Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Maaekseobulsang (Rock-carved Standing Buddha in Icheon-dong, Andong) is a huge statue. This Buddhist image’s head stands 2.43 meters tall, while the entire statue stretches 12.38 meters high. These days, Jebiwan Temple has been built near the statue, so it has been dubbed “Jebiwan Seokbul.”The body of the large stone Buddha face has been carved into the rock. The statue is in the style of Koryeo (AD 918-1392) Dynasty, with distinctive contouring. This unique style is indicative of those prevalent during the 11th Century. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Seonyudong Gyegok Valley in Mungyeong is longer and more beautiful than the valley of the same name in Goesan. Mount Daeyasan (931 meters high) runs across both valleys, which are 10 kilometers apart from each other. The valley is relatively untouched as it is not yet well known by the public. At the beginning and the end of the trail are Hakcheonjeong and Chirujeong pavilions, respectively. Both sides of the valley are lined with thick forests of ancient pine trees. A number of stone carvings can be found in the forest, and the most famous one reads “Seonyu Gyegok (Seonyu Valley).” It was written by Choi Chi-won (857~?), a leading scholar of the Silla Kingdom.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Jusanji Pond (주산지) is a small reservoir located in Juwangsan National Park (주왕산). It is a man-made pond that was dug out in August 1720 and completed in October of the next year. The pond has been used as a source of water for agricultural use as well as for drinking water. Even though it is small in size, about 100 meters long, 50 meters wide and 7 to 8 meters deep, the pond has never dried up from any drought.While the surrounding thick woods of Mt. Juwangsan is quite an impressive place for those who love nature, 30 willow trees which are 150 years old are rooted in the pond, which make a fantastic balance with the surrounding, creating a picturesque scenery found nowhere else.The beauty of this forest along with the nature surrounding it culminates when the shades of the trees elongate on the still waters of the pond. Words cannot express the magnificent view of the surroundings here with the water, trees, and fog altogether.The best season to visit Jusanji Pond is spring and fall. People say the best time to go is when spring buds start to appear in April and May, or when the autumn foliage is in full bloom. In the summer, much water is drained for agriculture, so the area feels empty, and in the winter, the reservoir is frozen and it is not possible to see the trees reflected on the water.Jusanji Pond is located in the inner part of Mt. Juwangsan, which, unlike the outer part of Mt. Juwangsan where hiking courses are more developed, had been considered as a hinterland because of its inaccessibility and steep mountains. It started to become known to the general public about 20 years ago as photographers came looking for beautiful landscapes. Recently, the number of visitors has grown sharply after movie director Kim Ki-duk (김기덕) featured the picturesque four seasons of the pond in the movie Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter and Spring.Even though the movie set was dismantled for environmental and management reasons to prevent water contamination, numerous visitors continue to visit a place that has preserved nature and its wild habitat. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

There are no sand beaches on Ulleungdo Island. Because the coastline is made up of steep rock walls, all beaches are formed by small pebbles. But the water is very clean and the scenery, strikingly beautiful. In particular, Jugam Mongdol Beach is considered extremely beautiful because of such attractions as Samseonam Rocks (Three Fairy Rocks) and Gwaneumdo Island are nearby. Toilets are available, but to preserve its pristine natural beauty, there are no other facilities for your convenience.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongsan-si)

Palgongsan Mountain (1,192m in elevation), in the outlying reaches of the Taebaek Range, stands sentinel over the spot where the Nakdonggang River and Geumhogang River converge. In the past, Palgongsan Mountain was regarded as a sacred mountain because it resembles the shape of the Three Buddhas. This mountain has magnificent granite formations at higher elevations, and the beautiful valleys, seamlessly interwoven with rock formations and thick forests, make for a spectacular view. Palgongsan Mountain borders Gyeongsan, Yeongcheon, Gunwi-gun and Chilgok-gun in the north and surrounds Daegu metropolitan city in the south. With Birobong Peak in the middle, it extends to Dongbong Peak – Gwanbong Peak (Gatbawi Stone Buddha) in the east and Seobong Peak – Gasan Fortress in the west (20km long). It also offers many beautiful trails. Located to the north of Gyeongsan City, Palgongsan Mountain has a splendid history, as many ancient temples and historical sites such as the Gatbawi Stone Buddha, Wonhyosa Temple, Cheonseongsa Temple and Bulguksa Temple are found on this mountain.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

