Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Situated on the southwest corner of Jirisan Mountain, Hwaeomsa Temple is one of the 10 most famous temples in Korea. It was constructed in the fifth year of King Jinheung’s reign (544) during the Silla Era, but was burnt down during Japanese Invasion, Jeongyujaeran in 1592. Including the main building Daeungjeon, the temple was rebuilt during the Joseon Period.The path to the temple lies along the valley named Hwaeomsa Temple Valley. It also takes you to Nogodan Plateau of Jirisan Mountain. With Korean traditional straw-roofed houses and a water mill, you can find a cozy place named Siuidongsan, which means the Hill of Poetry, to take a rest at your right on the way to the temple.Beyond this area is the main gate of Hwaeomsa Temple, Iljumun Gate, and a long stonewall. Entering the main gate, you can find Geumgangmun Gate and the stairs going up to Bojeru. At the top of the stairs, there are the main building Daeungjeon and Gakhwangjeon Pavilion.There are also Seo-ocheung Pagoda (west-five-story pagoda) and Dongocheung Pagoda (east-five-story pagoda) at each side of the front yard. In front of Gakhwangjeon Pavilion is the largest light made of stone in Korea. In addition, there are many national treasures here including the Sasaja Samcheung (3-story) Stone Pagoda, which is situated at the hill called Hyodae. The main building Daeungjeon and Bojeru is magnificent and graceful. Keeping its original beauty, Hwa-eomsa Temple makes beautiful scenery with the nature around it.[National Cultural Heritages]- Stone Lantern at Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple- Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Hanging Painting of Hwaeomsa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly)- Five-story Stone Pagoda in the east and west of Hwaeomsa Temple- Daeungjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Lion Pagoda at Wontongjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Stone Avatamsaka Sutra (The Flower Garland Sutra) of Hwaeomsa Temple- Higan Cherry of Hwaeomsa Temple- Bojeru Pavilion of Hwaeomsa Temple- Stone Lantern at Gucheungam hermitage of Hwaeomsa Temple


Jeollanam-do(Boseong-gun)

A pine tree forest grows on the 1.2 kilometer sandy stretch of Boseong’s Yulpo beach, which is widely known for its spectacular scenery. Here you can enjoy the pine tree forests and the clean oceans.Formerly a small fishing village, the region’s famous green tea and beautiful beaches has resulted in many tourists visiting Yulpo Beach. The area has become a family summer resort, fully equipped with accommodation and leisure facilities.


Jeollanam-do(Naju-si)

Naju Image Theme Park is a place where many scenes of Buyeo Kingdom, including Buyeogung Palace, an ironware factory and the downtown area, were filmed for ‘Jumong,’ which is a hit drama that was recently televised. Built on a 450,000-pyeong site, the large-scale set cost over 18 billion won to create and was also used to film Taewangsasingi (Legend). A scene featuring Dam-deok as a child, where he visits an old lady at a natural dye plant and tries his hand at dyeing, and a scene where a soldier-like Dam-deok rides a horse through a vast field were filmed here.It is a well-known fact that actors, actresses and crew who were filming in Jeju would make a five-hour boat trip to Naju to shoot here. During filming, Japanese fans came to Naju to observe from a distance.


Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

Unjusa Temple is unlike other temples in that it has unusual Buddha statues and pagodas – it is often referred to as a mysterious temple. The founder of Unjusa Temple is not known but it is speculated that it was built during the Silla Period (BC 57~935).Unjusa does not have a Geumgangmun or Cheonwangmun, which are very often seen in Buddhist temples. The first thing you see when you enter Unjusa is the 9-story stone pagoda (National Treasure no. 796). The tower, again, does not have intricate designs, and is very simple. As you walk past the 9-story pagoda, you come to a forked road. Turning left, you will see Chilseong Rock. Because it resembles the 7 stars of the Big Dipper, some people argue that the rock is imitating the constellation. Follow the same road further and you will see two Buddha statues, called Wabul, where Buddha is resting on its side, lying down. These statues are, among the ones in Unjusa Temple, the most intricate in design and execution. Go up a bit further, and you will see the Siwibul Statue standing. Pass Siwibul Statue through the thick groves, and you will come to a series of 7-storey and 5-storey stone pagodas. What makes the stone pagodas of Unjusa Temple interesting to examine is that they each boats several unique designs and features.


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Soswaewon Garden is a private garden from the Joseon Period where the beauty of traditional Korea is preserved. It was built by Yang San-Bo (1503-1557) after he gave up his success when his mentor Jo Gwang-Jo (1482-1519) was killed during a political strife. Soswaewon Garden presents itself as a clean and transparent garden where the righteous enjoy the life of anbinnakdo (being comfortable amid poverty and taking pleasure in and honest life style) surrounded by a bamboo grove. Including peach trees, various kinds of trees and grass are planted on both sides of the stream while clear water flows down the foot of the garden walls. The log bridge above the valley adds to the charm of the scenery. The harmony between nature and the artificial waterfall is a sight to behold. Soswaewon Garden is 150m away from the main road. Passing through the thick bamboo forest, you will find the small valley and Soswaewon Garden on your left.


