Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Gyeongju was the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Silla. The city is often referred to as a “museum without walls” because of the many cultural relics scattered throughout the city. Almost everything in this city, from the streets to the mountains, is rich in history. Gyeongju has roughly 300 sites that have been designated as a cultural heritage, with some of them being UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites. The Gyeongju Special Tourist Zone includes the districts of Namsan, Wolseong, Daereungwon, Hwangryongsa and Sanseong. This area has a total of 52 cultural assets registered on the World Heritage list. Many of the hills are actually royal tombs and fields of grass used to be sites of ancient temples. The entire Namsan Mountain can almost be considered a cultural asset because of the many stone pagodas and Buddha statues that can be found here. The Bulguk district is home to many of Gyeongju’s most well-known attractions such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju Folk Village, Silla Arts and Science Museum, and Goereung. In the Bomun district, there are plenty of recreation facilities surrounding Bomunho Lake. Other attractions in the area include Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park, Gyeongju World and Silla Millennium Park. [Gyeongju Special Tourist Zone] Areas included: Downtown area, Bomun Lake Resort and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do Area size: 32,650,000㎡ Tourist Attractions: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Namsan Mountain, Bomunho Lake, Shilla Millennium Park, Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park, etc. Gyeongju Cultural Tourism Website: guide.gj.go.kr


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

The construction of this huge hot spring complex started in Yeongil Bay in 1988 after it was found out that the Yeongil Bay has the highest geothermal heat in Korea while drilling for oil in 1974. The water’s main ingredients contain healthy minerals such as calcium, natrium, fluorine, magnesium, chlorine, sulfuric acid, fluorine, zinc, germanium and radium. Yeongil Bay Hot Springs maintains its water with alkali bicarbonate at a pH of 9.43. The temperature of the water is somewhat low though at 35℃. The hot springs help to recover from fatigue, to help beauty care, anti-aging, neuralgia, heart disease, and liver functions. The water here also has a very unique texture.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

Yangjeondong Rock Art (discovered in 1971) is a rock painting 3 meters high and 5.5 meters wide that vividly depicts the life and religion of the Prehistoric Age. Rock art from the time period was created on rocks or other planes considered to be sacred and usually carried a message of fertility. The artwork of Yangjeondong shows layered circles (symbolizing the sun and the moon), crosses (depicting the “life zone” of the tribe), and 17 masks. The artwork is considered to have been used for ceremonial purposes or farming events.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Chilgok-gun)

The Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest is located at the foot of Gibansan Mountain (464.7m). The forest is filled with wild flora and fauna and is a habitat for many different wild animals like hare and roe deer. “House in the Forest,” the Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest’s accommodation for visitors, is made of all natural, eco-friendly materials such as red clay and logs. Within easy access from urban areas, it is the perfect weekend getaway for those who want a refreshing break in the woods.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Punggi Hot Spring is located 3 km away from the town of Punggi-eup. It is regarded as the top hot spring in Korea, and the water is 100% natural, containing minerals like alkali fluorine. The area around the hot spring offers trekking at Sobaeksan National Park and chances to learn about Confucianism and Buddhism while exploring Buseoksa Temple, Sosuseowon Confucian Academy, and Seonbichon Village. The water of Punggi Hot Spring contains minerals like sulfur, fluorine, and bicarbonate, which have health benefits such as relieving chronic arthritis, neuralgia, metal intoxication, arteriosclerosis, diabetes, bronchitis, and other ailments. * H₂content S: 1.725 ppm


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

The Homigot Lighthouse was built using bricks in a modern architectural style. This octagonal, six-story building is 26.4 meters high. The entrance and windows feature gable decorations, which is a popular Greek Revival style. The ceiling is dome-shaped and the octagonal plane gets wider towards the bottom. The light of the lighthouse can reach as far as 35 kilometers away. Because the building was built using bricks only and no reinforcing rods, it is recognized for its use of outstanding architectural technique. The ceiling on each floor is sculpted in the shape of pear blossoms, a symbol of the Joseon royalty. This adds to the lighthouse’s considerable value as a cultural asset. Next to the lighthouse is the National Lighthouse Museum.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort, which sits gently at the foot of the Sobaeksan Mountain, has a wide variety of facilities and amenities, and of course, a great view. The resort has an outdoor spa, a 25m outdoor swimming pool, ‘Aqua Play’ (amusement facility for kids), a kids pool where little kids can enjoy swimming safely, a ‘Bade Pool’ (a German high-tech water therapy system), and Yeonhwajeong, a great restaurant to enjoy delicious Korean food. There is also a great spot to have an outdoor barbeque party with your family and friends while enjoying the great taste of Hanwoo (locally grown beef regarded as a premium beef because of its high palatability and desired chewiness). Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort aims to be the No.1 spa resort for the locals as well as tourists. 123  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Gyeongjeong Beach is famous for its serene and clean water with gentle waves. It is also used as an aqua farm for growing such marine products as sea cucumbers, abalones and sea squirts. The beach side road is a perfect driving course with the view of the horizon.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Jeodonghang Port is the biggest port in Ulleung-gun where most of squid fishing and related process take place. “Jeodongeohwa,” referring to the luring lights from the boats for squid fishing is one of the famous “8 Major Beauties” of Ulleungdo Island. Chotdaebawi Rock, sitting next to port sea wall, has a sad legend about a daughter who died from grievance when her father never came back from fishing. Now, the port has a large fish market.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Held every August, Ulleungdo Cuttlefish Festival is a fun event promoting its outstanding local produce, cuttlefish. The festival on the beautiful island attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors. Symbolizing the island, fish gathering lamps from cuttlefish boats shed an elegant glow on the sea at night. The main events of the festival include catching cuttlefish in the sea against the scenic backdrop of the island, riding on a cuttlefish boat, and eating delicious cuttlefish dishes. The festival also offers a fun array of events for visitors: Fishing Contest, Catching Mudfish, Walking on Traditional Roads, and Playing Pumpkin Taffy. In addition, visitors can purchase local produce at Local Produce Market, eat delicious food at Restaurant Market, and enjoy Ulleungdo Island/Dokdo Island Exhibition.