Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

The Park of Geojedo, P.O.W Camp was built to hold prisoners during the Korean War. Out of a total of 170,000 prisoners of war, 20,000 were from China and 150,000 were from North Korea. The camp was closed upon the signing of the 1953 armistice which ended the war. Remains of the war, such as tanks, trucks and other relics are on exhibit here. The camp was turned into a park in 1997 to ensure that the Korean War is not a forgotten war. It takes approximately one hour to walk the park grounds.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

The Gimhae Hanok Experience Hall was built by Gimhae City as part of a project to restore and preserve the structures and culture of Gaya, an ancient kingdom that flourished in the Gimhae area more than a thousand years ago. Operation of the Gimhae Hanok Experience Hall has been entrusted to the Gimhae Culture Foundation.The original plan was to reproduce an enormous eight-building traditional house complete with 99 rooms, which was a symbol of wealth and authority for the nobility of the Joseon Dynasty. However, due to extenuating circumstances, one building could not be built. As a result, the facility is comprised of seven completed buildings housing 85 rooms, including the sarangchae (men’s quarters), anchae (women’s quarters), byeolchae (out-building), araechae (outer-wing building), bakkatchae (outbuilding), haengnangchae (servants’ quarters), and sadang (shrine).The Gimhae Hanok Experience Hall is the pride of Gimhae. On the outside it is a historical recreation of Joseon noble’s house, but on the inside is equipped with modern convenience facilities. Packed with traditional Korean culture and hands-on activities, the hall provides visitors a true immersion into Korea’s proud past.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival originates from the lantern lighting custom used during the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592) as a military strategy to prevent Japanese troops from wading the Namgang River. The highlights of the festival are the floating of lanterns carrying personal wishes of the citizens along the Namgang River, and the parade of lanterns created by the students themselves. In addition, the festival features gaejesik (lighting of lanterns in remembrance of the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle veterans), an exhibition of the world’s traditional lanterns, and many more participatory cultural programs.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Located on the southern part of Jirisan Mountain, Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwaeomsa Temple are among the most popular temples in the Jirisan area. Constructed by Sambeob who was a disciple of Euisang in the 23rd year of King Seongdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, it was called Okcheonsa Temple at first. Then, the Buddhist Monk, Jingam changed its name to Ssanggyesa Temple after having seeded around the temple with tea from China. The temple was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion, Imjinwaeran (1592-1598) and later rebuilt.The best time to visit this area is spring, as the 6km path from Hwagye market place to Ssanggyesa Temple is filled with blooming 600-year-old cherry blossom trees. With the myth that lovers who walk together along the cherry blossom tree path, it is also called Hollaegil (wedding path). A 40-50 minute walk along the tree-lined path leads to Ssanggyesa Temple.Across the bridge in front of the ticket office, there are two rocks engraved with the words “ssanggye” and “seokmun” each. It is said that the eminent scholar Choi Chiwon of the Silla Era had engraved the words with a cane. In the middle of the temple, one of the foremost Korean epigraphs “Jingamseonsa-daegongtabbi” is situated in front of the main building Daeunggeun. This was also written by Choi Chiwon. To the east you can find the Ssanggyesa Ma-aebul, a unique image of Buddha engraved in a hollowed out section of rock.In addition, Palyeongru is the cradle of Korean style Beompae (Buddhist music), which was initiated by the Priest Jimgam (774-850) who studied the Buddhist music in China. As Jingam composed the piece Eosan (fish mountain) by watching the fish of Seomjingang River with Paleumryul (eight tones and rhythms), this place is named Palyeongru.During the third year of King Heugdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, Kim Daeryeom visited China and brought seeds for tea trees. By royal order, he planted the seeds around Ssanggyesa Temple and this area became the first place to cultivate tea.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

The Lotte Premium Outlets Gimhae Branch (opened in December 2008), offers domestic and international brand name clothing, fashion accessories, and more, at lower prices than the average department store. The outlet is stocked with 20 luxury brand names including Burberry and S.T. Dupont, as well as 110 famous Korean brands. It also comes complete with various convenience facilities and a large food court, allowing shoppers to spend the day in comfort as they hunt for bargains.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

Bugok Hot Springs, located at the foot of Deokamsan Mountain, was designated as a national tourist resort in 1977. It is one of the best hot springs in South Korea, appointed as Special Tourist Complex in January 1997. ‘Bugok’ was named according to the iron pot shape of the land. The temperature of the water is 78°c, high enough to softly boil an egg. As a representative sulfur hot spring, the spa is good for those who have difficulties with breathing, neuralgia, rheumatism, skin disease, chilblains, bruises, prickly heat and leucorrhoea. Other than sulfur, the water also contains over 20 kinds of inorganic matters such as silicon, chlorine, calcium and iron. As a multi-complex resort, Bugok Hot Spring Tourist Special Complex covers various facilities other than the large spa, such as the grand performance hall, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, zoo, botanical garden, five tourist hotels, 23 accommodation and 21 shopping centers. It is a suitable place for short family trips where you can relax your tired body at the hot spring, and rest at the accommodation and recreation facilities in the complex. There is a footprint of a herbivorous dinosaur in front of the Ilsung Condominium and eggs boiled in the hot spring water are served in the Bugok Tourist Hotel. Also, there are facilities for adolescents, which are frequently used for training and seminars. The Bugok Hot Spring Festival is held in every October to promote the Bugok Hot Springs.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

