Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Manbulsa Temple (Yeongcheon) (만불사(영천))

Manbulsa Temple (Yeongcheon) (만불사(영천))

2024-02-23

857-5 Goji-ri, Bugan-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Situated on Manbulsan Mountain in Yeongcheon-si, Manbulsa Temple is renowned for housing the largest collection of Buddha statues in Korea. The temple is also celebrated for actively promoting modern Buddhism, culture, and welfare. Notable features within the temple grounds include the towering 33-meter Yeongcheon Great Amitabha Buddha, the revered five Buddha's jinsin saris and Bodhi trees from Sri Lanka, the resonant Manbul Brass Temple Bell, and the main sanctuary, Manbulbojeon Hall. Nearby attraction include Dogyeseowon Confucian Academy, Dolhalmae Wishing Stone, and Nogye Sibi (Monument Inscribed with a Poem of Pak Inro), offering a rich cultural and historical exploration.

Haeunsa Temple (Gumi) (해운사(구미))

Haeunsa Temple (Gumi) (해운사(구미))

2024-02-23

434-2 Geumosan-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Haeunsa Temple, nestled on the slopes of Geumosan Mountain in Gumi, offers convenient access owing to the opening of the Geumosan cable car. Originally founded as Daehyeolsa Temple towards the end of the Silla period, it underwent significant reconstruction after its destruction during the Japanese Invasion of Korea. The temple was rechristened as Haeunsa Temple in 1956, coinciding with the construction of Daeungjeon Hall. This hall is a sanctuary for the Seated Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, sculpted in plaster. It also hosts Stone Arhat statues, believed to be the work of Japanese artisans during their occupation of Korea.

Birth Home of President Park Chung-hee (박정희 대통령 생가)

Birth Home of President Park Chung-hee (박정희 대통령 생가)

2024-02-23

107 Parkchunghee-ro, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

President Park Chung-hee, who served five terms in office, was born in this rural house built around 1900 and lived here for twenty years until 1937. Designated as a Gyeongsangbuk-do Monument in 1993, it is managed by his family and Gumi City. Next to the house is the President Park Chung Hee Memorial Hall, dedicated to highlighting his achievements and permanently preserving his artifacts. The exhibit room in the memorial hall showcases a collection of items used by the president during his term, photographs documenting his accomplishments, and digital videos. 

Dorisa Temple (Gumi) (도리사(구미))

Dorisa Temple (Gumi) (도리사(구미))

2024-02-23

526 Dorisa-ro, Haepyeong-myeon, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Dorisa Temple, established in 417 as the earliest temple of the Silla dynasty on Naengsan Mountain, is steeped in legend. It's said that even in winter, the peach and plum blossoms here were in full bloom, marking the site as auspicious for temple construction. Hence, the temple's name, Dorisa, derives from combining syllables of “peach” (do) and “plum” (ri). The temple is home to notable cultural assets such as Geungnakjeon Hall, a unique Stone Pagoda constructed from bricks, and the Wooden Seated Amitabha Buddha, crafted from juniper wood. For those seeking spiritual respite, the temple offers templestay programs in three distinct categories: one-day, experience, and relaxation.

Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (보현산 천문대)

Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory (보현산 천문대)

2024-02-23

475 Jeonggak-gil, Hwabuk-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Positioned atop Bohyeonsan Mountain, Bohyunsan Optical Astronomy Observatory stands as a prominent hub for optical astronomy observation in Korea. The facility encompasses an optical telescope building, a solar telescope building, and a visitor center. The visitor center doubles as an exhibition hall, showcasing an impressive collection of astronomical photographs. Regular public events are scheduled on the fourth Saturday of April through June, and again in September and October. During these events, participants can attend an astronomy lecture and spend twenty minutes touring both the optical and solar telescope buildings. Reservations for these events can be made via the website, starting from 10 a.m. on Monday until 5 p.m. on Friday of the respective event week.

Gyeongju Ssambap Street (경주 쌈밥거리)

Gyeongju Ssambap Street (경주 쌈밥거리)

2025-06-13

9 Gyerim-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Gyeongju Ssambap Street, developed around the Daereungwon Ancient Tomb Complex in Gyeongju, offers a diverse culinary experience. A highlight is ssambap (leaf wraps and rice), a dish featuring fresh vegetables accompanied by substantial side dishes like fish, meat, and doenjang jjigae (soybean paste jjigae) made from homemade soybean paste. Additionally, this street presents a variety of snacks, including Hwangnam ppang (Hwangnam bread) prepared with red beans and flour, and jjondeugi, a traditional chewy snack made from cornmeal and sugar. Nearby attractions include the Cheomseongdae Observatory, Donggung Palace and Wolji Pond, Woljeonggyo Bridge, and the Gyeongju National Museum.

Dolhalame Wishing Stone (Yeongcheon) (돌할매(영천))

Dolhalame Wishing Stone (Yeongcheon) (돌할매(영천))

2024-02-23

417 Gwan-ri, Bugan-myeon, Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Dolhalmae Wishing Stone, held in high esteem by locals for centuries, is believed to possess fortune-telling properties. Legend has it that if one attempts to lift the stone with both hands and succeeds, the wish will not materialize; however, if the stone remains immovable, the wish is destined to come true. This oval-shaped stone, measuring 25 centimeters in diameter and weighing approximately 10 kilograms, is the centerpiece of Dolhalmae Park, which also features various sculptures. Nearby, visitors can explore additional attractions such as Manbulsa Temple and Dogyeseowon Confucian Academy.

Gimcheon Samyeongdaesa Park (김천 사명대사공원)

2024-02-23

94-3 Unsu-ri, Daehang-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Gimcheon Samyeongdaesa Park serves as a nexus for exploring Gimcheon's rich cultural and historical treasures, including Hwangaksan Mountain and Jikjisa Temple. The park is an oasis of tranquility, offering visitors the chance to unwind amidst nature. It boasts hanok accommodations, along with wellness facilities such as a massage room and an outdoor foot bath. Other attractions include the Solhyang Teahouse, offering a serene tea ceremony experience, and the Hanbok Experience Center. Nearby attractions such as Jikjisa Temple, Gimcheon Museum of Art, and Gimcheon World Porcelain Museum are easily accessible, enriching the cultural journey.

Yaksaam Hermitage (Gumi) (약사암(구미))

2024-02-23

San 33-1 Namtong-dong, Gumi-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Yaksaam Hermitage was founded during the Silla dynasty atop Geumosan Mountain in Gumi City. Yaksajeon Hall, the centerpiece of Yaksaam Hermitage, stands at the base of a rocky cliff. The granite Seated Rock-Carved Medicine Buddha, enshrined in Yaksajeon Hall, along with those at Sudoam Hermitage on Sudosan Mountain and at Samseongam Hermitage on Hwangaksan Mountain, are collectively known as the Three Brothers. Spring water flows out of a crack in the rock wall on the east side of the temple. Legend has it that in the past, grains of rice once fell one by one from this hole.

Hwangseong Park (황성공원)

2025-06-19

431-12 Wonhwa-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Situated near the Gyeongju Municipal Library and Gyeongju Arena, Hwangseong Park is notable for its dense forest populated with stunning pine trees and centuries-old trees. During summer, it becomes a haven for blooming Lilyturfs, while in autumn, ancient trees such as zelkova and oak showcase vibrant colors, enhancing the natural beauty of the area. Within the park, visitors can find the Statue of General Kim Yusin, a Korean archery range, and a Ssireum (Korean traditional wrestling) ring. Nearby attractions include Gyeongjueupseong Walled Town, Cheonmachong Tomb, Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, and Hwangnidan Street.