Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Rajetongmun Gate (라제통문)

25126 2024-04-07

Rajetongmun-ro, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-322-2905

The historical border of the Silla and Baekje Kingdoms, Rajetongmun Gate of Seolcheon-myeon, Muju was formed from a rock cave in Seokgyeonsan Mountain. The tunnel is approximately 3 meters in x_height and 10 meters in length, and divides the villages of Sindu Maeul into Dugil-ri, Seolcheon-myeon and Inam Maeul in Socheon-ri. During the Three Kingdoms Period, the rocky ridges of Seokgyeonsan Mountain drew the boundary of Silla's Mupung in the east with Baekje's Seolcheo to the west.
Tracing the history from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Goryeo dynasty, the cultures and traditions of the two regions were markedly different. If curious about the difference, one could simply stop by Seolcheon on market day, where the Muju and Mupung local dialects and customs can easily be distinguished.

People used to cross Seokgyeonsan Mountain by a footpath along the rocky ridge to travel between Seolcheon and Mupung. During the Japanese occupation, a new road was created by turning a cave into a tunnel through the mountain so cows and horse carts could freely pass from Muju to Gimcheon.

General Kim Yoo Shin from the Silla Kingdom, the hero of unification of the Three Kingdoms, often passed by the gate, later giving rise to the gate's nickname, Tongilmun (literally "Unification Gate"). The gate is number one on the list of 33 scenic sites in Gucheon-dong.

Keumkuwon Sculpture Park (금구원야외조각미술관)

10204 2024-04-07

31, Jogakgongwon-gil, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-584-6770

Keumkuwon Sculpture Park was founded in 1966 by Kim O-seong, and was the first park of its kind in Korea. The park was registered as Private Museum No. 277 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism in 2003. Many of the roughly 100 sculptures are realistic in style and are related to one another, creating a feeling of watching a play unfold before one's eyes. Main pieces include "Farmer’s Hands," "Thoughts about the Limited and the Unlimited," and "The Sky in the West." The sculptures are made of marble or granite and vary in size, with some measuring 450 centimeters.

Indigenous trees and bushes of the Byeonsanbando Peninsula can be found throughout the park, giving visitors a chance to enjoy both the sculptures and the backcountry charm. The park also features the Keumkuwon Astronomical Observatory, opened in 1991. Visitors can combine their trip to the park with a visit to nearby tourist sites like Gyeokpohang Harbor, Chaeseokgang Cliff, Suseongdang Shrine, and Jeokbyeokgang Cliff.

Gochang Dosoram Hermitage (도솔암(고창))

22384 2024-04-07

294, Dosol-gil, Gochang-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-564-2861

Dosoram Hermitage, along with Seonunsa Temple, is thought to have been built during the Baekje era (18 BC-AD 660). The temple is managed by Seonunsa Temple on Dosolsan Mountain in Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do.

Wolmyeong Park (월명공원)

9007 2024-04-07

26-3, Wolmyeonggongwon 1-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-450-4000

Wolmyeong Park is a popular tourist destination in Gunsan and connects five mountains in the vicinity. The park has 12 kilometers of walking trails, as well as an observatory, sculpture park, and various monuments. From Susi Tower, which resembles a flame or wind-blown sail, people can see all of downtown Gunsan, the sea to the south of Gunsan, the mouth of the Geumgang River, and the large Janghang smelting factory.

The park has well-arranged gardens and 30-year old rattan and cherry trees. A cherry blossom photo contest is held every April, when the park is covered in cherry blossoms.

Jeongeup Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone (정읍 내장산 관광특구)

7431 2024-04-07

Naejang-dong, Jeongeup-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-539-5193

Jeongeup Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone, which covers Naejangsan Mountain, Baegamsan Mountain and Ibamsan Mountain, is known for the most beautiful fall scenery in Korea. In the autumn, the zone is aflame with autumnal tints. Naejangsan Mountain has been referred to as the “Geumgang of Honam” since the Joseon dynasty.

