Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Odosan Healing Forest (오도산 치유의 숲)

2026-05-14

398, Odosanhyuyang-ro, Bongsan-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Odosan Healing Forest is nestled at the foot of the tall Odosan Mountain (1,133 meters above sea level) in Hapcheon. The mountain spans the areas covering Gajo-myeon in Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do and Myosan-myeon and Bongsan-myeon in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. Odosan is at the end of the Gayasan Mountain Range along with Dumusan Mountain (1,039 meters above sea level), which is situated 2 kilometers to the northeast. North of Odosan Healing Forest, you will find Haeinsa Temple, home to the Tripitaka Koreana and one of the three major temples in Korea, as well as Gayasan Mountain, and Maehwasan Mountain. Hapcheonho Lake is south of the forest, so there are several tourist destinations in the area and the natural landscape is superb. The azaleas and royal azaleas are in full bloom in spring; cool valley waters can be enjoyed in summer; and the mountain's colorful fall foliage is as beautiful as that of Naejangsan Mountain, a renowned spot to enjoy autumn colors. You can enjoy mountain climbing along the valley surrounded by thick forests. It is said that Doseon, a well-known monk from the late Silla Dynasty, was fascinated by the energy and beauty of Odosan Mountain and practiced asceticism there.Enjoying the Odosan Recreational Forest Convenient facilities unfold along the valley within the Odosan Recreational Forest, such as the visitor information center, forest cabins, a communal kitchen, camp decks, campsites, etc. Notably, the hiking trail behind the forest cabins follows the clear stream that flows year-round, leading to Sukseongsan Peak, a small peak on the slope of Odosan Mountain. The trail overlooks Hapcheonho Lake and offers hikers a beautiful view. Odosan Recreational Forest consists of dense natural forests filled with pine and oak trees that are 20 to 50 years old. Also, a variety of vegetation, including the wild cherry, crimson glory vine (called meoru in Korea), and kiwiberry vine (called darae in Korea), as well as herbaceous plants can be found here. This makes it an ideal site for students, including teenagers, to learn about nature.

Jirisan Chilseongyegok Valley (칠선계곡(지리산))

2022-07-29

Chuseong-ri, Hamnyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Chilseongyegok Valley is the most beautiful valley in Jirisan Mountain, and is one of the top three valleys in the nation, along with Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley in Seoraksan Mountain and Tamnagyegok Valley in Hallasan Mountain. The 16-kilometer valley stretching from Uitan of Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak is characterized by very tough topography but beautiful scenery and is the only remaining primeval forest of Jirisan Mountain. It is also dotted with seven waterfalls and 33 ponds. The hike becomes more difficult as the trail enters the valley. Because the valley has taken many lives, some people call it "The Valley of Death." For that reason, visitors must apply in advance and hike with a guide. The trail in Chilseon Valley is a 9.4-kilometer course from Chuseong Village in Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak, which does not follow the natural valley, due to the valley's steep and dangerous features. Starting from Chuseong Village, the trail passes Yongso Pond, Jujiteo Site, Chuseongmang Rock, Seonnyeotang Pond, Ongnyeotang Pond, Biseondam, Chilseonpokpo Falls, Daeryukpokpo Falls, Samcheungpokpo Falls and Mapokpo Falls, all before reaching Cheonwangbong Peak.

Ipgok County Park (입곡군립공원)

2021-06-10

Ipgokgongwon-gil, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Ipgok County Park was once a reservoir used for agricultural water during the Japanese colonization period. Near the reservoir, a dense pine tree forest can be seen along the steep cliff and a trekking path winds through the forest. In spring, cherry blossoms provide picturesque scenery in the vicinity of the area and azaleas bloom on the ridges and cliffs as well. A sports field equipped with stands is located in the upper area.

The reservoir boasts a grand size with a 4-kilometer circumference making it the largest reservoir in Haman. However, it is shaped like a snake, making it impossible to see the starting and ending points at the same time. It is well-known as a relaxing vacation spot among local families.

Jirisan National Park (Hadong Section) (지리산국립공원(하동))

2021-06-24

Hwagae-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

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 many temples including Ssanggyesa Temple and Chilbulsa Temple, as well as valleys, falls, and other tourism resources.

