With its altitude of 348m, Yongmasan Mountain is the highest peak of Achasan Mountain located in Dong-hyeon of Myeongmok-dong. The mountain stretches through the ridges of Manguri Park and Junggok-dong, and continues its way past Achasan Mountain Fotress to near the back gate of Children’s Grand Park, adding up to a total area of 2,800,619㎡.
* Yongma Waterfall Park
Located at Mountain 1-4 bunji of Myeonmok-dong, Yongma Waterfall is composed of three branches of waterfall with Yongma Waterfall at its center and Cheongryong Waterfall to its left and Baekma Waterfall to its right. Yongma Waterfall is a two-layered waterfall with a x_height of 51.4m and x_width of 3~10m. The x_height of Cheongryong Waterfall is 21m and Baekma Waterfall 21.4m.
* Yongmasan Sagajeong Park
Opened in April 13, 2004, Sagajeong Park is located at the entrance of Myeonmok Drinking Well with an area of 106,446㎡. The park was named after scholar and writer Seo Geo-jeong who had written historical records of the Joseon period as he had lived nearby Yongmasan Mountain. Stone monuments encrypted with four of his most representative poems are raised for visitors to read while relaxing at the park. The park offers various facilities such as picnic areas, playground, outdoor exercise equipments, stream, sagajeong (traditional pavilion) and others so that visitors may conveniently relax and enjoy their time at the park.
Cheongsan Jiri Beach offers a beautiful view of the sunset and is regarded as one of the best beaches on Cheongsando Island. With its clean, shallow waters and fine white sand, it is a great vacation spot for families. The beach stretches for 1km, is 100m in length, and is bordered by some 500 ancient pine trees that provide natural shade from the sun. The waters of Cheonsando Island teem with fish, earning the island its reputation as one of Korea’s major sea fishing sites.
The Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs are a group of ancient Baekje-era tumuli located 100m above sea level on the northeast brow of Chilmokjae Hill in Ipjeom-ri, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The burial ground covers an area of more than 18,520 square meters and is officially listed as Historical Site No. 347. To date, a total of eight tumuli have been excavated, all of which are chamber tombs.
Surprisingly enough, the tombs were first discovered in 1986 by a high school student. While digging for arrowroot, a young man from a local high school found some pieces of gold that resembled a hat. He quickly notified the authorities and it was soon discovered that the pieces of gold were in fact valuable ancient artifacts. An emergency excavation was conducted and the eight tumuli were uncovered, but unfortunately all of the tumuli except Tomb No. 1 had been severely damaged. Tomb No. 1, which is still in relatively good condition, boasts an entrance measuring an impressive 16m in x_height and 2m in x_width.
Inside the tombs archaeologists found valuable relics from the Baekje Dynasty including earthenware, jewelry (a gilt-bronze hat, gold earrings, glass beads, etc.), harnesses and ironware. Given the shapes and the types of the pieces found, historians estimate that the tumuli were built in the 5th century. Since the gilt-bronze hat is similar in shape to those found in Japan, experts believe that there was an active exchange between the Baekje people and the people of Japan.
From Pungho-dong, follow Haengam-ro for four kilometers and cross the small mountain pass to reach Suchi Village and Suchi Beach. Nestled in the mountains facing the quiet sea, Suchi Village was once a small village with only a few inhabitants. In recent years, the city has grown dramatically and draws a steady stream of visitors who come for the hoe (sliced raw fish), a local specialty served fresh all year round.The town and its main beach boast a variety of amenities including hoe restaurants, accommodations, and parking lots. Happo, the nearest town, also offers plenty to see and do and surrounds visitors with forests and other natural wonders. Happo is famous as the site where Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (1545-1598) achieved many victories against the Japanese navy during the Imjin Waeran War (1592-1598).
Sail Spa Land is uniquely located at the top of a mountain. Sail Spa Land offers top-ranking hot spring water, and also has a whirlpool-equipped hotel-style family pool, the first of its kind in Korea, and an open-air bath about 330 square meters that is directly connected to a public bath.
Located on the Taean Coast, Yeonpo Beach has been a desired vacation spot since 1972. The long stretch of curved sandy beach provides magnificent scenery. It is famous as the beach with the longest period of seasonal operation in the country thanks to its relatively high water temperature resulting from the warm currents. The pine groves and oddly shaped rocks along the coastline make for a fine view.
Located on the foot of Mt. Dongrisan, Taeansa Temple was built by three monks during the reign of the Silla King, Gyeongdeok (742). Afterwards, monk Hyecheol constructed a large temple with 132 rooms during Koryeo Taejo’s reign, which was established as a central seminary of the Mt. Dongrisan area. In the precincts there are four treasures, including Hyecheolguksa Sari Pagoda (national treasure no. 273), Gwangjaseonsa Pagoda (national treasure 274) and Neungpagak (regional tangible asset no. 82) which are worth seeing. However, it was badly damaged during the Korean War and had been refurbished since then. An invigorating valley and a shady nook can be reached just 1.8km from the entrance of the temple. It is a popular trail during the fall, with its bright maple leaves.
Samtan Art Mine, an art complex transformed from an abandoned mine!
“Samtan” refers to Samcheok Tanjwa, which was a major coal mine in Korea, and today the name “Art Mine” derived from the term ”coal mine”. Opened in 1965, the coal mine once flourished as the mecca of the industrial age but later declined and was closed in October 2001. Today, both the dynamic and poignant history of the mine are still reflected in the art space.
Samtan Art Mine exhibits over 100,000 art works collected from 150 countries from around the world. The art complex also runs artist sponsorship programs. The harmony between the art installations and the interior, which still maintains elements of the former coal mine, creates a unique atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere. With lots to see and the availability of many special programs, Samtan Art Mine is an unique experience and great photo spot for tourists.