Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Wonju Sangwonsa Temple (상원사(원주)

2023-07-17

930, Seongnam-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-763-1608

Sangwonsa Temple is located at the foot of Namdaebong Peak (1,182 m) on the southern tip of Chiaksan Mountain and is built atop a flat rock floor with an area of around 330 m2. Cool spring water shoots up from a crack on a rock before the temple and a 40 meter-tall cliff is located in front of it while three rare katsura trees stand at the tip of the cliff. The story of a pheasant returning a favor, which became the origin tale of Chiaksan, is a myth created at this temple.

Though it is not clearly known when Sangwonsa was first constructed, it is believed to have been built during the Silla Dynasty considering the stone pagodas and other relics at the temple. The two stone pagodas in front of the sanctuary add greater magnificence to the beauty of the Buddhist temple in the heart of an old mountain. The temple is designated as a Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage Material.

Wonju Baegunsan National Recreational Forest (국립 백운산자연휴양림 (원주))

2022-10-25

81, Baegunsan-gil, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-766-1063

The valley flowing from the top of Baegunsan Mountain to the north direction is called Yongsugol Valley. A dense forest, pristine waters and numerous rock formations in the vicinity all provide a beautiful scenery. The downstream area of the valley holds a large amount of water and it is a popular place for vacationers and visitors all year round. The forest park contains a wide variety of trees, some of which grow naturally while others have been more recently planted. In particular, the 1.7-kilometer section of the valley that stretches from the entrance to the resort area boasts breathtaking scenery and is lined with weigela and wild cherry trees. The park is carpeted with various wild flowers such as dicentra, columbine and hepatica, and wild animals such as water deer, wild boars, and raccoons are easily spotted.

Soyangho Lake (Yanggu Section) (소양호(양구))

2023-09-14

Seokhyeon-ri, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-480-7204

Soyangho Lake is a man-made lake that was created when Soyang Dam, the biggest rock-filled dam in Asia, was built in 1973. The lake is a hotspot for aquatic tourism and the lakeside road is an important route that connects Chuncheon and Yanggu. It is also a popular fishing spot as over 50 types of fishes can be found.

Mangyeongdae Pavilion (만경대)

2020-04-03

Gongdan 4-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-530-2800

Mangyeongdae Pavilion, located on the shore of the East Coast, one-kilometer east of Donghae City Hall, was built in 1613 while old Joseon was under the rule of King Gwanghaegun. However, the pavilion was destroyed by rainstorms and later rebuilt by the Samcheok Kim family some 60 years ago. While offering a spectacular view of sea to the east, the pavilion also offers a refreshing view of expansive pine forests to the north. If you look to the west, you will enjoy a magnificent view of Dutasan Mountain beyond the pavilion’s back lawn as well as the Jeoncheon Stream flowing into the East Sea alongside a steep cliff-wall. As only Jukseoru Pavilion of Samcheok matched its view, poets of former times are said to have frequented Mangyeongdae Pavilion.

Cheongok Golden Bat Cave (천곡황금박쥐동굴)

2021-09-24

50, Donggul-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-539-3630

Cheongok Golden Bat Cave in Donghae is the only natural cave in Korea located in a downtown area. Estimated to have been created 400 to 500 million years ago, the cave is known to serve as a habitat for the endangered golden bats. The cave's total length stretches for 1,510 meters, with only 810 meters of the cave open the public while the rest of cave remains protected for preservation purposes. The cave features ceiling craters, one of which is the longest in Korea, along with stalactite curtains, travertine terraces, stalactite cascades, and many other fantastic rock formations. The cave's unique features provide a grand spectacle for tourists and great speleological samples for researchers. A 785-meter walkway was made using the sinkhole created by dissolved limestone to help visitors get a better understanding of cave formations.

Mureunggyegok Valley (무릉계곡)

2020-07-13

538, Samhwa-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-539-3700

Mureunggyegok Valley, between Dutasan Mountain and Cheongoksan Mountain, refers to a four-kilometer stretch from Hoamso Pond to Yongchupokpo Falls upstream. The waters of Mureunggyegok Valley flow over wide sheets of rock and into the cracks between them, forming large and particularly nice ponds along the path. Starting at Mureung Rock, a wide sheet of single rock on which hundreds can sit, the valley trail twists and turns as it passes Samhwasa Temple, Haksodae, Ongnyudong, and Seonnyeotang Ravine, all the way to Ssangpokpo and Yongchupokpo Falls, providing breathtaking scenery along the way. Also known as Arcadia, scholars and poets frequented the valley in times past, and the 5,000 square meters of Mureung Rock bears the inscribed names of some of these poets and their work. The valley offers a medley of curious-looking rocks and stones, and other odd scenery that attracts many tourists.

Bongsudae Beach (봉수대해변)

2022-08-04

Oho-ri, Goseong-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-680-3356

Bongsudae Beach is located 200 meters north of Sampo Beach and the white-sand coastline stretches along the side of National Road No. 7. This beach was opened in 1997, and remains relatively cleaner than other beaches. The beach is used as an auto-camping site in summer. The beach shore is only 800 meters long and 50 meters wide, but boasts clean and fine sand.

Yukdampokpo Falls (육담폭포)

2021-07-14

Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

If you begin at Seorak-dong in Oeseorak, cross the Biryonggyo Bridge and pass by the Biryongpokpo Falls, you will reach Yukdampokpo Falls, which actually consist of six waterfalls and a pond.

Despite the fact that only a small amount of water actually flows in these waterfalls today, what is interesting, is how they came into existence: a slow-flowing stream of water eroded the rocks, creating dips and puddles at various levels, which later became a series of cascading waterfalls. The splendid scenery around the waterfalls is always a pleasing sight to the eyes of visitors.

Dutayeon Valley [National Geopark] (두타연 (강원평화지역 국가지질공원))

2021-07-17

Gobangsan-ri, Yanggu-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-480-2251

Dutayeon Valley is located north of the Civilian Control Line, requiring advance reservation through the Yanggu-gun Office website as well as filling out admission information at the Dutayeon Gallery before entering the area with a guide. The valley has a waterfall located along Sataecheon Stream where it merges with Suipcheon Stream. The water falls into a plunge pool, which has also carved out a deep cave in the bedrock at the base of the waterfall.

Guryongpokpo Falls (Sogeumgang River) (구룡폭포 (소금강))

2019-11-26

Samsan-ri, Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-332-6417

Guryongpokpo Falls refers to the group of nine waterfalls, varying in size, located over a three-kilometer stretch of Sogeumgang River in Odaesan National Park. "Guryong" means nine dragons and legend has it that each of the waterfalls was occupied by a dragon. The sixth waterfall is particularly attractive. It is simultaneously the most magnificent and serene of the falls, which is why it is also known as the "Gentleman’s Waterfall." Two kilometers away from the sixth waterfall, is a curious-looking piece of rock called Manmulsang. The name literally means "tens of thousands of different looks." Some of these looks have earned it to other names such as "Giant Rock," "Phantom-Face Rock," "Iworam," and "Candlestick Rock’"

Sightseeing - Korea travel information