Sunchang Gangcheonsa Temple (강천사 (순창))

15.5Km 2024-04-07

270, Gangcheonsan-gil, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-652-5420

Located approximately 1.8 kilometers from the entrance of Gangcheonsan County Park, Gangcheonsa Temple was built by Monk Doseon during the first year of Queen Jinseong of Silla (AD 887). In the third year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo (1316), the temple saw the addition of a five-story stone pagoda, built by Monk Deokhyeon. At its peak, the temple was said to have had 12 hermitages and housed 1,000 monks. It was burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598), leaving only the pagoda, but was rebuilt a few years later by Monk Soyo during the 37th year of King Seonjo (1604). Unfortunately, the temple was burned down again in the Korean War, but was once again restored to its original state in 1959.

Cultural assets found at the temple include Stone Guardian Post of Chungsin-ri & Namgye-ri, Sunchang Guesthouse, and the Three-story Stone Pagoda of Sunhwa-ri. Nearby tourist attractions include Geumseongsanseong Fortress, Yongsopokpo Falls, Gangcheonho Lake, Damyangho Lake, Chuwolsan Mountain, Huimunsan Mountain, and Naejangsan National Park.

Jeongeupsa Culture Park (정읍사문화공원)

15.6Km 2024-04-07

Sigi-dong, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-539-6776

Jeongeupsa Culture Park (located in Sigi 3-dong in downtown Jeongeup-si) was built in honor of ‘Jeongeupsa’ a famous Baekje Gayo (a type of poem from the Baekje dynasty). Jeongeupsa is the only poem of the five Baekje Gayos (Jeongeupsa, Mudeungsangok, Bangdeungsangok, Seonunsangok, and Jirisangok) recorded in Hangeul that remains in existence today.

The park, built on the location where the epic poem took place, boasts a 2.5-meter high granite statue of the heroine of Jeongeupsa. Nearby the statue are a shrine and a 2-meter wide monument commemorating the poem. Located in the vicinity are the Jeongeupsa Art Center, the Korean Classical Music Center, the city library, and an outdoor stage.

Gochang-eup Sunghanok Village (고창읍성한옥마을)

15.8Km 2024-08-05

128 , Dongni-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-563-9977

Gochangeupseong Hanok Village is a group of houses once attached to the government office inside the ancient Gochangeupseong Fortress, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. It consists of seven tile-roofed houses containing 11 comfortable guest rooms with wooden floors, equipped with toilet and AC. There is a yard, and visitors can walk a trail to Gochangeupseong Fortress and ponder the impressive 500 year-old walls. There is a pottery and an embroidery experience center, and Yangpyeong Military Art Museum, Gochang Pansori Museum, and Seonun Golf Course are all nearby. Visitors can use the village’s large parking lot.

Myeonangjeong Pavilion (면앙정)

15.8Km 2025-01-09

382-11 Myeonangjeong-ro, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-2811

Myeonangjeong Pavilion is located on the slopes of Jebongsan Mountain in Damyang-gun. The pavilion was constructed in 1533 by Song Sun (1493-1583), who built it as a place for writing poems. After its construction, the pavilion served as a meeting place for scholars and intellectuals and was even frequented by Lee Hwang (1501-1570), a representative Confucian scholar who is pictured on the 1,000 won bill.

The roof of Myeonangjeong Pavilion was originally made of reeds, straw, grass and other materials which could not withstand the elements. After several repairs, the building was developed into the wooden structure that it is today.

From the back of the pavilion, you can see the mountain range and open wide fields; renowned scholars’ poems are engraved on the wooden panels that decorate the pavilion walls.

Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival (고창모양성제)

15.8Km 2024-07-17

Eumnae-ri, Gochang-eup, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-560-2949

Gochang Moyang Fortress Festival has been held since 1973 to inspire admiration for the construction of the walled town, develop local culture, and encourage love and pride for Gochang residents. Main events include a celebration and memorial ceremony, with additional events ranging from a pansori performance and farming music to folk games and archery. Many people participate in the Dapseongnori event, where participants carry a rock on top of their heads and walk around the fortress three times. Doing this is said to cure all illnesses, grant a long and healthy life, and allow one into heaven.