Naejangsan Mountain is about 11 kilometers away from downtown Jeongeup, and its name means "many secrets in the mountains." The highest peak of Naejangsan Mountain is Sinseonbong Peak, which is 763 meters above sea level. The nine peaks of the mountain stand in a circle, similar to the shape of a horse’s hoof. As one of the eight scenic views of the nation, it boasts grand scenery. Geumseongyegok Valley, which embraces Geumseonpokpo Falls, Dodeokpokpo Falls and Baegamgyegok Valley, is also famous.

Since there are more than ten trekking courses, hikers can choose a course after taking their physical stamina or personal preference into consideration. The length of each course varies from 1.5 to 14 kilometers. For those who are not able to trek long distances, walking the 3.6 kilometer-long nature trail that leads to the flatland is a good option. Visitors can reach the observation platform easily by riding a cable car from the ticket office.

The number of tourists has been steadily increasing since the KTX train began to stop at Jeongeup Station. When the autumn colors are at its peak in particular, taking the KTX makes the trip to Naejangsan Mountain much easier for travelers, and prevents traffic jams. The Donghak Peasants Revolution Commemoration is held in May and the Naejangsan Fall Foliage Festival takes place in October.

* Current State of Jeongeup & Naejangsan Special Tourist Zone
1) Districts Covered: Naejang Districts (Naejang and Ssangam-dong) and Yongsan Districts (Yongsan and Sinjeong-dong), Jeongeuop-si, Jeollabuk-do
2) Area: 3,448,365㎡

* Tourist Attractions
Naejangsan National Park, Okjeongho Lake, Jeongeupsa Park, Jeongeupcheon Stream, Chungyeolsa Shrine, Donghak Peasant Revolution Memorial Hall, etc.

Ten Scenic Views of Jirisan (지리산 10경)

38488 2024-04-07

Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do/ Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do/ Hadong-gun& Hamnyang-gun& Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-970-1000

Its deep valleys and unique mountain formations are what make Jirisan Mountain truly spectacular. It consists of numerous peaks, and is known to be well-preserved and clean. Ten Scenic Views of Jirisan Mountain are particular memorable and simply breathtaking.

Perhaps Jirisan Mountain’s most signature highlight is its incredible sunrise; the scarlet sunlight from the horizon in the east is spectacular, and arguably the best place to watch it in Korea. The second highlight is Piagol Autumn Leaves. At the village, walk 10 minutes further towards Piagol and you will come to a pine forest at the edge of Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. It is called Piagol, the best broad-leaved tree forest in Jirisan Mountain area. The autumnal colors of Piagol are some of the best in the world. Every year the Autumn Leaves Festival is held here. The third notable highlight is the Nogodan Sea of Clouds. Located to the west of Jirisan Mountain, Nogodan Peak is said to boast the most outstanding views of Jirisan Mountain. If you climb up to the peak following the Hwaeomsa Valley, at times the sea of clouds are visible from below the peak. The fourth selected highlight is Banyabong’s Sunset. Banyabong Peak is a huge dome shaped feature. One of the big joys of climbing Banyabong is to see the sunset. The fifth notable feature is the full moon; the beautiful scarlet sky together with the black mountain line produce an exquisite painted background to the rising of the moon. The sixth highlight is the royal azalea blossoming between the rocks. In the spring, the royal azaleas blanket the mountain. There is a field that extends 1,200 meters in the southern area of Jirisan Mountain covered with flowers known as Royal Azalea Plateau. The seventh feature is the deep waterfall between the peaks of Cheonghakbong and Baekhakbong. The 60-meter waterfall produces a tremendous sound. The eighth is the vast view of the mountain range towards Cheonwangbong Peak. The ninth feature is the Chilseongyegok Valley. With its roots in Cheonwonbong Peak, it is one of our nation’s three best valleys. According to legend, seven gods are said to be living in Chilseongyegok Valley. Finally, the tenth most scenic feature is Seomjincheongryu. Flowing southwesterly across Jirisan Mountain and into the south coast, the Seomjingang River is so clear that it is sometimes compared to blue silk. The white sandy beaches on either side of the river are also very beautiful.

