From the seashore of Yeosu to Hongdo Island, Heuksando Island, Geomundo Island and Baekdo Island out west, Dadohaehaesang National Park covers about 1,700 small and large islands and various rocks. In the park, the blue sky and the ocean blend well with white sandy beaches, adding to the picturesque atmosphere.During the Silla period, the King of the Sea, Jang Bogo established the maritime world and during the Goryeo Dynasty, the area was a trading path with the Yuan and Song Dynasties. Also, it was the battlefield where Admiral Yi Sun-shin defeated the invading Japanese navy. Likewise, historical sites remains in many places.Among those islands, Hongdo Island and Heuksando Island are famous for tourists. In particular, one of Korea’s greatest fishery grounds is located in Heuksando Island.
Nabawi Catholic Church is located in Hwasan-ri, Mangseong-myeon in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do Province and is known as the oldest surviving catholic church in the Jeolla-do region. The church was built in 1906 to commemorate the return of priest Kim Dae-geon in 1845 (Joseon Dynasty) after he was ordained in Shanghai, China. Inside the church stand two monuments: one built in 1954 to honor Joseph Vermorel (French missionary, 1860-1937) and one built in 1955 to honor priest and martyr Kim Dae-geon. Considered the most significant catholic relic of the Jeolla-do region, the church is sought out by large numbers of Catholic visitors each year.
Geumsansa, located in Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, is home to a number of cultural assets. The temple offers a temple stay program where you can learn the traditional culture of Korean Buddhism and the way of a Buddhist practitioner while experiencing day-to-day life in the temple. Basic programs include Yebul (Buddhist service), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Barugongyang (formal monastic meal), 108 prostrations, walking in the woods and talking with a monk. On top of these basic programs, special seasonal programs are also provided.