Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls [UNESCO Global Geopark] (천지연폭포 (제주도 국가지질공원))

2022-12-29

Cheonji-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-710-3945

The water of Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls appears to fall from the heavens, giving it its name, meaning "sky connected with land." The wooded area around the falls is home to the wild dampalsu trees, designated as Natural Monument, as well as a great variety of rare plants such as brambles, and songyeopnan as well as gusiljappam trees, sanyuja trees (Chinese lemon trees), and camellias. All together, this forest is designated as Natural Monument. The waterfall is 22 meters high, 12 meters wide and 20 meters in depth. The clear and deep water of Cheonjiyeonpokpo Falls is designated as Natural Monument No. 27 and is renowned as a habitat for Mutae eels (Natural Monument).

Bonggoksa Temple (봉곡사)

2021-05-15

138, Dosong-ro 632beon-gil, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-543-4004

Surrounded by lush wildlife Bonggoksa Temple is located alongside the northeast valley in Bongsusan Mountain in Namdan, Songak-myeon. Both Daeeungjeon and Hyanggakjeon sit facing east, and to the north, is the large Yosache (residence for Buddhist monks). Behind the residence, an area has been leveled down for a restroom and storehouse. And Samseongak (a building where three saints are worshipped) is situated on top of the mound to the south of the temple. Although Samseongak was constructed in recent years, both Daeungjeon and Yosache are identified in the restored record that was found by Buddhist monk, Seobong in 1891. The temple has gained renown for being the place where Saint Mangong attained his Buddhist awakening and recited Odoseong, the zen poetry in July, 1895.

Songho Beach (송호해수욕장)

2021-11-23

1827, Ttangkkeutaean-ro, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-532-1330

Songho Beach is the most representative beach in Haenam and was named so for its dense old pine trees, fine sand, and shallow water resembling a lake. The fine sand and shallow waters make it the perfect beach for families. Hundreds of pine trees create a scenic forest reaching almost 1 kilometer along the levee which provides a suitable camping site under in the forest. The Ttangkkeut Trail that starts from Songho Beach auto-campgrond connects to Galsan Village and Ttangkkeut Tower.

The windbreak pine forest in Songho-ri, Haenam is designated as Jeollanam-do Natural Monument, consisting of at least 600 pine trees aged 200 years that play a vital role in the coastal shelterbelt.

Daeheungsa Temple [UNESCO World Heritage] (대흥사[유네스코 세계문화유산])

2020-12-22

400, Daeheungsa-gil, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-534-5502

Daehuengsa Temple is told to have been built during the time of King Seong of the Baekje period by Adohwasang, a Silla Monk and the site was the restoration of Samjae bulipjicheo of Buddhist culture, which protects Samjae, the three disasters of one’s life.

Pyochungsa and Iljiam Tea Garden display writings and traces of the prominent men of the time such as Chusa Kim Jeong-hui and Chouiseonsa Buddhist monk. Inside the temple, Daeungbojeon, Chimgyeru, Myeongbujeon, Eungjindang, Cheonbuljeon, Cheonbulsang, Pyochungsa, Daegwangmyeongjeon, Iljiam, Bungmireugam, and Seongbo Museum are situated. The Rock-carved Seated Buddha at North Mireugam Hermitage of Daeheungsa Temple, Haenam (National Treasure No. 308) and Bronze Bell with Inscription of Tapsansa Temple (Treasure No. 88) are preserved as well as various cultural assets and fables such as Budojeon, and Stupa Courtyard, the largest in Korea.

Miryang Pyochungsa Temple (표충사 (밀양))

2022-09-16

1338, Pyochung-ro, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-352-1150

Pyochungsa Temple is located at the base of Jaeyaksan Mountain, 20 kilometers east of Miryang. The temple was originally founded by Monk Wonhyo in the 1st year of King Muyeol in Silla period under the name Junnimgsa Temple, then expanded and renamed by a monk from India in the fourth year of King Heungdeok’s reign of the Silla period. Nearby attractions include Cheungcheungpokpo Falls, Geumgangpokpo Falls, and Eoreumgol Ice Valley, as well as Sajapyeong Plain at the ridge of the mountain.

Gangdong Pebble Beach (강동몽돌해변)

2021-07-14

1650, Donghaean-ro, Buk-gu, Ulsan
+82-52-241-7751

For those hoping for a view of the winter sea, or those longing for the engulfing embrace of the clear dark-blue waves crashing into huge rocks, Gangdong Pebble Beach is the place to be. The coastal road, with its beautiful scenery of the sea and mountains, is a popular driving route. With diverse attractions nearby, many vacationers are attracted to this beach in winter.

