Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory (곡성섬진강천문대)

18.5 Km 34864 2024-02-22

1234 Seomjingang-ro, Gurye-eup, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory is an astronomical observatory located along the Seomjingang River, equipped with a 600mm astronomical telescope and various other telescopes. It features a Main Observatory, Auxiliary Observatory, and an Planetarium for observing stars and the sun. Experience facilities include a 4D & VR Theater, VR Gyroscope, Space Elevator, and a Children's Experience Center.

Taeansa Temple (태안사)

18.7 Km 6952 2022-08-31

622-215, Taean-ro, Jukgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-363-6669

Located on the foot of Dongnisan Mountain, Taeansa Temple was built by three monks during the reign of the Silla King, Gyeongdeok (742). Afterwards, Monk Hyecheol constructed a large temple with 132 rooms during Goryeo Taejo’s reign, which was established as a central seminary of the Dongnisan Mountain area. In the precincts there are four treasures, including Hyecheolguksa Sari Pagoda, Gwangjaseonsa Pagoda and Neungpagak. The temple was badly damaged during the Korean War and had been refurbished since then. An invigorating valley and a shady nook can be reached just 1.8 kilometers from the entrance of the temple. It is a popular trail during the fall, with its bright maple leaves.

Gwangju Jeungsimsa Temple (증심사(광주))

18.9 Km 17879 2021-11-09

177, Jeungsimsa-gil, Dong-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-226-0108

Located on the western foothills of Mudeungsan Mountain, Jeungsimsa Temple is a representative temple of Gwangju. First founded by Buddhist monk Cheolgamseonsa Do Yun in 517 (Silla Kingdom), the temple was remodeled by Buddhist monk Hyesoguksa in 1094 (Goryeo dynasty) and again by Kim Bang in 1443 (Joseon dynasty). The temple was burned down during the Imjin War and was reconstructed in 1609 by three Buddhist monks: Seokgyeong, Sujang, and Dogwang. It underwent several additional restorations before being destroyed again by fire during the Korean War. Most of the existing buildings, including Daeungjeon Halll (main temple building), were rebuilt in the 1970s.

Jogyesan Provincial Park (조계산도립공원)

19.0 Km 14507 2021-08-27

Seungjugoemok 1-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-1577-2013

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.

Around Seonamsa Temple there are several peaks such as Wolchulbong Peak, Janggunbong Peak and Gitdaebong Peak as well as the Ilweolseok boulder. This area is always crowded with visitors all year round due to the famous Songgwangsa and Seonamsa temples. There are hikers who visit Jogyesan Mountain as well; the mountain is known to have gradual slopes and walking paths, making it great for a light stroll.

Manyeonsa Temple - Hwasun (만연사(화순))

19.3 Km 20049 2020-03-27

367, Jingak-ro, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-374-2112

Manyeonsa Temple is known to have been built in 1208, the fourth year of King Heejong’s (r. 1204-1211) reign during the Goryeo dynasty.

It is said that Manyeonsa Temple was constructed by Great Monk Manyeon after he dreamt of 16 nahans, Buddha’s disciples, preparing to build a temple to preserve Buddha’s statue when taking a short nap during his journey back to Songwangsa Temple in Jogyesan Mountain from Wonhyosa Temple in Mudeungsan Mountain. When he awoke from his nap, he noticed that snow had completely covered his nearby surroundings except for the exact spot where he lied down, which remained so warm that snow had melted and steam was rising from the ground. He then settled in the area by building a dugout where he continued to practice asceticism and later built Manyeonsa Temple.

The temple was partially destroyed during the Korean War (1950) and restoration efforts were made in 1978.

Songgwangsa Temple (Suncheon) (송광사(순천))

19.5 Km 50951 2024-03-08

100 Songgwangsaan-gil, Songgwang-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-755-0107

Songgwangsa Temple is a temple located to the west of Jogyesan Mountain and is known as one of the three priceless temples along with Haeinsa Temple in Hapcheon and Tongdosa Temple in Yangsan. It was founded during the Silla dynasty and boasts cultural assets including four national treasures and 26 treasures, along with over 80 buildings including the Daeungbojeon Hall. Additionally, it operates the Buddhist Museum exhibiting temple cultural assets, a Buddhist university, and templestay programs.

Gokseong Seomjingang Astronomical Observatory (곡성섬진강천문대) - Area information - Korea travel information