Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Together with Gwaneumssanggul Cave and the Samseonam Rocks, Gongam Rock is one of the three scenic landscapes of Ulleungdo Island. The rock is in the shape of an elephant with its trunk dipped in the water for a drink. It is also called Gumeong Bawi (or Hole Rock) due to a 10-centimeter hole around the trunk. The surface of the rock looks like stacked firewood due to Jusangjeolli (columnar jointing) phenomenon.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yecheon-gun)

Hoeryongpo Village (회룡포) is surrounded by the winding Naeseongcheon River, a tributary of the Nakdonggang River. The village offers views of a beautiful landscape created by the twists and curves of the river, while the best views of the scenic nature are at Jangansa Temple or Hoeryongdae Hill on Mt. Biryongsan. This village is jar-shaped, surrounded by the river, its pristine waters and white sandy shores. The white sands give way to trees, and there is a well-developed farm further inland. There were almost 20 households in this village about 7-8 years ago, but now, only 9 households remain. It takes less than an hour to tour the entire village. The village is famous for ecological hands-on programs (a filming location of the mega-hit TV drama ‘Autumn in My Heart (2002)’).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Juheulsan was once considered to be a sacred place and was the site of annual, royal mountain rituals during the Joseon Dynasty. It is situated in Mungyeong (Gyeongsangbuk-do) and surrounded by six large villages (Sangcho-ri, Hacho-ri, Sang-ri, Jigok-ri, Palryeong-ri, and Pyeongcheon-ri). The mountain was believed to have produced talented scholars. Meaning “Chief, Majestic Mountain,” Juheulsan Mt. is still seen as the heart of Mungyeong and Mungyeongsaejae.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Sosu Museum aims to consolidate and organize the nation’s traditional Confucian legacy and to establish the root of the national spirit through Sosuseowon, the first Confucian academy ever created in Korea. As a Mecca of Joseon Dynasty’s Confucianism, the museum is the only Confucian museum where you can experience the very valuable legacy of the Confucian culture and the history (the rise and fall) of Confucianism during the Joseon Dynasty. The museum opened on September 22, 2004 and since then, it has been a place where one can experience the dynamic historical adventure through valuable Confucian relics and remains. The museum also aims to revitalize the local culture of the Yeongju area by showcasing those well-preserved cultural assets and items.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Seokpo Observatory is located in Seokpo village, a small fishing town at the northernmost point of Buk-myeon on Ulleungdo Island. Ulleungdo Island has three popular scenic lookouts, one of which is Seokpo Observatory to the north. Created in 1905, the observatory was used by the Japanese through 1945 to monitor movements of Russian warships. Seokpo Observatory offers views of the East Sea between Ulleungdo and the Korean Peninsula. The observatory has an 8-sided pavilion with lookout deck and telescope from which views of picturesque Jukdo and the majestic coastline of Buk-myeon are available. The area is also nearby the 3 popular attractions of Gongam (an elephant-shaped rock), Gwaneumdo, and Samseonam. Below the observatory is Seokpo Resting Area and a trekking course connecting Seokpo Observatory and Naesujeon Sunrise Observatory.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Mammoth Bakery, serving fresh baked goods for the last 40 years, has been recommanded by Michelin Green Guide South Korea. The most popular items are seasonal pies (strawberry pies and blueberry pies), cream cheese bread, and citron pound cake. Macaroons, morning breads and cakes are also customer favorites.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Cheongoksan Recreational Forest (800m in elevation, 청옥산 자연휴양림) is located in Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. 100-year-old pine trees brimming with pinecones, along with younger pines and larches, surround it. On Cheongoksan Mountain (1,276m in elevation) in the Taebaek Mountain range, you can see the trees standing tall amidst the majestic rock formations. If you walk along the mountain trail, you will come to a bridge, and after crossing, you will enter a section of forest that has maintained an old, almost primeval, feeling. In spring, beautiful wild flowers blossom throughout the forest, magnolias in particular, bloom within the valley. Cheongoksan Recreational Forest features a variety of facilities such as a nearby water park, children’s playground, fitness center, campsite and an outdoor lecture field. The water in the water park is cold and very clean, using natural stream water. In nearby Baekcheon Valley, you may also be able to see Manchurian trout, which live in clean, fresh water streams. Hyeonbulsa Temple is also located in Baekcheon Valley.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)

Located in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Bisl Pottery Studio is run by potter Kim Byeong-Yeol. An old abandoned school was renovated into a serene studio where you can make your own pottery while taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Through the teaching of Byeong-Yeol, you'll be able to make your own clay cup, plate, or ornament. There are also hands-on programs such as natural dyeing and seasonal produce harvesting (potatoes, sweet potatoes, persimmons and strawberries). The studio exhibits artwork such as Gyeoljeongyujagi, a type of pottery decorated with a mixture of glaze and gold powder. Other works of art include those painted with persimmon juice! In summer, the Bisl Pottery Studio is especially popular among families as a vacation destination since there are accommodations and an outdoor swimming pool providing relief from the summer heat. There is also a large playground, where visitors can play sports and make campfires.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Joryeongsan Mountain divides Mungyeong (Gyeongsangbuk-do) and Goesan (Chungcheongbuk-do), and is situated at the far end of Baekdudaegan (the mountain range connecting Baekdusan and Jirisan). The mountain is picturesque with its surroundings of dense forest, steep rocky areas, strangely shaped peaks and old trees. It has a grand scale of mountain ridge and high altitude. However, as the hiking trail starts at 529m on Ihwaryeong, it is not that tough. Nearby locations include Sinseongbong Peak and Mapaebong Peak, as well as Joryeongsan Recreational Forest.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Mt. Eungbongsan (998.5m, 응봉산) in Uljin, Gyeongsangbuk-do is shaped like a hawk soaring into the sky. Therefore, it is also called, ‘Mt. Maebongsan.’ Even though it is not very tall, the terrain is steep and rough. This mountain has the only open-air spa in Korea, and because the hiking trail is only partially developed, it still retains its unspoiled beauty. But, due to the scenic landscape and hot spring, Mt. Eungbongsan has become more popular. It borders Mt. Tonggosan in the southwest, Deokgu Valley in the east and Gusugok Valley in the southeast. Also, Uljin Geumgangsong Natural Forest is found in the upper part of Deok Valley and Gusugok Valley while Mountain Goat (a natural monument) can be observed on the valley cliff to the southeast. This mountain also borders Samcheok, Gangwon-do in the northwest. The mountain peak offers a great view of the Donghae Sea and spectacular sunrises. You can also visit a nearby hot spring, beach, Gusugok Recreational Forest and Jukbyeon Port.