Soando Island, the third in the group of three main islands of the Bogil-myeon island region, features a flourishing fishing port, and eight scenic wonders. In addition, Mira-ri and Maengseong-ri Evergreen Forests, which have been designated as Natural Monuments No.339 and No.340, respectively, offer a breathtaking ocean view. Mira, in particular, is famous for its unique mudflat pebbles.
Island History
The name of "Soando" comes from the courage of the early island settlers, comprised mostly of the Oh Family of Dongbok and the Kim Family of Gimhae, that had long served as a basis for protection and happiness during the Imjinwaeran (Japanese Invasion).
Soando Island is essentially one of the "Holy Lands" of the anti-Japanese colonialism movement. Patriots like Song Nae-ho, who fought hard for independence of Korea from Japan, are remembered on the island. Furthermore, a memorial hall, which houses the Anti-Japanese Colonialism Monument, was established by the islanders in honor of the patriots.
Bangdong Mineral Spring is located in Bangdong-ri in Girin-myeon. It is so renowned that it has been designated as one of the Great Mineral Springs of Korea. The water has a high content of carbon that makes it sparkle, and it tastes like Korean 7-up when sugar is added. In addition to carbon, the water also contains iron, manganese, and fluorine, making it effective in curing gastric problems and helping digestion.According to legend, there lived a simmani (ginseng digger) 300 years ago who, one day, dug a 60-year old wild ginseng in Bangdong-ri. Called yukgumandal, the ginseng was known to have been a great medicine of mystery. From the spot where the ginseng was dug came a mineral spring, which became today’s Bangdong Mineral Spring. The mineral spring has continued to attract people since the first day the ginseng was found and people who have drunk its water are said to have experienced various beneficial effects.Bangdong Mineral Spring is also close to the woods, several valleys, and waterfalls. With Bangtaesan Natural Recreation Forest nearby, the mineral spring is indeed one of the most popular tourist attractions of Bangdong-ri.
Rebuilt in 1638 (the 16th year of King Injo), Gwanghallu Pavilion is one of the Joseon Dynasty’s most exemplary structures. The pavilion was constructed in 1419 by Hwang Hui, a noted prime minister in the early Joseon Dynasty, during his exile to Namwon. The name of the pavilion at that time was Gwangtongnu. In 1434, while the pavilion was undergoing reconstruction, scholar and politician Jeong In-ji called it Gwanghallu after Gwanghancheongheobu, the mythical palace on the moon. It is one of the top four pavilions, the others being Yeongnamnu Pavilion (Miryang), Chokseongnu Pavilion (Jinju), and Bubyeoknu (Jinju).
Designated as Treasure No. 281, the pavilion is one of four major pavilions known for excellent craftsmanship, along with Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, Chokseongnu Pavilion and Bubyeongnu Pavilion. Gwanghalluwon Garden, which consists of Gwanghallu Pavilion, a pond, Bangjangjeon Pavilion, and Yeongjugak Pavilion form Historic Site No. 33.
Aero Master Flight Club has the most airplanes available in Korea. From pilot training to plane ride, aerial photos and events, Aero Master offers various services. There are total of two airfields in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do and Damyang, Jeollanam-do.
Rental Fees
Plane ride Course A (15 min) : Weekdays 85,000 won / Weekends 100,000 won
Plane ride Course B (30 min): Weekdays 170,000 won / Weekends 200,000 won
Program Activities
*Plane ride
Course A - Damyang tour (15 min): Metasequoia-lined Road -Gwanbangjerim Forest -Jungnogwon Bamboo Garden -Chuwolsan Mountain - Damyangho Lake
Course B - Damyang + Sunchang or Naejangsan Mountain tour (30 min) : B course include a chance to fly the plane with the pilot - Advance notice required
Reservations
Online or via phone
Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si) , Cheonan・Asan Hot Springs
Surrounded by lush wildlife Bonggoksa Temple is located alongside the northeast valley in Bongsusan Mountain in Namdan, Songak-myeon. Both Daeeungjeon and Hyanggakjeon sit facing east, and to the north, is the large Yosache (residence for Buddhist monks). Behind the residence, an area has been leveled down for a restroom and storehouse. And Samseongak (a building where three saints are worshipped) is situated on top of the mound to the south of the temple. Although Samseongak was constructed in recent years, both Daeungjeon and Yosache are identified in the restored record that was found by Buddhist monk, Seobong in 1891. The temple has gained renown for being the place where Saint Mangong attained his Buddhist awakening and recited Odoseong, the zen poetry in July, 1895.
Jeolla Byeongyeongseong is a fortress located in Seongdong-ri, Byeongyeong-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do and played an important role as the main headquarter of the entire southwest region of the military in the Joseon era during the Japanese Invasion of Korea and Jeongyujaeran (the 2nd Japanese Invasion).
Built in 1414 during the time of King Taejong (17th year of his rule), the fortress spans over a 1,060m length and has kept its original bottom base intact. Three Sugumun main gates, seven Ongseong, building sites, foundation stones, and 25 tombstones also remain. In addition, it is the best preserved fortress among the remaining fortresses in the Namhae area. Hamel, a Dutch sailor, drifted in the site from 1656 during the 7th year of King Hyojeong to 1663 during the 4th year of King Hyeonjeong in the Joseon Dynasty and wrote a novel named ‘The Journal of Hendrick Hamel’ after visiting the area. His novel explained Korean policy, culture, and traditions of the time to the Western world.
The airfield was built by the Japanese army in order to defend their mainland during the period of Japanese colonization. Visitors can explore the airfield, the control tower, an anti-aircraft emplacement, and a hangar at the site. There are relics of Japanese army war and tragic relics of Korean modern history at 4.3 Historic Site and Jinji Cave in the vicinity to Songaksan Mountain and close to the airfield.
Wonju Station is located in the city of Wonju, the most inland section of Gangwon-do region. The station is located near downtown Wonju and is a hub of city transportation. Many passengers arriving in Wonju take public transit to visit Chiaksan Mountain, beautiful year-round. Wonju citizens can take the train to visit the capital, head to the northern section of Gyeongsangbuk-do, or enjoy a winter vacation on the snowy slopes of the Taebaek mountains. The station has been in operation since April 1940