Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond (경주 동궁과 월지)

2024-11-26

102 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-750-8655

Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond in Gyeongju are secondary palace sites of Silla. The palace, along with other secondary palaces, was used as the eastern palace where the prince lived, and banquets were held during auspicious events or to welcome important guests. It is also where King Gyeongsun of Silla invited King Wang Geon of Goryeo and had a feast to complain about the critical situation in 931 after being invaded by Gyeon Hwon. After unifying the three kingdoms, Silla's King Munmu dug a large pond in the 14th year of his reign (674), creating three islands in the center of the pond along with a 12-peaked mountain to the northeast. Beautiful flowers and trees were planted here, and rare birds and animals were raised. In the Samguksagi (History of the Three Kingdoms) from the Goryeo dynasty, there is only a record of Imhaejeon Hall and no mention of Anapji Pond. After Silla fell and the place fell into ruins during the Goryeo and Joseon dynasties, poets and calligraphers looked at the pond and recited a line of poetry that says, “The once splendid palace is gone, and only geese and ducks fly in.” That's why the place is called Anapji, using the letters 'an' for wild geese and 'ab' for ducks. In the 1980s, pottery fragments with the inscription "Wolji" were excavated, and it was confirmed that this area was originally called "Wolji," which means "a pond that reflects the moon." And the name Anapji was changed to Wolji Pond afterwards.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - "The Beauty Inside"
Se-gye visits this place to refresh her mind after she argues with Do-jae over the contract. Being one of the most famous tourist sites in Gyeongju, the scenery here is enough to help you forget the argument that you’ve just had, especially at night.

Gameunsaji Temple Site (경주 감은사지)

2020-04-04

Yongdang-ri, Gyeonju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-772-3843

Gameunsaji Temple Site was built by King Munmu (AD 661-681), the king of Silla who unified Baekje and Goguryeo in the late 7th century. The purpose of the temple site was to pray for help and guidance from Buddha against Japanese invasion. Unfortunately, King Munmu passed away before the completion of the temple, and left a will to be cremated and buried in the East Sea so that he may reincarnate as a sea dragon in order to protect the country. As he wished, King Munmu's ashes were scattered at Daewangam of the East Sea. The temple was completed and was named by his son, King Sinmun (AD 681-692) in respect and appreciation for his father.
Gameunsaji Temple Site was rebuilt in 1979 based on the discovery of the site's foundation after two years of archeological research. The three-story stone pagoda at the temple site is a reminent of the early period of unified Silla, assembled with several parts which rise up to 13.4m high, known to be Silla's highest three-story pagoda.

Icheon Ceramics Village (이천도예마을)

2023-04-06

19, Gyeongchung-daero 3150beon-gil, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-633-6381

Icheon Ceramics Village produces traditional Korean ceramics, which are of high quality. The village became the center of traditional pottery during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910) for about 500 years due to the easily obtainable materials in the areas. Icheon Ceramics Village was also the center of Joseon Baekja ceramics. Presently, about 80 pottery factories are congregated at the village, and about 300 pottery kilns are in use.
Visitors can observe the pottery production process, and purchase them directly. It is worthwhile to see the crafts of these potters known as Living Cultural Treasures of Korea for creating the highest quality handicrafts. Not only are the traditional Cheongja, Baekja, and Buncheong pottery produced here, but you can also view modern design pottery. The Haegang Ceramics Art Center is the only ceramics Art Center in Korea, where you can learn about ceramics. One of the must-see events at Icheon Ceramics Village is the internationally famous “Icheon Ceramics Festival” held every year. Displayed pottery as well as, pottery classes, traditional kiln handling, pottery character show, and even parades are held.

Namhansanseong Provincial Park [UNESCO World Heritage] (남한산성도립공원 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2024-02-29

731 Namhansanseong-ro, Namhansanseong-myeon, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-746-1088

Namhansanseong was a fortress that protected the southern approaches to the capital during the Baekje kingdom (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.) and the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897). During the Qing invasion of Joseon in 1636, King Injo of Joseon (reigned 1623-1649) sought refuge here and constructed Haenggung, a temporary palace. Subsequently, it became the administrative center of the Gwangju region, and today, it is a site where many cultural properties are preserved.