Korea National Arboretum and Forest Museum (Gwangneung Forest) (국립수목원 (광릉숲))

2020-12-18

415, Gwangneungsumogwon-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-540-2000

The Korea National Arboretum (KNA) is situated in Gwangneung Experimental Forest and contains the Forest Museum where all the information on forestry is exhibited. The construction of the arboretum and museum took place on October 25, 1985 and opened on April 5, 1987. In order to preserve the forests, weekends and holiday entrance were restricted, reservations were required 5 days in advance, and no more than 5,000 visitors were accepted per day. As diverse plants are gaining recognition worldwide, the research department formed the Office of Forestry on May 24, 1999.

Korea National Arboretum covers an area of 1,157㏊ and contains 15 specialized forests, including Conifer Garden, the Garden of Ornamental Trees, and the Aroma and Touch Garden. The Forest Museum is the largest in Asia, covering 4628 sq.m² with a traditional Korean design, and the interior and exterior are both constructed of wood and stone. The arboretum facilities consist of 5 exhibition halls (Living Forest, Forest and Man, Forestry of the World, Forestry of Korea, Nature of Korea), a Herbarium, a Special Exhibition Room, and an Audio Visual Hall.

Duryunsan Provincial Park (두륜산도립공원)

2025-03-15

400, Daeheungsa-gil, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-530-5543

Containing many Buddhist temples and ruins as well as spectacular scenery, the 700 meter-tall Duryunsan Mountain is located at the southernmost point of the Korean peninsula. Forested by subtropical green broadleaf trees and temperate deciduous broadleaf trees, the mountain is valued highly for observing plant chorology. There are many fields of silver grass, and the summit of the park's eight peaks provide vistas of the western and southern sea.
During the fifth year of King Jinheung's reign (514), the Buddhist monk Ado built Daedunsa Temple, which is a place of great historical value as it is also related to the Buddhist monk Seosan. The temple is built among dense woodlands, consisting of maple trees and camellias. Breathtaking scenery of valleys and luxuriant trees can be seen on both sides of the 2-kilometer-long road leading to the temple.

Sangjogam County Park (상족암군립공원)

2021-03-22

42-23, Deongmyeong 5-gil, Goseong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-670-4461

The breathtaking view of the South Coast can be seen at a glance from Sangjogam County Park. The glittery surface and towering cliffs create a spectacular backdrop. Clear footprints of dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era remain extending over the coast around Sangjogam region, and thus the area was designated Goseong-gun Gosi No. 20. on November 10, 1983.
The beach in front of the Youth Center contains shingles worn down by the tide and a precipitous wall of stratified rocks can be seen beyond the wide bedrock of dinosaur footprints. The rocks are named after the table leg-shaped stone caves such as “Ssangjok” or “Ssangbal”. Many oddly shaped rocks inside the caves have their own folktales.
According to one tale, fairies from heaven came down to the Sangjokgul Cave to weave clothes out of brocade for the King of Heaven, and bathed in the Seonnyoetang Pond. The shape of a loom and a puddle still exist. Nearby the cave, Chotdaebawi Rock and Byeongpungbawi Rock create scenery beyond description and leisure cruise boats toss up gentle sea waves. Naturally, the park continuously attracts numerous tourists in all seasons.
Also, many are drawn to the mysterious dinosaur footprint fossils at Sangjogam. The site is recognized as one of three major dinosaurs sites in the world, along with those in Brazil and Canada. The footprints belong to dinosaurs familiarized by the popular movie, ‘Jurassic Park’, such as Brontosaurus, Brachiosaurus, Allosaurus and Naranosaurus. It has been designated Natural Monument No. 411, as dinosaur footprints are valuable resources in discovering the uncovered mysteries of life before the appearance of mankind.

Baegyangsa Temple (백양사)

2025-03-15

1239 Baegyang-ro, Bukha-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-392-7502

Baegyangsa Temple is a historic temple built in the 6th century located on Baegamsan Mountain. Walking through the forest path, visitors are greeted by a serene lake overlooked by Ssanggyeru Pavilion at the entrance of Baegyangsa Temple, creating a picturesque scene especially during autumn with its vibrant foliage. Surrounding the temple are over 5,000 torreyas, some over 500 years old, lending a lush ambiance to the area. Baegyangsa Temple is picturesque in every season and offers temple stay programs for visitors seeking a serene retreat.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information