Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

On July 29, 1998, the Gimhae National Museum was opened in order to research and preserve the cultural heritage of the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The museum is at the foot of Gujibong Peak in Gimhae-si, the spot where the kingdom is believed to have been founded. The museum exhibits the cultural assets of Gaya, as well as cultural relics from the prehistoric age in the Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do areas, and the cultural heritage of Byeonhan, which was the foundation for the growth of Gaya.Compared to other ancient kingdoms, relatively few historical records on Gaya remain. For this reason, relics and remains that have been unearthed through archaeological excavations need to be studied in order to gain an understanding of the ancient kingdom. In this sense, the Gimhae National Museum is a specialized museum used by professional archaeologists as well as the general public. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Featuring the highest peak, Sanghwangbong, Mt. Gayasan is composed of many summits each over 1,000m in x_height. From the Taebaek Mountains, the Gayasan stretches from east to west. In 1972, it was designated as National Park No.9 due to its breathtaking scenery. Gayasan is know for its many tourist highlights, namely Haeinsa Temple, which is in the southwestern part of Gayasan. It is one of the three most famous temples in Korea. The Tripitaka Koreana (National Treasures No.32), consisting of over eighty thousand blocks, are found here. The place makes for fantastic scenery with the old temple and the beautiful landscape. In addition, there are other cultural properties such as Jangkyunggak (National Treasure No.52), Stone Buddha Figure (Treasures No. 518) Banya Temple Gyeongwangsa Monument (Treasures No.128) which was designated as a World Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. Moreover, Gayasan is noted for its graceful mountain landscape. The water flowing from Gayasan valley meets in front of Haeinsa Temple and flows to the southeast where it forms Gayacheon stream. Among the many valleys, Hongryudong valley (its water seems to turn red because of the leaves' autumnal tints) finishes the grandeur scenery with the several thousand year-old pine tree. Namsanjeil-bong, a peak located in southern part of Hongryudong, is called Mt. Cheonbulsan among Buddhists because it seems like thousands of Buddhist statues cover the mountain ridge. Mt. Cheonbulsan is a favorite one-day mountain climbing course for many. Gayasan shows magnificent landscapes every season with the cherry blossoms, azaleas and royal azaleas lined up on the road to Haeinsa Temple in Spring, the clean water and green trees in Summer, the glorious tints of its autumn foliage along the rock ridges in Autumn and a snowy landscape in Winter.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Surrounded by Mt. Noja (565m) and Mt. Gara (580m), Hakdong Mongdol Beach provides a cozy atmosphere. Hakdong was named so because its shape was said to be like a crane (in Korean "Hak") flying up to the sky. Compared to other beaches, it has small pebbles, "Mongdol" in Korean, spans a distance of about 1.2 km, is 50m wide and covers a 30,000 ㎢ area starting from Yongbawi Rock. The feeling one gets when walking on these pebbles is soothing and the sound of the waves are refreshing. You can also soothe your feet when you walk on the rocks and activate acupressure points on the soles of your feet. The wild camellia forest, which blooms along the seashore in February and March, creates a beautiful landscape. You can also see the Parlsaek (8 color) birds that come here. These colorful birds can be seen from June to September.Hakdong Mongdol Beach has a lot of summer visitors and is the perfect place for vacationing families. The water is clear and clean, and setting up tents on the beach is possible.Near the beach, there are not only great restaurants specializing in sliced raw fish, but also restrooms and homestays which are well-equipped. There is also a beach festival every summer. An excursion ship starts at Hakdong and cruises towards Haegeumgang and Oedo Paridise Island. It would be romantic to take this ship through the crimson Haegeumgang at sunset. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

