Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Jinpo Maritime Theme Park (진포해양테마공원)

Jinpo Maritime Theme Park (진포해양테마공원)

17225     2024-04-07

12, Naehang 1-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-454-7873

The Jinpo Maritime Theme Park opened in 2008 to commemorate Jinpodaecheop, the sweeping victory of Jinpo in the naval combat against the Japanese forces led by General Choi Mu-seon in 1380. Constructed with a scenic backdrop of the local port and the vast sea, the park houses 16 retired military crafts of 13 models. On display at the park are vintage tanks, historical artillery, combat planes, and warships including the Wibongham Ship, a vessel that was used in combat during the Vietnam War. Visitors can also explore the interior of decommissioned warships. The exhibition hall inside the Wibongham Ship showcases weapons used during the Jinpodaecheop War, artillery made by General Choi Mu-seon, and the typical life inside the warship.

Gochang Munsusa Temple (문수사 (고창))

30903     2024-04-07

135, Chilseong-gil, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-562-0502

Nestled on the slope of Munsusan Mountain (alt. 621 m) in Gochang, Jeollabuk-do and Jangseong, Jeollanam-do, Munsusa Temple is located in the area of a dense mountain ridge to the west of Gosu Kiln Site in Gosu-myeon, and Josan Reservoir. The ridge features clean water and a thick forest that has remained uncontaminated due to its isolated location.

The temple's establishment date is uncertain. The temple houses Daeungjeon Hall (Local Tangible Cultural Heritage No. 51) and Munsujeon Hall (Local Tangible Heritage No. 52), as well as Myeongbujeon and Hansanjeon Halls. Daeungjeon is a small building featuring the unique architecture of gable roofing. Visitors will be fascinated by the temple's scenery, boasting valley waters flowing from dense forests. It is particularly beautiful in fall, when the autumn foliage harmonizes well with the colors of the old temple. The temple grounds are surrounded by a colony of maple trees 100 to 400 years old.

The Forest of Maple Trees at Munsusa Temple, Gochang, was designated in 2005 as Natural Monument No. 463. It covers the area from the entrance of Munsusan Mountain to the entrance of Munsusa Temple with nearly 500 maple trees lining the 80 meter-long path.

Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs (익산 입점리 고분)

Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs (익산 입점리 고분)

7115     2024-04-07

80, Ipjeomgobun-gil, Iksan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-859-5875

The Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs are a group of ancient Baekje-era tumuli located 100 meters above sea level on the northeast brow of Chilmokjae Hill in Ipjeom-ri, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The burial ground covers an area of more than 18,520 square meters and is officially listed as Historical Site No. 347. To date, a total of eight tumuli have been excavated, all of which are chamber tombs.

Surprisingly enough, the tombs were first discovered in 1986 by a high school student. While digging for arrowroot, a young man from a local high school found some pieces of gold that resembled a hat. He quickly notified the authorities and it was soon discovered that the pieces of gold were in fact valuable ancient artifacts. An emergency excavation was conducted and the eight tumuli were uncovered, but unfortunately all of the tumuli except Tomb No. 1 had been severely damaged. Tomb No. 1, which is still in relatively good condition, boasts an entrance measuring an impressive 16 meters in x_height and 2 meters in x_width.

Inside the tombs archaeologists found valuable relics from the Baekje dynasty including earthenware, jewelry (a gilt-bronze hat, gold earrings, glass beads, etc.), harnesses and ironware. Given the shapes and the types of the pieces found, historians estimate that the tumuli were built in the 5th century. Since the gilt-bronze hat is similar in shape to those found in Japan, experts believe that there was an active exchange between the Baekje people and the people of Japan.

Wibongsa Temple - Wanju (위봉사 (완주))

Wibongsa Temple - Wanju (위봉사 (완주))

11825     2024-04-07

53, Wibong-gil, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-243-7657

Wibongsa Temple is located past Mujigaemun Gate (Rainbow Gate) and Wibong Village and is a major temple in the Honam region that once oversaw 52 branch temples. Said to be built by Monk Seoam in 604 (the 5th year of King Mu of Baekje), the surviving buildings date back to the Joseon Era. Today, only Bogwangmyeongjeon Hall (Treasure No. 608), Yosa (Provincial Cultural Asset No. 698), and Samseonggak remain. The Baeguigwaneumbosal wall painting in particular is the pride of the temple.

