Jeollanam-do(Yeonggwang-gun)

Beopseongpo (법성포) is where an Indian Monk Mirananta first set foot on Korean territory in A.D 384 to spread Buddhism, having made his journey via Dongjin in China. This area then is being developed as a tourist destination as the originating place of Buddhism in Korea. Note: the word ‘Beop’ in ‘Beop-seong-po’ means Buddhism while ‘Seong’ means a saint, referring to the Indian Monk Marananta. The origins of Buddhism in Korea are clear for Goguryeo and the Silla Kingdoms, but regarding the Kingdom of Baekje it is a little more obscure. It has been claimed by word of mouth in this region that the Indian Monk Marananta came to Beopseongpo of Yeonggwang to deliver his message of Buddhism and built the Bulgapsa Temple (불갑사) which hence became the first monument of Buddhism in the Baekje Kingdom.


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)

Established in 1979 in Haenam, Jeollanam-do Province by the Bohae Brewery, Bohae Plum Farm (Bohae Maesil Nongwon) is the largest green plum farm in Korea. Every spring, as maehwa (apricot flower) blossoms begin to bloom on maesil (green plum) trees, the brewery opens the farm to the public, providing an opportunity to enjoy the beautiful blossoms, and also to purchase fresh plums. To this day, the brewery produces and sells various maesil products made with the plums harvested from the farm.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Located in both Seungju-eup and Songgwang-myeon of Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, Jogyesan Mountain (조계산, 884.3m) has two famous Buddhist temples on it, Seonamsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple. This is a relatively low mountain with rounded corners and a soft tranquility. Around Seonamsa Temple you’ll find several peaks such as Wolchulbong Peak, Janggunbong Peak and Gitdaebong Peak as well as the Ilweolseok boulder. This area is always crowded with visitors all year round due to the famous temples of Songgwangsa Temple and Seonamsa Temple. There are hikers as well coming purely to walk up Jogyesan Mountain which has gentle paths with short hills and flat paths, making it great even a picnic.


Jeollanam-do(Naju-si)

Naju Pear Museum (나주배박물관) in Naju, Jeollnam-do opened in 1992 to study and promote the renowned Naju Pear. Known as the birthplace of Korean pears, Naju even has a museum dedicated to the fruit. The Naju Pear Museum has everything you’ll need to know about pears, including the history of various kinds, storing methods and the process of growing them. Visitors can also buy Naju pears in the Naju Pear Distribution Center adjacent to the museum.


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Chuwolsan Mountain’s Yak Dasik (“yak” meaning “medicinal” in Korean) is Damyang’s traditional candy made of medicinal wild fruits and herbs. Dasik is a pattern-pressed candy made of fruit/herb powder, rice powder, honey, and other ingredients. In order to get the fruit/herb powder, ingredients must go through a long process of drying, boiling, steaming, and stirring. It’s a time intensive process that produces a unique and delicious Korean snack. Chuwolsan Mountain Dasik are typically flavored and decorated with jujubes, pine nuts, and so on. While eating the dasik, you will taste different flavors—sweet, sour, bitter, and nutty—and you’ll even smell the aromas of each of the different kinds as you chew! Chuwolsan Mountain’s Yak Dasik are naturally and brilliantly colored by wild fruits and herbs and have medicinal effects. Each of the different colors of Yak Dasik represent each season. More importantly, the candies preserve the values of nature and traditions of Korean ancestors.  


Jeollanam-do()

The Hampyeong Grand Chrysanthemum Festival started in the autumn of 2004 as a part of the city’s plan for making Hampyeong an enjoyable city all year round. Visitors can enjoy the fall mood to their hearts content with the many insects and various structures decorating the festival grounds. Over 2,000 works made from real chrysanthemum flowers are on display. The crowning glory this year is the 33.3m long, 8m high Gwanghwamun Gate replica at the central plaza. In addition to the beautiful flowers, visitors can experience a multitude of activities, including playing traditional games, making their own chrysanthemum tea, feeding parrots, and more.


Jeollanam-do(Yeonggwang-gun)

The sandy beaches of the half-full moon shaped island have around 200 pine trees that form a dense forest creates a calming effect. The water is shallow, around 1~2m near the beach. With its clear waters the beach is considered one of the best three beach resorts in the south-western part of Korea. The setting of the sun covers the entire area from atop Geumjeongsan Mountain to the small islands in the distance. Near the beach area there is a coastal drive way with a wonderful view of the coast. Dombaeseom island, famous for ocean fishing, and Chilsando Island, which is so named because of seven hills that are shaped like each other, are lined up more or less in a row.


Jeollanam-do(Gokseong-gun)

Seomjingang River, one of the four major rivers in Korea, starts from Imsil and Sunchang. It merges with several bodies of water in Gokseong-gun, Gurye and Hadong before flowing into the South Sea.In Gokseong-gun, Seomjingang River is also known as Sunjagang River. It flows about 36km through the region, and is abundant in different types of fish. A number of big and small valleys throughout the length of the river provide fantastic views and relaxation spots all year round. Also, Riverside Festival and Seomjingang Literature Forum are held every summer to offer fun summer activities along the river.


Jeollanam-do(Goheung-gun)

Narodo (나로도) consists of Oe-narodo and Nae-narodo, located 25kms southeast of Goheung-eup. Oe-narodo, is a part of Dadohae National Marine Park (다도해해상국립공원). Fresh seafood at a low price is readily available at Narodo Port (Chukjeong Port) in Oe-narodo. All of Narodo is famous for its’ fishing places. Every season a variety of fish can be caught. The beaches in Narodo have a gentle decline and are skirted by a forest of evergreen trees aged hundreds of years, which offer great shade from the summer heat. Haban Village, the most remote village in Oe-narodo, is the best place for a family summer retreat since it has a small forest and a beach. It also has Korea’s first space center.  


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Sandong-myeon in the Gurye-gun region is widely known as the home of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) and is responsible for 67% of Korea’s Sansuyu fruit production. The Sangwi Village located at the foot of the southwest side of Manbokdae Mountain (1,433m) is considered the region’s most representative village of Sansuyu. The village has a beautiful natural landscape with the snow-covered Jirisan Mountain range to its back and a small valley to its right. Visitors to Sangwi Village can wind down at the hot spring complex near the village, which is famous for its germanium content and said to have numerous health benefits. The Sansuyu flowers of Sanwi Village typically are at full bloom between March 20th and March 31st, drawing throngs of visitors. * Please note that blossom dates are not exact and change slightly from year to year.