Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Bijarim Forest (비자림)

2025-04-01

55 Bijasup-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-710-7912

Designated and protected as a Natural Monument, Bijarim Forest is home to 2,800 bija trees, ranging from 500 to 800 years in age, spread over 448,165㎡ land area. These majestic trees range from 7-14 meters in x_height, 50-110 centimeters in diameter, and 10-15 meters in crown x_width, so this forest is quite a rare example of its kind in the world. The berries of bija trees were used widely as a medicine used to kill parasites, while the wood was used to make premium furniture and go boards. Forest bathing in a bija forest helps to combat arteriosclerosis, mitigate physical and psychological fatigue, and restore the body’s rhythm.

Unhyeongung Royal Residence (서울 운현궁)

2024-03-04

464, Samil-daero, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-766-9090

Located near the Gyeongbokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace was a residence of royalty in Joseon period. It was the place where Gojong (1582-1919, reign 1864-1907), king of Joseon (1392-1897) and emperor of the Korean Empire (1897-1910), was born in, as well as the place where Heungseon Daewongun (1821-1898), his father, had resided in. Buildings include Noandang Hall, Norakdang Hall, and Irodang Hall. The Royal Residence offers programs like traditional weddings and traditional culture experiences, while the exhibition hall showcases Joseon-era artifacts.

Sangumburi Crater (산굼부리)

2024-11-28

768 Bijarim-ro, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-783-9900

Sangumburi Crater has been designated as a Natural Monument. It is located on the southeast side of Jeju, and is a flat crater, about 650 meters wide, 100 meters deep, and 2,070 meters in circumference. If you look at the crater from above up, it looks like a man-made circular stadium. There is a variety of plant-life in the crater. On the north side, Nandaeseong vegetation such as red-thorn trees, and magnolia trees grow, along with the rare winter strawberries. On the south side of the crater, Ondaerim vegetation such as evergreens, maples, and mountain strawberry trees cover the area. Because so many different kinds of trees and plants grow in such a limited space, it attracts the attention of researchers as well.

Sanbanggulsa Grotto - Jeju (산방굴사(제주))

2022-11-14

218-12 , Sanbang-ro, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-794-2940

It is said that the peak of Hallasan Mountain where Baekrokho Lake now exists was taken off and thrown away, which then became Sanbangsan Mountain. The myth describes how unlike other mountains on Jejudo Island, this mountain does not have a crater. The 5m-high rock cave at the cliff on the southwest side of the mountain was originally called Sanbanggul Cave, but it is called a temple now because it possesses a Buddhist statue.
This is where monk Hye-Il (964~1053) had lived during the Goryeo dynasty (918~1392)
Inside the cave, you can see Marado Island and the Dragon Head Coast. You can also see small ponds being made by the water drops that fall from the ceiling all through the year. The plant zone on a cliff of Sanbangsan Mountain is also designated as a natural monument. It is the only place on Jejudo Island where island boxwoods grow. On the Dragon Head Coast is the Hamel Memorial Monument.

Sangwonsa Temple (상원사(오대산))

2021-12-06

1215-89, Odaesan-ro, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-332-6666

Sangwonsa Temple is located 8 kilometers north of Woljeongsa Temple. The temple was built by Buddhist monk Ja Jang in the 12th year of Silla Queen Seondeok, and rebuilt in 705 during the 4th year of King Seongdeok's reign. It burned down in 1946, but was restored once again in 1947. The temple is home to the Bronze Bell of Sangwonsa (a National Treasure), the oldest bronze bell in the nation. The bell, built during the 24th year of King Seongdeok, has a x_height of 1.67 meters and a diameter of 91 centimeters with a beautiful, clear ring. Other relics at the temple include Statue of Child Manjusri, said to have been seen directly by King Sejo, as well as a tablet commending the rebuilding of Sangwonsa Temple, written by King Sejo. Gwangdaegeori, located at the temple entrance, is also connected with King Sejo through a story of his bathing in the pure mountain stream one day while visiting Sangwonsa Temple.

Seoraksan National Park (Inner Section) (설악산국립공원 (내설악))

2021-04-13

Buk-myeon, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-801-0900

Daecheongbong Peak in Seoraksan Mountain, at an altitude of 1,708 meters, is the highest peak among the Taebaek Mountain Range, providing amazing view all year round. With various flowers in spring, clear and fresh stream water in summer, fall foliage in fall, and snow covered mountain in winter, Seoraksan Mountain is the most beautiful mountain in Korea.

The inner section ("Naeseorak") of the mountain stretches from the borderline of Hangyeryeong Pass and Misiryeong Pass to Inje-gun in the west. There are various valleys and waterfalls not to be missed as well as several hiking courses that represent the mountain.

Hakdong Mongdol Beach (학동흑진주몽돌해변)

2024-10-17

18-1, Hakdong 6-gil, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-639-4242~4245

Hakdong Mongdol Beach, filled with small black pebbles, spans a distance of 1.2 kilometers and a x_width of 50 meters, covering a 30,000 ㎡ area. Walking on the pebbles stimulates acupressure points on the soles of feet, providing health benefits for visitors. Unlike other beaches on the southern part of the country, the water of Hakdong Mongdol Beach is deep with rough waves, but various water activities are available. There are accommodations and restaurants nearby and dock at the beach offers a boat excursion around popular attractions.

Sibiseonnyeotang (Tangsudonggyegok Valley) (십이선녀탕(탕수동계곡))

2021-02-24

Sibiseonnyeotang-gil, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-462-2554

Sibiseonnyeotang Valley (Valley of the Twelve Angels’ Bath) is a beautiful valley filled with water flowing through a cascade of waterfalls and pools. In the past, there were 12 of each, although the size and shape has changed over time. The valley also features many uniquely shaped rocks and a forest comprised of many types of trees, including maple, pine nut, and pine trees. The path passing through the V-shaped valley crosses the stream often, so visiting after heavy rainfall is not recommended.

Tongdosa Temple [UNESCO World Heritage] (통도사[유네스코세계문화유산])

2024-02-08

108 Tongdosa-ro, Habuk-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Tongdosa Temple, esteemed for its establishment in 643, is a revered site recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage. This temple proudly houses Buddha's genuine sacred relics. It also boasts an array of significant Buddhist cultural treasures, such as the Daeungjeon Hall, the Gilt-Bronze Vairocana Buddha, and the Buddhist Museum. Additionally, the temple offers a templestay program for visitors.

Gayasan National Park (Hongnyu-dong, Cheongnyang-dong Area) (가야산국립공원(홍류동,청량동지구))

2021-06-08

1200, Gayasan-ro, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-930-8000

Gayasan Mountain stretches along the border of Gyeongsangnam-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do in an area of approximately 76 square kilometers. The mountain's peak, Sangwangbong Peak, reaches 1,430 meters above sea level. Gayasan Mountain was designated as Scenic Site No. 5 in 1966 and National Park No. 9 in 1972 due to its breathtaking scenery. Gayasan Mountain is known to offer one of the best scenic views in the country and also as the home of Haeinsa Temple.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information