Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Iksan Ssangneung (익산 쌍릉)

Iksan Ssangneung (익산 쌍릉)

15002     2024-04-07

Seogwang-dong, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-5792

The Ssamgneung (Twin Tombs) in Iksan are stone chamber tombs that were unearthed during an academic excavation survey in 1917. At the time of the survey it was discovered the tombs had already been illegally excavated, most likely during the reign of King Chungsukwang of the Goryeo dynasty. Though looters had stripped the tombs of any burial accessories, the wooden coffins were found to be relatively intact.

The coffins were severely damaged in the aftermath of the Korean War, but were later restored by the Jeonju National Museum. When they were first found, the twin tombs measured 3.1 meters high and 0.5 kilometers wide, but some of the original wood was lost during the tombs’ tumultuous history and the restoration that followed. The larger of the restored tombs now measures 30 meters in diameter and 5 meters in x_height while the smaller tomb measures 24 meters in diameter and 3.5 meters in x_height. On January 21, 1963 the tombs were designated Historic Site No. 87.

The Twin Tombs are roughly 200 meters apart, with the tomb in the east called Daewangmyo (big royal tomb) and the one in the west Sowangmyo (small royal tomb). The interiors of the tombs are done in the same style as the stone chamber tombs found in the tomb cluster of Neungsan-ri, Buyeo. Considering that the nearby Mireuksaji Temple Site was built during the reign of King Mu of Baekje dynasty, it is highly likely that the Twin Tombs are those of King Mu and his wife, Queen Seonhwa.

Geumma Reservoir (금마저수지)

Geumma Reservoir (금마저수지)

4178     2024-04-07

Donggodo-ri, Geumma-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-3818

Looking towards the south from the top of Mireuksan Mountain, one can see Geumma Reservoir. The reservoir is shaped like the Korean peninsula. Hence it is also referred to as Jido Yeonmot, or Map Pond. The terrain is especially beautiful when viewing it through the fog in the early mornings.

The water comes from Mireuksan Mountain, ensuring a steady supply of water throughout the year. There are no factories or other contaminants nearby so the water quality is of the highest grade. Near the reservoir, one can find Seodong Park and Mahan Hall. Seodong Park is a sculpture park displaying various sculptures such as a bronze statue of Baekje’s King Muwang of Baekje and a statue of Seodong’s Princess Seonhwa. Mahan Hall showcases the lifestyle and culture of Mahan, a tribal confederation during the Samhan period. The park also features various facilities such as an observatory, fishing spot and a promenade.

Naejangsan Cable Car (내장산 케이블카)

Naejangsan Cable Car (내장산 케이블카)

12236     2024-04-07

936, Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-538-8120

Visitors who take Naejangsan Cable Car will enjoy a stunning view of the entire park, then after a 300m walk from the cable car terminus they will reach Yeonjabong Peak’s observatory. The cable car starts from Naejangsan Visitor Information Center.

Uhwajeong Pavilion (우화정(내장산))

Uhwajeong Pavilion (우화정(내장산))

16641     2024-04-07

936, Naejangsan-ro, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-538-7875

Uhwajeong Pavilion takes its name from the legend that the pavilion once grew wings and ascended into the heavens. The pavilion is located in the middle of a lake on the way to Naejangsan Visitor Information Center. The scenery of the pavilion and foliage reflecting on the lake is like a painting. Various flowers, trees, reeds, and foliage surrounding the pavilion create a more beautiful view.

Jeongeupsa Culture Park (정읍사문화공원)

Jeongeupsa Culture Park (정읍사문화공원)

10424     2024-04-07

Sigi-dong, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-539-6776

Jeongeupsa Culture Park (located in Sigi 3-dong in downtown Jeongeup-si) was built in honor of ‘Jeongeupsa’ a famous Baekje Gayo (a type of poem from the Baekje dynasty). Jeongeupsa is the only poem of the five Baekje Gayos (Jeongeupsa, Mudeungsangok, Bangdeungsangok, Seonunsangok, and Jirisangok) recorded in Hangeul that remains in existence today.