Caribbean Bay (캐리비안베이)

2023-03-24

199, Everland-ro, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-320-5000

Caribbean Bay is a world-class water park with various attractions and health facilities based on the theme of the Caribbean coast. Attractions include an artificial wave pool with a x_width of 120 meters and a length of 104 meters, a lazy river that passes through indoor and outdoor pools, and various slides that maximize adventure and thrill. Indoor facilities include a wave pool, slides, spas, and saunas. One of the park's best attractions is Mega Storm, a large, complex water slide. The circular tube starts from the boarding platform 37 meters above the ground and travels 355 meters rotating in all directions and going up and down three rapid descents. The last part of the ride is a large 18-meter funnel-shaped tornado that gives riders a zero gravity experience for about 55 to 60 seconds.

Chodang Dubu Village (초당두부마을)

2022-12-23

89-8 , Chodangsundubu-gil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-651-9004

Just south of Gyeongpo Beach is Chodang Dubu Village, which is famous for dubu (tofu). Chodang dubu is made from ground beans and salt water from the East Sea resulting in a soft and light tofu. The name of this village, Chodang, originates from the name of a famous family that once lived here known as Chodang Heoyeop. Heoyeop was the father of son, writer/poet Heo Gyun (1569~1618) and daughter, poet Heonan-seolheon (1563~1589). A traditional-style Korean house has been reconstructed on the site where the original house of Heo Gyun and Heonan Seolheon once stood.

Gyeongpodae Pavilion (강릉 경포대)

2025-01-16

365 Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do

Gyeongpodae Pavilion, located on a small hill north of Gyeongpoho Lake, is one of the eight scenic sites of Gwangdong (northeastern coast). The pavilion was originally built in another location in 1326 but was moved to its current location in 1508. The pavilion shape and design changed over time before settling on the current design. The pavilion has five pillars in the front and on the side, with a gabled roof line, a common design in Korean architecture.

The inside of Gyeongpodae Pavilion is decorated with calligraphy and poems written by many famous scholars of the Joseon dynasty, including both King Sukjong and Yulgok Yi I. The pavilion is surrounded by a pine tree forest, and is famous for its view of the moon reflecting off the waters of the lake below, which gave the pavilion its name. The area around the pavilion was designated as a provincial park in 1981.

Phoenix Park (휘닉스 평창)

2024-02-08

174 Taegi-ro, Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1588-2828

Phoenix Park offers a year-round Pyeongchang experience, set on a pristine plateau 700 meters above sea level. This multifaceted resort is equipped with an array of recreational and leisure amenities, including the Phoenix Snow Park, cozy hotel accommodations, condominiums, the Phoenix Country Club, and the aquatic thrills of Blue Canyon. The condominiums serve as a convenient hub, providing a variety of facilities under one roof. Notably, the main condo complex, featuring the blue, green, and orange buildings, is acclaimed for its architectural fusion of Eastern and Western design elements. Phoenix Park was chosen as a snow sports venue for the 2018 Winter Games and served both as the Phoenix Snow Stadium and a pivotal support facility for the events.

East Nine Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (구리 동구릉 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2024-03-20

197 Donggureung-ro, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-563-2909

The East Nine Royal Tombs, situated on the eastern outskirts of Hanyang (the Joseon dynasty capital), represent a significant collection of nine royal burial sites. This area serves as the final resting place for seven kings and ten queens from the Joseon era. The surrounding forest paths are accessible to the public during the spring and fall seasons. Additionally, the East Nine Royal Tombs Healing Culture and Arts Festival takes place here every autumn, offering a blend of cultural and artistic experiences.

Bukhansanseong Fortress (북한산성)

2020-03-26

375, Daeseomun-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-968-5325

First built in 132 during the Baekje era (18 BC-AD 660) under King Gaeru's reign, Bukhansanseong Fortress was the northernmost fortress that protected Baekje from Goguryeo's forces. In the year 475, the fortress fell in the hands of Gogyuryeo after a fierce battle. As a result, King Gaeru was killed and Baekje's princess fled to Ungjinseong Fortress. Despite the fortress' collapse and reconstructions, Bukhansanseong Fortress continued to play an important role in protecting the capital city throughout Korea's history of war.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information