Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Gunsan Dongguksa Temple (동국사(군산))

16076 2024-04-07

16, Dongguksa-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-462-5366

Dongguksa Temple was built by Japanese monk Seoneungbulgwan in 1909. The temple was run by Japanese monks for 36 years during the Japanese occupation, reverting to Korean jurisdiction when Korea was liberated in 1945. The historical temple is the only surviving Japanese-style temple in the nation.

The temple is characterized by its two main buildings, Daeungjeon Hall and Yosachae, which are connected by a corridor, and the temple’s relative lack of decoration, which stands as a sharp contrast to the brilliantly-colored Korean temples. Dongguksa Temple was officially designated as Cultural Asset in July 2003 and is now a branch temple of Seonunsa Temple in Gochang, the 24th district of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order.

Buan Naesosa Temple (내소사 (부안))

29741 2024-04-07

243, Naesosa-ro, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82- 63-583-7281

Naesosa Temple was built by Buddhist Monk Hye-Gu in 633 during the Baekje dynasty and was rebuilt by Monk Cheong-Min in 1633 during the Joseon dynasty. The Daeungbojeon Hall was built at this time. In 1986, the temple area was designated as a culturally protected area.

On both sides of the main gate are large fir trees, which also line the path into the temple. Upon reaching the temple itself, the first thing that draws attention is the 1000-year-old Dangsan tree. Long ago, people used the base of the tree as a site of prayer.

Housed in Beomjonggak is a bronze bell that can be found in many Buddhist temples. This particular bell was made during the Goryeo era and is engraved with three images of Buddha, called Samjonsang. The center building of the temple, called Daeungbojeon Hall is also an artistic masterpiece, decorated with splendid colors and designs. The flower Salmun doors featuring lotus and chrysanthemum flowers add another element of traditional beauty to the building.

Mireuksa Temple Site [UNESCO World Heritage] (익산 미륵사지 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

22104 2024-04-07

362, Mireuksaji-ro, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-3873

Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-AD 660). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power AD 600-641) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At the time of their revelation, the king and queen were on their way to visit a Buddhist monk in Sajasa Temple on Yonghwasan Mountain (now known as Mireuksan Mountain). In response to their vision, the king drained the nearby pond and established Mireuksa Temple. The temple is believed to have shown the most advanced architectural and cultural skills of Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo (the three main kingdoms at that time). Records indicate that King Jinpyeong of Silla even sent his craftsmen over to assist with the temple construction.

The two main features of the Mireuksa Temple Site are the stone pagoda (Mireuksaji Seoktap) and the flagpole supports (Mireuksaji Dangganjiju). The 14.24-meter-high west stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) is the oldest and largest Korean stone pagoda in existence. The west pagoda currently has only six tiers, but is estimated to originally have had nine. The nine-story east stone pagoda (27.67 meters in x_height) was restored to its original stature in 1993 based on historical records. Other surviving landmarks include the flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) to the south of the stone pagodas. The 395 centimeter-tall poles are estimated to have been created during the Unified Silla period (AD 676-935) and are set 90 meters apart from east to west.

Wanju Songgwangsa Temple (송광사(완주))

20795 2024-04-07

255-16, Songgwangsuman-ro, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-243-8091

Songgwangsa Temple in Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do has a unique history that spans a period of over a thousand years. For many years the temple lay incomplete until Monk Bojo Chejing began reconstruction in the 7th year of King Gyeongmun of Silla (AD 867). The temple was destroyed at one point in time, but Master Monk Jinul prayed that it be rebuilt. In accordance with his fervent hopes, in the 1600s the monk’s followers rebuilt a number of the temple’s halls and buildings, many of which can still be seen today. The temple is also remembered as the temple that King Injo helped rebuild with the hope that his two sons, who had been taken hostage by the Qing dynasty during the Byeongjahoran War (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636), would be returned safely and that Buddha would heal the nation.

One of the Korea’s four major temples, Songgwangsa is home to Jijangbosal and Siwangsang statues (found in Jijangjeon Hall), a Seokgayeorae statue, and 500 Nahansang statues (found in Nahanjeon Hall). The temple is also home to eight Tangible Cultural Assets and four Treasured Cultural Assets: Daeungjeon Hall, the Samsebulsang statues, the bell-tower, and the Sacheonwangsang statue.

Beloved for its historical significance as well as its beauty, the temple draws throngs of worshipers throughout the year. In spring, many tourists flock to the area to explore the temple and walk through the nearby cherry blossom tunnels. A worthwhile attraction for visitors of all ages, the temple is particularly well-suited for those with mobility problems since it is located on ground level.

Jinpo Maritime Theme Park (진포해양테마공원)

17225 2024-04-07

12, Naehang 1-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-454-7873

The Jinpo Maritime Theme Park opened in 2008 to commemorate Jinpodaecheop, the sweeping victory of Jinpo in the naval combat against the Japanese forces led by General Choi Mu-seon in 1380. Constructed with a scenic backdrop of the local port and the vast sea, the park houses 16 retired military crafts of 13 models. On display at the park are vintage tanks, historical artillery, combat planes, and warships including the Wibongham Ship, a vessel that was used in combat during the Vietnam War. Visitors can also explore the interior of decommissioned warships. The exhibition hall inside the Wibongham Ship showcases weapons used during the Jinpodaecheop War, artillery made by General Choi Mu-seon, and the typical life inside the warship.

