Key Observatory (열쇠전망대) - Area information - Korea travel information

Key Observatory (열쇠전망대)

.0M    2022-09-07

1375-1, Dongnae-ro, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-839-2147

Called to play the role of an important key for unification, Key Observatory was established on April 11, 1998 to commemorate the sorrow of homesickness and provide security education in the area. Military in the area can also keep watch over the north from this location. Visitors can see the DMZ fences and the Guard Point as well as exhibition hall where war items can be found.

Damteo Oji Camping Ground (담터오지캠핑장)

4.1Km    2025-10-28

409 Damteo-gil, Gwanin-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Godaesan Mountain (고대산)

4.7Km    2021-07-20

Sinseo-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-839-2061

Godaesan Mountain (alt. 832 meters) is located next to Sintan-ri Station, which is the railroad disconnection point of the Gyeongwon Line. It is also on the way to Geumgangsan Mountain. Godaesan is ideal for mountain hiking because of its natural beauty and well-preserved ecosystem. Moreover, this is the only mountain in South Korea on which the North Korean territory can be seen.

There are several theories about the origin of the mountain's name. One is that the mountain had been referred to as "keungore" (big whale) in the past by local residents. Another is that the mountain looks like the banggorae (smoke duct) of a traditional Korean heating system when seen from the Sintan area; this is because the mountain's deep valleys resemble the furrows under that house that facilitate the passage of hot air to heat the room above. On a topographic map, the mountain was also marked as "Gotae" (like the constellations high above).

Godaesan also has a dense forest, making it a suitable source of timber and charcoal. Because of its abundant forest resources, a jumak (a tavern or inn that served food and liquor and provided lodging to travelers) village was formed here. The place was well-known for charcoal production prior to the Korean War.

On November 4, 1907, 150 soldiers from the Korean militia fought a fierce battle with the 8th Company of the Japanese Army's 20th Infantry Regiment in Yeoncheon. After the fight, the Korean militia were scattered throughout the jumak village. Later on, 60 of them engaged in a fierce battle again with the Japanese soldiers on Godaesan. This is a place imbued with the brave spirit of the Korean people.

Simwonsa Temple (심원사(철원))

9.4Km    2024-03-20

58 Sangno 1-gil, Dongsong-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do

This thousand-year-old temple is revered as a sanctuary dedicated to the living Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva. The temple complex comprises various buildings, including Daeungjeon Hall, Myeongbujeon Hall, and Samseonggak Hall. Myeongbujeon Hall is particularly notable as it enshrines the statue of Ksitigarbha, which has been designated a Treasure of Korea. It is believed that if one prays earnestly, a single wish will be granted. This belief continues to draw Buddhists on pilgrimages, eager to experience the spiritual wonder of this revered sculpture.

Bidulginangpokpo Falls-Hantangang River Geopark (비둘기낭폭포-한탄강 국가지질공원)

10.6Km    2025-10-24

Daehoesan-ri, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-538-2312

Bidulginangpokpo Falls, Natural Monument No. 537, is located within a small valley. The waterfall is surrounded by grand columnar joints. The landscape appears quite mysterious and serene, earning it a spot as a poplar filming site for historical dramas. The falls gets it's name ("Pigeon Falls" in Korean) from the story of many wild pigeons nesting in the caves around the waterfall. Other say the name comes from the area's shape. During heavy rainfall, the road to the waterfall is closed, so checking the weather before visiting is recommended.

Joseon Wangga/ 조선왕가(농업회사법인 조선왕가 주식회사)

10.8Km    2025-03-05

339-10 , Hyeonmun-ro, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-834-8383

Joseon Wangga (‘royal house’) in Yeoncheon, Gyeonggi-do, was once the home of Yi Geun, grandson of the Emperor Gojong. Originally called Yeomgeundang and located in Jongno-gu, Seoul, it was dismantled and rebuilt here in 1935. Now it’s a hotel where guests can feel what it was like to live in a Joseon royal house. There are 15 guestrooms, each with a bathroom and a traditional tea set provided free of charge. A pay-for breakfast is provided with advance reservations. Guests can experience traditional crafts such as herbal soap-making and smoke therapy. It is possible to hire the hotel for workshops and traditional weddings. There is also a luxury camping site in which barbecues and campfires are allowed.

Cheorwon Dopiansa Temple (도피안사(철원))

11.5Km    2022-11-14

23, Dopidong-gil, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-455-2471

Dopiansa Temple was built by the Buddhist Monk Doseon in 865, the 5th year of the reign of King Gyeongmun of the Unified Silla Period. Legend has it that Monk Doseon founded this temple because a 91 centimeter-tall iron seated Vairocana Buddha statue had disappeared while being carried to Anyangsa Temple in Cheorwon and was mysteriously found seated at the current site.

The temple was named Dopiansa to indicate that the iron-made Buddha statue had reached “pian,” meaning an eternal place to rest. In addition to the legendary iron seated Variocana Buddha statue (National Treasure) made by Monk Doseon, the temple houses a 4.1 meter-tall three-story stone pagoda (Treasure).

Cheorwon History and Culture Park (철원역사문화공원)

12.2Km    2025-11-06

262 Geumgangsan-ro, Cheorwon-eup, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "Running Man"

A park that recreates Cheorwon-eup's downtown area from the 1930s, when it was one of the three major cities in Gangwon State, with modern facilities. At Cheorwon Station, you can ride the monorail to Soisan Mountain. From the peak of Soisan Mountain, you can get a panoramic view of the vast Cheorwon plain. Like Yoo Jae-suk and Ji Seok-jin, who chose "GO!" you can walk, but if you prefer not to sweat, choose "STOP!" and ride the monorail comfortably.

Cheorwon Korean Workers' Party Headquarters (철원 노동당사)

12.2Km    2023-03-07

265, Geumgangsan-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-450-5558

This three-story building located in Cheorwon-eup was constructed in 1946. Used as the headquarters of the Labor Party until the break of the Korean War on June 25, it is now a tourist attraction that still holds onto the vestiges of the Korean War.

Cheorwon Korean Workers' Party Headquarters is under the control of Cheorwon-gun Office as part of the Security Tour Course. Hundreds of thousands of people visit this tourist destination every year.

Gunnam Flood Control Theme Park (군남홍수조절지 두루미테마파크)

12.4Km    2023-09-20

Gunnam-myeon, Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do

The Gunnam Flood Control Site is situated near the border between North and South Korea just six kilometers away from the demarcation line. More than 97% of the land around the Gunnam flood control dam is part of North Korea. The site is effective in controlling the flooding of the Imjingang River and improving irregular water flow. This area is a key wintering site for various migratory birds such as white-naped cranes, and hooded cranes, with up to 200 birds spending every winter in the area. Given the unique characteristics created by the geographical condition of the area near the border between South and North Korea and the natural environment of the Imjingang River, the site is a great natural ecological habitat for various wildlife.

The Gunnam Flood Control Theme Park features “The Story of Peace and Love told by Cranes” as its theme. Various story-telling facilities are installed, such as the drum of peace, a wishing tree, and crane structures. There are also outstanding facilities to minimize impact on the environment, such as an alternative habitat for cranes, fishway ecology, and ecological wetlands. The facility makes it a great place to learn about and experience ecology.