Gochangeupseong Walled Town (고창읍성)

15.9Km 2025-01-07

1, Moyangseong-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-560-8067

Gochangeupseong Walled Town was built in 1453 during th reign of Joseon King Danjong to protect the city from foreign invaders. The walls were built by the local civilians, using natural resources as they were available. Also called Moyangseong Fortress, the walled town served a vital role in protecting the southern region, and was designated Historic Site No. 145 on April 1, 1965. The walls are 4~6 meters high and 1,684 meters long, with three gates on the north, east, and west walls, each protected by curved walls. Inside the large area there were 22 government buildings. Restoration work on the wall has been ongoing since 1976.

Yeongsangang River (영산강)

16.0Km 2020-05-19

Gaedongsingi-gil, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-380-2820

Yeongsangang River (136 kilometers) is the shortest of the four major rivers in Korea. The river starts from Yongchubong Peak (560m) located in Yong-myeon in Damyang, Jeollanam-do. It runs through Damyang, Gwangju, Naju, and Yeongam and eventually flows into the Yellow Sea in Mokpo through the estuary bank.

The river also faces some environmental challenges, including extreme weather events that cause flooding, leading to ecosystem loss and habitat degradation. In December 1981, a dam was built and the damage was significantly reduced. The government has also introduced the Four Major Rivers Restoration Project in 2009 with the objective of restoring the rivers while achieving regional development. Under this project, a significant amount of budget was allocated for resolving problems plaguing the Yeongsangang River.

Sin Jae-hyo's House (고창 신재효 고택)

16.0Km 2024-04-07

100, Dongni-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-560-2943

Sin Jae-hyo (1812-1884) was a legendary theorist, director, and sponsor of pansori (epic chant). Sin Jae-hyo's House in Gochang was built in 1850, and visitors can observe sarangchae (main room), an old well, and a paulownia tree preserved to this day. Sin was not a singer himself but a pansori enthusiast, and he used wealth to train potential singers and contribute to the growth of pansori. He also compiled and edited six pansori madangs (operas) titled Ttoggi Taryeong, Bak Taryeong, Simcheongga, Jeokbyeokga, Chunhyangga, and Garujigi Taryeong, of which only five are passed down. To honor his contributions and passion for pansori, Dongni Gugakdang was founded behind this house.

Gochang Pansori Museum (고창판소리박물관)

16.1Km 2024-04-06

100, Dongni-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-560-8061

The Gochang Pansori Museum was established in the old residence of ‘Dongni’ Sin Jae-Hyo (a musical theorist and arranger and a sponsor of Pansori) with the aim of honoring the great Pansori singers of the past (including Sin Jae-Hyo) and preserving and developing the indigenous tradition of Pansori. Of the original rooms of the residence only Sarangchae (an annex where men used to study or welcome guests) has been renovated and is open to the public. Right next to Sarangchae is the Dongni Gugakdang (Korean Traditional Music Hall).

Over 1,000 pieces related to Pansori and great local singers are on display at the museum, included personal possessions once owned by Sin Jae-Hyo (penname ‘Dongni’). For those interested in learning more about the traditional art of Pansori music or experiencing high-quality Pansori, the Gochang Pansori Museum is a must-visit travel destination.

Stay Hwangryong[Korea Quality] / 스테이황룡 [한국관광 품질인증]

16.3Km 2024-10-30

5-3, Haengbok 1-gil, Hwangnyong-myeon, Jangseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-10-7142-5646

Stay Hwangryong is a tranquil hanok accommodation where the Hwangryonggang River flows in front. The hanok surrounded by a low stone wall is divided into two sections: Sarangchae and Anchae. The broad yard with flowering trees add more beauty to the landscape. The guest rooms of Stay Hwangryong include Hwangryong, good for six guests, Sarangchae 1 and 2 that are both good for two travelers, and a Maru that is the equivalent of a living room. The modern hanok retains the traditional beauty, while having added the convenience of modern facilities. Bright lightings on the ceiling and glass windows dressed in white curtains that replaced hanji give a more trendy look. Individual heating system per room, WiFi, and air conditioning are provided. The kitchen is equipped with a rice cooker, induction cooktop, and other kitchenware for those who wish to cook during the stay. Each room has a barbecue grill for guests to enjoy. The yard with plentiful sunlight is good for small gatherings, such as family gatherings and birthday parties.

Sunchang Gangcheonsa Temple (강천사 (순창)) - Area information - Korea travel information