Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Gochang Seonunsa Temple (선운사 (고창))

Gochang Seonunsa Temple (선운사 (고창))

2024-04-07

250, Seonunsa-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-561-1422

Seonunsa Temple is known to have been built in 577, the 24th year of King Wideok of the Baekje dynasty. It is the second head temple of Jogye Order in Jeollabuk-do. According to the temple's historical records, it was originally a very large temple with 89 hermitages and 3,000 monks. Today, only four hermitages remain: Dosoram, Chamdangam, Dongunam, and Seoksangam. In addition, the temple is home to 25 prestigious heritages, namely the Forest of Common Camellias, which is designated as ㅁ Natural Monument. A festival dedicated to this forest is held every April.

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

Hwaeomsa Temple (화엄사)

2021-02-05

539, Hwaeomsa-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-783-7600

Situated at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, 5.4 kilometers east of Gurye-eup, Hwaeomsa Temple was constructed in the 22nd year of King Seong's reign (544) during the Baekje era, but was burnt down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The temple was rebuilt in 1636 after seven years of reconstruction. The temple has various cultural assets including National Treasures, Treasures, a Natural Monument, and local cultural assets as well as 20 different buildings.

Hyeonchungsa Shrine (현충사)

Hyeonchungsa Shrine (현충사)

2020-04-03

126, Hyeonchungsa-gil, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-539-4600

Hyeonchungsa Shrine, located in Asan-si, is the shrine of General Lee Sun-Shin (1545-1598). It was built in 1706, and named Hyeonchungsa Shrine the following year. In 1932 during the Japanese occupation, a treasure preservation committee was formed to protect the shrine. Afterward, the shrine was rebuilt by the government, its area greatly enlarged, and was further developed into a sacred place.
The shrine contains Sipkyeongdo, a pictorial biography of general Lee Sun-Shin’s portrait and his life story. Nanjung Diary, designated National Treasure No. 76, his Long Sword, Treasure No. 326, and other treasures are displayed within the shrine as well, together with the old house he lived in, the arrow shooting range, and Geobuksun (turtle ship). When you enter the of Hyeonchungsa Shrine, Chungmu gate, you will see another gate called Hongsal Gate. Go past Hongsal Gate and you can see Lee Sun-Shin’s portrait, which was made with Korean Cheonggiwa tiles and iron-reinforced concrete. Inside the Gotaek Building is the Chungmujeong House, where Lee Sun-Shin spent his life until he was a young man. The newly added pond, Yeonji Pond, in Hyeonchungsa Shrine is also worth exploring.

Songnisan National Park (Chungcheongbuk-do Section) [속리산국립공원(충북)]

Songnisan National Park (Chungcheongbuk-do Section) [속리산국립공원(충북)]

2024-03-15

Sangpan-ri, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-542-5267

Situated in the heart of the Sobaek Mountain Range, Songnisan National Park encompasses the majestic Songnisan Mountain, standing at 1,057 meters, and the picturesque Hwayanggyegok, Seonyugyegok, and Ssanggok Valleys. Designated as a National Park in 1970, this natural sanctuary is celebrated for its stunning landscapes and unique rock formations. Key highlights include the awe-inspiring peaks of Cheonhwangbong, Munjangdae, and Birobong. Additionally, the park is home to historical and cultural treasures such as Beopjusa Temple, Seongbulsa Temple, and the ancient Gyeonhwonsanseong Fortress.

Hadong Ssanggyesa Temple (쌍계사(하동))

Hadong Ssanggyesa Temple (쌍계사(하동))

2024-03-08

59 Ssanggyesa-gil, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do

Ssanggyesa Temple was founded on the southern foothills of Jirisan Mountain in 722 during the reign of Silla King Seongdeok. The temple is famous for the 6-kilometer stretch of cherry blossom trees that bloom each spring. The temple was originally called Okcheonsa Temple, but was changed to the current Ssanggyesa Temple in 887. The current temple buildings were all built in 1632, after having been burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The temple grounds and nearby area feature many historic and beautiful attractions, including Burilpokpo Falls and a large tea plantation.

Jirye Arts Village (지례예술촌)

Jirye Arts Village (지례예술촌)

2024-05-29

427 Jiryeyesulchon-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-852-1913

Located in Andong, Jirye Arts Village first formed as a result of the construction of Imha Dam. When a small neighborhood in Jirye-ri, Imdong-myeon was at the risk of flood due to the dam, Kim Won-gil, the village leader at the time, relocated and rebuilt ten houses to the current location in 1986. This neighborhood, now known as Jirye Arts Village, was designated as an art village in 1990 and since then, many artists settled in the neighborhood and formed a community of culture and art. Today, Jirye Arts Village offers a variety of opportunities to experience Korean culture through hands-on arts and crafts as well as diverse cultural activities.

63 Square (63스퀘어)

63 Square (63스퀘어)

2024-03-05

50, 63-ro, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-789-5663

63 Square is one of the most recognizable landmarks of Korea and the symbol of its rapid economic growth. Like its name, the building has 63 floors, 60 above-ground and 3 underground. The lobby and the outdoor garden exhibits installations created by contemporary artists. 63 Square is known for its golden glass facade, which puts up different ambiences depending on the season and the amount of sunlight. It is the best place to watch the fireworks from the Seoul International Fireworks Festival.

Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

Korean Folk Village (한국민속촌)

2024-11-28

90 Minsokchon-ro, Giheung-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do

Korean Folk Village introduces traditional culture from the late Joseon period to both local and international visitors through cultural classes experience, shaman faith, seasonal customs and others. It recreated the past through the restoration of houses from the Joseon dynasty.

Performances including folk music, martial arts on horseback, traditional wedding ceremony, and other special performances and events are available by season. In particular, "Welcome to Joseon," an event held every May, takes visitors back to the past. In addition, a family-friendly theme park equipped with 15 exciting attractions is also available. Visitors can also try various Korean foods at the market street.

Dalmaji Road (해운대 달맞이길)

Dalmaji Road (해운대 달맞이길)

2024-03-06

190, Dalmaji-gil, Haeundae-gu, Busan
+82-51-749-5700

Dalmaji Road refers to the pass that connects Haeundae Beach with Songjeong Beach over Wausan Mountain. It is an 8 km-long coastal road lined with cherry and pine trees, offering a beautiful coast view and a perfect place for seaside drives. The summit of the pass has the Dalmaji Hill and the Haewoljeong Pavilion, which overlook the view of the Cheongsa Port and the sea. The road also has many cafés, restaurants, and galleries. The "moonrise at the Dalmaji Road" is not to be missed.

Halla Arboretum (한라수목원)

2024-10-18

72 Sumogwon-gil, Jeju-si, Jeju-do
+82-64-710-7575

Halla Arboretum is home to nearly 1,100 species of plants, including both natvie jeju flora and exotic subtropical species. The arboretum offers visiors with the opportunity to enojy a variety of wildflowers throughout the year. It features specialized gardens dedicated to rare Jeju plants, orchids, aquatic plants, along with greenhouses and a forest bath site located along the Gwangioreum Trail. The trail is known for its gentle incline, making it ideal for leisurely strolls. These walks offer the ideal opportunity to fully appreciate the fragrant array of flowers blooming along the path..