Guryongsa Temple (구룡사)

19.6Km 2022-12-21

500, Guryongsa-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-732-4800

Guryongsa Temple is located 6 kilometers from Birobong Peak on Chiaksan Mountain, in the direction of Hakkok-ri. It was believed that Monk Uisang (625-702) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) built and named the temple Guryongsa in 668 during the reign of King Munmu. However, it is now known that the temple was built after King Sukjong, the 19th King of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), who reigned from 1674 to 1720, because of the architectural style of Daeungjeon Hall. There is a legend that the Guryongsa Temple site was originally a lake where nine dragons lived. The name Guryong comes from the story that the lake was filled up to build the temple on it. There are many buildings such as Daeungjeon Hall, Bogwangnu Pavilion, Samseonggak Pavilion, Simgeomdang Hall and Seolseondang Hall. Daeungjeon Hall has maintained its original shape though it was repaired many times.

Birthplace of Empress Myeongseong (Queen Min) (명성황후 생가)

19.6Km 2024-08-22

71 Myeongseong-ro, Yeoju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-887-9730

This is the house where Empress Myeongseong was born and lived until she was eight years old. She would grow up to be the wife of the dynasty’s 26th ruler, King Gojong. The birthplace and the adjoining Memorial Hall are open to the public.
Empress Myeongseong was a brilliant diplomat who pursued openness and reform to maintain the sovereignty of the nation. Unfortunately, her tumultuous life came to an end in the early morning hours of October 8, 1895 when she was murdered by the Japanese army.

During Japanese colonial rule, the empress was wrongfully accused of being a jealous and overly ambitious person. Studies of various archives have since revealed what a great person she really was. Recently, numerous television productions and musicals have also corrected those misunderstandings. Renovated in 1995, her birthplace includes three buildings with servants’ quarters, master’s quarters, and a separate house. A commemorative monument now stands at the site of the room where the empress studied as a child. The Memorial Hall in front of the house contains various archives and artifacts related to Empress Myeongseong’s life.

Hoengseong Hanugukbap (횡성한우국밥)

19.9Km 2024-02-19

46 Munhwacheyuk-ro, Hoengseong-eup, Hoengseong-gun, Gangwon-do

Hoengseong Hanugukbap is a Korean restaurant that specializes in dishes made with local Hoengseong hanu (Korean beef). The restaurant's signature offering, hanu gukbap (Korean beef and rice soup), is exclusively prepared using Hoengseong hanu, which is renowned for its tender and chewy textures as well as its rich, flavorful juices. The broth, simmered for a long time in a gamasot (cast-iron pot), carries a deep and rich flavor. It's a popular dining spot among both locals and tourists alike.

Guryongsa Temple (구룡사) - Area information - Korea travel information