Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Yongmunsan Resort (용문산 관광지)

Yongmunsan Resort (용문산 관광지)

2021-12-06

Sinjeom-ri, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-773-0088

Yongmunsan Mountain in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi-do, is comprised of Doilbong Peak, Baegunbong Peak, and other peaks. The resort shares the area with various cultural relics such as Yongmunsa Temple; Yongmunsa Temple’s gingko tree; a stupa containing a relic of the Buddha, a monument of the reverend monk Jeongji; and the Yongmunsan Mountain area’s war record monument. The resort area is frequented by visitors throughout all four seasons but is especially popular in the fall because of the yellow-tinged gingko tree of Yongmunsa Temple (a Natural Monument).

A 2 kilometers trek through the valley from Yongmunsa Temple will bring you to Yonggakbawi Rock, shaped like a dragon’s horn, halfway up the mountain. 1km away from Yonggakbawi Rock lays a huge boulder, Court Rock, on which 100 people can easily sit at the same time. There is also an amusement park that provides great entertainment for children, consisting of a rapid ride, a Viking-boat, a merry-go-round, bumper cars, a family coaster, and other rides.

Thirty minutes from Yongmunsa Temple is Jungwon Valley that looks small when seen from the outside, but leads to the mountain’s summit where you can enjoy a superb view. And only another fifteen minutes walk will bring you to the three-tiered Jungwon Falls where you can enjoy the sound of crashing waters and feel the cooling mists that rise from the base of the falls.

Ilyeong Herbland (일영허브랜드)

Ilyeong Herbland (일영허브랜드)

2021-08-17

346-26, Iryeong-ro, Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-871-4387

Ilyeong Herbland offers picturesque scenery, combining both natural and man-made beauty with herbal gardens resting on a wide outdoor field. Ilyeong Herbland is comprised of an herbal botanical garden, herbal shop, well-being corner, restaurant, outdoor garden, and walking paths. Visitors can buy herbal plants and can also have various herbal teas and boiled rice with herbal flowers.

Moaksan Provincial Park (모악산 도립공원)

Moaksan Provincial Park (모악산 도립공원)

2024-04-07

Moak 15-gil, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-540-3103

Moaksan Mountain, embracing Geumsansa Temple, Gwisinsa Temple, Suwangsa Temple, and Daewonsa Temple, is 795.2 meters high and stands tall on the east side of the Gimje Plains, offering a panoramic view of the Honam Plains. It was designated as a provincial park in 1971 and is one of the four scenic views in the southern region, with outstanding scenery and many cultural properties, including national treasures. In particular, Geumsansa Temple, built in the first year of King Beop of Baekje (599) and with about ten major cultural properties, is located here, where you can see splendid Buddhist art. If you cross Moaksan Mountain, there are temples such as Daewonsa Temple and Suwangsa Temple on the southeastern slope. Gwisinsa Temple is on the west side. Geumpyeong Reservoir, located near the Geumsansa Temple entrance, is also a suitable fishing spot.
Moaksan Mountain has been considered the home of the Maitreya beliefs since ancient times, and along with the headquarters of Jeungsangyo, it also attracted attention as a gathering place for various new religions in the 30s and 40s. According to records, as many as 80 temples are at the foot of Moaksan Mountain. To hike, leave Geumsansa Temple and climb along the ridge behind Simwonam Hermitage. In spring, azaleas are in full bloom all the way to the top. From the summit, the Gimje Plains and the Mangyeonggang River come into view, as well as Jeonju and Unjangsan Mountain. The cherry blossom tunnel from the parking lot to Iljumun Gate is also spectacular.

Dongho Beach (동호해수욕장)

Dongho Beach (동호해수욕장)

2025-01-08

Dongho-ri, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-560-2646

Dongho Beach is located south of Gomsoman Bay, between the Byeonsan Peninsula of Buan and Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. Skirting the 1-kilometer-long white sandy beach lies a green forest with pine trees hundreds of years old. The sunset viewed from the forest is particularly eye-catching as the soft pink from the falling sun covers the sky. The water just offshore is relatively shallow, varying in depth between 0.5 and 1.5 meters. The high salt content in the seawater makes it an ideal place for sea and sand bathing.

On the hill above the forest is Suseongdang, a shrine honoring the god of the seas, where the local fishermen gather each year to pray for big catches.

Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지)

Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지)

2024-02-29

420 Mirinaeseongji-ro, Yangseong-myeon, Anseong-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-674-1256

Mirinae Holy Site in Anseong is the final resting place of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic saint, along with his mother Ursula, Bishop Ferréol—the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim—and Vincentius Lee Minsik, who buried Saint Kim’s body. The name ‘Mirinae,’ meaning ‘Milky Way’ in Korean, adds a celestial significance to the site. Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, who was martyred at the age of 26, was buried here 40 days after his execution. Sanctification efforts began in earnest in 1972 and have since resulted in the establishment of a memorial church, a statue of Saint Kim, and a serene garden for reflection.

Ansan Botanical Garden (안산식물원)

Ansan Botanical Garden (안산식물원)

2021-05-07

113, Seongho-ro, Sangnok-gu, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-481-3168

Opened in 2001, the Ansan Botanical Garden has three halls. The first hall (382.81㎡) is a tropical garden, home to 98 species, including palm trees. The second hall (846㎡) features 177 species in 11 families of floral plants, such as irises. The third hall (846㎡) features 177 species in 4 families of marsh plants. Outside gardens include a rose garden, fruit tree garden, wild plant garden, plant succession garden, and a pond featuring a total of 46 plants including red momo botan lotus. The botanical park has a pyramid-shaped, modern greenhouse that is a source of pride for Ansan City. The park is also connected to Seongho Park.

Yongmunsa Temple (용문사(용문산))

2025-06-30

782 Yongmunsan-ro, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do

Yongmunsa Temple is located about 9 kilometers northeast from Yongmun Station on the Jungang line. It was built during the Silla Kingdom and reconstructed during the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon dynasty. It was badly damaged during the Korean War, but was restored and now consists of three buildings, the main hall, Daeungjeon Hall, and the bell tower. Its courtyard contains the largest ginkgo tree in Asia, which is 1,100 years old, measures 60 meters in x_height and 14 meters in circumference and is designated and protected as a Natural Monument. Legend says the great Buddhist Monk Uisang, who lived during the Silla Kingdom, stuck his staff in the earth, and the tree grew out of the simple staff.

Seonyudo Island (선유도)

2024-04-07

34-22, Seonyunam-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-454-7280

Seonyudo Island, one of the most popular tourist destinations on the west coast during the summer, lies in the heart of the Gogunsan Archipelago. The island has an area of 2.12 ㎢, which is only about 1/4 of Yeouido in Seoul. The island's coastal shore is around 12.8 kilometers long and the highest point is Namaksan Mountain, which reaches about 155.6 meters in altitude. Seonyudo is the central point of Gogunsan Archipelago and has even served as the headquarters for the naval army during the Joseon dynasty. It played a vital role during the Imjin War as Admiral Yi spent days on the islands to prepare for the next battle after his victory in the Battle of Myeongnyang. 

Visitors can enjoy the island in three ways. First is to look around the neighboring islands. Seonyudo, Munyeodo, Jangjado, and Daejangdo islands are all connected by a bridge, allowing one to move between the islands on foot or a bicycle. Other ways to enjoy the island is to take a walk along the Myeongsa-simni Shore, one of the Eight Scenes of Seonyudo, and to try the clam collecting program at a mudflat.

Anyang Art Park (안양예술공원)

2024-10-24

7 Yesulgongwon-ro 131beon-gil, Manan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-8045-7000

Anyang Art Park, formerly known as Anyang Recreational Park, is an easily accessible, well-maintained cultural space. It has been revitalized with updated features such as artificial waterfalls, an outdoor stage, a plaza, walking paths, and enhanced lighting facilities. The park promotes art projects by displaying 50 artworks from renowned Korean and international artists throughout various locations. Nearby, visitors can explore additional local attractions including hiking trails through dense forests, traditional temples such as Anyangsa Temple and Yeomburam Hermitage, the treasure-designated Flagpole Supports at Jungchosa Temple Site, and the Kimchungup Architecture Museum, all of which contribute to a rich area experience.

Wolgot Harbor (월곶포구)

2025-05-08

Wolgot-dong, Siheung-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-318-4409

"Got" in the name of Wolgot means peninsula and the area was considered an important strategic point during the Joseon dynasty. In 1991 a land reclaimation project succeeded in creating a new recreation site. Now there are many seafood restaurants, various auxiliary facilities, and an amusement park that rest on reclaimed land. Because the inlet is located on the west coast where the difference in the water level between high and low tide is great, fishing boats avoid the area during the shifting tides. But, whenever the boats return, visitors can enjoy fresh sushi and other seafood. The Marine World facilities have authentic European-style restaurants, an outdoor seawater pool that can be used free of charge, and a barbecue facility along with other amenities.