Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Nammangsan Sculpture Park (남망산 조각공원)

2025-03-22

29, Nammanggonwon-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-650-2620

Nammangsan Sculpture Park was established to display the works of 15 famous sculptors from 10 countries who participated in the Tongyeong International Sculpture Symposium. It is also a popular spot for dates because this 30 square kilometer land has beautiful sculptures from which visitors can feel the individual taste of the artists.

Baegundonggyegok Valley, Sancheong (백운동계곡(산청))

2019-12-19

Baegun-ro 51beon-gil, Danseong-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-6421~3

If you go 5 km up along the valley at Baegam-ri, under the thick woods, you will find a 180 square meter long stone named ‘Jeomjeong Rock’ and a small waterfall. This valley is Baegundonggyegok Valley. For almost 6 km, the water of the valley flows over only rocks, with over twenty large and small falls and lakes. Large stones in the valley are gorgeous because the stones are washed with sunbeams and the strong current of water. The most famous falls are Baeunpokpo Waterfall and Odampokpo Waterfall. Strong current of water flows in Deungcheondae, where the letters ‘Yeongnamjeilcheonsok’ are carved. Baegundonggyegok Valley is a clean area due to maintenance of the clean natural environment. Many tourists visit here because the valley is decorated with azaleas in the spring and it is cool in the summer.

Insa-dong (인사동)

2024-05-17

62, Insadong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-734-0222

Insa-dong, located in the heart of the city, is an important place where old but precious traditional goods are on display. There is one main road in Insa-dong with alleys on each side. Within these alleys are galleries, traditional restaurants, teahouses, and cafes.

The galleries are the heartbeat of Insa-dong. There are about 100 galleries in the area offering every example of traditional Korean fine art from paintings to sculptures. The most famous galleries are Hakgojae Gallery, which functions as the center of folk art, Gana Art Gallery, which promotes many promising artists, and Gana Art Center.

The teahouses and restaurants are the perfect complement to the galleries. They are hidden deep within the twisting alleyways, making it feel like a treasure hunt. The shops in Insa-dong are very popular among all age groups, because each one is unique.

Every Saturday from 14:00 to 22:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 22:00, the main street is blocked to vehicular traffic and it becomes a cultural space. Stores set up booths outside and Korean candy merchants and fortune teller stalls can easily be found; there are traditional performances and exhibits as well. Insa-dong is especially popular among international tourists. This is where they can experience and see traditional Korean culture first-hand, and also purchase pieces of fine art.

Changgyeonggung Palace (창경궁)

2024-10-31

185 Changgyeonggung-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-762-4868

Located in the heart of Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace was originally built as Suganggung Palace by the 4th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, King Sejong (r.1418-1450), for his retiring father, King Taejong. It often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines. During the reign of King Seongjong (r.1469-1494), the palace was renovated and renamed to Changgyeonggung Palace. It later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during Japanese colonial rule. The palace grounds remained this way until 1983 when restoration of its old grace was completed.

Changdeokgung Palace Complex [UNESCO World Heritage Site] (창덕궁과 후원 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2025-01-17

99 Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.

The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Imjin War. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae Hall.

Changdeokgung Palace’s garden behind the inner hall, called the "Secret Garden," was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a rest area for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bugwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon Garden, or Secret Garden, after King Gojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong Pavilion, Buyongji Pond, Juhamnu Pavilion, Eosumun Gate, Yeonghwadang Hall, Bullomun Gate, Aeryeonjeong Pavilion, and Yeongyeongdang Hall are some of the many attractions that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.

Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace and its complex was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.

Mudeungsan National Park (무등산국립공원)

2023-11-14

29 Dongsan-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-227-1187

Mudeungsan National Park is a mountain park lining the edge of Hwasun-gun, Damyang-gun and Gwangju. Mudeungsan Mountain (1,186 meters) features three rock peaks called Cheonwangbong, Jiwangbong, and Inwangbong, also known as the “Jeongsang Three."

Mudeungsan’s gradual slope makes it an easy climb for all. Among the more majestic of these sites are the Seoseokdae, Gyubong, and Ipseokdae peaks. At the base of the mountain are several famous temples including Yaksasa, Jeungsimsa, and Wonhyosa Temples. Mudeungsan Mountain is also known for its beauty throughout the year. The autumn leaves around Gyubongam Hermitage and silver grass of Baengma Ridge are quite spectacular. In winter, snow and ice on the mountain create exquisite scenery as well.

Below the mountain, there are a variety of recreational facilities and tourist sites for visitors.

Itaewon Special Tourist Zone (이태원 관광특구)

2024-11-27

196 Itaewon-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul

Itaewon was the first special tourist zone in Seoul, designated in 1997. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors.

The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as many international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has become a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products in particular are famous. This is a go-to place for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shops selling clothes and bags, as well as hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,000 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous in the district is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops selling furniture and antiques stretch from Hamilton Hotel toward Bogwang-ro.

Travelers can taste authentic cuisine and experience culture from around the globe on World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants operated by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into culturally diverse. Various performances and events are held in the area. In particular, Itaewon Global Village Festival, held every October, is a famous festival. Tourists can pay in US dollars, Japanese yen, or another currency freely. In addition, visitors can use various languages like English, Japanese, and Chinese with the sellers.

Deogyusan National Park (Namdeogyu Section) (덕유산국립공원(남덕유분소))

2021-07-13

Sojeong-ri, Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-63-322-3174

Designated as a national park in 1975, Deogyusan National Park covers four counties. Besides Hyangjeokbong Peak, Deogyusan Mountain's highest peak in Muju, all the other peaks lie within Geochang. While the park features beautiful waters and rocks at Wolseonggyegok Valley in Buksang-myeon, Geochang, it also boast nature's beauty in Muju with creeks and valleys like Mahakdong Valley, Sangyeodeomgyegok Valley, and Songgyesa Valley.

Jogyesa Temple (조계사(서울))

2024-10-25

55 Ujeongguk-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul

As the main temple as well as the district head temple of the Jogye order in Seoul, Jogyesa Temple is the center of Korean Buddhism. The temple was built in the late 14th century during the Goryeo period but was completely destroyed in a fire. It was rebuilt under the name of Gakwangsa Temple in 1910 with the effort of many respectful monks, namely Han Yong-un and Lee Hee-gwang. The temple was given a role as the head temple of Korea’s Buddhism and renamed to Tegosa Temple in 1936. In 1954, a purification drive took place to eliminate Japanese influence and revive traditional Buddhism, which established the present day Jogyesa Temple as a result.

Jogyesa Temple plays an important role in Korean Buddhism as the head temple of the Jogye order. Jogyesa Temple’s Dharma Hall serves as the main venue for several Buddhist events, holding rituals, lectures, ceremonies, and other events all year long. The annual lantern festival in celebration of Buddha's birthday also takes place at this temple.

Jongmyo Shrine [UNESCO World Heritage] (종묘 [유네스코 세계유산])

2024-07-05

157 Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-765-0195

Jongmyo Shrine was the primary place of worship for kings and their queens throughout the Joseon dynasty. The shrine was built at the same time as Gyeongbokgung Palace, under the orders of King Taejo, the first king of the Joseon dynasty. The shrine is the site of the royal memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, a national event that has been passed down since the Three Kingdoms period. During the Joseon dynasty, the ritual was held on the first month of a seasonal change and the twelfth month of the lunar year.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information