Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Jeoksangsan Mountain (적상산)

2024-04-07

Goemok-ri, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-322-4174

As one of the best scenic mountains in Korea, Jeoksangsan Mountain (1,030.6 meters) showcases imposing, steep rock walls. Jeoksangsan, also called Red Skirt Mountain, got its name from the view of red maple trees around cliffs in fall that makes the mountain look like a giant red skirt. The mountain boasts a variety of attractions from Hyangnobong Peak (1,029 meters), Cheonilpokpo Falls, Songdaepokpo Falls, Jangdobawi Rock, Janggunbawi Rock, and Allyeomdae Cliff.

The rugged shape of the mountain was considered ideal for building a fortress. And after Jeoksangsan became a designated site for storing Joseonwangjo Sillok (annals of the Joseon Dynasty), the fortress surrounding it was further rebuilt. The mountain is also home to Anguksa Temple, an ancient temple built in 1227 (during the 3rd year of King Chungryeol’s reign) by Monk Wolin. The mountain can easily be climbed by hiking or by vehicle; there is a paved road stretching over 15 kilometers that leads to the top of the mountain thanks to the construction of Muju Power Plant, letting tourists visit Sanjeong Lake and Anguksa Temple conveniently.

Naganminsok National Recreational Forest (국립 낙안민속자연휴양림)

2020-12-03

1600, Minsongmaeul-gil, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-754-4400

Naganminsok National Recreational Forest is situated in Nagan-myeon, Suncheon, conveniently accessible by train and bus. Just two kilometers from the historic Naganeupseong Walled Town, Naganminsok National Recreational Forest boasts exquisite surroundings. Some famous attractions near the forest are Songgwangsa Temple, Seonamsa Temple, Juamho Lake, and Sangsaho Lake, offering opportunities to appreciate ancient temples and the glow of the setting sun over the lakes. Perhaps more famous nearby attractions, though, are the breathtaking rows of reeds at Suncheonman Bay and Naganeupseong Walled Town, the home of cultural festivals and events.

The forest is surrounded by mountains and a river with a homely garden atmosphere. The two beautiful mountains, Geumjeonsan and Obongsan snuggly envelop Naganminsok National Recreational Forest. On rainy days, visitors can enjoy spectacular cascading falls of water at Cheonyeopokpo Falls within the forest.

Huirisan Pine Tree Recreational Forest (국립 희리산해송자연휴양림)

2022-07-22

+82-41-953-2230

Surrounded by majestic pine trees, Huirisan Mountain boasts an outstanding landscape; there is a reservoir at the foot of the mountain. Upon climbing to the top of the mountain, visitor can overlook the scenic West Sea. There are also numerous attractions near Huirisan: Chunjangdae Beach, Geumgang River Banks, and Hansan Mosi Town (“Mosi” referring to “Ramie,” the predominant fabric used for traditional Korean clothing)

The top of the mountain (329m in x_height) is called Munsubong (or Munsu Peak). To the northwest of the Huirisan Pine Tree Recreational Forest is Saindae. Legend goes that four generals used to play there. Indeed, there is a cliff (140m in x_height) just below Saindae where they were believed to do chin-ups. Naturally, people call the area Teokgeolijang (Chin-Up Spot). Traces of Munsusa Temple still remain below Munsubong although it was said to have been destroyed by a huge number of bedbugs. 500m from Munsubong to the south, horse riding trails of the four generals are dotted along the ridge; Malttongbawi (Horse Dung Rock), resembling horse droppings, is 500m from the peak to the southeast.

Below Munsubong are four large peaks where the four generals lived and 100 small rocks beneath them that were home to low ranking men commanded by the generals. Because of their unique shapes, those rocks form a scenic sight while hiking in Huirisan.

Wondang Horse Ranch (Let's Run Farm) (원당종마목장 (렛츠런팜 원당))

2021-11-29

233-112, Seosamneung-gil, Deogyang-gu, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-2-509-2672

Wondang Horse Ranch became famous as it was used as a drama filming site. It includes some dangerous facilities and therefore certain restrictions apply to the public. Inside the ranch, visitors can watch horses taking a leisure walk on the pasture.

The ranch is a place for training jockeys and horse-related workers, and do not serve as a citizen’s park. Hence, drinking, cooking, making noises, engaging in any forms of sports activity including using balls or installing tents are prohibited in this area. In addition, all visitors must clear and take their leftovers, if any, before leaving.
* Area: approx. 363,638 ㎡
* Grass field: approx. 165,290 ㎡

Yeonmudae Post (Dongjangdae) (연무대 (동장대))

2019-12-31

20, Changnyong-daero 103beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-228-4686

Yeonmudae Post is located inside Suwon's Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on a relatively high hill between Changryongmun (the east gate of the fortress) and Hwahongmun (a north floodgate), Yeonmudae is an excellent military observation post with sweeping views of the inside of the fortress. After the fortress was completed in 1796, Yeonmudae was used as a training ground for troops for over two centuries, where they learned fighting skills involving swords, spears and arrows.

