Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

The most beloved breed of dog in Korea is the Jindo Dog (진도개), named after the island from which they are said to originate. The breed has been designated a national treasure, and great efforts are made to keep the bloodline pure. For example, any non-Jindo dog that comes to Jindo Island must be sterile. Jindos were originally hunting dogs, raised to take down small to large sized prey. They are known for their extreme loyalty and keen homing sense. Traditionally Koreans hunted without guns, instead taking with them a pack of Jindos. After making a kill, one dog promptly returns to the master while the others stand guard over the prey. The Jindo dog is registered with the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the British Kennel Club.


Jeollanam-do(Hampyeong-gun)

Hampyeong’s ‘Haesujjim’ is a medical treatment method that has been widely used ever since the 1800’s. Nutrients are added to seawater, which is then heated for bathing, creating a “Haesujjim (seawater bath)” that combines the benefits of hot springs and bathing.This is especially popular among housewives since it is proven to be an effective treatment for neuralgia, post childbirth discomfort, arthritis, and dermatitis.


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Daehuengsa Temple is told to have been built during the time of King Seong of the Baekje period by Adohwasang, a Shilla Monk and the site was the restoration of Samjae bulipjicheo of Buddhist culture, which protects Samjae, the three disasters of one’s life.Pyochungsa and Iljiam Tea Garden display writings and traces of the prominent men of the time such as Chusa Kim Jeong-hui and Chouiseonsa Buddhist monk. Inside the temple, Daeungbojeon, Chimgyeru, Myeongbujeon, Eungjindang, Cheonbuljeon, Cheonbulsang, Pyochungsa, Daegwangmyeongjeon, Iljiam, Bungmireugam, and Seongbo Museum are situated. The Rock-carved Seated Buddha at North Mireugam Hermitage of Daeheungsa Temple, Haenam (National Treasure No. 308) and Bronze Bell with Inscription of Tapsansa Temple (Treasure No. 88) are preserved as well as various cultural assets and fables such as Budojeon, and Stupa Courtyard, the largest in Korea.


Jeollanam-do(Gwangyang-si)

Gwangyang International Maehwa Festival takes place in Seomjin Village, home of the largest number of plum blossom trees in Korea. During the festival period, visitors can enjoy a walk beneath the plum blossoms, and also sample and purchase local organic plum products.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Its deep valleys and unique mountain formations are what make Jirisan Mountain truly spectacular. It consists of numerous peaks, and is known to be well-preserved and clean. 'Ten Scenic Views of Jirisan Mountain' are particular memorable and simply breathtaking. Perhaps Jirisan Mountain’s most signature highlight is its incredible sunrise; the scarlet sunlight from the horizon in the east is spectacular, and arguably the best place to watch it in Korea. The second highlight is the 'Nogodan Sea of Clouds.' Located to the west of Jirisan Mountain, Nogodan Peak is said to boast the most outstanding views of Jirisan Mountain. If you climb up to the peak following the Hwaeomsa Valley, at times the sea of clouds are visible from below the peak. The third notable highlight is 'Banyabong’s Nakjo.' Banyabong Peak is a huge dome shaped feature. One of the big joys of climbing Banyabong is to see the Nakjo. The fourth selected highlight is the full moon; the beautiful scarlet sky together with the black mountain line produce an exquisite painted background to the rising of the moon. The fifth notable feature is the red sunset seen through the mountain haze. The sixth is the deep waterfall between the peaks of Cheonghakbong and Baekhakbong. The 60m fall produces a tremendous sound. The seventh of Jirisan's highlights is Piagol Autumn Leaves. At the village, walk 10 minutes further towards Piagol and you will come to a pine forest at the edge of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. It is called Piagol, the best broad-leaved tree forest in Jirisan Mountain area. In the spring, you will see the Azaleas, in the summer the green trees, and in the fall, the autumn leaves, and in the winter, the beautiful view of snow-covered landscape. But the autumnal colors of Piagol are some of the best in the world. Every year the Autumn Leaves Festival is held here. The eighth highlight is the royal azalea blossoming between the rocks. In the spring, the royal azaleas blanket the mountain. There is a field that extends 1200m in the southern area of Jirisan Mountain covered with flowers known as Royal Azalea Plateau. The ninth feature is the Chilseon Valley. With its roots in Cheonwonbong Peak, it is one of our nation’s three best valleys. According to legend, seven gods are said to be living in Chilseondong Valley. Finally, the tenth most scenic feature is Seomjincheongryu. Flowing southwesterly across Jirisan Mountain and into the south coast, the Seomjingang River is so clear that it is sometimes compared to blue silk. The white sandy beaches on either side of the river are also very beautiful.  