This hanok was built by Ryu Jin-geol, also known by his pen name Suae, in 1939. It is located beside the head household of the Sugok Clan who were part of the Jeonju Ryu family. When you enter the lofty, 5-kan*-high gate, you will find 3 buildings that measure 29 kans in total. Suaedang House has a gabled-roof, and is composed of a 7-by-2-kan residential area, and a 10-kan shed, which are situated together in a ㄱ-shape. The hanok was used as an ancestral memorial hall, and later designated as the 56th Cultural Relic of Gyeongsangbuk-do. It has been well preserved, as it was built with sturdy pine usually found in the Chunyang region. The patterns on the lattice doors have peculiar shapes, and the house as a whole faithfully embodies the architectural technique of the late Joseon Dynasty. (*Kan: a traditional measurement that corresponds to the space between two columns)


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

Located in Hangu-dong in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Pohang Ferry Terminal is where passengers take a ferry to Ulleung-do. Ferries leaving for islands are usually subject to frequent schedule changes due to wind, waves, and other weather conditions, so visitors must confirm the schedule in advance of departure. As there are no foreign language services on board, international visitors are advised to have a local guide or someone who can speak Korean. There are one or two daily departures for Ulleung-do. The distance is about 217 kilometers, roughly a two to three hour journey. When buying a ferry ticket, visitors must also pay for a terminal usage fee of 1,500 won and an automatic ticketing fee of 600 won (Prices are subject to change).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Located 87.4km away from Ulleungdo Island, and formed entirely from volcanic rock, Dokdo is an isolated island off the east coast of Korea bearing a latitude of 37°14' north and a longitude of 131°52' east. Collectively, both Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo once belonged to a country named Usanguk. According to geographical records, Usanguk became part of the Silla Kingdom (57B.C. ~ 935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla. Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained significant strength during this period to overtake Usanguk.In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon Dynasty, there are passages by Kim Jaju describing Dokdo, which was referred to as Sambongdo at the time. Dokdo was initially called 'Sambongdo', 'Gajido' or 'Usando', but the name was later changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name 'Dokdo' was first used in 1906 by the Headman of Ulleung County Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do.After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Suk Jong (1674-1720), records that An Yong-bok went to Japan twice in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory. He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to Dokdo.Dokdo is comprised of two main islands: Dongdo, or East Island which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Island, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island formed due to weathering and erosion.Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the island, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.Presently there are security guards on Dokdo that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. For more information on traveling Dokdo, click here!


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

The Suites Hotel Gyeongju is a high-end recreational resort located in Gyeongju, a city with over a thousand years of history. Located in the midst of natural beauty, the resort offers all the modern necessities with minimal disruption to the gentle curves of the surrounding hillsides. The hotel offers cozy guestrooms with soft colored walls, up-to-date business facilities, a golf course, and a staff dedicated to quality customer service. For the ultimate experience in lavish living, trying the Royal Suite, decorated in an elegant emerald color scheme reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea. Facilities at the hotel include ‘Suite Hall,’ equipped with the latest facilities for banquets, business meetings, or seminars, and ‘La Terrace,’ a restaurant offering seasonal foods and window views complemented by soft music. For more active entertainment, check out the ‘Park Lounge’ or the golf course where you can enjoy the breeze coming off Bomunho Lake as you putt a few holes with the family. After you’re done, cool off with a dip in the outdoor pool or relax on the wood deck by the garden.