Eocheongdo Island is a small island with a rich variety of sources for unique discoveries. Located about 70㎞ west of Gunsan (an international trading port in Korea's Jeollakbuk-do), Eocheongdo Island is a strategic stopover port for vessels plying the West Sea between the southern coast of Korea and Seoul's main port of Incheon. With its perfectly shaped harbor and historic lighthouse that stands as the western most light for vessels in this area, the island offers good protection from high seas and storms during the long journey. Located about 300㎞ east of mainland China, Eocheongdo Island is also an important stopover site for migratory birds between the two land masses. The island, in this sense, has become an esoteric place for bird watchers from all over the world to spot numerous species that inhabit the island.
Situated in Buk-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do, Gapyeong Hyunam Agricultual Heritage Museum was established by Gyeonggi-do Gapyeong Office of Education. It is situated inside of Gapyeongbuk Middle School, making it easy to visit for anyone to learn forebearers’ wisdom and spirit as well as the development of traditional culture. It mainly displays framing relics and is comprised of five halls; Yeonchulgwan (연출관) displays 57 pieces of folk materials to observe scenes from daily life back in the time by showing old houses, Minsokgwan (민속관) houses 350 pieces of house-keeping tools, Batgaligwan (밭갈이관) gives a look at how the types of farming machines differed according to region, Chusugwan (추수관) presents 104 different harvest tools and Gagonggwan (가공관) exhibits 255 folk goods to process grains.
Gyeokpo Port is one of the “100 most beautiful fishing villages in Korea” as designated by the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries. The port is the hub of maritime transportation connecting islands to the mainland. The port is also famous for the magnificent sunsets viewed from this spot.
The area is known for a wide range of marine products which are obtained from the clean waters of the West Sea. During octopus season in spring and gizzard shad season in autumn, the area is crowded with gourmets and tourists from across the nation. There are also many local delicacy restaurants specializing in seafood dishes using octopus, cuttlefish, blue crab and manila clam.
Diveland is located in the pure waters off the southern coast of Jeju Island. Visitors can enjoy a variety of dive points, including the popular area around Munseom Island.
Oryukdo is a rocky island near Seungdumal, Bugan in Busan Bay. Originally designated Busan Metropolitan City Monument No. 22 in 1972, the island was upgraded to National Cultural Heritage Scenic Spot No. 24 on October, 2007 and is now one of the main tourist attractions of Busan. Depending on the tides, Oryukdo (“O” meaning “5”, “Yuk” meaning “6”) sometimes looks as if it is made of five or six islets.
Several decades after the Busanhang Port opened (1876), a lighthouse was built (November 1937) in Batseom Island of Oryukdo to guide ships traveling to and from the island. Initially only 6.2 meters high, the lighthouse underwent renovations (completed in December 1998) and now stands tall at 27.5 meters. The lighthouse is home to an exhibition room showing photos of major lighthouses in Korea and boasts a stunning view of Busanhang Port as well as an unforgettable nightscape.
Balios Country Club Balan is an all-weather golf course set against the backdrop of the west coast’s magnificent natural landscape. It is the first and only golf club in the southwestern region of Seoul. The golf course was created with minimal damage to the environment, so that golf players may appreciate nature’s beauty during the games. Behind the Club, along the West Coast Highway, lie such big cities as Incheon, Ilsan and Suwon. Nearby attractions include Wolmun Hot Spring, Hwaseong Hot Spring, Yongjusa Temple, Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs, Jeam-ri Historic Site, Asanman Bay and Namyangman Bay. The area is growing into a tourist complex offering numerous leisure activities.
Goransa Ferry is the best way to view Nakhwaam Rock and to understand the history of the Baekje Dynasty. The ferry passes various historical sites while floating atop the still waters of Baengmagang River.
Musangsa Temple (est. March 2000) is an international Zen Temple created by Monk Sungsan exclusively for foreigners. The temple aims at promoting Korean Zen Buddhism among foreign monks and nuns while encouraging non-Buddhist priests and religious leaders to experience Zen. Located at the foot of Gyeryong Mountain, the temple is surrounded by a forest of pine trees, giving visiting Zen practitioners a chance to experience the genuine natural beauty of Korea. To date, over 600 foreigners from 30 different countries have visited the temple to learn more about Zen meditation.
Twice a year (once in the summer and once in the winter) a 3-month program is held for foreign monks and nuns to come and practice Ganhwaseon, a type of Zen Buddhism. Travelers and other foreigners are also welcome to participate in shortened versions of the program, which are typically one week in length. During meditation/program periods, public visits are limited.
Buddhist services are held every week. Services presided over by monk Musim are open to the general public and are held in English.
Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone, which covers Naejangsan Mountain, Baegamsan Mountain and Ibamsan Mountain, is known for the most beautiful fall scenery in Korea. In the autumn, the zone is aflame with autumnal tints. Naejangsan Mountain has been referred to as “Geumgang of Honam” since the Joseon Dynasty.
Naejangsan Mountain is about 11 km away from downtown Jeongeup, and its name means 'many secrets in the mountains'. The highest peak of Naejangsan Mountain is Sinseonbong Peak, which is 763 m above sea level. The 9 peaks of the mountain stand in a circle, similar to the shape of a horse’s hoof. As one of the 8 scenic views of the nation, it boasts grand scenery. Geumseon Valley, which embraces Geumseon Falls, Dodeok Falls and Baegam Valley, is also famous.
Since there are more than 10 trekking courses, hikers can choose a course after taking their physical stamina or personal preference into consideration. The length of each course varies from 1.5 km to 14 km. For those who are not able to trek long distances, walking the 3.6 km-long nature trail that leads to the flatland is a good option. Visitors can reach the observation platform easily by riding a cable car from the ticket office.
The number of tourists has been steadily increasing since the KTX train began to stop at Jeongeup Station. When the autumn colors are at its peak in particular, taking the KTX makes the trip to Naejangsan Mountain much easier for travelers, and prevents traffic
jams. The Donghak Peasants Revolution Commemoration is held in May and the Naejangsan Fall Foliage Festival takes place in October.
* Current State of Jeongeup & Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Naejang Districts (Naejang and Ssangam-dong) and Yongsan Districts (Yongsan and Sinjeong-dong), Jeongeuop-si, Jeollabuk-do
2) Area: 3,448,365㎡
* Tourist Attractions
Naejangsan National Park, Okjeongho Lake, Jeongeupsa Park, Jeongeupcheon Stream, Chungyeolsa Shrine, Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Hall, etc.
Gyeyangsan Mountain, which reaches an altitude of 395m, is considered a guardian
and holy mountain that is representative of Incheon. The mountain’s name changed
several times, according to the name changes of the region. It was previously
called "Sujuak" as part of the Suju-Dohobu administrative region of
the Goryeo Dynasty, "Annamsan Mountain" during Annam-Dohobu, and finally
was renamed "Gyeyangsan Mountain" during Gyeyang-Dohobu.Gyeyangsan’s
name originates from the area that is home to the Korean box tree, which produces
cassia bark used to make cinnamon. Gyeyang Park was designated as Incheon’s
first urban natural park on January 8, 1944, and since then, the mountain has
gone on to become the city’s top municipal park.