Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock (추암 촛대바위)

2022-12-26

Donghae-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-530-2801

Chuam Chotdaebawi Rock in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do is one of Korea’s most famous tourist attractions. The beautifully formed rock towers high into the sky and resembles a candlestick, from which it gets its name. Chotdaebawi Rock and the nearby rock formations seem to change the shape they resemble along with the waves that crash against the rocks. The view of the sunrise from behind Chotdaebawi Rock is so popular that it attracts photographers and tourists nationwide.

* The Legend of Chotdaebawi Rock
Once upon a time, there was a man who lived in Chuam who had a concubine. His wife was jealous of the second wife and the conflict between the two women continually escalated. One day, god became enraged over their continual quarreling and threw lighting down from heaven, striking both women dead. The newly-made widower missed his wives so much that he remained frozen in his loneliness and eventually turned into a rock, which is now called Chotdaebawi Rock.

Korean Peninsula Terrain [National Geopark] (한반도지형 (강원고생대 국가지질공원))

2024-04-08

555 Hanbando-ro, Hanbando-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do

Korean Peninsula Terrain was formed by soil transported from upstream to the curvature of the confluence of two rivers. It is often referred to as Mini Korean Peninsula because it resembles the shape of the Korean Peninsula. It is said to have this appearance due to the erosion of the incised stream flowing around the terrain. It takes a 15-minute walk along the pine forest trail for about 800 meters from the parking lot to reach there. The well-maintained trail with many wildflowers and plants creates a welcoming atmosphere. Upon arriving at the observation point, visitors will be amazed by the beautiful curved river and the topography taking the same shape as the Korean Peninsula. Designated as the Gangwon Paleozoic National Geopar, this area has excellent geographical value because it shows the characteristics of the incised mender river as well.

Jirisan Chilseongyegok Valley (칠선계곡(지리산))

2022-07-29

Chuseong-ri, Hamnyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Chilseongyegok Valley is the most beautiful valley in Jirisan Mountain, and is one of the top three valleys in the nation, along with Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley in Seoraksan Mountain and Tamnagyegok Valley in Hallasan Mountain. The 16-kilometer valley stretching from Uitan of Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak is characterized by very tough topography but beautiful scenery and is the only remaining primeval forest of Jirisan Mountain. It is also dotted with seven waterfalls and 33 ponds. The hike becomes more difficult as the trail enters the valley. Because the valley has taken many lives, some people call it "The Valley of Death." For that reason, visitors must apply in advance and hike with a guide. The trail in Chilseon Valley is a 9.4-kilometer course from Chuseong Village in Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak, which does not follow the natural valley, due to the valley's steep and dangerous features. Starting from Chuseong Village, the trail passes Yongso Pond, Jujiteo Site, Chuseongmang Rock, Seonnyeotang Pond, Ongnyeotang Pond, Biseondam, Chilseonpokpo Falls, Daeryukpokpo Falls, Samcheungpokpo Falls and Mapokpo Falls, all before reaching Cheonwangbong Peak.

Ipgok County Park (입곡군립공원)

2021-06-10

Ipgokgongwon-gil, Haman-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-580-4583

Ipgok County Park was once a reservoir used for agricultural water during the Japanese colonization period. Near the reservoir, a dense pine tree forest can be seen along the steep cliff and a trekking path winds through the forest. In spring, cherry blossoms provide picturesque scenery in the vicinity of the area and azaleas bloom on the ridges and cliffs as well. A sports field equipped with stands is located in the upper area.

The reservoir boasts a grand size with a 4-kilometer circumference making it the largest reservoir in Haman. However, it is shaped like a snake, making it impossible to see the starting and ending points at the same time. It is well-known as a relaxing vacation spot among local families.

Jirisan National Park (Hadong Section) (지리산국립공원(하동))

2021-06-24

Hwagae-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-883-1750

Designated as the first national park in Korea on December 29, 1967, Jirisan National Park stretches out over 483.022 square kilometers, making it the largest national park among all 22 national parks. It covers Korea’s three southernmost provinces; Gyeongsangnam-do, Jeollanam-do, and Jeollabuk-do, one city, four counties, and 15 districts of eup and myeon. The area in Gyeongsangnam-do has many temples including Ssanggyesa Temple and Chilbulsa Temple, as well as valleys, falls, and other tourism resources.