A world-class cherry blossom festival is held annually at the beautiful naval port city of Jinhae. The Gunhangje Festival offers a plethora of events and activities, including a special event on the eve of the festival, Paldo Pungmul Market, art and culture performances, and more at Jungmun Rotary. At Bugwon Rotary, with the commemoration of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, visitors can place a wreath on his statue and also watch a victory parade and a ceremony to honor his spirit. As Jinhae is known for its naval port, festival-goers can also enjoy military music and performances at the Jinhae Military Band & Honor Guard Festival, which takes place at the same time. The festival provides a one-of-a-kind chance to see the powerful and polished military band marching show in full dress. The Republic of Korea Naval Academy and the Command of Naval Base in Jinhae are generally not open to the general public. However, they open their doors during the Gunhangje festival and these places will be filled with festival-goers, turning the place into a museum and an exhibition center, displaying the Turtle Ship, Navy vessels, and photographs. Gunhangje will also host hands-on activities from trying on a naval uniform to cruise riding and more. With 100 years of flowering cherry blossom trees scattered around the naval base, the base will display a special appearance to the public. In April, the streets of Jinhae city are strewn with cherry blossoms. A beautiful flower tunnel should not be missed when the flowers are in full bloom. The petals fluttering and falling in the wind create a breathtaking scene. One of the top attractions during the festival is the 800 meter section of flowers on the railroad by Gyeonghwa Station, and the 1.5 kilometer flower streams where visitors can take in the beautiful spring flowers. Anmingogae Road makes for a great drive to enjoy the full bloom. From the top of Jehwangsan Mountain Park, you can see the whole of the city, which is centered around a roundabout at Jungwon Rotary. Jinhae Gunhangje Festival is a great place to create some special memories among the cherry blossoms and historic buildings of this modern and elegant city.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple was built in 802 AD and is regarded as one of Korea’s three major Buddhist temples along with Tongdosa and Songwangsa. Of the numerous temple halls, most were built in the modern era, with only Janggyeongpanjeon Hall from the early Joseon Dynasty remaining in its original state. However, the temple holds great significance not only for its structure, but also for the treasure it holds inside.Janggyeongpanjeon is a wooden building housing the 13th-century Goryeo Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana), a priceless world treasure. The Tripitaka Koreana is a large set (thousands and thousands) of wood blocks that were specially treated to prevent aging and inscribed with the Buddhist canon. It is the oldest and most complete version of the Buddhist canon and is one of the most cherished Buddhist doctrinal collections in the world.Janggyeongpanjeon is comprised of two buildings Sudarajeon to the south and Beopbojeon to the north. Unadorned by decorations or paintings, the buildings carry out the sole function of storing the Tripitaka Koreana wooden tablets. The building has been praised by scientists for its effective air circulation, resistance to moisture, and temperature control – all of which have enabled the Tripitaka Koreana to survive throughout the years. Although the exact date of Janggyeongpanjeon’s construction is still unknown, the hall was built under the order of King Sejo in 1488. It has never suffered the effects of fire or war.In recognition of its architectural beauty and its extraordinary scientific preservation of the world’s only Tripitaka, Janggyeongpanjeon of Haeinsa Temple was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1995.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

Bongha Village is located 4.5km to the east of Jinyeong-eup, on the foot-slopes of Bonghwasan mountain. It is a typical farming village, and its major produce is Jinyeong sweet persimmons and rice. Its name comes from the mound above it on Bonghwasan mountain, where in the past beacons were lit as a method of communication. Bonghwasan mountain is home to Bonghwasa temple and two famous valleys: Doduk (thief) valley on the east side, named because of the many thieves that used to operate in the area, and Yasi (fox) valley on the west side, which looks like a fox lying on its front, looking back at its tail.Birthplace of the former President of Korea, Roh Moo-hyunThe birthplace of the former President of Korea, Roh Moo-hyun, is a brick house with a slate roof that consists of two small rooms and a kitchen. Although it is a shabby house, everything in it seems rare and precious to visitors. The earth, stones, and water, as well as household items, are popular with visitors. Some visitors even take stones and soil from the garden home with them in plastic bags, and some take water, believing that water from the ex-president’s birthplace is almost sacred.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Jinjuseong Fortress, which is historically linked to the Japanese invasion in 1592, was originally named Geoyeolseong Fortress during the Three Kingdom Period, later renamed as Chokseokseong Fortress in the Goryeo Dynasty and finally settled as Jinjuseong Fortress in the Joseon Dynasty. The reinforced stonewall has a circumference of approximately 1,760m, 5m-8m in x_height and contains three wells and springs. According to Ha Ryun’s Seongmungi in Donggukyeojiseungnam Record, the castle had been frequently destroyed by the Japanese invasion and was later reinforced by Jinju’s minister, Kim Jung-gwang during the fifth year of Goryeo Woo King’s reign (1379). During this period, the circumference was 800 bo(pace), with Uijeongmun Gate to the east, Jijemun Gate to the north, and Yehwamun Gate to the south. Outside the castle, Cheongcheon River flows in the west and Namgang River in the south and a pond lies between the castle and the trench dug during the war times. As a fortress to safeguard from the Japanese attacks, it blocked the Japanese from advancing toward Honam during the 25th year of Joseon Seonjo King’s reign (1592). Within the temple lies Chokseoknu, Kim Shi-min Memorial, Uigisa Shrine, Seojangdae, Bukjangdae, Changyeolsa shrine, Jinju National Museum, Hoguksa Temple, and an outdoor stage.