually built, on a decision made at the last minute. Aside from Toegye I Hwang, Won-Hyo and Ui-Sang (625 ~ 702), the Buddhist monks, Gim-Saeng (711 ~ 791), a master of calligraphy, Chi-won Choi (857 ~ ?), a scholar, and many others came to this mountain to cultivate their arts. Their presence still lingers in legends, being retold to this day. Osandang is believed to have been built by the disciples of Toegye at the spot where Toegye conferred with literary men, and is one of many relics found here, among them the Cheongnyangsan Mountain Castle, which is believed to have been built by King Gongmin (reign 1351~1374) of Goryeo Period, to escape the rebellions of the peasantry.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Galleria Motel is located in Andong Gyeongbuk. Near the motel, there is Andong train station and many tourist attractions including the traditional foods. Visitors will have a real resting and memory in the city of Confucian culture. Also, the kind staff who can speak English is available for foreign travelers.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

With a marine climate characterized by cool summers and warm winters, Ulleungdo Island has over 700 species of medicinal herbs. Cows at Ulleung Yakso Sutbul Garden graze on vegetables and herbs from Ulleungdo Island, giving their meat a herbal fragrance and rich taste that is also tender and soft. The restaurant offers bulgogi, roseu-gui, as well as various kinds of Ulleungdo Island’s traditional food, such as rice made with mussels.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Pung-gi ginseng is only grown in the Sobaeksan Mountains and is widely known for its superior quality. The reason Pung-gi ginseng is so highly valued is because of its high content of saponin, which is effective in regulating blood pressure and reenergizing the body. It is even believed to help reduce the risk of cancer. The Pung-gi Ginseng Festival coincides with the peak of the harvest season each year, which takes place around October. During the festival period, visitors can participate in various events, such as harvesting ginseng and sampling cuisine made from the expensive Pung-gi ginseng. There are also many other tourist attractions located in the Yeongju region, including Buseoksa Temple and Sobaeksan Pung-gi Hot Springs.