Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

The Korean Naval Academy Museum was opened on January 17, 1976, on the 30th anniversary of the Korean Naval Academy. When it first opened, the museum consisted of only a small exhibition room, but later saw the addition of a life-sized, ironclad Geobukseon (turtle ship) on January 31, 1980. On February 23, 1981, an independent museum building was opened at the site and on April 28, 1990, the museum was expanded to its current size.The museum (2,622 square meters in total area) is housed in two separate buildings (a two-storey building and a three-storey building) and boasts three exhibition halls (Yi Chungmugong Hall, Navy Hall, and Naval Academy Hall). The Yi Chungmugong Hall has on display 212 materials relating to the life of the famous Korean navel leader General Yi. At the Navy Hall, the history of Korea’s Navy is on display. The history of the naval academy itself is celebrated at the Navy Academy Hall through the presentation of 315 artifacts. In the outdoor exhibition area, visitors are met by a life-sized turtle ship, cannons, and old anchors from the Joseon Era, as well as an S2 anti-submarine plane and an amphibious armored car used during the Korean War.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Changwon Cyclodrome is Korea’s first cyclodrome to open in all weather conditions. There are generally three types of cycle races: Belodrome races; road races; and MTB. Ever since the Sydney Olympics, bicycle racing was designated as a formal event of the Olympics, included in the track event. It is a scientific leisure sport applying the contestant’s physical and mental conditions. There are seven contestants, racing each other for a total of six rounds.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)


Gyeongsangnam-do(Goseong-gun)

The breathtaking view of the South Coast can be seen at a glance from Sangjogam County Park. The glittery surface and towering cliffs create a spectacular backdrop. Clear footprints of dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era remain extending over the coast around Sangjogam, and thus the area was designated Goseong-gun Gosi No. 20. on November 10, 1983. The beach in front of the youth center contains shingles worn down by the tide and a precipitous wall of stratified rocks can be seen beyond the wide bedrock of dinosaur footprints. The rocks are named after the table leg-shaped stone caves such as “Ssangjok” or “Ssangbal”. Many oddly shaped rocks inside the caves have their own folktales. According to one tale, fairies from heaven came down to the Sangjokgul Cave to weave clothes out of brocade for the King of Heaven, and bathed in the Seonnyoetang. The shape of a loom and a puddle still exist. Nearby the cave, Chotdaebawi and Byeongpungbawi rocks create scenery beyond description and leisure cruise boats toss up gentle sea waves. Naturally, the park continuously attracts numerous tourists in all seasons. Also, many are drawn to the mysterious dinosaur footprint fossils at Sangjogam. The site is recognized as one of three major dinosaurs sites in the world, along with those in Brazil and Canada. The footprints belong to dinosaurs familiarized by the popular movie, ‘Jurassic Park’, such as Brontosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Allosaurus and Naranosaurus. It has been designated natural monument No. 411, as dinosaur footprints are valuable resources in discovering the uncovered mysteries of life before the appearance of mankind.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

Daraengi Village in Namhae is famous for terraced rice paddies on a steep hill on the outskirts of Mt. Seolheul reaching almost 500 meters. The rice paddies with 108 steps (consisting of stones and soil) are very picturesque and great for taking photographs. Located in the south, the village is balmy in winter, and spring greens (such as mugwort and spinach) sprout before any other place in Korea. Environment-friendly agriculture flourishes because the sea breeze prevents insect pests.This land of friendly people and fertile soil is home to Daraengi Rice Paddy Festival every spring. The festival offers a slew of interesting programs allowing visitors to experience traditional farming and learn cultural and natural heritage in Daraengi Village: Harrowing a Field, Straw Rope Ssireum (Korean Wrestling), Rice Planting, Running on Rice Paddies, Carrying a Wooden Carrier, and colorful performance events.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

The tumuli in Daeseong-dong, located to the east of the royal tomb of Kim Su-ro, reflect the formation and development of the Gaya Era. The Daeseong-dong Tumuli are located in the center of the shell mounds of Hoehyeon-ri, setting of the founding of the Gaya Kingdom (according to local legend). The tumuli relics were excavated by researchers from the Kyungsung University Museum from 1990 to 1992 and were found to be the common burial ground of the dominant class of the Gaya Kingdom. On the hilltops, which were viewed as prime burial places, are the tombs of kings and rulers; on the slopes are the tombs of the lower classes. Historical Significance of Daeseong-dong Tumuli A total of 136 tumuli were found in the Daesong-dong area. Further investigation of the tumuli revealed several important and interesting facts. First, from the end of the third century, men and horses were buried alive along with the dead. Also, weapons were bent and buried as well, with many of these artifacts being unearthed among the tumuli. Other materials found in the tumuli such as cylindrical bronze items, pinwheel-shaped bronze items, and jasper items showed that Gaya was involved in trade with Japan. The Daeseong-dong Tumuli is significant in that it gives a glimpse into the political and social structure of the Gaya Kingdom, and the cultural exchange between Korea, China, and Japan.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Hadong is famous for being the first tea plantation site in Korea. Unlike other tea production sites, which typically use machines for processing, Hadong continues to produce tea using time-honored traditional methods. As a result, it produces particularly high-grade teas, which are often sold at high prices.During the festival, visitors can sample a variety of Hadong’s tea for free and purchase their favorites at bargain prices. The festival offers visitors a unique and entertaining combination of events and hands-on experiences, drawing a large number of visitors every year.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Tongdo Fantasia (통도 환타지아) is located in Yangsan, Gyeongsangnam-do Province, which shares borders with Milyang, Ulsan and Busan. This makes the amusement park very accessible by any means of transportation. Tongdo Fantasia operates Tongdo Country Club as well, and nearby Tongdosa Temple (통도사) is also available for visitors who want to look around the local historic sites. The amusement park, the biggest theme park in Gyeongsangnam-do Province sitting at the foot of Mt. Yeongchwisan (영취산), has over 30 amusement facilities, a large-scale swimming pool, a natural lake, a plaza available for holding various events and a large-scale outdoor theatre, all offering various activities and events.