Undersea Tunnel - Tongyeong (해저터널-경남 통영)

2024-01-03

Dang-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Constructed over a 16-month period from 1931 to 1932, the undersea tunnel in Tongyeong is Asia’s first submarine tunnel. For its construction, the sea water was blocked at both ends, the tunnel was dug underground, and was paved with concrete. The Korean word “Yongmundalyang” engraved at the entrance of this 483-meter long, 5-meter wide tunnel means “the entrance of an undersea tunnel that connects island to land.”

Maemuldo Islands (매물도)

2020-02-25

Maemuldodaehang-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-650-4681

Maemuldo Island is comprised the three islands Daemaemuldo Island, Somaemuldo Island, and Deungdaedo Island. The best view can be seen from the sea cliffs of Somaemuldo Island and Deungdaedo Island. Somaemuldo Island, whose entire area is no more than 2.51㎢, is a small island but very popular. Daemaemuldo, Hongdo, Deungdaedo, Daegueulbido and Sogueulbido Islands are all scattered around Somaemuldo Island.

Hallyeohaesang National Park (Tongyeong District) (한려해상국립공원(통영))

2021-01-19

Sanyang-eup, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-640-2400

Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park was designated as the first national marine park in 1968 and covers the area between Jisimdo Island in Geoje and Odongdo Island in Yeosu with six separate districts including Geoje, Tongyeong, Sacheon, Hadong, Namhae and Odongdo Island. It spans over an area of 535.676 ㎢ and the ocean accounts for 76% of the total area. The outstanding view created by the sea and land attracts over 1 million visitors every year.

The Tongyeong district of the park encompasses Dadohae Islets, Bijindo Island and Haegeumgang Islets. The Donam Complex in Tongyeong is being developed as a world-class marine tourist attraction. On Hansando Island, there are many historical sites dedicated or related to the great Admiral Yi Sun-sin, such as battlefields where the admiral defeated Japanese naval forces. Other sites include those related to the Imjin War such as Jeseungdang, Chungnyeolsa and the turtle lighthouse. The Sanyang Road is a great driving course along where one can see the entire Mireukdo Island and appreciate the scenery. From Dara Park, visitors can enjoy the great view of Dadohae Islets. Major attractions include Hansando Island, Bijindo Island and Maemuldo Islands; the latter two are often said to be the focal point of this scenic sea park.

Byeokgyegyegok (Chalbi) Valley (벽계(찰비)계곡)

2021-02-20

201, Byeokgye-ro, Uiryeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-570-4958

Byeokgyegyegok Valley in Uiryeong, Gyeongnam region begins at Jagulsan Mountain and runs down along Hanusan Mountain, showcasing deep valleys and interesting rock formations. Also called Chalbigyegok Valley, the valley has clean water flowing all year round. The valley’s stream from the waterfall creates big and small ponds along its way, most famous among which are Gaksiso and Nongso ponds.

The biggest draw of this attraction is the crystal clear pond waters that are clean enough to reflect the surrounding forest like a natural mirror. Byeokgye Tourist Site and Byeokgye Reservoir located near the tail-end of the valley are growing into full-fledged tourist attractions for camping and fishing.

Sancheong Hwangmaesan Mountain (황매산(산청))

2021-04-13

Hwangmaesan-ro 1202beon-gil, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-6901

One of the last mountains of the Taebaek Mountain Range, Hwangmaesan Mountain is located in Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam-do. The mountain features fantastic rock formations and a beautiful vista from the summit that resembles arpricot blossoms. It is said that anyone who prays from the summit will have their wish come true, drawing in plenty of earnest hikers. In May, a large field near the summit is covered in vibrant pink royal azaleas. Attractions on the mountain include Bakjwigol Valley, Norubawi, Heundeulbawi, Janggunbawi, Chotdaebawi, Geobukbawi and Sinseonbawi Rocks among others.

Yeojwacheon Stream (여좌천(벚꽃명소))

2024-07-05

16 Yeojwacheon-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

The area around Yeojwacheon Stream is well known as one of Jinhae’s best spots for viewing cherry blossoms. It is also the location of the bridge where the two leading characters, Gwanu and Chaewon of "Romance (2002)," an MBC TV series, first met as tourists who came to Jinhae to enjoy Jinhae Gunhangje Festival. After the episode was aired, the bridge instantly became popular and widely known as the Romance Bridge. Each April, the entire city of Jinhae is filled with cherry blossoms, but the Yeojwacheon Stream area has the most beautiful cherry blossoms which makes it a prime tourist attraction.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information