Gasansanseong Fortress (가산산성) in Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do is located in the middle of Chilgok-gun, between Daegu Metropolitan City and Gumi. Mt. Gasan (901m in elevation) is 10km west of Mt. Palgongsan. Because it boasts seven peaks, the mountain was called, ‘Chilbongsan.’ After enduring large wars including the Imjinwaeran (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592) and the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636), the Joseon rulers built a fortress over the course of 100 years in the mid Joseon period to aid in Korea’s defense. It is Korea’s only three-layered fortress, consisting of inner, outer and central walls. The flat Gasanbawi Rock (가산바위) at the mountain’s peak, which is large enough to accommodate 100 people at a time, offers a great view of Daegu Metropolitan City.
* Structure – Stone fortress encircling a valley, strategic fortress
* Size and date
- Inner wall: 4.0km (17-18th (1640) and 26th (1648) year of King Injo’s reign)
- Outer wall: 3.0km (26-27th (1701) year of King Sukjong’s reign)
- Central wall: 0.6km (17th (1741) year of King Yeongjo’s reign)
At the x_height of 63 meters on top of Hwajeongsan Mountain (alt. 203 meters), Ulsandaegyo Observatory has a breathtaking view of city's three major industy as well as a panoramic view of the city. The view from both day and night are amazing to see, making vistors go more than once. Within the observatory there are local specialty gift shop, cafe and more for visitors to see and enjoy.
The tomb of the King Wonseong, 38th king of the Silla Kingdom (785-798) in Oedong-eup, Wolseong-gun, Gyeongju is Historic Site No. 26. The tomb is 21.9m in diameter and 7.7m high and is encircled by a stone fence decorated with twelve oriental zodiac images. The area is also home to a number of stone monuments that stand facing each other: Hwapyoseok (marking the border of the tomb), Muninseok (civil servant statue), Muinseok (military officer image statue) and Dolsaja (a stone lion that protects the tomb). Muinseok in particular is a favorite among visitors because of its exotic appearance. The statue is sometimes compared to a strong and charismatic person of Arabic or Persian descendant, much like the merchants who came to Silla in ancient times.
Gwaereung is styled after tombs of the Tang dynasty, but still retains all the characteristics typical of Silla tombs; namely, the stones around the tomb, the 12 oriental zodiac figures, the protective walls, and the decorative stonework.
The Silsangsa Temple was constructed by monk Jeunggak, as one of nine special temples in the year 828. The temple was established because of the theory of divination, based on topology. The belief held that Korea’s good spirit would be taken away to Japan, bringing bad luck if the temple was not constructed on this particular location. The temple was reconstructed in the 26th year of Joseon Sukjong’s reign (1700) after it was completely destroyed by the Japanese invasion in 1597. However, it was almost burnt down in the 19th year of King Gojong’s reign (1882).
It is presently preserved just as it belonged to the Unified Silla Kingdom, with its three-story pagoda and its 11 treasures with a total of 17 cultural assets. The entrance of the temple lies in the middle of a rice field and the temple has a pastoral view, surrounded by trees. From the entrance, you can cross the half-moon shaped stone bridge, and just beyond that a remarkable totem pole.
Yongamsa Temple is a branch of the Beopjusa temple. It was built during the Silla period. Unlike the more common temple arrangements, the stone pagoda in Yongamsa is uniquely situated on a low peak in the north with a view on all sides. The twin three-story stone pagodas, which are designated Treasure no. 1338, can be found here, as well as the Baaebulsang Buddha statue, and the Mokjoamitayeoraejwasang seated Buddha in Daeseongjeon Hall.
Nadeul-gil means a leisurely outing (nadeuri) road. Comprised of 19 courses in total, the Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail offers a variety of historical assets and cultural sites to see. Each Nadeul-gil course connects Ganghwa Fortress outposts that are located every 1.3 km on high ground along the walking paths.
The trails are on the island of Ganghwa which holds many Goryeo Dynasty remains that are important to Korean history. Fortresses that stood against Mongolian invasions are still standing and many of the Goryeo Kingdom’s palaces and royal tomb sites are also found in Ganghwa region.
Exploring the major cultural heritage sites dispersed throughout the town can be just as fun as exploring Ganghwa’s natural beauty. The sunset on the Seohae (West coast), expansive open mud flats, views from Marisan and Goryeosan Mountains and the peaceful farming villages are just a handful of the sights along this walking trail.
The establishment of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil’s begins with the ancient scholar Go Jae-hyeong (pen name Hwanam), who left his hometown Ganghwa on a spring day in 1906 when the peach trees were in full bloom. He walked through more than 100 villages around the whole island. Back home, he composed poems about his journey and published them under the title of “Simdo Gihaeng (Simdo Travels),” Simdo being another name for Ganghwa. During his travels, he sang songs of his home Ganghwa.
Thanks to his work, people can now follow in the footsteps of Hwanam and his appreciation of the beautiful scenery and great people of Ganghwa Island.
Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs opened on June 1, 1998. Its Grand Hot Springs Bath is capable of accommodating almost 2,000 people at once. The Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs has several facilities such as accommodations, convenience stores, a Korean restaurant, and more. Chilgok Dogae Hot Springs uses alkali sulfur spa water that contains 12.3mg of sulfur, 0.01mg germanium, 30.6mg sodium, 3.11mg chlorine, and 3.09mg fluorine and the water is around 35℃. Prior to first use, the water does not undergo any filtering so that it maintains all its natural benefits.
There are several tourism attractions near the hot springs like the Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest, Dabudong War Memorial Museum, and Waegwan War Memorial Museum.
Mangyeongdae Pavilion (만경대), located on the shore of the East Coast, one-kilometer east of Donghae City Hall, was built in 1613 while old Joseon was under the rule of King Gwanghaegun. However, the pavilion was destroyed by rainstorms and later rebuilt by the Samcheok Kim family some 60 years ago. While offering a spectacular view of sea to the east, the pavilion also offers a refreshing view of expansive pine forests to the north. If you look to the west, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Mt Duta beyond the pavilion’s back lawn as well as the Jeoncheon Stream flowing into the East Sea alongside a steep cliff-wall. As only Jukseoru Pavilion of Samcheok matched its view, poets of former times are said to have frequented Mangyeongdae Pavilion.
Opened in 2004, the Hangang River Eco Learning Center is situated on the Namhangang Riverside. The site used to be a sandpit before it was turned into a wetland. Effluent from wastewater treatment plants, which in the past was released directly into the Hangang River, now passes through several ponds with various aquatic plants and a one kilometer-long waterway so that it can be naturally purified. This has contributed to an improvement in the water quality of the Hangang River. The learning center was built to restore the Namhangang Riverside area, which was destroyed due to sand extraction, and to restore its natural ecology of willow trees, reeds, and birds. The center organizes a number of ecological excursion programs for children.
Najeong Beach is situated on the shores of the East Sea. The beach offers many facilities as well as a seawater hot spring. The parking lot and pine tree forest by the hot spring are open to the public. Various water sports are also available in the area.
English
日本語
简体中文
繁體台灣
繁體香港