Gochang Munsusa Temple (문수사 (고창))

30903 2024-04-07

135, Chilseong-gil, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-562-0502

Nestled on the slope of Munsusan Mountain (alt. 621 m) in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do and Jangseong, Jeollanam-do, Munsusa Temple is located in the area of a dense mountain ridge to the west of Gosu Kiln Site in Gosu-myeon, and Josan Reservoir. The ridge features clean water and a thick forest that has remained uncontaminated due to its isolated location.

The temple's establishment date is uncertain. The temple houses Daeungjeon Hall (Local Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 51) and Munsujeon Hall (Local Tangible Heritage No. 52), as well as Myeongbujeon and Hansanjeon Halls. Daeungjeon is a small building featuring the unique architecture of gable roofing. Visitors will be fascinated by the temple's scenery, boasting valley waters flowing from dense forests. It is particularly beautiful in fall, when the autumn foliage harmonizes well with the colors of the old temple. The temple grounds are surrounded by a colony of maple trees 100 to 400 years old.

The Forest of Maple Trees at Munsusa Temple, Gochang, was designated in 2005 as Natural Monument No. 463. It covers the area from the entrance of Munsusan Mountain to the entrance of Munsusa Temple with nearly 500 maple trees lining the 80 meter-long path.

Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs (익산 입점리 고분)

7115 2024-04-07

80, Ipjeomgobun-gil, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-5875

The Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs are a group of ancient Baekje-era tumuli located 100 meters above sea level on the northeast brow of Chilmokjae Hill in Ipjeom-ri, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The burial ground covers an area of more than 18,520 square meters and is officially listed as Historical Site No. 347. To date, a total of eight tumuli have been excavated, all of which are chamber tombs.

Surprisingly enough, the tombs were first discovered in 1986 by a high school student. While digging for arrowroot, a young man from a local high school found some pieces of gold that resembled a hat. He quickly notified the authorities and it was soon discovered that the pieces of gold were in fact valuable ancient artifacts. An emergency excavation was conducted and the eight tumuli were uncovered, but unfortunately all of the tumuli except Tomb No. 1 had been severely damaged. Tomb No. 1, which is still in relatively good condition, boasts an entrance measuring an impressive 16 meters in x_height and 2 meters in x_width.

Inside the tombs archaeologists found valuable relics from the Baekje dynasty including earthenware, jewelry (a gilt-bronze hat, gold earrings, glass beads, etc.), harnesses and ironware. Given the shapes and the types of the pieces found, historians estimate that the tumuli were built in the 5th century. Since the gilt-bronze hat is similar in shape to those found in Japan, experts believe that there was an active exchange between the Baekje people and the people of Japan.

Wibongsa Temple - Wanju (위봉사 (완주))

11825 2024-04-07

53, Wibong-gil, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-243-7657

Wibongsa Temple is located past Mujigaemun Gate (Rainbow Gate) and Wibong Village and is a major temple in the Honam region that once oversaw 52 branch temples. Said to be built by Monk Seoam in 604 (the 5th year of King Mu of Baekje), the surviving buildings date back to the Joseon Era. Today, only Bogwangmyeongjeon Hall (Treasure No. 608), Yosa (Provincial Cultural Asset No. 698), and Samseonggak remain. The Baeguigwaneumbosal wall painting in particular is the pride of the temple.

Jangansan County Park (장안산군립공원)

14288 2024-04-07

Jangan-ri, Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-350-2445

Situated in Jangsu-gun in Jeollabuk-do, Jangansan Mountain (alt. 1,237 m) was officially designated a county park in 1986. Deoksan Valley Stream, which originates in the southwestern part of Jangansan Mountain and flows into Yongnimcheon Stream, is famous for the Deoksanyongso Waterfall Basins and the 20 or so large rocks that dot its banks. The sprawling fields of reeds along the East Ridge are also a major draw, undulating like waves of gold in the crisp autumn wind. In particular, the east hiking path on Jangansan Mountain is lined with a wide field of silver grass making it popular among hikers.

Gochangeupseong Walled Town (고창읍성)

19995 2024-04-07

1, Moyangseong-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-560-8067

Gochangeupseong Walled Town was built in 1453 during th reign of Joseon King Danjong to protect the city from foreign invaders. The walls were built by the local civilians, using natural resources as they were available. Also called Moyangseong Fortress, the walled town served a vital role in protecting the southern region, and was designated Historic Site No. 145 on April 1, 1965. The walls are 4~6 meters high and 1,684 meters long, with three gates on the north, east, and west walls, each protected by curved walls. Inside the large area there were 22 government buildings. Restoration work on the wall has been ongoing since 1976.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information