The park, built on the location where the epic poem took place, boasts a 2.5-meter high granite statue of the heroine of Jeongeupsa. Nearby the statue are a shrine and a 2-meter wide monument commemorating the poem. Located in the vicinity are the Jeongeupsa Art Center, the Korean Classical Music Center, the city library, and an outdoor stage.

Hanbyeokdang Pavilion (한벽당)

Hanbyeokdang Pavilion (한벽당)

16721     2024-04-07

2, Girin-daero, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-281-2166

Located in Jeollabuk-do province, Hanbyeokdang Pavilion has been designated Tangible Cultural Property No. 15. In 1404, a civil official from the Joseon dynasty built this structure as a country house. Hanbyeokdang was built at the foot of Seungamsan Mountain with beautiful views of the Jeonjucheon River below. A large highway has since been built nearby taking away from the natural beauty. In the past, many writers often sought out Hanbyeokdang Pavilion to find inspiration in their writing. The pavilion is well known for the beauty of the mountain mist flowing down the mountain, thus making it one of the 8 must sees in Jeonju.

Dosolgyegok Valley (Seonunsan Mountain) (도솔계곡 (선운산))

8803     2024-04-07

250, Seonunsa-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-560-8681

Dosolgyegok Valley is located in Seonunsan Mountain in the Gochang-gun district. Seonunsan Mountain, which is also called Dosolsan Mountain, is known for its thick forests and intriguing rock formations. Along the valley, there are many interesting sites such as Jinheungdonggul Cave, Yongmundonggul Cave, Nakjodae Overlook, and Cheonma peak. Dosolgyegok Valley is also famous for being very deep, where the mountain and water fight each other and whirl around in a yin & yang shape. The green forests in summer cover the valley beautifully, and the red leaves and white snow decorate the area in fall and winter.

Okjeongho Lake Gujeolcho Theme Park (옥정호 구절초테마공원)

Okjeongho Lake Gujeolcho Theme Park (옥정호 구절초테마공원)

12171     2024-04-07

Maejuk-ri, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-539-6171

Okjeongho Lake Gujeolcho Theme Park was officially formed in 2006 in an area that used to be called Manggyeongdae Terrace. Out of the park’s 12 hectare of land, approximately 5 hectare of land is filled with Gujeolcho (Siberian chrysanthemum) and a pine tree forest. The park also has walking paths and rest areas for visitors to enjoy.

Gusipo Haesu World (Gusipo Seawater World) (구시포 해수찜월드)

Gusipo Haesu World (Gusipo Seawater World) (구시포 해수찜월드)

9770     2024-04-07

540, Jinamgusipo-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-561-3324

The Gusipo Haesu World provides a diverse selection of jjimjilbang facilities. There is a “Haesuyakjjim (Medicinal Seawater Bath)” full-body bath, where special healthy ingredients are added to heated seawater. This is believed to effectively treat neuralgia, arthritis, and obesity.

This process extracts unnecessary substances from the skin, creating a more beautiful radiance. There are also other enjoyable facilities such as the indoor sand bathing room and a green tea spa.

Hoemunsan National Recreational Forest (국립 회문산자연휴양림)

Hoemunsan National Recreational Forest (국립 회문산자연휴양림)

14580     2024-04-07

249, Ansim-gil, Sunchang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-653-4779

Hoemunsan National Recreational Forest, located in Sunchang, Jeollabuk-do, opened in 1993 with a daily maximum limit of 500 people. There’s a waterfall next to the rock gate near the entrance of the forest and a suspension bridge further ahead. Above the suspension bridge is an observatory that provides visitors with a panoramic view of the area. The 5.5 kilometer path to the peak has various types of trees and flowers and also houses many different types of birds. The forest has many facilities including a water playground, exercise machines, volleyball court, pagoda, walking trails, and hiking trails.