Gimhae Gujibong Peak (김해 구지봉) - Area information - Korea travel information

Gimhae Gujibong Peak (김해 구지봉)

17.8Km    2021-07-13

Gusan-dong, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-055-331-0086

Gujibong Peak in Gusan-dong, Gimhae in Gyeongsangnam-do is believed to be the birthplace of King Suro, the founder of the Gaya kingdom. The peak was originally named Gusubong (“gu” meaning “turtle,” “su” meaning “head”) after its resemblance to the head of a turtle. The flat part of the peak (the turtle’s “head”) is home to the Tomb of King Suro. On the summit is a southern-style dolmen dating back to the 4th century BC that consists of 5 or 6 support stones and a large cover stone measuring 2.5m in diameter. The cover stone bears the inscription “Gujibongseok,” said to be written by Han Ho.

Gujibong Peak is considered a sacred place by the local people because, according to legend, it is the place where the creation of the Gaya Kingdom took place. During the Japanese colonial rule, the “neck” of the turtle was destroyed by the construction of a mountain road. Years later, a pedestrian road was built to rejoin the neck and restore the feng shui of the mountain.

Topten - ISQUARE Mall Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (탑텐 김해아이스퀘어)

17.8Km    2024-04-18

I Square Mall West Block, 2342, Gimhae-daero, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

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Artbox - ISQUARE Mall Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (아트박스 김해아이스퀘어)

17.8Km    2024-04-18

2342, Gimhae-daero, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

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Dongsang Market (동상시장)

17.9Km    2025-10-23

25 Guji-ro 180beon-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Formed in 1945, Dongsang Market is a lifestyle-centric traditional market that offers a slew of daily necessities like vegetables, fruits, rice cakes, fishery products, and side dishes, as well as a popular alley specializing in Kalguksu (noodle soup). Designated as a cultural tourism market in 2017, it has since evolved into a vibrant space where traditional Korean culture harmoniously coexists with diverse global cultures. As more foreign workers have begun frequenting the market in recent years, a number of Asian grocery stalls have opened. In particular, vegetables favored by Southeast Asian customers, ritual foods, and Kalguksu (noodle soup) have become local specialties.

Masan Robot Land (마산로봇랜드)

18.0Km    2024-02-08

250 Robotland-ro, Gusan-myeon, Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

This theme park stands as the first of its kind in both Korea and the world, centering around the theme of robots. It showcases 256 robots, interactive play areas, and hands-on experience zones. The park is segmented into four distinct zones: the Adventure and Future Zones, both designed for thrill-seekers, and the Dream and Robotopia Zones, tailored to children and toddlers with a fascination for robots. For young enthusiasts, there’s a comprehensive program offering a deep dive into the world of robotics. Students can broaden their understanding through various exhibition halls like the Aerospace Robot Hall, Artificial Intelligence Robot Hall, Manufacturing Robot Hall, and Marine Robot Hall, unveiling the limitless potentials of robot. There are also seasonal discounts, holiday specials, and offers for foreigners (valid with appropriate identification). It’s recommended to check their website prior to one's visit for any promotions.

Mangsando Island, Yujuam, Yujubigak (망산도·유주암·유주비각)

18.3Km    2024-02-26

188 Songjeong-dong, Gangseo-gu, Busan

Mangsando Island, a small isle near Yongwon-dong, is noteworthy for its proximity to the rocky formation known as Yujuam, situated about 70 meters southeast. Approximately 1 kilometer from these locations is Yujubigak, a place rich with the legend of Heo Hwang-ok. She was the queen consort of King Kim Suro, who was born in 42 AD and ruled the ancient kingdom of Garakguk. According to legend, Heo Hwang-ok traveled from India and first set foot on Mangsando Island. The story goes on to tell that the stone vessel she was traveling in capsized at sea, resulting in the formation of Yujuam.

Gimhae Astronomical Observatory (김해천문대)

18.7Km    2022-12-29

254, Gaya thema-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-337-3785

Gimhae Astronomical Observatory opened on February 1, 2002 as part of the Millennium Commemorative Project that started in December 1998. It was built to satisfy the general public’s curiosity about the universe and celestial bodies, inspire young people, and give everyone a unique, memorable experience. The observatory is shaped like an egg, in memory of the legend of King Kim Suro, the founder of the Garak Kingdom, according to which the king was born from an egg.

It is said that the queen of King Suro, Heo Hwang-ok, was a princess from the Indian country of Ayuta. Since sophisticated navigation equipment had yet to be invented, it can be assumed that she found her way to the Garak Kingdom by following the stars. It is also said that a prince of the Garak Kingdom built an observatory on the highest point of a mud fortress in Jinrye in order to make astronomical observations. The place is still referred to as Bibidan, which means a place to watch the stars.

These historical facts indicate the stars were very important to the Gaya, an ancient kingdom established mainly in the Gimhae area. The peak of Bunseongsan Mountain, where the observatory is located, offers sweeping views of the entire area of Gimhae. The night sky of Gimhae offers a breathtaking sight.

Olive Young - Jinhae Sinhang Branch [Tax Refund Shop] (올리브영 진해신항점)

18.7Km    2024-06-27

121, Sinhangdong-ro, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

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Bunsanseong Fortress (김해 분산성)

18.8Km    2023-01-18

210-162, Gaya-ro 405beon-gil, Gimhae-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-330-3925

Bunsanseong Fortress was constructed in the 3rd year of the reign of Goryeo's King U (1377) by Magistrate Park Wi to defend against foreign enemies, but it was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of 1592. The fortress we see today was reconstructed by Magistrate Jeong Hyeon-seok in the 8th year of the reign of Joseon's King Gojong (1871). However, it is estimated that it was first built during the days of Gaya. It is a temoe-style fortress with rocks piled up like a long band at the peak of Bunsan from which downtown Gimhae, Gimhae Plains, the Nakdonggang River and the South Sea are all in a single, panoramic view. Today, fortress walls remain stretching for some 900 meters on the slope towards the city and, inside the fortress, there are two gate sites in the south and north, an auxiliary gate on the west, a well site and several other building sites. The exact length of the remaining fortress walls is 929 meters and the average x_width is about 8 meters.

Inside the fortress lies Haeeunsa Temple, which was built to pay respects to Queen Heo of Garak who had come from the sea, according to stories. The temple also enshrines portraits of King Suro and Queen Heo that were painted during the Joseon dynasty. During the Japanese invasion of 1592, monk soldiers were stationed at this temple.

The fortress is more popularly called "Manjangdae" by Gimhae locals, and this name originated from the description, "A tall tower 10,000 (man) gil in x_height," granted by Daewongun in the Joseon dynasty for this advanced base that defeats Japanese invaders. A writing of "Manjangdae" written by Daewongun himself as well as his stamp are engraved on a rock behind a beacon that was restored in 1999.

The Painters: The Gaya Kingdom - Gimhae(페인터즈 가야왕국-김해)

18.9Km    2025-03-07

경상남도 김해시 가야테마길 161 (어방동)