Jangansan County Park (장안산군립공원)

14288     2024-04-07

Jangan-ri, Jangsu-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-350-2445

Situated in Jangsu-gun in Jeollabuk-do, Jangansan Mountain (alt. 1,237 m) was officially designated a county park in 1986. Deoksan Valley Stream, which originates in the southwestern part of Jangansan Mountain and flows into Yongnimcheon Stream, is famous for the Deoksanyongso Waterfall Basins and the 20 or so large rocks that dot its banks. The sprawling fields of reeds along the East Ridge are also a major draw, undulating like waves of gold in the crisp autumn wind. In particular, the east hiking path on Jangansan Mountain is lined with a wide field of silver grass making it popular among hikers.

Gochangeupseong Walled Town (고창읍성)

Gochangeupseong Walled Town (고창읍성)

19994     2024-04-07

1, Moyangseong-ro, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-560-8067

Gochangeupseong Walled Town was built in 1453 during th reign of Joseon King Danjong to protect the city from foreign invaders. The walls were built by the local civilians, using natural resources as they were available. Also called Moyangseong Fortress, the walled town served a vital role in protecting the southern region, and was designated Historic Site No. 145 on April 1, 1965. The walls are 4~6 meters high and 1,684 meters long, with three gates on the north, east, and west walls, each protected by curved walls. Inside the large area there were 22 government buildings. Restoration work on the wall has been ongoing since 1976.

Daea Arboretum (대아수목원)

39641     2024-04-07

94-34, Daeasumok-ro, Dongsang-myeon, Wanju_Gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-280-4590

Daea Arboretum is located in Sancheon-ri, Wanju. Daea Arboretum has an extensive forest of 300,000 ornamental trees. The forest is equipped with spring water, an observatory, forest museum, and a forest classroom. The arboretum focuses on preserving the forest ecosystem, research and utilize domestic plants, and promote forest education to the public. Daea Arboretum has a total of 2,683 species of diverse plants.

Wibongpokpo Falls (위봉폭포)

Wibongpokpo Falls (위봉폭포)

18328     2024-04-07

Daeheung-ri, Wanju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-290-3930

Located in the eastern section of Wibongsanseong Fortress, Wibongpokpo Falls is a two-tiered waterfall measuring 60 meters high. The strangely-shaped rocks and thick groves of trees that border the cascading falls make for such a magical scene that it comes as no surprise that the waterfall has long since been counted as one of the Eight Scenic Sights of Wansan. Attractions located nearby include a battlefield from the Imjin War (1592-1598), Songgwangsa Temple, Dongsang Reservoir, Daea Reservoir, and Hwasim Hot Springs.

Hoemunsan Mountain (회문산)

9519     2024-04-07

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

Hoemunsan Mountain (alt. 830 m) stands at the border of Imsil-gun, Sunchang-gun, and Jeongeup-si. It consists of three peaks — Hoemunbong, Janggunbong, and Gitdaebong Peaks — and stretches 8 kilometers from east to west and 5 kilometers from north to south. Because the Seomjingang River, flowing from Okjeongho Lake, surrounds Hoemunsan Mountain on two sides, the view from the peak is fascinating. There are many valleys popular for water play in the summer, drawing many visitors to the villages of Deokchi and Cheondam.

Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory (남원항공우주천문대)

Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory (남원항공우주천문대)

17093     2024-04-07

48-63, Yangnim-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-620-6900

Chosen as a government funded project, Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory was granted 4.6 billion won by the Ministry of Science, ICT and Future Planning in 2006 for project development.

The three-story observatory, with a total area of 6,532 square meters, has an exhibition hall showing the history of space aviation, an aviation experience hall, and a 10-meter-wide dome showing images of the night sky. The secondary observatory is equipped with a 600 millimeter telecope and other astronomical telescopes ranging in focal length from 125 millimeter to 350 millimeter for observing Namwon's night sky. In addition to the telecopes, retired combat planes from the air force, including the main fighter plane Phantom from the 1970s, are displayed outside.

Namwon Aircraft & Space Observatory offers programs such as tours and experience programs for groups. These include a 4D film experience of the sun and celestial bodies, a virtual aviation experience, and lectures about astronomy, all of which can accommodate up to 120 people per session. A variety of classroom learning activities are also offered in the summer to attract more visitors.