Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Banghwadong Recreational Forest (방화동 자연휴양림,가족휴가촌)

6039 2024-04-07

778, Banghwadong-ro, Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-350-2474

Banghwadong Recreational Forest is located at the foot of Jangansan Mountain. The mountain trail from Deoksanyongso Pond leading to Banghwadonggyegok Valley features nature learning centers and adventure games facilities. The clean valley is lined with oddly shaped cliffs, shrubs and trees, which all combine into a splendid view. The forest is situated at a highland more than 500 meters above sea level. It is surrounded by mountains that are over a thousand meters above sea level, so the temperature is low and the water at the valley is cool even in the summer.

There are log cabins, group accommodation facilities, and training halls by the valley to accommodate group visits, conferences, gatherings and seminars. The recreational forest also operates Banghwadong Family Vacation Village for family visitors, equipped with accommodation facilities, various camping sites, and a wood carving experience center.

Nongae Shrine (Uiamsa Shrine) (논개사당(의암사))

13024 2024-04-07

393, Hannuri-ro, Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-350-2326

Uiamsa Shrine was built to the memory of Chu Nongae, who sacrificed her life during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasion of Korea). In 1846, the Nongae-saeng-jang-hyang-su-myeong-bi monument was put up in praise of Nongae’s patriotism. In 1955, a shrine was built and named Uiamsa, which was then moved to the current location in 1974. Within the precincts of the shrine are a memorial stone, the portrait of Nongae by artist Kim Eun-ho, and three gates Woesammun, Naesammun and Chunguimun erected one after another. At the memorial hall, the existing possessions of Nongae and her husband General Choi Gyeong-hoe are on display. The annual Nongae Festival takes places on September 3rd by the lunar calendar, during which memorial services and cultural events are held to commemorate Nongae.

Wansanchilbong Peak (Wansan Park) (완산칠봉(완산공원))

28424 2024-04-07

19-4, Gongsunae 1-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-220-5438

Wansanchilbong Peak, also referred to as Wansan Park, is located on the southern outskirts of downtown Jeonju. The mountain is known to be the origin of Iksan and Gunsan's birthplace and the mountain's fame had spread across the southern region along with Jeonju. In addition to the historically significant Chilseongsa Temple, there is a pavilion located at the top where people can look out over the surrounding area. The mountain is also a place where a fierce battle took place from the Donghak Peasant Revolution. Today, the mountain is made into a park and serves as a popular retreat for locals.

Birthplace of Nongae (논개생가)

15425 2024-04-07

558, Uiam-ro, Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-350-1636

Nongae was born in Juchon Village in the 7th year of King Seonjo (September 3, 1575). A clever and beautiful young lady, Nongae voluntarily registered as a gisaeng (female entertainer) at the age of 19 when the nation was at risk of invasion during the Imjin War. While entertaining one evening, she led Japanese general Keyamura Rokusuke to the edge of a cliff and flung her arms around him, casting both herself and the general to their deaths in the Jinju Namgang River.

To commemorate her faithfulness and allegiance to her country, a project to restore her place of birth was completed in September 2000, drawing many visitors. Nearby Nongae’s birthplace are many tourist attractions, including Deogyusan Mountain and Odongje Pass and a hiking trail that connects Jangansan County Park, Jijigyegok Valley, and Donghwa Dam.

Rajetongmun Gate (라제통문)

25126 2024-04-07

Rajetongmun-ro, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-322-2905

The historical border of the Silla and Baekje Kingdoms, Rajetongmun Gate of Seolcheon-myeon, Muju was formed from a rock cave in Seokgyeonsan Mountain. The tunnel is approximately 3 meters in x_height and 10 meters in length, and divides the villages of Sindu Maeul into Dugil-ri, Seolcheon-myeon and Inam Maeul in Socheon-ri. During the Three Kingdoms Period, the rocky ridges of Seokgyeonsan Mountain drew the boundary of Silla's Mupung in the east with Baekje's Seolcheo to the west.
Tracing the history from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Goryeo dynasty, the cultures and traditions of the two regions were markedly different. If curious about the difference, one could simply stop by Seolcheon on market day, where the Muju and Mupung local dialects and customs can easily be distinguished.

People used to cross Seokgyeonsan Mountain by a footpath along the rocky ridge to travel between Seolcheon and Mupung. During the Japanese occupation, a new road was created by turning a cave into a tunnel through the mountain so cows and horse carts could freely pass from Muju to Gimcheon.

General Kim Yoo Shin from the Silla Kingdom, the hero of unification of the Three Kingdoms, often passed by the gate, later giving rise to the gate's nickname, Tongilmun (literally "Unification Gate"). The gate is number one on the list of 33 scenic sites in Gucheon-dong.

Keumkuwon Sculpture Park (금구원야외조각미술관)

10205 2024-04-07

31, Jogakgongwon-gil, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-584-6770

Keumkuwon Sculpture Park was founded in 1966 by Kim O-seong, and was the first park of its kind in Korea. The park was registered as Private Museum No. 277 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2003. Many of the roughly 100 sculptures are realistic in style and are related to one another, creating a feeling of watching a play unfold before one's eyes. Main pieces include "Farmer’s Hands," "Thoughts about the Limited and the Unlimited," and "The Sky in the West." The sculptures are made of marble or granite and vary in size, with some measuring 450 centimeters.

Indigenous trees and bushes of the Byeonsanbando Peninsula can be found throughout the park, giving visitors a chance to enjoy both the sculptures and the backcountry charm. The park also features the Keumkuwon Astronomical Observatory, opened in 1991. Visitors can combine their trip to the park with a visit to nearby tourist sites like Gyeokpohang Harbor, Chaeseokgang Cliff, Suseongdang Shrine, and Jeokbyeokgang Cliff.

