Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Rock-carved Buddha Triad in Yonghyeon-ri, Seosan (서산 용현리 마애여래삼존상)

2020-03-27

65-13, Maaesamjonbul-gil, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-660-2538

Seosan Maaesamjonbul (Rock-Carved Buddha Triad) is carved into a huge rock cliff at the entrance to Bowonsa Temple at Gayasan Mountain. The Rock-Carved Buddha was discovered in 1958, and is considered the oldest and one of the most outstanding Buddha rock carvings in Korea.

Standing Buddha stands in the center, the cross-legged Buddha is to the right, and Standing Bodhisattva is on the left. The main Buddha, Yearaeipsang (Standing Buddha) is 2.8m high.

All sculptures carved in the middle of Baekje (6th century) are called "Baekje's Smile," named for their trademark bright smiles. The appearance of the smile changes depending on the direction of the sunlight, so these statues were designated as National Treasure No. 84. The best time to see the smile is from 9-11 a.m.

The location, an important site along a key transportation route from China to Baekje, is on the way to Buyeo from the Taean peninsula. The masterful work represents the active interchange of culture with China during that time period.

International Shrine of Haemi Martyrs (해미국제성지)

2026-08-03

13 Seongji 1-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

International Shrine of Haemi Martyrs marks the place where more than 1,000 Catholic believers were buried alive during the persecutions of the 18th and 19th centuries. During the Byeongin Persecution of 1866, a large pit was dug near Haemi Stream to carry out mass executions. In 1935, part of the martyrs’ remains was excavated based on eyewitness accounts, and the site’s history was brought to light. The remains were later relocated here in 1995, where they are now preserved. In 2003, the area was established as a Catholic pilgrimage site, featuring Haemi Holy Ground Church, the Haemi Martyrs’ Tower, and the Tomb of Unknown Martyrs. In 2014, three Haemi martyrs were beatified by the Vatican, and Pope Francis visited the site. The site also serves as the starting point of the Haemi International Pilgrimage Route, which follows the historic path used to transport martyrs to Haemi.

Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

2021-09-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae Hall is a one-story structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled and gable roof. It has 6 kan in the front and 2 kan (traditional unit of measurement of the space between pillars) to the sides. It originally belonged to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace, but came to be considered a part of Changdeokgung Palace in more recent years.

The hall was constructed in 1846 (12th year of King Heonjong’s reign) and it is collectively called Nakseonjae together with the adjacent Seokbokheon Hall and Sugangjae Hall.

Behind the building is a flower garden made of stacked large stones. The chimney, the flowers, and the oddly shaped stones harmoniously blend into one another to create an outstanding landscape gardening.

Baraebong Peak (바래봉)

2024-04-07

196, Baraebong-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Baraebong Peak gets its name from its resemblance to an upside down barittae (a wooden rice bowl used by temple priests). The mountain is characterized by round slopes and fields of royal azalea flowers in spring. Trekking starts at Yongsan Village, 1.5 kilometers away from Unbong-eup. The trail follows a gentle path through a forest reserve behind a ranch and up to the peak. The last section of the trail before reaching the summit is covered in royal azaleas in full bloom from late April until May. The view from the peak includes the whole vista of Jirisan Mountain.

KT&G Sangsangmadang Nonsan (KT&G 상상마당 논산)

2025-01-13

15-20, Hancheon-gil, Sangwol-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

KT&G Sangsangmadang are cultural arts facilities located in Hongdae, Chuncheon, and Nonsan. The Nonsan branch includes basic facilities such as a design shop, café, and experiences, while also offering an art lounge, art camping village, and youth training facilty for more indepth education. Sangsangmadang’s lives out its concept of growing artistic imagination and sharing happiness.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain (황령산)

2026-08-14

391-39 Hwangnyeongsan-ro, Nam-gu, Busan

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain offers a lush green forest easily accessible from downtown Busan. The mountain is popular for hiking, as well as taking in the nightscape. The mountain stretches across Busanjin-gu, Nam-gu, and Suyeong-gu districts, and with an altitude of 427 meters, it is the second tallest mountain in the Geumnyeonsan Mountain Range. Despite this distinction, the summit can be reached after a two to three-hour hike. At the foot of the mountain, one can find a citizen's recreation area and a youth training center. Choosing which mountain trail to take depends on the transportation options available.

Traditional Food Town around Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성 전통음식마을)

2021-03-17

731, Namhansanseong-ro, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-762-3010

The Traditional Food Town around Namhansanseong Fortress has many restaurants offering rice, dotorimuk (acorn jelly salad), tojongdak (whole chicken) dishes, and other traditional dishes. The area embraces almost 300 years of Korean history and the restaurants were built in traditional hanok-style buildings around Namhansanseong Fortress, a military stronghold from the Joseon dynasty.

Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory (남원항공우주천문대)

2024-04-07

48-63, Yangnim-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Chosen as a government funded project, Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory was granted 4.6 billion won by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning in 2006 for project development.

The three-story observatory, with a total area of 6,532 square meters, has an exhibition hall showing the history of space aviation, an aviation experience hall, and a 10-meter-wide dome showing images of the night sky. The secondary observatory is equipped with a 600 millimeter telecope and other astronomical telescopes ranging in focal length from 125 millimeter to 350 millimeter for observing Namwon's night sky. In addition to the telecopes, retired combat planes from the air force, including the main fighter plane Phantom from the 1970s, are displayed outside.

Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory offers programs such as tours and experience programs for groups. These include a 4D film experience of the sun and celestial bodies, a virtual aviation experience, and lectures about astronomy, all of which can accommodate up to 120 people per session. A variety of classroom learning activities are also offered in the summer to attract more visitors.

Gwanghallu Pavilion (광한루)

2024-04-07

1447, Yocheon-ro, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do

Rebuilt in 1638 (the 16th year of King Injo), Gwanghallu Pavilion is one of the Joseon dynasty’s most exemplary structures. The pavilion was constructed in 1419 by Hwang Hui, a noted prime minister in the early Joseon dynasty, during his exile to Namwon. The name of the pavilion at that time was Gwangtongnu. In 1434, while the pavilion was undergoing reconstruction, scholar and politician Jeong In-ji called it Gwanghallu after Gwanghancheongheobu, the mythical palace on the moon. Designated as Treasure No. 281, the pavilion is one of four major pavilions known for excellent craftsmanship, along with Yeongnamnu Pavilion (Miryang), Chokseongnu Pavilion (Jinju), and Bubyeoknu (Pyeongyang). Gwanghalluwon Garden, which consists of Gwanghallu Pavilion, a pond, Bangjangjeon Pavilion, and Yeongjugak Pavilion form Historic Site No. 33.

Modo Island (모도)

2026-06-30

12-3, Modo-gil, Jindo-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

In 1929, Modo Island was spotted by Kim Hae-gim on his way to Jeju Island. He called the island Ttiseom because of the multitude of ttipul grass, a grass native to Korea, on the island. There were also many houses with thatched roofs made with dried ttipul on the island. The name Modo Island comes from the Hanja characters for "Ttiseom."

Sightseeing - Korea travel information