Undersea Tunnel - Tongyeong (해저터널-경남 통영)

2024-01-03

Dang-dong, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Constructed over a 16-month period from 1931 to 1932, the undersea tunnel in Tongyeong is Asia’s first submarine tunnel. For its construction, the sea water was blocked at both ends, the tunnel was dug underground, and was paved with concrete. The Korean word “Yongmundalyang” engraved at the entrance of this 483-meter long, 5-meter wide tunnel means “the entrance of an undersea tunnel that connects island to land.”

Maemuldo Islands (매물도)

2020-02-25

Maemuldodaehang-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-650-4681

Maemuldo Island is comprised the three islands Daemaemuldo Island, Somaemuldo Island, and Deungdaedo Island. The best view can be seen from the sea cliffs of Somaemuldo Island and Deungdaedo Island. Somaemuldo Island, whose entire area is no more than 2.51㎢, is a small island but very popular. Daemaemuldo, Hongdo, Deungdaedo, Daegueulbido and Sogueulbido Islands are all scattered around Somaemuldo Island.

Cheongnyeongpo Scenic Spot (청령포)

2024-04-02

133 Cheongnyeongpo-ro, Yeongwol-eup, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do

Cheongnyeongpo Scenic Spot is one of Yeongwol's representative tourist destinations, also well known as Joseon's 6th king Danjong’s home in exile. The Namhangang River surrounds its three sides, and there are mountains on the other side. It is only accessible by boat. For reference, there is no set schedule for the departure and arrival of the boat, and it starts operating once the travelers are seated to some extent. Travelers are welcomed by tall pine trees when entering Cheongnyeongpo. There are many historical sites, such as Danjong's home in exile, a pine tree about 600 years old called Gwaneumsong, and Manghyangtap Tower, which serves as an observatory.

Odosan Healing Forest (오도산 치유의 숲)

2024-12-12

398, Odosanhyuyang-ro, Bongsan-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-930-3742

Odosan Healing Forest is nestled at the foot of the tall Odosan Mountain (1,133 meters above sea level) in Hapcheon. The mountain spans the areas covering Gajo-myeon in Geochang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do and Myosan-myeon and Bongsan-myeon in Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do. Odosan is at the end of the Gayasan Mountain Range along with Dumusan Mountain (1,039 meters above sea level), which is situated 2 kilometers to the northeast. North of Odosan Healing Forest, you will find Haeinsa Temple, home to the Tripitaka Koreana and one of the three major temples in Korea, as well as Gayasan Mountain, and Maehwasan Mountain. Hapcheonho Lake is south of the forest, so there are several tourist destinations in the area and the natural landscape is superb. The azaleas and royal azaleas are in full bloom in spring; cool valley waters can be enjoyed in summer; and the mountain's colorful fall foliage is as beautiful as that of Naejangsan Mountain, a renowned spot to enjoy autumn colors. You can enjoy mountain climbing along the valley surrounded by thick forests. It is said that Doseon, a well-known monk from the late Silla Dynasty, was fascinated by the energy and beauty of Odosan Mountain and practiced asceticism there.
Enjoying the Odosan Recreational Forest
Convenient facilities unfold along the valley within the Odosan Recreational Forest, such as the visitor information center, forest cabins, a communal kitchen, camp decks, campsites, etc. Notably, the hiking trail behind the forest cabins follows the clear stream that flows year-round, leading to Sukseongsan Peak, a small peak on the slope of Odosan Mountain. The trail overlooks Hapcheonho Lake and offers hikers a beautiful view. Odosan Recreational Forest consists of dense natural forests filled with pine and oak trees that are 20 to 50 years old. Also, a variety of vegetation, including the wild cherry, crimson glory vine (called meoru in Korea), and kiwiberry vine (called darae in Korea), as well as herbaceous plants can be found here. This makes it an ideal site for students, including teenagers, to learn about nature.

Sancheong Hwangmaesan Mountain (황매산(산청))

2021-04-13

Hwangmaesan-ro 1202beon-gil, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-6901

One of the last mountains of the Taebaek Mountain Range, Hwangmaesan Mountain is located in Sancheong, Gyeongsangnam-do. The mountain features fantastic rock formations and a beautiful vista from the summit that resembles arpricot blossoms. It is said that anyone who prays from the summit will have their wish come true, drawing in plenty of earnest hikers. In May, a large field near the summit is covered in vibrant pink royal azaleas. Attractions on the mountain include Bakjwigol Valley, Norubawi, Heundeulbawi, Janggunbawi, Chotdaebawi, Geobukbawi and Sinseonbawi Rocks among others.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information