Gochang Dosoram Hermitage (도솔암(고창))

22384 2024-04-07

294, Dosol-gil, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-564-2861

Dosoram Hermitage, along with Seonunsa Temple, is thought to have been built during the Baekje era (18 BC-AD 660). The temple is managed by Seonunsa Temple on Dosolsan Mountain in Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do.

Wolmyeong Park (월명공원)

9007 2024-04-07

26-3, Wolmyeonggongwon 1-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-450-4000

Wolmyeong Park is a popular tourist destination in Gunsan and connects five mountains in the vicinity. The park has 12 kilometers of walking trails, as well as an observatory, sculpture park, and various monuments. From Susi Tower, which resembles a flame or wind-blown sail, people can see all of downtown Gunsan, the sea to the south of Gunsan, the mouth of the Geumgang River, and the large Janghang smelting factory.

The park has well-arranged gardens and 30-year old rattan and cherry trees. A cherry blossom photo contest is held every April, when the park is covered in cherry blossoms.

Jeongeup Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone (정읍 내장산 관광특구)

7431 2024-04-07

Naejang-dong, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-539-5193

Jeongeup Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone, which covers Naejangsan Mountain, Baegamsan Mountain and Ibamsan Mountain, is known for the most beautiful fall scenery in Korea. In the autumn, the zone is aflame with autumnal tints. Naejangsan Mountain has been referred to as the “Geumgang of Honam” since the Joseon dynasty.

Naejangsan Mountain is about 11 kilometers away from downtown Jeongeup, and its name means "many secrets in the mountains." The highest peak of Naejangsan Mountain is Sinseonbong Peak, which is 763 meters above sea level. The nine peaks of the mountain stand in a circle, similar to the shape of a horse’s hoof. As one of the eight scenic views of the nation, it boasts grand scenery. Geumseongyegok Valley, which embraces Geumseonpokpo Falls, Dodeokpokpo Falls and Baegamgyegok Valley, is also famous.

Since there are more than ten trekking courses, hikers can choose a course after taking their physical stamina or personal preference into consideration. The length of each course varies from 1.5 to 14 kilometers. For those who are not able to trek long distances, walking the 3.6 kilometer-long nature trail that leads to the flatland is a good option. Visitors can reach the observation platform easily by riding a cable car from the ticket office.

The number of tourists has been steadily increasing since the KTX train began to stop at Jeongeup Station. When the autumn colors are at its peak in particular, taking the KTX makes the trip to Naejangsan Mountain much easier for travelers, and prevents traffic jams. The Donghak Peasants Revolution Commemoration is held in May and the Naejangsan Fall Foliage Festival takes place in October.

* Current State of Jeongeup & Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Naejang Districts (Naejang and Ssangam-dong) and Yongsan Districts (Yongsan and Sinjeong-dong), Jeongeuop-si, Jeollabuk-do
2) Area: 3,448,365㎡

* Tourist Attractions
Naejangsan National Park, Okjeongho Lake, Jeongeupsa Park, Jeongeupcheon Stream, Chungyeolsa Shrine, Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Hall, etc.

Ten Scenic Views of Jirisan (지리산 10경)

38488 2024-04-07

Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do/ Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do/ Hadong-gun& Hamnyang-gun& Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Its deep valleys and unique mountain formations are what make Jirisan Mountain truly spectacular. It consists of numerous peaks, and is known to be well-preserved and clean. Ten Scenic Views of Jirisan Mountain are particular memorable and simply breathtaking.

Perhaps Jirisan Mountain’s most signature highlight is its incredible sunrise; the scarlet sunlight from the horizon in the east is spectacular, and arguably the best place to watch it in Korea. The second highlight is Piagol Autumn Leaves. At the village, walk 10 minutes further towards Piagol and you will come to a pine forest at the edge of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. It is called Piagol, the best broad-leaved tree forest in Jirisan Mountain area. The autumnal colors of Piagol are some of the best in the world. Every year the Autumn Leaves Festival is held here. The third notable highlight is the Nogodan Sea of Clouds. Located to the west of Jirisan Mountain, Nogodan Peak is said to boast the most outstanding views of Jirisan Mountain. If you climb up to the peak following the Hwaeomsa Valley, at times the sea of clouds are visible from below the peak. The fourth selected highlight is Banyabong’s Sunset. Banyabong Peak is a huge dome shaped feature. One of the big joys of climbing Banyabong is to see the sunset. The fifth notable feature is the full moon; the beautiful scarlet sky together with the black mountain line produce an exquisite painted background to the rising of the moon. The sixth highlight is the royal azalea blossoming between the rocks. In the spring, the royal azaleas blanket the mountain. There is a field that extends 1,200 meters in the southern area of Jirisan Mountain covered with flowers known as Royal Azalea Plateau. The seventh feature is the deep waterfall between the peaks of Cheonghakbong and Baekhakbong. The 60-meter waterfall produces a tremendous sound. The eighth is the vast view of the mountain range towards Cheonwangbong Peak. The ninth feature is the Chilseongyegok Valley. With its roots in Cheonwonbong Peak, it is one of our nation’s three best valleys. According to legend, seven gods are said to be living in Chilseongyegok Valley. Finally, the tenth most scenic feature is Seomjincheongryu. Flowing southwesterly across Jirisan Mountain and into the south coast, the Seomjingang River is so clear that it is sometimes compared to blue silk. The white sandy beaches on either side of the river are also very beautiful.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information