Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Yeongamho Lake (migratory bird habitat) (영암호 - 철새도래지)

2025-01-08

Yongang-ri, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-470-6071

This is a huge lake created when the Geumho tide embankment was constructed in Yeongam on November 1996, as part of a national project to reclaim some 4.3 kilometers stretch of sea from Sampo-ri in Samho-myeon of Yeongam-gun to Byeoram-ri in Hwawon-myeon of Haenam-gun.

Some 100 species of migratory birds, numbering some 300,000, live in this area over the winter on the mud flats which are full of things to eat. Around the embankment where the sea water and fresh water meet, there is a great spot to fish for both fresh water and the sea species. This is perhaps the only place in Korea where the long and silvery cutlass fish, usually found in the deeper areas of the ocean, can be caught while sitting on the rocks along the seashore.

Birthplace of Baekje Buddhism (백제불교최초도래지)

2021-02-18

203, Baekjemunhwa-ro, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-350-4674

Unlike Goguryeo and Silla, Baekje's origin of Buddhism and how it spread had remained a mystery other than the story of how Indian monk Mirananta came to Yeonggwang and founded Bulgapsa Temple. In 1998, records were found stating that Monk Mirananta first set foot in Jwaudu Village in Beopseong-myeon, Yeonggwang in AD 384 after passing through Dongjin in China. Subsequently, the site has turned into an attraction in honor of the monk and the spread of Buddhism.

Yeonggwang Bulgapsa Temple (불갑사 (영광))

2021-12-02

450, Bulgapsa-ro, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-350-4889

Bulgapsa Temple of Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do, was the very first Buddhist temple to be built in Korea. Monk Marananta, who was the first Indian monk to spread Buddhism in Korea, is said to have established the temple here around the year 384, during the reign of Baekje King Chimnyu.

Daeungjeon Hall, the main hall of Bulgapsa Temple, has been designated as a Treasure. The motifs on the doors of the hall are famed for their beautiful designs. The temple also has other buildings of distinction such as the Manseru Pavillion, Myeongbujeon Hall and Ilgwangdang Shrine, and a population of sericeous newlitse trees, designated as a Natural Monument. The temple is also famous for the magic lily which blooms in the late summer. The path into Bulgapsa Temple is ideal for a restful walk and contemplation.

Gamami Beach (가마미해수욕장)

2021-12-08

355, Gamami-ro, Yeonggwang-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-356-1020

Located 24 kilometers west of Yeonggwang-eup, Gamami Beach was first opened in 1925. The beach is 1 kilometer in length and 200 meters in x_width, and has the shape of a half moon. Around 200 pine trees encompass the area and form a dense cozy forest. The water is only about 1 to 2 meters deep and its clear waters make it one of the three best beaches in the southwestern part of Korea.
Small islands dot the sea in front of the beach and the view of the fishing boats drifting by is very peaceful. The sunset on the west gives off a different vibe from the sunrise of the east. Near the beach area is a coastal drive way with a wonderful view of the coast. Dombaeseom Island, famous for ocean fishing, and Chilsando Island are lined up more or less in a row.

Bangjukpo Beach (방죽포해변)

2022-07-28

804-6, Hyangiram-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-659-3968

Nestled on the east coast of Dolsando Island, the tranquil waters have mild waves that lap up on the shiny golden sand along Bangjukpo Beach. Nearby, there is a thick pine grove with trees over 200 years old. This area is blessed with plenty of fresh inland water despite it being on the coast. The myriad of rocks near the sea are great for fishing. The beach is a popular spot to watch the sunrise. It is also situated on the way to Hyangiram Hermitage, one of Korea’s four hermitages where Buddhist followers pray to Avalokitesvara, the Bodhisattva of Great Compassion.

Jeonnam Jeungdo Island [A Slow City] (전남 신안 증도 [슬로시티])

2020-06-11

Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-271-7619

Jeungdo Island was the first city to be designated a ‘slow city’ in Asia thanks to its unspoiled nature and clean waters. It was assigned as a biodiversity conservation area by UNESCO.

Jeungdo Island also has Korea’s largest salt fields. At Taepyeong Salt Field, you can experience real life in a fishing village. There is a tour of the salt museum and hands-on programs for tourists to make the experience more personal. There are some 90 uninhabited islands and islets neighboring the Jeungdo Island. The Wujeon Beach Resort offers a magnificent view of the horizon. The mud hopper bridge, which stands in the mudflats, along with the relic of a historical monument and wetland ecology exhibition hall, are some of the things you can see on the island of Jeungdo.

* Jeungdo Island Mudflats Festival opens in early August each year, offering a mudflat program as well as a drying by the sun salt-making program, among others.

Gageodo Island (Soheuksando Island) (가거도(소흑산도))

2021-02-01

38-2, Gageodo-gil, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-275-9300

Gageodo Island is the southwesternmost island in Korea, located rather close to China. The island has rough mountain ridges and consists of cliffs, making a magnificent scenery. With Doksilsan Mountain (alt. 639 m, the highest peak in Sinan-gun) standing in the middle, the island is surrounded by cliffs, creating a mysterious aura. The area is loved by fishers as various fish like anchovy, croaker, hairtail, horse mackerel, sea bream, and others can be found in the surrounding waters, as well as a paradise of unusual migratory birds like the fork-tailed petrel, shearwater, and teal.

Jogyesan Provincial Park (조계산도립공원)

2024-10-08

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. The park is popular year round due to the two temples. Around Seonamsa Temple there are several peaks such as Wolchulbong Peak, Janggunbong Peak and Gitdaebong Peak as well as Ilweolseok Boulder.

Jungni Beach (중리해수욕장)

2021-07-14

Jungtong-ri, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-550-6625

Jungni Beach is the best beach for swimming in the sea on Bogildo Island. The white sandy beach is long and the depth of the water is shallow enough for people to enjoy, even at 200 meters into the water. The beach is also lined with pine trees that provide shade from the hot sun. The road to the beach is also paved, making it easy to reach.

Within a little distance from Jungni Beach there is a small and beautiful beach called Tongni Beach. The silver sand is lined with pine trees and the water is shallow. During summer, visitors can access the shower booths, water fountains, and convenience store at Jungni Beach and Tongni Beach. Accommodations and restaurants can be found in the nearby village. Approximately 1.5 kilometers away, there is an evergreen forest (Natural Monument No. 40) and a river with large black rocks stretching 1 kilometer.

Odongdo Island (한려해상국립공원 (오동도))

2025-02-04

222 Odongdo-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do

Odongdo Island, located off the coast of Yeosu, offers breathtaking views with its dramatic coastal cliffs and vibrant camellia blooms. A breakwater connects the island to the mainland, allowing visitors to walk or take the Dongbaek Train to enter the island. The densely planted camellias begin blooming in January and reach their peak in March, creating a stunning spectacle. The island features well-maintained walking trails, a lighthouse, a musical fountain park, and a barefoot walking park. Visitors can also take a scenic cruise to circle the island or enjoy panoramic views of Yeosu's coastline.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information