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Suncheonman Bay Eco-Museum was established to provide a research & education facility to preserve the area’s natural habitats. The year-round structure is open to the public and houses an exhibition hall, gallery, theatre, and seminar rooms. Visitors can also stop by the nearby wetland observatory to learn more about the region’s ecology. Inside the museum there are a variety of learning material and even video feeds sharing continuous live footage of migratory birds. The two-story gallery also features a history of the forming of Suncheonman Bay and a range of flora and fauna exhibits. Suncheonman Bay is accessible from Yeosu Airport which has flights from both Kimpo (Seoul) and Jeju Airport.  


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Piagol Valley is located between Nogodan and Banya peak on Jirisan Mountain. It is named so because in the fall the leaves in the valley turn crimson red. It is also one of the ten most beautiful highlights of Jirisan Mountain. It is famous for its fall colors, but it is also a beautiful place to visit all year around. During the spring time, the royal azaleas cover the entire area, and in the summer the lush forest fills the valley. Its autumn leaves are famous enough to be used in promoting tourism in Korea, and during the winter, the snow-covered valley is also a majestic sight to behold.At the entrance to Piagol Valley, there is the largest temple in Jirisan Mountain, Yeongoksa temple, and other national level cultural treasures are found here. The valley is not steep and should be easy for anyone to reach. The path from the valley entrance to Samhongso is breathtaking. Samhong refers to three “hong”s (red) – Sanhong (mountain red), Suhong (water red), and Inhong (person red). Every year, the Piagol Autumn Leaves Festival is held here, and valley trail walk, local produce sales, and photo exhibitions, among other activities, are promoted during the festival. 


Jeollanam-do(Hampyeong-gun)

The Hampyeong Butterfly Festival offers visitors the opportunity to get a closer look at ecology, in particular the region’s butterflies. During the festival period, the whole town of Hampyeong is a “Happy and bountiful world with butterfly,” covered with butterfly-themed lights and decorations. A medley of butterfly-themed events and programs shed some lights on one of nature’s most beautiful and delicate creatures, all while providing fun for the whole family. In addition to numerous exhibition halls featuring butterflies, insects, and water plants, there is even a “hands-on” area where visitors can see and touch a variety of animals and plants! The festival is a great opportunity for children to learn about nature in a fun, interactive environment.


Jeollanam-do(Sinan-gun)

Jeungdo Island (증도) was the first city to be designated a ‘slow city’ in Asia thanks to its unspoiled nature and clean waters. It was assigned as a biodiversity conservation area by UNESCO. Jeungdo Island also has Korea’s largest salt fields. At Taepyeong Salt Field, you can experience real life in a fishing village. There is a tour of the salt museum and hands-on programs for tourists to make the experience more personal. There are some 90 uninhabited islands and islets neighboring the Jeungdo Island. The Wujeon Beach Resort offers a magnificent view of the horizon. The mud hopper bridge, which stands in the mudflats, along with the relic of a historical monument and wetland ecology exhibition hall, are some of the things you can see on the island of Jeungdo. ※ Jeungdo Island Mudflats Festival opens in early August each year, offering a mudflat program as well as a drying by the sun salt-making program, among others.  


Jeollanam-do(Boseong-gun)

Yulpo Nokchatang, located at Yulpo Beach, is Boseong’s only green tea bathhouse. Seawater and green tea have been combined to create a unique spa experience that has many health benefits. Yulpo Nokchatang is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations on the southern coast, as it provides leisure facilities that overlook both pine tree forests and the ocean in one glance.Green tea, in particular, is known to help with high blood pressure, arterial sclerosis, eliminates bad breath, prevents cavities, removes dead skin, and is also said to be effective in hair treatment. Furthermore, bathing in the seawater is said to be beneficial for gastroenteric disorders, diseases common in women, skin irritations, obesity, and arthritis.