Nestled at the edge of Chiaksan Mountain’s (alt. 1,182m) Namdaebong Peak, Sangwonsa Temple was built on an area spanning over 100 pyeong (330.59㎡). Cool spring water gushes up through the crevice directly in front of the temple, and just before the crevice is a 40-meter high cliff at the end of which stand three rare specimens of cinnamon trees.
Although the exact time of its foundation is unknown, it is assumed to have been built during the Silla Period. Designated as Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 25, the temple has two pagodas standing in front of Daeungjeon Hall, displaying the typical style that was popular in the Unified Silla Period, and hinting at the flourishing Buddhist culture of that time. As the temple is located on high land, it commands a sweeping view of the southern part of Chiaksan Mountain.
* Historical Site of Sangwonsa Temple
Existing structures include Daeungjeon Hall (designated as Cultural Heritage Material No. 18 on June 2, 1984) and others including Simudang, Simgeomdang, Beomjonggak, Sansingak, etc. The two pagodas in front of Daeungjeon became popular throughout the nation after the unification of the Three Kingdoms. The tips of these pagodas are rounded with a lotus bud carved on each one, making these pagodas extremely unique.
Bangadari Mineral Spring is a crisp and healthy water source located in the woods off the Yeongdong Highway. The mineral spring contains over 30 kinds of healthy minerals including carbonic acid and iron, which are known to be especially effective in treating stomach disorders, anemia, and neuralgia. The 1-kilomter long path leading from the entrance to the mineral spring site is great for taking a stroll as it is surrounded by fir trees.
The Great Monk Wonhyo (617-686) once acclaimed that four days was not enough to appreciate the beauty of Daedunsan Mountain in full. The mountain is divided into three areas Geumsan, Nonsan, and Wanju and each has distinct characteristics and charms. The Geumsan area is home to a battlefield from the Imjin Waeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598) and the historic Taegosa Temple. The Nonsan area is noted for its scenic forests, valleys, and brooks, while the Wanju area is defined by grandiose rock peaks. Daedunsan is especially beautiful in the fall when its rock peaks are surrounded by the autumnal tints of turning leaves.
This gray heron habitat is located behind the Nogok Village in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. The Migratory birds roost on a 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree from March to October. In November, they fly back to their southern homes, such as Taiwan. Gray herons have migrated to this area for hundreds of years and the villagers from Nogok began tending to them roughly 100 years ago.
Jungmisan Recreational Forest (중미산자연휴양림) unfolds at the end of a lovely drive along the famous Nongdachi-gogaegil road (the highest ridge road in the vicinity of Seoul). The forest boasts a striking landscape of thick groves of trees and a view overlooking Namhangang River. Some mornings, the forest’s log cabins are veiled by a thick fog, further adding to the beautiful natural ambience.
Rising 834 meters above sea level, Jungmisan Mountain is a popular sunrise destination frequented by throngs of hikers every year. Thick forests of pine trees create a rooftop of branches from spring to fall. Being surrounded by tall mountains of Baegunsan, Yumyeongsan, and Yongmunsan, Mount Jungmisan feels like it is in the inner mountainous region of Gangwon-do, although it is close to Seoul.
The forest has log cabins that can accommodate groups of 4, 7, or 16 people as well as campsites that seem to complement the surrounding natural environment. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable walk through the trees on a trail that winds through the heart of the forest.
The recreational forest is located in Yangpyeong County, which is known as an environmentally-friendly town of suburban residences, vacation homes and inns. Nearby tourist attractions include the Mount Jungmisan Astronomical Observatory, Wild Flower Botanical Garden, the birth house of Lee Hang-ro, and Yongmunsa Temple.
Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park (한려해상국립공원) is a national sea park that encompasses the most beautiful stretch of Korea’s south coast, covering parts of Sacheon, Geoje, Tongyeong, Hadong and Namhae of Gyeongnam Province and Yeosu of Jeonnam Province. Its 510,323㎢-wide area covers Dadohae Islets, Bijindo Island and Haegeumgang. The Donam Complex in Tongyeong is being continually developed as a world-class marine tourist attraction.
