Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Yeonggwang Bulgapsa Temple (불갑사 (영광))

2026-06-30

450, Bulgapsa-ro, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Bulgapsa Temple of Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, was the very first Buddhist temple to be built in Korea. Monk Marananta, who was the first Indian monk to spread Buddhism in Korea, is said to have established the temple here around the year 384, during the reign of Baekje King Chimnyu.

Daeungjeon Hall, the main hall of Bulgapsa Temple, has been designated as a Treasure. The motifs on the doors of the hall are famed for their beautiful designs. The temple also has other buildings of distinction such as the Manseru Pavillion, Myeongbujeon Hall and Ilgwangdang Shrine, and a population of sericeous newlitse trees, designated as a Natural Monument. The temple is also famous for the magic lily which blooms in the late summer. The path into Bulgapsa Temple is ideal for a restful walk and contemplation.

Gamami Beach (가마미해수욕장)

2026-06-30

355, Gamami-ro, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Located 24 kilometers west of Yeonggwang-eup, Gamami Beach was first opened in 1925. The beach is 1 kilometer in length and 200 meters in x_width, and has the shape of a half moon. Around 200 pine trees encompass the area and form a dense cozy forest. The water is only about 1 to 2 meters deep and its clear waters make it one of the three best beaches in the southwestern part of Korea.
Small islands dot the sea in front of the beach and the view of the fishing boats drifting by is very peaceful. The sunset on the west gives off a different vibe from the sunrise of the east. Near the beach area is a coastal drive way with a wonderful view of the coast. Dombaeseom Island, famous for ocean fishing, and Chilsando Island are lined up more or less in a row.

Odongdo Island (한려해상국립공원 (오동도))

2026-06-30

222 Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Odongdo Island, located off the coast of Yeosu, offers breathtaking views with its dramatic coastal cliffs and vibrant camellia blooms. A breakwater connects the island to the mainland, allowing visitors to walk or take the Dongbaek Train to enter the island. The densely planted camellias begin blooming in January and reach their peak in March, creating a stunning spectacle. The island features well-maintained walking trails, a lighthouse, a musical fountain park, and a barefoot walking park. Visitors can also take a scenic cruise to circle the island or enjoy panoramic views of Yeosu's coastline.

Bangjukpo Beach (방죽포해변)

2026-06-30

804-6, Hyangiram-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Nestled on the east coast of Dolsando Island, the tranquil waters have mild waves that lap up on the shiny golden sand along Bangjukpo Beach. Nearby, there is a thick pine grove with trees over 200 years old. This area is blessed with plenty of fresh inland water despite it being on the coast. The myriad of rocks near the sea are great for fishing. The beach is a popular spot to watch the sunrise. It is also situated on the way to Hyangiram Hermitage, one of Korea’s four hermitages where Buddhist followers pray to Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion.

Jeonnam Jeungdo Island [A Slow City] (전남 신안 증도 [슬로시티])

2020-06-11

Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-271-7619

Jeungdo Island was the first city to be designated a ‘slow city’ in Asia thanks to its unspoiled nature and clean waters. It was assigned as a biodiversity conservation area by UNESCO.

Jeungdo Island also has Korea’s largest salt fields. At Taepyeong Salt Field, you can experience real life in a fishing village. There is a tour of the salt museum and hands-on programs for tourists to make the experience more personal. There are some 90 uninhabited islands and islets neighboring the Jeungdo Island. The Wujeon Beach Resort offers a magnificent view of the horizon. The mud hopper bridge, which stands in the mudflats, along with the relic of a historical monument and wetland ecology exhibition hall, are some of the things you can see on the island of Jeungdo.

* Jeungdo Island Mudflats Festival opens in early August each year, offering a mudflat program as well as a drying by the sun salt-making program, among others.

Gageodo Island (Soheuksando Island) (가거도(소흑산도))

2021-02-01

38-2, Gageodo-gil, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-275-9300

Gageodo Island is the southwesternmost island in Korea, located rather close to China. The island has rough mountain ridges and consists of cliffs, making a magnificent scenery. With Doksilsan Mountain (alt. 639 m, the highest peak in Sinan-gun) standing in the middle, the island is surrounded by cliffs, creating a mysterious aura. The area is loved by fishers as various fish like anchovy, croaker, hairtail, horse mackerel, sea bream, and others can be found in the surrounding waters, as well as a paradise of unusual migratory birds like the fork-tailed petrel, shearwater, and teal.

Jogyesan Provincial Park (조계산도립공원)

2026-06-30

Seungjugoemok 1-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Located in both Seungju-eup and Songgwang-myeon of Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, Jogyesan Mountain has two famous Buddhist temples on it: Seonamsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple. It is a relatively low mountain with rounded corners and a soft tranquility. The park is popular year round due to the two temples. Around Seonamsa Temple there are several peaks such as Wolchulbong Peak, Janggunbong Peak and Gitdaebong Peak as well as Ilweolseok Boulder.

Sigyeongjeong Pavilion (담양 식영정)

2026-06-30

Jigok-ri, Damyang-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Designated as the top monument of Jeollanam-do, Sigyeongjeong Pavilion means a place where even the shadow of the moon can find a place to rest. As its name suggests, this pavilion is set in a lush and remote forested area. Countless number of scholars and writers have been attracted to this pavilion as a place of profound inspiration. The pavilion gained more fame from the legendary lyrics of Seongsanbyeolgok written by the poet Jeong Cheol. The elegant words of Kim Seongwon, a literary scholar, depict the scenic beauty of Seongsan Mountain as the seasons change.

Of all the pavilions situated at the basin of the Yeongsangang River the Sigyeongjeong Pavilion is said to be blessed with a breathtaking view from the side. The current building was restored in the early 1900s. At the Sigyeongjeong Pavilion there is the Buyongdang, a monument with the lyrics to the Seongsanbyeolgok Poem, and next to it an old library building called Jangseogak built to preserve the wooden blocks of Songgangjib, a book of poetry written by Jeong Cheol.

Tommeori Beach (톱머리 해수욕장)

2026-06-30

66, Tommeori-gil, Muan-gun, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

Tommeori Beach can be characterized by the extremes shown at high and low tides. The endless stretch of white sandy beach during the low tide and the dense black pine forest offer a spectacular view. The shallow waters and low slope make it a great vacation destination.

Yudalsan Mountain (유달산)

2026-06-30

San 27-3 Jukgyo-dong, Mokpo-si, Jeonnam-Gwangju Special Metropolitan City

In the past, Yudalsan Mountain was known as Yeongdalsan Mountain, because it was a place where the soul passes. Located in the city's center, Yudalsan Mountain offers a view of Mokpo and Dadohae Sea, constantly inspiring its residents' artistic souls. There are many places to visit, including an orchid park and a sculpture park with 100 sculptures. Visitors can also enjoy a panoramic view by driving along the 2.7 km-long Yudalsan Scenic Road surrounding the mountain. In addition, Albizia Kalkara, a rare plant that will vanish forever from the face of the earth if it becomes extinct on Yudalsan mountain, inhabits this mountain. The view from the top of Yudalsan Mountain is spectacular, and the sight of big and small ships passing between them resembles an oriental painting. Dadohae's sunset and Mokpo Port's night view from the mountain will remain in the hearts of those who visit.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information