Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple was founded during the third year of King Ae-Jang's reign (802), by two monks Suneung and Ijung. The name "Haein" originates from the expression Haeinsammae of Hwaeomgyeong (Buddhist scripture), which means truly enlightened world of Buddha and our naturally undefiled mind.Along with the Tripitaka Koreana (National Treasure No.32) and Janggyeongpanjeon (National Treasure No. 52), 15 more public treasures and some 200 private treasures are enshrined at Haeinsa Temple, which has been appointed as a universal cultural heritage since December, 1995 for its many cultural properties and historical remains. Iljumun, Daejeokgwangjeon and the Tripitaka Koreana are recognized as famous treasures. Iljumun Gate was the first gate that every sattva must pass to become a Buddha and considered as a representative work of ancient architecture. Daejeokgwangjeon, the grand sanctuary, and the three-story stone pagoda in the yard possess the majestic appearance of the one thousand-year-old temple. Since the 23rd year of Goryeo Dynasty (year 1236), it took 16 years to finish the Tripitaka Koreana, the most famous national treasure of Haeinsa Temple, which was made as a wish to overcome the national crisis caused by Mongolia Invasion. The printing blocks are 68cm wide, 24.5cm long, 3 cm thick with wood fixed at each end to maintain balance and lacquer was applied to prevent corrosion. Silver magnolias growing near the South Sea and Geojae area were cut down, soaked in sea water for several years and then dried to make these printing blocks. The blocks are a result of the king and his people's effort to repulse the Mongolian army with support from Buddha. The 81,340 blocks include 6,791 volumes.* More Attractions: Hapcheon 8 gyeong, Haeinsa Temple, Gayasan Mountain, Hongryudong Valley (Crimson Stream Village Valley), Namsanjeilbong Peak, Hambyeongnu Tower, Hwanggye Falls, Hwangmae Mountain Mosanjae, Lake Hapcheon, Baek-ri Cherry Blossom Road


Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Located in southern part of Mt. Chiseosan, Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. The name 'Tongdosa' was named after the belief that mankind can be saved through Buddhism. After Monk Ja-Jang brought the shrines of Buddha from Dang China, Tongdosa Temple was built during Queen Sun-Deok's reign (646). Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and Pagoda's, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha.Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate, the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple.'


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Oedo-Botania is a marine botanical garden located in Hallyeo Maritime National Park, which has a beautiful view of the crystal blue South Sea and surrounding landscape. It is 4 kilometers away from Geojedo Island. About 20 minutes by ship from Gujora Port, past Naedo Island lies the European-like Oedo Island. In 1969, Lee Chang-ho first came to this island to escape from the wind and waves as he was fishing. He and his wife created this breathtaking landscape with all the care for 30 years.In April, the island is covered with a plethora of flowers. The Venus Garden displays twelve sculptures and a western-style garden. At Paradise Lounge, one can enjoy the sunshine and the sea while drinking beverages. Camellias and various kinds of rare flowers from all over the world can be found in Oedo. When coming down the 'Stairway to Heaven,' visitors can view the beautiful garden and the ocean in the background. Magnificent terrace landscaping line both sides of the stairway. Oedo Paradise Island is without a doubt, a true paradise.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)

Cheongdo Seedless Persimmon Festival is held in October at an outdoor stage in Cheongdo-gun. ‘Bansi’ (seedless persimmon) features an astringent taste with a flat-shape, unlike the long-shape of gotgam (a peeled persimmon that is dried in the sun through natural drafts) spreading through Sangju and Yeongdong. Cheongdo Bansi is tender, high in sugar and easy to eat and process as it has no seeds. Thus, Cheongdo hosts the Cheongdo Bansi (Seedless persimmon) Festival to promote their specialty product.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Daepunggam is located at the northern-west edge of Ulleung-do, thus there were hardly any artificial touches nor any changes made to the natural environment. Thanks to such preservation, groups of aromatic trees called 'sangnamu' in Korean, inhabit in this island that could help to keep it its original state. The trees are mostly used for incense burning and have strong fragrance, therefore they are usually planted in the gardens and park for residents dating some decades ago. The site was designated for Natural Monument in 1962 and currently sparsely available around this area, the lumbering activities are strictly watched to protect them. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Cheonghae Ilsik is a Japanese restaurant, located within a prominent white-building and serves varied side dishes with each meal.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

Gangbyeonpunggyeong is a gallery café, nestled along the Nakdonggang River, facing Goryeong across from the Hwawon Resort in Daegu. The neat and beautiful interior goes well with the ambience of Nakdonggang River as well as the organized garden. A noted artist directly runs the café which offers food as well so visitors can enjoy quality art pieces while having a delicious meal.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Jukdosan, specializing in snow crab, is located in the middle of Daege (snow crab) Street in Gangguhang Port, Yeongdeok-gun. On the first floor, a large fish tank has plenty of snow crabs and fresh raw fish, and water flows like waterfalls over the glass windows of the second floor, giving visitors a cool and refreshing feeling. Braised snow crab and fresh fish are the main dishes. After enjoying the clean taste of crab, guests can experience another joy of eating fried rice with crab’s internal organs along with snow crab maeun-tang (spicy fish stew) served for free. Accommodation facilities are also prepared on the third floor. ​


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

The Homigot Octopus Festival is an annual festival held at the end of April. Visitors can enjoy freshly caught octopus from the East Sea. Various programs and events will be also be held including watching sunrise on a boat, octopus auction, etc.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

The Pohang Steel Art Festival blends steel, art and cultural activities throughout Pohang's history, including the sun & the moon myth of Yeonorang and Seonyeo (연오랑과 세오녀). It also tells of POSCO's successful rewriting of history in the steel industry through its FINEX method. The festival is the country's only steel festival, and encompasses the local culture and philosophy of the Pohang area, while aiming to create an urban landscape through art.