The sea-view of the Namehae section of Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park is particularly breathtaking. Here visitors will be captivated by the view of Sejondo Island, the Pipe Organ Valley and Ssangyonggul Cave.
Sangju Beach, at two kilometer-long and 150 meter-wide, is the biggest beach on the south coast and is covered with silver-white sand. The pine forest carpeting the surrounding environment also offers visitors a refreshing atmosphere.
Located nearby is 681-meter-high Mt. Geumsan, making the beach a place where vacationers can appreciate both the sea and the mountain at the same time. Other attractions available in this area are the 38 Attractions of Mt. Geumsan, and Irak Shrine (Historic Site No.232) and Chungryeol Shrine (Historic Site No.233) dedicated to the great Admiral Sunsin Yi.
Naewonsa Valley is just below Naewonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain. The valley is surrounded by Jeongsoksan Mountain to the northeast, Wonjeoksan Mountain to the south, and Cheonseongsan Mountain to the southeast. The water running through the numerous valleys between these mountains has formed streams like Yongyeoncheon and Sangricheon from Naewonsa Valley which are the source of Yangsancheon Stream.
Naewonsa Valley was formerly Sogeumgang (little Geumgang), meaning that its beautiful scenery is comparable to that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also known as the “mystical valley” as crystal clear water flows all year round. The word “Sogeumgang” is distinctly engraved on one side of the cliff and large rocks stand in layers throughout the valley. Some of the rocks are called “byeongpung bawi,” literally meaning folding screen rocks, as they are stretched out much like folding screens.
The valley and the surrounding mountains are a popular summer vacation spot and a well-known hiking destination during the spring, fall, and winter. Muk (acorn jelly) made with acorns gathered from this area not only tastes great, but is also very healthy. Nearby attractions include Tongdosa Temple, Hongnyong Falls, Tongdo Fantasia, Tongdo Finest Country Club, and Haewoon Youth Training Institute.
*About Naewonsa Temple*
Located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain, Naewonsa Temple was is one of the 89 branch temples surrounding Daedunsa Temple, which was founded by the great monk Wonhyo (617-686) during the Silla Dynasty. Originally called Naewonsaji, the temple was burned down during the Korean War. It was rebuilt by a Buddhist nun named Suok in 1958 and it became known as the prayer center for the nation’s greatest Buddhist nuns.
※ Entrance into the upper region of Naewonsa Valley is restricted.
Bugak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion
exudes a tranquil, serene beauty regardless of the season. The pavilion, which sits on Bugaksan's 1,652,900m²
(500,000 pyeong) area at an altitude of 345m, was built in a traditional
Korean style to give a hint of history.
Site area: 6,883㎡ (2,085 pyeong)Building area (Palgakjeong Pavilion): 652㎡
(197 pyeong)
Built based upon the Cheontae Doctrine, Baengnyeonsa Temple (백련사) played an important role in promoting the restoration of Buddhism. Located east of Mandeoksan Mountain (만덕산), Baengnyeonsa Temple is famous for its camellia forest skirting the road to the temple. One of the two most beautiful camellia colonies in Korea, including camellias on Odong-do Island in Yeosu, this colony of camellias was designated as natural treasure No. 151. The camellias come into full bloom around the end of March.
Gangjin Bay, seen from Baengnyeonsa Temple, and the road that leads from the temple to Dasan Chodang are also famed for their scenic beauty.
Situated in Boryeong (Chungcheongnam-do), Boryeong Coal Museum focuses on the history of the coal industry and its importance. Its indoor and outdoor exhibition halls display a wide array of coal equipment employed to mine and carry coal. Visitors can also see a video depicting the coal mining process.
A reproduced mine is equipped with a tunnel (using the cold air from a closed mine) and decorated with photos on the wall of the tunnel. Reproducing the real process of coal mining, visitors may feel as if they are going up and down the mine, 400m underground. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (to 5 p.m. during the winter season); it is closed on Mondays.
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