Gyeongju Hwangnyongsa Temple Site (경주 황룡사지)
2021-01-29
64-19, Imhae-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-779-6100
Hwangnyongsa Temple Site is located in front of Bunhwangsa Temple in Guhang-dong, Gyeongju. During the Silla Era, the Hwangnyongsa Temple was the nation’s largest temple and housed the bulk of the country’s major Buddhist treasures.
Construction of the temple began in 553 on a field east of the royal compound under the commission of King Jinheung. The king originally planned to build a palace, but decided to build a temple instead, after receiving reports that a yellow dragon had been spotted on the building site. The temple was thus named Hwangnyongsa (Temple of Yellow Dragon) and was completed in 569, seventeen years after construction began. The temple murals featured an old pine tree drawn by Artist Solgeo. During the Silla Era, the temple was the center of state-sanctioned Buddhism.
Later, when monk Jajang was studying in China during the Tang dynasty, he came across a god as he was passing by Taihe Pond. The god said to him, “The yellow dragon, which is my eldest son, is guarding Hwangnyongsa Temple upon orders of Brahma, the Creator. If you build a nine-story pagoda upon your return to Silla, the neighboring states will surrender and pay tribute, and the royal cause will be stronger. Once the construction of the pagoda is complete, prepare a memorial service for the local gods and pardon any of the country's criminals. If you follow all I have told you, no other state will dare invade Silla.”
After this encounter, Jajang returned to Silla and convinced Queen Seondeok to build the nine-story pagoda. Master architect Abiji of the neighboring state Baekje designed the pagoda and the project was built by Yongchun and 200 men using wood and stone. The night before the columns were to be erected, Architect Abiji of Baekje dreamed of the fall of Baekje and refused to complete the project. With a peal of thunder, an old monk and a man of great strength suddenly appeared from the temple's main hall, erected the columns, and magically disappeared. Abiji was so shocked at the sight that he accepted his country’s future demise as the fate of the gods and once again restarted work on the temple. (From Samgungnyusa, the Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms)
In the twenty-three years following the completion of the pagoda, Queen Seondeok unified the Three Kingdoms; later, numerous scholars pointed to the pagoda as a contributing factor in the unification. Of the three treasures of Silla, two were located at Hwangnyongsa Temple. The largest bell of Silla was also in the temple, but was taken away during the Mongol invasion. The highest monks of Silla preached at the temple, and many kings came to listen to the Buddhist teachings.
During excavation work in July 1969, the massive foundation stones of the sermon hall, auditorium, and pagoda were found. Eight years of archaeological excavations and studies revealed the unique layout of the temple grounds, which consisted of one pagoda and three halls; also found were 40,000 or so ancient artifacts. Though foundation stones and other structures from the bottom of the temple were identified through excavation, there are no historical clues about the temple’s upper design, making the restoration of the temple in its entirety practically impossible. The size of the temple, based on archeological findings, was about 70 acres, roughly eight times larger than that of Bulguksa Temple.
Laseonjae (한국역사문화음식학교 라선재)
2021-09-25
424-33, Bomun-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-771-6005
Housed in the Culinary School of Korea History and Culture in Gyeongju, the Laseonjae restaurant serves unique culinary delights that recreate the cuisine served in the royal courts of the Silla Kingdom. The school has a well-established reputation as a culinary institution that excels in preserving the taste and cooking styles of the past. Laseonjae was opened with the goal of promoting Isageum, the Silla-style course meal that the school developed after many years of research.
The Isageum table consists of various dishes served in the royal court of Silla: the dishes are made of nine rare, medicinal ingredients called gujinmi. The interior of Laseonjae is decorated mostly in gold, the color that defines the Silla Kingdom. Note the columns with lotus leaf patterns and other characteristics unique to banquet halls from the Silla royal court. The restaurant staff further portrays the splendor of the era by wearing traditional Shilla dress, seemingly transporting diners back in time while they enjoy an elegant and delicious meal experience.
Mopyeong Village (모평마을)
2022-11-11
80, Sangmo-gil, Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-320-1783
Located in Hampyeong-gun, Jeollanamdo, Mopyeong Village is a scenic farming village that is rich in tradition and history. From the moment you start walking down the stonewall-lined path into town, this small village will capture your heart. The village’s important history (including its title as the origin of Hampyeong-gun of Jeollanam-do Province) is evident in everything you see: from the traditional houses to the 500-year old forest. The area is home to 27 historical and cultural sites and the beautiful Haebochoen Stream, which is shaded by over 40 different types of trees including zelkova trees, nettle trees, and willow trees. Some of the town’s traditional houses, which are about 80 years old, offer guesthouse accommodations to tourists. They include Mopyeongheon, Sopungga and Hisomun (a house made of yellow sod).
In addition to the beautiful country scenery, there is a great selection of available programs that highlight the area’s specialties, including: mulberry-picking, silkworm-feeding and Korean traditional sauce-making. You can also visit a traditional watermill, which has been restored, and swim and splash around in the forest stream. Visitors are encouraged to try their hand at making green tea cakes at the traditional teahouse nearby.
The area of Mopyeong is full of things to entertain visitors, including a number of attractions and special events. Some of the area’s most praiseworthy attractions are the Hampyeong Butterfly Festival, the Cluster Amaryllis Festival in Yongcheonsa Temple, the Chrysanthemum Festival, and the Hampyeong Eco Park and Folk Museum.
