Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주))

9.8Km 2021-11-09

177, Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-226-0108

Located on the western foothills of Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple is a representative temple of Gwangju. First founded by Buddhist monk Cheolgamseonsa Do Yun in 517 (Silla Kingdom), the temple was remodeled by Buddhist monk Hyesoguksa in 1094 (Goryeo dynasty) and again by Kim Bang in 1443 (Joseon dynasty). The temple was burned down during the Imjin War and was reconstructed in 1609 by three Buddhist monks: Seokgyeong, Sujang, and Dogwang. It underwent several additional restorations before being destroyed again by fire during the Korean War. Most of the existing buildings, including Daeungjeon Halll (main temple building), were rebuilt in the 1970s.

Chungjangsa Shrine (충장사)

9.9Km 2023-01-25

13, Songgang-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-613-5407

When you reach Baejae along the tourist road leading up to Wonhyosa Temple, you can see the well-maintained tomb and the magnificent building of Chungjangsa Shrine on the left. It was built in 1975 as a memorial to General Kim Deok-ryeong, born in Mudeungsan Mountain. In the precincts, there are the shrine, where Kim Deok-ryeong's portrait and command paper are enshrined; the east room and west room; Eullyun Monument and Commentary Monument, the relics hall; Chungyongmun Gate; and Ikomun Gate. In the relics hall, the clothes of 'General Kim Deok-ryeong,' designated as Important Folk Material, and the coffin excavated from the general's tomb, as well as his handwriting, are on display. On the hill behind the shrine is Kim Deok-ryeong's tomb and tombstone, as well as his family's tomb.

Damyang Bamboo Forest (Damyang Marsh) (담양대나무숲 - 담양습지)

10.2Km 2025-01-13

656-2, Taemok-ri, Daejeon-myeon, Damnyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-3114

Situated between Damyang-gun and Gwangju Metropolitan City, Damyang Wetland is one of the best places to experience the ecology of Yeongsangang River. It is a habitat for the hawk, wildcat, Boreal digging frog (endangered species), and kestrel. It became the first river wetland to be designated as a wetland reserve in 2004.

Seryangji Reservoir (세량지)

10.3Km 2019-11-06

+82-61-374-0001

Selected by CNN as one of the 50 beautiful places to visit in South Korea, Seryangji Reservoir offers amazing scenery not to be missed. The best time to visit is during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom along the lakeside. The reservoir on misty mornings and when the waters mirror the cherry blossoms are the most popular views. The site is especially popular among photographers.

Gossaumnori Theme Park (고싸움놀이테마파크)

10.5Km 2024-10-10

2 Gossaum-ro, Nam-gu, Gwangju

Gossaumnori Theme Park was built over five years to preserve and develop the traditions of Gossaum, a local type of tug-of-war game. The park comprises a training center, video experience hall, folk game experience center, and outdoor performing hall.

May 18th National Cemetery (국립 5·18 민주묘지)

10.5Km 2024-07-11

200 Minju-ro, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-268-0518

The May 18th National Cemetery in Gwangju is a symbol of freedom and democracy. The cemetery holds the graves of 764 victims of the May 18th Democratic Uprising in 1980, seven structures, and many monuments.

Kkotpineun Chunsamwol (꽃피는춘삼월)

10.8Km 2024-02-13

50 Seongyo-ro, Dong-gu, Gwangju

Kkotpineun Chunsamwol is a traditional Korean teahouse nestled in a picturesque hanok. It specializes in authentic Korean beverages and desserts. The teahouse's signature offering is ssanghwatang, an herbal tonic tea prepared with chestnuts, gingko, and nuts in a homemade decoction. Other popular items include Yennal Bingsu (shaved ice with grain and black sesame ice cream), and a nutty latte with bean powder. These beverages pair exceptionally well with traditional Korean sweets like yakgwa (honey cookie) and garaetteok gui (grilled rice cake stick), enhancing the overall culinary experience.

Gwangjuho Lake (광주호)

11.5Km 2020-06-09

Chunghyo-dong, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-266-0032

Gwangjuho Lake is located at the base of the Mudeungsan Mountain, which creates a beautiful view. Many people come to the lake not only for the relaxing setting, but also for fishing. Near the upper stream of the lake there are beautiful arbors built during the Joseon dynasty that display the traditional garden culture of that time. One of these arbors is the Sikyeongjeong Pavilion, a historic site written about by Jeong Cheol, a famous statesman and poet during Joseon dynasty.

Gwangjuho Lake Eco Park (광주호 호수생태원)

12.2Km 2024-02-29

7 Chunghyosaem-gil, Buk-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-613-7891

Gwangjuho Lake Eco Park is an ecological park located near the banks of Gwangjuho Lake, featuring a Nature Observation Center, Nature Learning Center, Lawn Area, and Waterside Wetland. The park is home to around 170,000 wildflowers and over 3,000 trees, offering opportunities to observe various flora and fauna up close. Visitors can witness diverse birds thriving in the wetlands.

Sigyeongjeong Pavilion (담양 식영정)

12.3Km 2025-01-08

Jigok-ri, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-2811

Designated as the top monument of Jeollanam-do, Sigyeongjeong Pavilion means a place where even the shadow of the moon can find a place to rest. As its name suggests, this pavilion is set in a lush and remote forested area. Countless number of scholars and writers have been attracted to this pavilion as a place of profound inspiration. The pavilion gained more fame from the legendary lyrics of Seongsanbyeolgok written by the poet Jeong Cheol. The elegant words of Kim Seongwon, a literary scholar, depict the scenic beauty of Seongsan Mountain as the seasons change.

Of all the pavilions situated at the basin of the Yeongsangang River the Sigyeongjeong Pavilion is said to be blessed with a breathtaking view from the side. The current building was restored in the early 1900s. At the Sigyeongjeong Pavilion there is the Buyongdang, a monument with the lyrics to the Seongsanbyeolgok Poem, and next to it an old library building called Jangseogak built to preserve the wooden blocks of Songgangjib, a book of poetry written by Jeong Cheol.

Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주)) - Area information - Korea travel information