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

From the seashore of Yeosu to Hongdo Island, Heuksando Island, Geomundo Island and Baekdo Island out west, Dadohaehaesang National Park covers about 1,700 small and large islands and various rocks. In the park, the blue sky and the ocean blend well with white sandy beaches, adding to the picturesque atmosphere.During the Silla period, the King of the Sea, Jang Bogo established the maritime world and during the Goryeo Dynasty, the area was a trading path with the Yuan and Song Dynasties. Also, it was the battlefield where Admiral Yi Sun-shin defeated the invading Japanese navy. Likewise, historical sites remains in many places.Among those islands, Hongdo Island and Heuksando Island are famous for tourists. In particular, one of Korea’s greatest fishery grounds is located in Heuksando Island.


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

Once a year at Jindo Island in Jeollanam-do, the sea mysteriously parts and visitors can walk through the sea from the main island to a smaller nearby island. This phenomenon is due to the difference between high and low tides, creating a 2.8-kilometer-long road measuring 40 meters in x_width.The Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival takes place at the same time as this phenomenon. Visitors can enjoy walking along the sea road, gathering abalone and various other fun activities that make up the festival program. The spectacular sight of the waves parting is widely known and about half a million visitors flock from all over the world just to witness this amazing event.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

On December 29, 1967 Jirisan Mountain (지리산) was designated Korea’s top national park. Jirisan is the largest mountain national park in the nation. You can get a full view of the Seomjingang River (섬진강), which runs alongside the mountain and into the Namhae Sea. If you’re lucky you can also spot some various plants and animals, including the Asiatic Black Bear, making Jirisan Mountain an even more interesting and inviting place to visit. As Jirisan Mountain changes with the different seasons, hikers can enjoy various aspects of the mountain’s terrain. However, there can be heavy rain and snow in the summer and winter, so some areas will be closed off in case of drastic changes in the weather and temperature. In the spring and fall, you can explore the mountain relatively freely. However, access may be limited to some areas for fear of forest fires in the dry season. If you want to hike up Jirisan Mountain it is recommended that you visit the homepage of the Korea National Park Service or contact the Jirisan Mountain Management Office before planning your trip.


Jeollanam-do(Yeongam-gun)

Wolchulsan National Park is located in the southern part of Korea. The name Wolchulsan appropriately denotes "mountain where the moon rises." Starting with the Cheonhwangbong Peak (809m) at the center, the whole area is filled with rocky mountain peaks which all look special and unique. Walk for about 20 minutes past the National Park's parking lot and Dogapsa Temple, and the entrance to Weolchulsan comes in to view. About 5km beyond the gate, you can see Gujeolbong Peak, shaped like nine large pots. Because this place always has water, it is said that a dragon used to live here. Another 500m further along you can see Maaeyeoraejwasang, a sitting Buddha statue, which is designated as National Treasure No. 144. Just beyond the statue a path leading to the top passes through a lush green forest. When you reach the top of Wolchulsan Mountain, there is a large flat granite rock that can fit up to 300 people. Staring down from here gives you a great view of Wolchulsan Mountain. Climbing down from the top, you can cross the arched bridge, 120m from the ground, 52m long, and 6m wide. It takes a bit of courage to walk across this bridge. To the left of Sajabong Peak, around the middle of the mountain, there is a waterfall pouring down into the valley as seven separate falls on top of each other, called Chilchi Waterfall. On the way down to Dogapsa and Muwisa Temples, there is a field of reeds by the road that becomes spectacularly beautiful during fall. The sunset in the west is also beautiful beyond description. In the spring, the azaleas, in the summer the cool waterfalls, in the fall, all kinds of lovely colors, and in the winter, the snow covered mountains and valleys – Wolchulsan National Park is truly a wonderful site to visit all year around.


Jeollanam-do(Yeongam-gun)

The hometown of Wangin Baksa (Wangin, the Great Scholar) is located at the foot of Munpilbong Peak to the east of Gurim village. Due to Wangin’s importance and contributions to Korean history, this historical attraction is preserved and maintained in honor of his memory and achievements.Seonggidong is the official birthplace of Dr. Wangin (marked by the Yuheobi memorial monument) and is also home to Seongcheon; the well Wangin is believed to have drunk from. Halfway up Mt. Wolchulsan are Chaekgul, Munsanjae and Yangsajae where Wangin is said to have studied as well as nurtured local pupils. To commemorate the significance of these areas, a memorial is held every March at Munsanjae and Yansanjae.In front of Chaekgul is a statue of Dr. Wangin which is said to symbolize his benevolent character. Just west of Seonggidong is Doljeonggogae, a hill from which it is believed Dr. Wangin made a sorrowful look back at his countrymen before leaving for Japan.Wangin departed for Japan from Sangdaepo, which at the time was an international trading port. The renowned Baekje scholar was beginning his journey at the request of Japanese Emperor Eungshin. He took with him ten books on the Analects of Confucius and a book of Cheonjamun, a text of one thousand Chinese characters. Over time, he earned the trust of the emperor and became instructor to the crown prince. Wangin is well-known for his part in the development of Japanese culture and his name appears often in Japanese history. Wangin educated beyond textbooks and made great contributions to the development of arts, crafts and music and is revered as the originator of Japan’s Asuka culture.This historic site was originally reconstructed from 1985 to 1987 and is continually receiving improvements to improve accessibility for visitors.