Other towns well worth a visit in the Mopyeong area are Hamo Maeul, Ungok Maeul and Wonsan Maeul. A stay at Wonsan Maeul gives visitors a chance to experience firsthand the reality of an agricultural lifestyle by doing some activities like mulberry-picking. For a more low-key trip, make your way over to Ungok Maeul, where you can enjoy the fantastic scenery at the lake or take a relaxing walk along the hiking trails of Mt. Wolyangsan.
Uncle Strawberry’s Farm (논산 딸기삼촌농장)
2021-05-28
Byeongsa-ri, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-10-3884-4349
Uncle Strawberry originally sold his products to retail distributors such as markets, department stores and discount stores. However, the farm changed into an experience farm in order to provide the freshest produce to consumers. With no retailers in-between, Uncle Strawberry is now able to provide his best quality strawberries to his customers at a lower price. Uncle Strawberry products have been certified organic, using all-natural and eco-friendly farming methods.
Mungyeong Seonyudonggyegok Valley (선유동계곡(문경))
2024-10-21
Wanjang-ri, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-550-6392
Seonyudonggyegok Valley in Mungyeong is longer and more beautiful than the valley of the same name in Goesan. Daeyasan Mountain (931 meters) runs across both valleys, which are 10 kilometers apart from each other. The valley is relatively untouched as it is not yet well known to the public. At the beginning and the end of the trail are Hakcheonjeong and Chirujeong Pavilions, respectively. Both sides of the valley are lined with thick forests of ancient pine trees. A number of stone carvings can be found in the forest, and the most famous one reads “Seonyugyegok.” It was written by Choi Chi-won, a leading scholar of the Silla kingdom.
Cheongpyeong Recreational Forest (청평자연휴양림)
2024-08-12
8-6 Bukhangang-ro 2246beon-gil, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-584-0528
Cheongpyeong Recreational Forest boasts a pristine natural landscape, fresh mineral water, and leisurely walking trails for visitors to rest from the hustle and bustle of the city life. The sight of Cheongpyeongho Lake and the surrounding trees of different kinds offer beautiful varying landscapes throughout the year. The forest is a perfect location for family as well as group retreats.
Jungmisan Recreational Forest (중미산자연휴양림)
2022-09-07
1152, Jungmisan-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-771-7166
Jungmisan Recreational Forest unfolds at the end of a lovely drive along the famous Nongdachigogae Road, the highest ridge road in the vicinity of Seoul. The forest boasts a striking landscape of thick groves of trees and a view overlooking the Namhangang River. During some mornings, the forest’s log cabins are veiled by a thick fog, further adding to the beautiful natural ambience.
Rising 834 meters above sea level, Jungmisan Mountain is a popular sunrise destination frequented by throngs of hikers every year. Thick forests of pine trees create a rooftop of branches from spring to fall. Being surrounded by the tall mountains of Baegunsan, Yumyeongsan, and Yongmunsan, Jungmisan Mountain feels like it is in the inner mountainous region of Gangwon-do, although it is close to Seoul.
The forest has log cabins that can accommodate groups of 4 to 10 people as well as campsites that complement the surrounding natural environment. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable walk through the trees on a trail that winds through the heart of the forest.
Yeoninsan Provincial Park (연인산도립공원)
2025-01-08
Buk-myeon, Ha-myeon, Gapyeong-eup, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-8008-8140
The source of Yongchu Falls, Mount Yeoninsan (연인산) stands at 1,068 meters above sea level and features soft terrain and beautiful scenery. Local folklore has it that those coming to the mountain wishing for true love will have their dreams come true.
The soil of Mount Yeoninsan is fertile, offering a great natural environment for a variety of flowers and trees. Numerous types of wild flowers thrive from early spring to late autumn. The trail connecting Mount Yeoninsan with mounts Myeongjisan, Cheonggyesan, and Gwimokbong remains relatively unspoiled by human influence: cooking and camping in the area is strictly forbidden. All the mountains in the trail are over 1,000 meters high. A defining feature of Mount Yeoninsan is the royal azaleas that bloom in late May. The County of Gapyeong celebrates the royal azalea by hosting the Mount Yeoninsan (Natural Ecology) Festival in May of each year.
Also ideal for hiking, Mount Yeoninsan offers a number of trails: one starts from Buk-myeon in Baekdun-ri, one from Mail-ri, and one from Yongchu Valley. With a minimum of climbing, hikers can take in a variety of scenic views, ranging from the bloom of the royal azaleas in the spring to the beauty of the changing leaves in the fall.
Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams (다대포 꿈의 낙조분수)
2025-04-14
14 Morundae 1-gil, Saha-gu, Busan
Dadaepo Sunset Fountain of Dreams is a musical fountain near Dadaepo Beach where water jets are synchronized with music and lighting. Covering an area of 2,519 square meters, it reaches a maximum water x_height of 55 meters and can produce various shapes such as wings of a crane, rainbow, sunflower, and mist. It presents over 60 songs ranging from popular, pop to classical genres, accompanied by the fountain's performance. The fountain operates from April to October annually.
Gyeongju Expo Park (경주엑스포공원)
2024-11-11
614 Gyeonggam-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Gyeongju Expo Park is located in the Bomun Tourist Complex in Gyeongju, offering a thematic experience of Korean culture through exhibitions, performances, and hands-on activities showcasing the art and culture of the Silla dynasty (BC 57-AD 935). The park features various attractions such as Gyeongju Tower, Timeless Media Art, Solgeo Art Museum, Lumina Night Walk, Cheomseongdae Film Hall, and Asadal Sculpture Park.
English
한국어
日本語
中文(简体)
Deutsch
Français
Español
Русский