At Yeonmudae, visitors can learn archery while wearing traditional military attire; the fortress also offers a wide array of performances for visitors to appreciate traditional Korean culture. Yeomudae is included in the Suwon City Tour course.

Seomyeon 1beon-ga (Seomyeon First Street) (서면1번가)

2019-10-03

61, Sincheon-daero 62beon-gil, Busanjin-gu, Busan
+82-51-605-4091

As one of the busiest streets in Busan, Seomyeon 1beon-ga is also known as the Art Street. It stretches over 330 meters, connecting former Cheonujang and the LG Service Center.

The street bustles with life all day long, full of cafes, bars, and restaurants that offer delicious, but inexpensive food and drinks. In addition, it offers a wide array of entertainment facilities such as movie theaters, performance halls, and game facilities. The streets also serve as a venue for festivals and performances, making it the most popular street in Busan. During weekends, diverse cultural events are held, providing visitors with an opportunity to enjoy street performances as well as engage in activities.

Mukhohang Port (묵호항)

2021-03-17

22, Ilchul-ro, Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-530-2271

Situated in Donghae, Mukhohang Port opened in 1941 and used to be the most prolific trading port on the east coast. However, with the steady change in the economy, it has now become a center of fishing. A large wholesale seafood market at the port offers a wide array of freshly caught seafood. From early in the morning, merchants across the country gather at the market to purchase fresh seafood. Dried fish are also available.

Mukho Lighthouse, located atop Dongmunsan Mountain, opened in June 1963 as an unmanned lighthouse guiding ships into Mukhohang Port. The two-story lighthouse is 12 meters tall and is made from cement. The white lighthouse stands out against the blue sea and sky to create a fantastic image. The area surrounding the lighthouse has been turned into a small park. There is a large rock inscribed with a poem about the sea near the park entrance.

Tongyeong Mireuksan Mountain (미륵산(통영))

2021-02-25

115, Bongsudolsaem-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-650-0580

Situated in the middle of Mireukdo Island on the southern part of Tongyeong, Mireuksan Mountain (altitude 458.4 meters) is also sometimes referred to as Yonghwasan Mountain after Yonghwasa Temple. Additional temples on the mountain include the more secluded Gwaneumam and Dosoram Hermitages, as well as Miraesa Temple. While not as tall as other mountains, it is famous for its lush forest, valleys with pure water, odd-shaped rocks, and rock caves. The mountain is beautiful year round with royal azalea in spring, bright foliage in fall, and breathtaking views of the Korean archipelago.

Muju Anguksa Temple (안국사 (무주))

2024-04-07

1050, Sanseong-ro, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-322-6162

As the only temple in Jeoksangsan Mountain, Anguksa Temple was built in 1227 (during the 3rd year of King Chungryeol’s reign) by Monk Wolin. A secret historical archives, called Sagak, was built to store Joseonwangjo Sillok (annals of the Joseon dynasty) in 1614 (during the 6th year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign) within the mountain, while Seonukgak was built in 1641 (during the 19th year of King Injo’s reign) to store Seonwonrok (royal genealogical records). The two sites were designated as Jeoksangsan Historical Archives during the Joseon dynasty. Hoguksa Temple was also built at that time to prevent accidents from affecting the archives. The temple, along with the existing Anguksa Temple, was used to house monk soldiers who protected the archives.

Because of the construction of Muju Power Plant, Anguksa Temple was relocated to the Hoguksa Temple site and rebuilt in 1995. Consisting of 15 buildings, the temple is surrounded by Sanjeong Lake. Boasting exquisite fall foliage, the temple can be easily reached by vehicle along a paved road. The nearby attractions include Muju Resort and Muju Gucheondong Valley.

Dora Observatory (도라전망대)

2024-11-28

310 Je3ttanggul-ro, Jangdan-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-954-0303

Dora Observatory is the closest DMZ observatory to Panmunjeom. From Dora Observatory, one can see not only the Panmunjeom but also the village of Daeseong-dong within the DMZ, mountains and farmlands on the North Korean side, and the city of Gaeseong, a North Korean city and the historic capital of Goryeo (918-1392). Individual visits are not allowed. The observatory can only be accessed through the DMZ Peace Tour, which embarks from Imjingak Pavilion after reservation. All visitors are required to bring their identification, such as passports or Alien Registration Card (ARC).

Sightseeing - Korea travel information