Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This was the location of the palace fortress during the Shilla Dynasty (57 BC ~ AD 935). The fortress takes after its name, which, literally translated, means 'a crescent moon shape on top of a hill'. The famous history books of Samgukyusa mention that Shilla’s 4th King Seoktalhae (AD 57~80) thought this area was an ideal spot for the fortress and bought the land from a nobleman. The 2nd King Namhae (AD 4~24) impressed by Seoktalhae’s actions, took him in as his son-in-law, later, becoming the 4th king. The area was then under Shilla’s rule for 900 years, the last king being the 56th, Gyeongsoon (AD 927~935).Although the magnificent grandeur of the palace is now just an empty lot, it has been told that this area was filled with imperial buildings during the Shilla Dynasty. Currently, the region of Wolseong has a freezer made out of rocks called Seokbinggo, an archery range, horse-riding field, and a traditional playground, which resembles the grounds of the Joseon Period (the dynasty that ruled the Korean peninsula from 1392-1910). 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Mt. Juwangsan (721m), designated as National Park No.12 in 1976, is the smallest of the national parks in Korea. Mt. Juwangsan is not so steep, making it a great place to walk and enjoy the wonderful scenery. Mt. Juwangsan is also called Mt. Seokbyeongsan, Mt. Jubangsan and Mt. Daedunsan. There is a legend that King Juwon of Silla (57 B.C.-A.D. 935) lived on this mountain after turning Silla over to Goryeo. This is where it got its name 'Juwang'. There is another legend that General Mailseong of Goryeo assassinated King Wuju, who was living here, with arrows and iron hammer.At Juwangsan, there are temples such as Daejeonsa, Gwangamsa, Yeonhwasa Temples, and hermitages such as Juwangam and Baengnyeonam. Daejeonsa Temple preserves national treasures such as the portrait of the Great Buddhist Monk Sa-Myeong, and the engraved wooden board personally made by General Lee Yeo-Song sent to the monk Sa-Myeong. In addition, You can find many interesting rocks such as Giam, Seokbyeokam, Geupsudae, Jeongsam & Adeulbawi, and also caves such as Juwanggul where Juwang hid before he was captured, Mujanggul where weapons were kept and Yeonhwagul, which used to be training grounds.There are many waterfalls that represent the beauty of Juwangsan. The representative waterfalls are the 1st, 2nd, 3rd waterfalls and the Dalgi Pokpo Waterfall. Also there are many beautiful valleys such as the Outer-Juwang Valley, Inner-Juwang Valley, Woroe Valley and Naewon Valley. On the mountainside there is a 6 meter high Jahaseong Fortress that spreads out 15km, and there is the Dalgimul Mineral Spring in the Goenae mid-stream.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Travelers to Ulleung-do Island make a point to visit Haengnam Coastal Walking Path as this is the trail that brings out the wonders of the island. Below the bridge that connects a cave and valley is a beautiful coastal area with a path leading to Haengnam Village. When the path meets the coast, it diverts the mountain side with a trekking course that allows one to discover the marine ecosystem and flora of Ulleung-do Island. At the end of the walking path is Haengnam Lighthouse. The nearby observatory offers wide open views of Jeodonghang Port, as well as Jeodong Village (known for its spectacular autumn colors); Chuam Cliff (known as a favorite sunrise spot); Gwaneum-do Island; Bukjeobawi Rock, and even Jukdo Island. The nearby attractions also include Dodong Mineral Spring Park, Dokdo Observatory, Ocean Cruise, Seonginbong Peak, Jukdo Namseo Sunset Observatory, and Dodonghang Port.    


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Known as a popular fishing spot and recreation site, Andongho Lake is an man-made lake created by obstructing the upper stream of the Nakdonggang River, as part of the government’s Four Major Rivers Restoration Project. Andong Dam is the second largest dam in Korea, following Soyanggang Dam. The x_height of the dam is 83 meters and the length is 612 meters. The landscape surrounding Andongho Lake is nothing short of magnificent. There is a dock for the boats on the lake, which is also popular as a fishing destination. Bass caught here are especially strong and tasty. An international bass fishing tournament is held here every year. There are also tourist attractions nearby, such as the Dosanseowon Confucian Academy and Andong Hahoe Folk Village. Andongho Lake is known for its incomparable scenery, and is considered one of the most famous tourist sites in the Hoban Region. The nearest tourist sites include Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage). There are plenty of other sites to visit as well, such as Andong Folk Village and its museum, where the historical Korean drama "Taejo Wang Geon" was filmed. Unfortunately, during the construction of Andong Dam, part of the village was submerged due to displaced water. The folk cultural properties there were safely moved to a nearby area by the auxiliary dam of Andong and turned into an open-air museum of folk culture.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

