Jeollabuk-do(Namwon-si)

The Silsangsa Temple was constructed by monk Jeunggak, as one of nine special temples in the year 828. The temple was established because of the theory of divination, based on topology. The belief held that Korea’s good spirit would be taken away to Japan, bringing bad luck if the temple was not constructed on this particular location. The temple was reconstructed in the 26th year of Joseon Sukjong’s reign (1700) after it was completely destroyed by the Japanese invasion in 1597. However, it was almost burnt down in the 19th year of King Gojong’s reign (1882). It is presently preserved just as it belonged to the Unified Silla Kingdom, with its three-story pagoda and its 11 treasures with a total of 17 cultural assets. The entrance of the temple lies in the middle of a rice field and the temple has a pastoral view, surrounded by trees. From the entrance, you can cross the half-moon shaped stone bridge, and just beyond that a remarkable totem pole.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeongeup-si)

Located in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do, this shrine was established to embody the spirit of Admiral “Chungmugong” (honorific title in military) Yi Sun-Sin. He was a great national hero who led the Korean navy to victory in many naval battles using innovative ‘turtle ships’ against the Japanese during their failed invasion of Korea during the 25th year of King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1592). Situated on the heart of Mt. Gumisan overlooking the city of Jeongeup, the shrine is the location of a memorial ceremony held every 28th of April, the birthday of Admiral Yi. The ceremony is meant to pay tribute to the memory of the naval hero and his irreproachable service to the city. Yi Sun-Sin had been appointed as reeve of Jeongeup in 1589 but soon after in 1591 he left the post to work as the chief naval officer of the Jeolla region.


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

Sinsido Island is the largest of the 24 islands in the Gogunsan Island Cluster 50 kilometers to the southwest of Gunsan. The cluster of islands (Sinsido, Seonyudo, Jangjado, Munyeodo, etc.) makes for such a breathtaking scene that it is affectionately known as the ‘Star Above the Lake.’ Sinsido, one of the most beautiful islands in the cluster, is located at the center of the Saemangeum Sea Wall connecting Gunsan and Buan. The sea wall itself is also a point of interest as it is the longest of its kind worldwide. To make the island of Sinsido even more tourist-friendly, the island government has systematically begun opening and supporting island “minbaks” (lodging facilities at private residences). While staying at one of these minbaks, guests can explore the island, visit the island’s mid-sized beach or go fishing. Although it’s possible to fish right off the rocks on the shores, travelers are encouraged to a rent a fishing boat in order to see more of the beautiful island scenery.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Gyeokpo Port, located on the mainland of Jeju, is the departure point to Wido and Wangdeungdo Islands. Seawall fishing and rock fishing can both be enjoyed at the same time here. A wide rock belt is formed in the sea at the front of Gyeokpo creating lots of boat fishing sites (the main catch being black porgy and armorclad rockfish). Fishing spots include the sea west of Dongho Island, near Ssanyeo, the sea north of Daehyeongjedo Island and near Sumeunyeo. Big black porgy can be caught from the seawall and armorclad rockfish by fishing with rod (mostly in October). The sea south of Wido Island, one hour by boat from Gyeokpo, is famous for boat fishing to catch yellow drum. The sea north of Anmagundo is one of the best places for trolling to catch Japanese/Spanish Mackerel. Sadangdo Island has recently emerged as the best rock fishing site in the Gyeokpo region. Sadangdo Island is the largest island among those around Gyeokpo and has an abundance of good fishing spots. The waters are around 5m deep in all areas around Sadangdo Island. Wangdeungdo Island is a relatively new site as a number of 40cm-long big black porgy have been caught here recently. When the muddy tide goes out and clean water rises, black porgies start to bite.* Fishinf Spots: sea in front of Gyeokpo, Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. 


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

The Dongnagwon House in Jeonju Hanok Village provides a getaway to experience hanok stay and traditional Korean life. Affiliated with Jeonju Kijeon College, Dongnagwon is also a memorial hall dedicated to W. M. Junkin, who came to Korea as a missionary from the South Presbyterian Church of the United States in 1892. Dongnagwon is a reproduction of the old hanok houses in Jeonju from the time when W. M. Junkin was doing his missionary work in the area. It is comprised of three buildings: Anchae (main hall), Sarangchae (guest house), and Haengnangchae (servants’ quarters). Visitors to Dongnagwon can learn and experience traditional Korean culture such as music, crafts, and dance while inhabiting traditional lodging. In addition to providing accommodation for individual guests, Dongnagwon is also used for group accommodations or activities such as seminars, conferences, and family events. For groups of 30 or more, it is possible to rent out the entire venue (in addition to all facilities, including Seungdokdang, Seunghwadang, Cheongyuje, and the front yard).


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

Wolmyeong Park is a popular tourist destination of Gunsan City and connects five mountains in the vicinity. The total size of the park is 2.6 km² and there is a 12km-long walking trail in the park. From the Susi Tower, which resembles a flame and or wind-blown sail, people can see all of Gunsan City, the sea to the south of Gunsan, the mouth of Geumgang River, and the giant Janghang smelting factory. At the foot of Seollimsan Mountain is an old temple named Eunjeoksa, and the Jeil Reservoir is located between Jeombangsan and Seollimsan Mountain. The park also contains an observatory, a sculpture park, and various monuments. The park has well-arranged gardens and 30-year old rattan and cherry trees. Every April, when the park is covered in cherry blossoms and is especially beautiful, a cherry blossom photo contest is held at the park.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

The Donggosa Temple, located on Seungamsan Mountain in Jeollabuk-do, Jeonju-si, is a Buddhist temple of the Taego Order. The hike up to the Donggosa Temple is a refreshing climb on Seungamsan Mountain, and the temple provides a stunning panoramic view of downtown Jeonju. The temple buildings were constructed one after another along the mountain ridge, and stand in a row on either side of Daeungjeon (the main hall). The Donggosa Temple is modest and tastefully decorated with portraits of deceased great Buddhist monks and wooden Buddhist murals. The hiking trail to the right of the Donggosa Temple leads to the Chimyeongjasan Martyrs Ground, which is the graveyard of persecuted Catholics from the late Joseon Dynasty.


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

Gunsan Country Club is a golf course featuring 81 holes (18 holes for the members and 63 holes for the public) on the site of an abandoned salt field that spans over 1,060 acres. It is the only course in Korea where all the holes are surrounded by lakes; around 380 acres or 36% of the course is comprised of lakes, and the holes are connected by 26 bridges. It has some of the longest golf holes in the world, including a Par 7 hole (1,004m) and a Par 6 hole (661m). The 18-hole private golf course features classic American style, while the public golf course offers more variety.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Located in Byeonsan Peninsula National Park in Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do, Monkey School is a theme park where visitors can learn about monkeys and nature. Thirty-one monkeys (all with different names and personalities) show off their tricks by standing on their hands or riding bikes on a set decorated like a classroom. Monkey school also has a crocodile area with live crocodiles, a Museum of Natural History complete with fossils, and a Nature Learning Center where visitors will find unique ways to learn about and experience nature.


Seoul(Seocho-gu)

Seeking to become better and more advanced every year, the Korea Food & Tourism Expo offers a wide array of hands-on experience programs and seminars on food culture. Those hoping to participate in contests or special exhibitions should sign up on the festival website. For more information on the festival schedule, please see the website or call festival organizers using the number provided.