Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Jirisan National Park (Hamyang Section) (지리산국립공원(함양))

2021-02-05

Baengmudong-ro, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Designated as the first national park in Korea on December 29, 1967, Jirisan National Park stretches out over 483.022 square kilometers, making it the largest national park among all 22 national parks. It covers Korea’s three southernmost provinces; Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do, one city, four counties, and 15 districts of eup and myeon. The area in Gyeongsangnam-do has Ssanggyesa Temple, Daewonsa Temple, Beopgyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, and Chilsangsa Temple as well as valleys, falls, and other tourism resources. In particular, famous tourist spots in Hamyang area are Chilseongyegok Valley and Hansingyegok Valley.

Seongmun - Stone Gate (석문)

2020-06-13

644-33, Sambong-ro, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-422-1146

Two hundred meters upstream from Dodamsambong Peaks is a large rainbow-shaped stone gate on the left side of the river. This oddly-shaped stone arch is called Seongmun, which means Stone Gate. Due to its fascinating scenery, Seongmunm is the second of Danyang’s Eight Scenic Beauties. To the left of the Stone Gate is a small cave. Inside the cave is Okdap (Stone Field), which is believed to have been cultivated by an old enchantress. The legend of Okdap says that an old enchantress who lived in heaven once came to the earth to get water and then dropped her binyeo (traditional Korean hairpin) near Seongmun. As she searched for her binyeo, she was extremely impressed by the beautiful views. Mesmerized, she left heaven and lived near Seongmun as an ordinary peasant, growing crops and expanding farmlands.

Dodamsambong Peaks (도담삼봉)

2024-03-15

644 Sambong-ro, Maepo-eup, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-42-422-3037

The Dodamsambong Peaks consist of three distinctive stone pillars - Janggunbong, Cheobong, and Cheopbong Peaks - that rise majestically from the Namhangang River. Janggunbong, the tallest of the trio, hosts the historic Samdojeong Pavilion, a famed gathering place for the region's literati. Adjacent to these natural wonders, the Dodamsambong Tourist Area offers amenities and attractions such as the Sambong Story Hall, the Hwangpo Sailboat, a cruise ship quay, and a rest area, enhancing the visitor experience.

Yeosu Yeongchwisan Mountain (영취산 (여수))

2024-03-08

Sangam-dong, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do

Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, rising just 510 meters above sea level, but the mountain has long been deemed as a spiritual guardian of the Yeosu peninsula. During the old days, people held rituals for rain or offered wishful prayers here. Geumseongdae and Dosolam Hermitage are two Buddhist places of worship on the mountain.

As Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, taking any hiking course will lead hikers to the peak within about four hours. The mountain is a perfect place for family travelers to go hiking. Yeongchwisan Mountain is also widely known as the first place in Korea where azaleas begin to bloom in the spring, and is one of the top three most famous places in Korea for azalea blossoms. In April each year, the azalea festival is held in the mountain. The festival offers a variety of programs including a ritual for the god of the mountain, a writing contest for students, a photo contest, and Miss Azalea beauty pageant. During the festival, visitors can enjoy various events and local foods.

Nine Forest Ewhawon (나인포레스트 이화원)

2021-08-13

64, Jaraseom-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-581-0228

Located on Jaraseom Island, Nine Forest Ewhawon was renewed in 2015. The garden spans over an area of 33,000 square meters with a 1,090 square meter butterfly ecology center, making it the largest butterfly park in the world. The park offers live butterflies and butterfly specimens all year long through the use of a greenhouse. Visitors can look at exhibitions and learn about butterflies and plants with detailed explanations from professional guides. Jaraseom Island also offers camping sites and hosts various festivals.

Wolchulsan Hot Springs (월출산 온천)

2020-02-06

331, Mahan-ro, Gunseo-myeon, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-473-6311

Wolchulsan Spa is located five kilometers northwest of the town of Yeongam. The spa overlooks the beautiful scenery of Wolchulsan Mountain, the extensive plain of Yeongam, and Yeongamcheon Stream, a tributary of Yeongsangang River.