On the tourist trail near the foot of Tohamsan Mountain between Bulguksa Temple and Bomun Lake Resort are as many as 45 traditional tile-roofed and thatched houses. The folk craft village, which stands on a lot measuring 66,116m² (20,000 pyeong), is home to craftsmen and artisans who have successfully preserved the spirit and craftsmanship of their ancestors. Visitors may receive a free tour of 18 different galleries and workshops including metal, ceramics, wood crafts, jewelry, stone crafts, embroidery and earthware crafts. Artwork and crafts created by local artists are for sale at reasonable prices.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Bunhwangsa Temple was built during the year 634 and the third year of Queen Seondeok's rule, the 27th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. Prominent Buddhist priests Wonhyo and Jajang have resided at the temple.As the temple has a long history, it once held many historical relics but most of them have been lost due to the Mongolian invasion and the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. The remaining relics are Mojeon Stone Tower, Hwajaengguksabibu (A memorial stone placed in memory of Wonhyo, a renown Buddhist priest from the Silla Kingdom), Samnyongbyeoneojeong (A well in which the three dragons that protected Silla were believed to reside), and Danggan Pillars.Mojeon Stone Tower, the 30th National Treasure reaching a x_height of 9.3 meters, was built using bricks carved from andesite rocks. While the tower is presumed to be originally a 7-9 story structure, only 3 stories remain today. Danggan Pillars, two stone pillars that stand 3.6 meters high, are located at the entrance of Punhwangsa Temple. Danggan refers to flagpoles made of either wood, metal or stone that were used to hang flags which signified Buddhist festivals so that even people far away would be aware of them. The pillars are supported by stone turtles, a unique feature as most pillars do not possess such characteristics. There are also statues of Buddha displayed in the yard of Gyeongju National Museum. These statues were found in a well situated 30 meters north of the rear wall of Bunhwangsa Temple.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

The Oreung Tombs (“oreung” meaning “five royal tombs”) have been officially designated Historic Site No. 172 and are the final resting places of four kings of the Park clan—King Park Hyeokgeose (founder of the Silla Kingdom), King Namhae, King Yuri, and King Jabi—and one queen (Queen Aryeong, wife of King Park Hyeokgeose). To the east of the royal tombs lies Sungdeokjeon Shrine, which holds the ancestral tablet of King Park Hyeokgeose. Behind the shrine is the Aryeongjeong Well, said to be the birthplace of Queen Aryeong.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

The mountain in the center of Ulleungdo Island is Seonginbong Peak. It is 983.6m high and other peaks of over 900m stretch out to its right and left. As the steep Seonginbong Mountain Range ends at the coastal precipice, the whole island seems like a single huge mountain. The foot of Seonginbong Peak is covered with thick primeval forests designated as Natural Monument No. 189, and the rare plants found only in Ulleungdo Island make this place of unique scenic beauty. The Nari Basin, the north of the mountain, is a caldera formed by volcanic activities and the only flat ground on Ulleungdo Island. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Gyerim Forest is located between the Cheomseongdae Observatory and Wolseong Fortress. The forest is thickly populated by ancient zelkova and willow trees rooted on gently sloping hills and along the small stream in the northwest part of the woods. According to legend, the forest is closely associated with myths surrounding the birth of Alji, the founder of the Gyeongju Kim clan. As such, it is designated national Historic Site No. 19.Legend has it that King Talhae heard a rooster crying from deep inside the Sirim Woods. Chancellor Hogong was sent to investigate. Upon arriving, he found a rooster crying underneath a tree on which hung a golden box. Hogong immediately reported his find to the king, who instructed him to bring the golden box into the palace. The king opened the box and found a small child inside, Kim Alji. The forest, which had previously been called ‘Sirim’ or ‘Gurim’, became known as ‘Gyerim’, ('gye’ meaning rooster). The name Gyerim was also used to refer to the Silla kingdom.Alji was adopted as the king’s son, but because the crown was passed on to King Pasa of the Park family, he never ascended the throne. The Kim clan later became the royal bloodline with the coronation of King Naemul some years later.The memorial stone recording the birth of Kim Alji was erected in the third year of King Sunjo's rule in the Joseon Dynasty. Located close to the royal fortress of Silla, the forest is still deeply revered as the mystical birthplace of the first ancestor of the royal Kim clan of Silla. Yellow canola blossoms along the path connecting Daereungwon with Gyerim and Banwolseong only add to the magical ambiance of the forest. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Mungyeong is known for its exquisite ceramics. While each piece has its own individual shape and design, as a whole, ceramics of Mungyeong are highly regarded because of their historical and cultural value. Mungyeong is home to a number of master craftsmen as well as Sagijang (referring to craftsmen making chinaware), who have been officially designated Intangible Cultural Property by the Korean government. As a renowned kiln site producing Buncheongsagi (grayish-blue celadon) since the early Joseon Period, Mungyeong still offers outstanding ceramics that reflect the essence of traditional craftsmanship.