In Mt. Nammangsan, there is a citizens’ park where you can view Tongyeong. At the top of the mountain stands a bronze statue of General Lee Sun-Shin built by the citizens in 1953, and Suhyangjeong Pavilion. Under the Suhyangjeong Pavilion, there is Citizens’ Cultural Center. Right under this center is Nammangsan Outdoor Sculptural Park.Nammangsan Sculpture Park was established to display the persistent works of 15 famous sculptors from 10 countries (Japan, China, France, Israel, Venezuela, etc.) who participated in the Tongyeong International Sculpture Symposium. It is also a popular spot for dates because this 30 square kilometer land has beautiful sculptures from which you can feel the individual taste of the artists.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Junam Reservoir features a large migratory bird sanctuary spread throughout three reservoirs (Sannam, Junam, and Dongpan), and is one of Korea’s top nature-watching areas for visitors. It operates Ramsar Culture Center, ecology educational hall, bird-watching site and Junam Environment School free of charge and a guide tour is available to explore the reservoir with ecological explanations. In addition, a lotus field and flower road can be visited in the reservoir.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Gyeonghwa Station is a small railway station in Gyeonghwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. The station is neighbored by Seongjusa Station to the north and Jinhae Station to the south. Railway services in and out of Gyeonghwa Station have been discontinued as of February 2015. The train used to stop at the station during the Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, but now it only makes stops at Masan, Changwon and Jinhae stations.In April, rows of cherry trees bloom along the 800 meter-long railway extending from the station all the way to Sehwa Girls’ High School. Along with Anmingogae Road and Yeojwacheon Bridge, Gyeonghwa Station is one of the top three spots in Jinhae for taking photos of the cherry blossoms. The area is often featured in Korean movies and dramas such as the film “Boy Goes to Heaven” (2005) and the drama “Spring Waltz” (2006). 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Sinseondae Observatory, located between Dojangpo Maeul and Haegeumgang, offers picturesque views of the fantastically shaped rocks against the deep-blue ocean hues. "Sinseon" in Korean mean supernatural beings; the beauty of this spot is said to attract such beings to come frolic. The blue and yellow colors layered in the rocks tell a unique history of the terrain. A stairway from the road leads directly to the lookout point.Just past a gas station along the coastal highway, Sinseondae Observatory reveals itself. Walking out onto the rocks of Sinseondae, views of the surrounding islands and incredible landscape open up to viewers. Many commercials and TV shows have been filmed here taking advantage of this amazing setting. April and May are the perfect times to see the bright-yellow rapeseed flowers across the island.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

A short, hour-long ferry ride from Tongyeong Port will take you to the best attraction of Hallyeo Maritime National Park, Somaemuldo Island. Located at the end of the Korean Peninsula, the island is well known for its oddly shaped rocks of the coast cliffs, the clear and blue sea, the beautiful Deungdaesum Island, which is often shown in movies and commercials.Passing through the 500~600-year-old camelli woods for 30 min from the pier at Somaemuldo Island, you will get to Mangtaebong Peak, the top of the island. The peak is a natural observatory to enjoy the many islands of Tongyeong and Geoje Haeguemgang River. The view of Deungdaesum Island is indescribably beautiful. Somaemuldo Island is also one of the best tourist sites toward the end of the year because of the magnificent view of the sunset and sunrise.The highlight of Somaemuldo Island is Deungdaesum Island, also called 'Haegeumdo.' This island is so small that it takes only 20 min to walk around. The white lighthouse on the hill and green grass make for romantic scenery. The lighthouse, which is the only facility on the island, was bulit by Japan during the Japanese Colonial Period (1910-1945). The 150-meter waterway from Somaemuldo Island to Deungdaesum Island is where the miracle of Moses takes place. Two islands are connected with a gravel road twice a day when the tides ebb. Deungdaesum Island, covered with wild camomiles from late October to early November, is especially fantastic.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park was built in 1996 to commemorate the victory of national hero, Admiral Yi Sun-sin who fought against the Japanese in the invasion of Korea from 1592~1598.Admiral Yi Sun-sin torpedoed 26 out of 50 Japanese ships gaining victory in the Okpo naval battle.A memorial hall, shrine, tower and Okporu Pavilion are located at the commemorative park. The Turtle Ship, an ironclad warship shaped like a turtle, swords crafted in the Joseon tradition, and other remains are displayed at the memorial hall. Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s picture can be seen at the shrine.On top of the 30 meter high tower and Okporu Pavilion, visitors can enjoy ocean vistas as well as a view of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.Entrance to the breakwater is not permitted for safety reasons.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

This festival celebrates the herbs of Jirisan Mountain, which are commonly known to have great medicinal properties, making this the perfect event for visitors eager to improve their health through natural remedies.At this festival, visitors will be exposed to a wide variety of Korea’s medicinal herbs and medical traditions. Along with many other exciting events, you will even be able to sample traditional Oriental medicinal food made from herbs. Visitors can sample herbs for free, and can take home their favorite herb or remedy at low cost. Some herbs can even be grown at home!