The source of Wolchulsan Spa’s hot spring waters is red feldspar granite (elvan) that forms the aquifer column of Wolchulsan Mountain. The adhesive and purifying properties of the elvan removes harmful organic matter and pollutants, resulting in pure, natural hot spring waters. Rich in various minerals, dissolved oxygen, and far-infrared emissivity, the elvan hot spring waters are known to be effective for alleviating various ailments such as fatigue, neuralgia, rheumarthritis, skin trouble, and athlete’s foot.

Various tourist attractions are located nearby, including the Wolchulsan Mountain, the reed field in Miwangjae, and Dogapsa Temple, so visitors can enjoy a good rest at Wolchulsan Spa after sightseeing.

Field of Reeds on Deokjeokdo Island (덕적도 갈대 군락지)

2020-12-02

130, Deokjeokbuk-ro, Ongjin-gun, Incheon
+82-32-899-3710

Deokjeokso Island is famous for the largest colony of reeds on the west coast, and for backpaking up to Bijobong Peak. The field of reeds appears to dance in the wind as the surrounding ocean sparkles in the sun. From the top of Bijobong Peak, hikers can enjoy a fantastic view of the sunrise and sunset, as well as the star-filled night sky.

The area of Deokjeokdo Island in Incheon includes six smaller islands (Soyado, Mungapdo, Guleopdo, Baekado, Uldo, Jido), and is seven times the size of Yeouido Island in Seoul. The name means "an island in a deep sea." The natural environment on the island has remained largely untouched, allowing for beautiful ocean views. Among the islands attractions, many tourists visit Seopo-ri Beach, famous for its 200-300 year-old pine trees and white sand. Visitors can see more of the many islands dotting the area by climbing up Bagatsurobong Peak. The path to the peak passes Yongdam Cave, said to have been the home to a dragon.

Heungguksa Temple (Yeosu) (흥국사 (여수))

2021-11-05

160, Heungguksa-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-685-5633

The name of Heungguksa Temple means “if the country prospers, the temple does well.” The temple was established to pray for the country to flourish. Located on Yeongchwisan Mountain, Heunaguksa was founded by Bojo Guksa in 1195.

Within the compound are other buildings including Wontongjeon, Palsangjeon and Daeungjeon (Main Hall). The temple’s main hall, a Treasure, is open in its structure and equipped with traditional Korean doors. A Buddhist painting named Hubultaenghwa is designated as a Treasure. At the entrance to the temple is a rainbow-shaped stone bridge called Honggyo Bridge,a Treasure, which is widely known as a distinguished work of art.

On Yeongchwisan Mountain, azaleas begin to bloom in early April and completely take over the mountain by the end of the month. Azalea blossoms create an extravagant view along the ridgeline of Yeongchwibong Peak (439 meters above sea level) and Jillyebong Peak (510 meters above sea level). During this period, the Mount Yeongchwisan Azalea Festival takes place.

Jirisan National Park (Namwon) (지리산국립공원(남원))

2024-04-07

255 Jeongnyeongchi-ro, Jucheon-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-630-8900

Jirisan National Park is the second-highest mountain in South Korea, standing at an elevation of 1,915 meters, spanning across the provinces of Gyeongsang-do and Jeolla-do. Revered as a sacred mountain alongside North Korea's Baekdusan Mountain, it is home to the Asiatic Black Bear and features numerous peaks, including Cheonwangbong Peak. In spring, various flowers such as Royal Azalea bloom, while lush forests thrive in summer, vibrant foliage adorns the landscape in autumn, and the winter scenery boasts snow-covered peaks and icy landscapes.

Nohwado Island (노화도)

2022-06-20

813, Nohwa-ro, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-550-5152

Nohwado Island, a stopping point en route to Bogildo Island, is well known for its abalone and mussel production. The island produces 70% of Korea's cultivated abalone, and offers seashell harvesting programs. Other attractions include Nohwa Red Sea, Geuknaksa Temple, and the 450-year-old hackberry tree.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information