Naebyeonsan Mountain (내변산)

17431 2024-04-07

232, Naebyeonsan-ro, Buan-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-584-7808

The Byeonsanbando Peninsula has a shoreline that stretches 99 kilometers, protruding into the west sea in Jeollabuk-do, with the Saemangeum, the world’s longest man-made sea barrier, to the north and Gomsoman Bay at its south shore. The peninsula is part of Byeonsanbando National Park, which is widely known for its natural beauty. Its interior mountain range is known as Naebyeonsan Mountain (Inner Byeonsan Mountain.) while the outer region near the sea is known as Oebyeonsan Mountain (Outer Byeonsan Mountain).

The center of Mountain Naebyeonsan includes the highest peak of Byeonsanbando peninsula, Uisangbong Peak (509 meters) and Nakjodae (Sunset Viewpoint), Wolmyeongam Hermitage, Bongnaegugok Valley as well as Jiksopokpo Waterfall. The surrounding mountains and valleys of Byeonsan Mountain are not particularly high, standing at an altitude of around 400-500 meters, but the magnificent formation of mountains and valleys as well as the breathtaking view of the sunset from Nakjodae make it a must-see sight.

Jeonju Traditional Hanji Center (전주전통한지원)

12430 2024-04-07

100-10, Hanji-gil, Wansan-gu, Jeonju-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-10-8959-7757

Jeonju has been a major producer of quality hanji paper for more than a thousand years. In keeping with this proud tradition, the Jeonju Traditional Hanji Center aims to preserve traditional paper-making techniques and become a mainstay in the hanji industry. More than 80 percent of the paper produced at the center is exported to Japan while the rest is used in Korea. The center produces, exhibits, and sells hanji used for calligraphy, Oriental paintings, and crafts, as well as special “yellow earth” wallpaper hanji and charcoal hanji, said to provide certain health benefits. Visitors can also sign up for crafting classes, including first-hand experience at making hanji, imprinting patterns and drying the paper.

Muju Anguksa Temple (안국사 (무주))

13908 2024-04-07

1050, Sanseong-ro, Muju-gun, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-322-6162

As the only temple in Jeoksangsan Mountain, Anguksa Temple was built in 1227 (during the 3rd year of King Chungryeol’s reign) by Monk Wolin. A secret historical archives, called Sagak, was built to store Joseonwangjo Sillok (annals of the Joseon dynasty) in 1614 (during the 6th year of King Gwanghaegun’s reign) within the mountain, while Seonukgak was built in 1641 (during the 19th year of King Injo’s reign) to store Seonwonrok (royal genealogical records). The two sites were designated as Jeoksangsan Historical Archives during the Joseon dynasty. Hoguksa Temple was also built at that time to prevent accidents from affecting the archives. The temple, along with the existing Anguksa Temple, was used to house monk soldiers who protected the archives.

Because of the construction of Muju Power Plant, Anguksa Temple was relocated to the Hoguksa Temple site and rebuilt in 1995. Consisting of 15 buildings, the temple is surrounded by Sanjeong Lake. Boasting exquisite fall foliage, the temple can be easily reached by vehicle along a paved road. The nearby attractions include Muju Resort and Muju Gucheondong Valley.

Gunsan Dongguksa Temple (동국사(군산))

16076 2024-04-07

16, Dongguksa-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-462-5366

Dongguksa Temple was built by Japanese monk Seoneungbulgwan in 1909. The temple was run by Japanese monks for 36 years during the Japanese occupation, reverting to Korean jurisdiction when Korea was liberated in 1945. The historical temple is the only surviving Japanese-style temple in the nation.

The temple is characterized by its two main buildings, Daeungjeon Hall and Yosachae, which are connected by a corridor, and the temple’s relative lack of decoration, which stands as a sharp contrast to the brilliantly-colored Korean temples. Dongguksa Temple was officially designated as Cultural Asset in July 2003 and is now a branch temple of Seonunsa Temple in Gochang, the 24th district of the Korean Buddhist Jogye Order.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information