For those hoping for a view of the winter sea, or those longing for the engulfing embrace of the clear dark-blue waves crashing into huge rocks, this is the place to be. When one thinks about Shin-myung Jeong-ja Beach, most people are reminded of Sokcho, Gangneung, Donghae and Samcheok in Gangwon-do. Nevertheless, many tourists seek the east coast that spreads from Jujeon in Uljin to Gampo. The costal road, with its beautiful scenery of sea and mountains, is a popular driving route. With diverse attractions nearby, many vacationers are attracted to this beach during the winter.
Yulpo Beach blends the beauty of a pine tree forest and silver sands on this 1.2 kilometer-long beach. The air is scented with the ocean breezes, pine trees and the hint of fresh green tea. Although being a small fishing village, the region’s famous green tea and beautiful beaches have resulted in many tourists visiting Yulpo Beach. The area has become a family summer resort, fully equipped with accommodation and leisure facilities.
Chuncheon’s Jipdarigol Recreation Forest sits atop Chokdaebong peak, separating Gangwon chuncheon and Gyeonggi Gapyeong. Natural forest is formed along the valley, which attracts many visitors who want to spend their summer cooling off.Lodging facilities include the forest lodge, condo styled lodging, and small bungalow-style facilities. Subsidiary facilities include sporting equipment, a promenade, and camping site (high season: 3,000won). What is good about Jipdarigol Natural Recreation Forest is that it is located along a stream, which means its environment is clear and pure. Lodging facilities reservation can be made through the homepage.* Forest Cabin Lodging Fee (day of the check in 14:00 / check out the next day 12:00)Party of 5 – high season (7.1~8.31) 50,000won / weekend 40,000won / weekday 30,000wonParty of 7 – high season (7.1~8.31) 90,000won / weekend 70,000won / weekday 50,000wonParty of 10 – high season (7.1~8.31) 130,000won / weekend 110,000won / weekday 90,000won
Cheonsaseom Bunjae Park (1004 Island Park) is a place for people to relax and enjoy nature. This eco-friendly ecological park has a spacious sea garden covering an area of 50 million pyeong, a relaxation space surrounded by nature, and a learning space.
The park hopes to attract more visitors as it continues to hold various exhibits about potted plants and sculptures.
Yeonhwasan Mountain (연화산, located in Goseong, Gyeongnam Province) is just 528-meters, encompasses the three peaks of Ongnyeobong, Seondobong and Mangseonbong, and is widely recognized as an important provincial park. Although Mt. Yeonhwasan is called a ‘mountain’, it is more of a hill surrounded by picturesque scenery. Its north side is dotted with Buddhist temples such as historical Okcheonsa, Baengnyeonam, Cheongyeonam and Yeondaeam temples. Of these, the best attraction on Mt. Yeonhwasan is definitely Okcheonsa Temple (옥천사). If you begin hiking from the foot of the mountain you will see the beautiful sea off Danghangpo Port. If you continue southward you will soon run into the Okcheon Temple hidden in the Yeonbong woods. Okcheon Spring, located right behind the main hall of the temple, provides medicinal water all year round. The continual flow remains the same temperature all year round and is said to be an effective treatment for stomachaches and skin conditions. The surrounding area is well known for its healthy food products such as pine mushrooms and wild berries.
Hyangcheonsa Temple is an old temple that was founded by Monk Euigak in the late Baekje period under King Uija's rule. The temple is easily accessble from downtown despite its location deep within a valley at the foot of Geumosan Mountain, serving as a landmark for visitors enjoying a light stroll or a hike up to the mountain. Serving as a home to several relics and a nine-story-pagoda, the temple site and buildings are well maintained and neatly cleaned on a daily basis.
According to legends, Monk Euigak originally had planned on building a temple in Sinam-myeon in Yesan. He went to China and brought a Buddha statue, praying earnestly on his way back aboard a boat. Upon his arrival, he sighted a pair of golden crows flying above the boat and followed the birds before they disappeared. He found the birds at the temple's current location, drinking from a puddle of water that had an aromatic smell. From then on the mountain was called Geumosan, meaning "the mountain of golden crow," and the temple was named Hyangcheonsa, meaning "the temple of fragrant water."
Designated Scenic Site No. 6, Buryeongsa Valley spans 15 kilometers in length. Due to a lack of convenient transportation infrastructure leading to this site, it has not been visited much in the past. However, with the opening of national road 36, it became a popular summer vacation spot. Near the valley, there are about 30 tourist sites, including the old Buryeongsa Temple from the Silla Kingdom, Gwangdaeko Bawi Rock, Jujeori Bawi Rock, Changokbyeok, Myeonggyeongdae, Uisangdae, Santaegeuk, and Sutaegeuk.Follow the valley and you will find Sarang Bawi (or Love Rock) by the road. It is said that those passing by the rock will see their love come true. The white granite cliffs are in odd shapes as they were weathered over time. The cliffs and the valley waters combine to create splendid scenery. The view from Seonyujeong and Buryeongjeong, which are two-story octagonal pavilions, are even better. The landscape is set against Cheonchuksan Mountain.
Deokjusa Temple is a branch temple of Beopjusa, the head temple of the 5th district of the Jogye Order. The temple is believed to have been established by Princess Deokju, the last princess of the Silla Kingdom, in 586 AD (9th year of King Jinpyeong of Silla).
According to legend, Princess Deokju stayed at the site with Prince Maui and built the temple, naming it “Deokjusa” after herself. The temple once stood in front of the Deokjusa Maaebul Rock-carved Buddha (Treasure No. 406), but was burned down during the Korean War.
The present temple building stands about 1.7 kilometers from the original temple site and is the result of reconstruction efforts conducted in the 1970s.
Enjoy Korean craft beer in a cultural place
Korea Craft Brewery is the first craft brewery in Korea established with 100% domestic capital. The brewery produces craft beers in partnership with Hitachino Nest Beers, also known as Owl Beers. The brewery is a cultural space as well. It runs three kinds of tour programs: "Tour with a Brew Master," "You Drink, We Drive" Tour, and the "Classic Tour." The brewery is planning various cultural activity programs as well as beer tasting and promotions.