Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Jaeyaksan Mountain (재약산)

2021-05-25

Gucheon-ri, Miryang-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-352-1150

Situated between Miryang and Ulju, Jaeyaksan Mountain (1,119.1 meters) boasts gorgeous landscapes with giant rock formations near its peak. One of the most popular attractions of the mountain is Sajapyeong Plain and its vast field of silvergrass. The hiking course is relatively easy, adding to its charm. Nearby attractions include Eoreumgol Valley, Hobakso Pool, Pyochungsa Temple, Cheungcheungpokpo Falls, and Geumgangpokpo Falls.

Cheongyang Daracgol Julmudeom Holy Site (청양 다락골 줄무덤 성지)

2025-01-09

78-6, Darakgol-gil, Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-943-8123

Julmudeom refers to the unmarked graves of anonymous Catholic martyrs in Darakgol, Cheongyang in Chungcheongnam-do. Darakgol is also the birthplace of St. Choi Gyeong-hwan and Choi Yang-eop (the second Catholic priest in Korea) was also martyred in Gwacheon, Gyeonggi-do. Because the grave is of more than one individual, it was given the name Julmudeom (group graveyard).

Although the exact number of martyrs and their exact cause of death is unknown, they were buried by family resulting in the 37 mounds in three sections. In 1982, Cheongyang Cathedral established monuments to commemorate the unidentified martyrs, and Julmudeom became a well-known site for Catholic pilgrimages. In 1986, the remains of St. Choi Gyeong-hwan Francisco were relocated to the Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine reducing the total number of mounds at Julmudeom to 36.

Myeongseongsan Mountain (명성산)

2020-06-09

Dopyeong-ri, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-538-3342

Situated on the border between Cheorwon (Gangwon-do) and Pocheon (Gyeonggi-do), Myeongseongsan Mountain is renowned for its beautiful fall foliage and fields of silver grass. It also stands above Sanjeong Lake, a tourist attraction that draws in many visitors throughout the year.

Dream Forest (북서울 꿈의숲)

2023-10-19

173 Wolgye-ro, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2289-4000

Dream Forest, previously known as Odong Neighborhood Park, is located in Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. The park is surrounded by cherry blossom trees, and the northern section is filled with maple trees, making the park especially attractive in spring and fall. The Changnyeongwigung Ritual House (Registered Cultural Heritage) has been restored with traditional landscaping such as a pond, pavilion and waterfall created nearby to double the genuine beauty of a traditional Korean park. Major attractions of the park include Wolyeongji Pond, Grass Square, Wolgwangpokpo Falls, Aewoljeong Pavilion, Chilbokji Falls, Event Garden, Children’s Gallery, Wild Grass Garden, Deer Ranch, Exploring Path, Forest Rest, and a water park. The slanted hillside which served as sledding slopes is now a complex cultural space with Buk-Seoul Art Center that houses a fantastic-looking observatory, performance hall, book café, gallery, restaurant, jumping fountain, and children’s playground.

Historical Site of Wangin (왕인박사 유적지)

2024-01-10

440 Wangin-ro, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do

The hometown of Wangin Baksa (Wangin the Great Scholar) is located at the foot of Munpilbong Peak to the east of Gurim Village. Due to Wangin’s importance and contributions to Korean history, this historical attraction is preserved and maintained in honor of his memory and achievements.

Seonggidong is the official birthplace of Wangin (marked by the Yuheobi memorial monument) and is also home to Seongcheon, the well Wangin is believed to have drunk from. Halfway up Wolchulsan Mountain are Chaekgul, Munsanjae and Yangsajae where Wangin is said to have studied as well as nurtured local pupils. To commemorate the significance of these areas, a memorial is held every March at Munsanjae and Yansanjae.

In front of Chaekgul is a statue of Wangin which is said to symbolize his benevolent character. Just west of Seonggidong is Doljeonggogae, a hill from which it is believed Wangin made a sorrowful look back at his countrymen before leaving for Japan.

Wangin departed for Japan from Sangdaepo, which at the time was an international trading port. The renowned Baekje scholar was beginning his journey at the request of Japanese Emperor Eungshin. He took with him ten books on the Analects of Confucius and a book of Cheonjamun, a text of one thousand Chinese characters. Over time, he earned the trust of the emperor and became instructor to the crown prince. Wangin is well-known for his part in the development of Japanese culture and his name appears often in Japanese history. Wangin educated beyond textbooks and made great contributions to the development of arts, crafts and music and is revered as the originator of Japan’s Asuka culture.

This historic site was originally reconstructed from 1985 to 1987 and is continually receiving improvements to improve accessibility for visitors.

Jeongbangsa Temple (정방사)

2021-11-10

165, Oksunbong-ro 12-gil, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-647-7399

Located on a ridge of Sinseonbong Peak (845 meters) nearby Geumsusan Mountain, Jeongbangsa Temple was founded by Buddhist Monk Uisang in the second year (662) of King Munmu’s reign during the Silla dynasty. Jeongbangsa Temple is a branch of Beopjusa Temple located on Songnisan Mountain and is a well known oratory amongst Buddhists. The temple offers fantastic views of Cheongpungho Lake that are said to calm and clear the mind. A unique feature of this temple is the mountain wall making up a portion of the temple roof.

Pocheon Jainsa Temple (자인사(포천))

2021-07-15

808, Sanjeonghosu-ro, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-532-6141

Jainsa Temple in Pocheon, Gyeonggi-do, lies deep within the rugged cliffs of Myeongseongsan Mountain with a large smiling Buddhist statue welcoming the visitors. The temple also has various statues, stone pagodas, and spring water known for delicious taste.

Incheon Baendaengi Street (연안부두 밴댕이회무침거리)

2021-07-22

24-1, Yeonanbudu-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon
+82-32-765-4169

The Gwanghwado and Incheon areas are known for their plentiful catches of baendaengi (large-eyed herring). After a little street started specializing in serving baendaengi some 30 years ago, the fish has continued to grow in popularity.

Located in Guwol-dong, across from the Incheon Culture & Arts Center, Baendaengi Street has expanded, and so has the variety of dishes served. Visitors can try baendaengi prepared sashimi-style, roasted, or in a spicy soup. For this particular species of herring, locals believe the flavor is best in March and April when they grow to their largest size. Salted Baendaengi also makes an excellent side-dish for Korean meals.

* Baendaengi is one of many types of small prey fish referred to as ‘Soeo’ for their fierce struggle in fishing nets. Soeo have internal organs that are proportionally smaller than other species of fish and are known for their feisty nature. These attributes are thought to signify a stress-filled life, which is why many Koreans refer to narrow-minded or hot-tempered people as ‘baendaengi.’

Hongseong Jeongamsa Temple (정암사 (홍성))

2021-03-12

652, Oseo-gil, Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-641-0488

Jeongamsa Temple is a small rural temple situated halfway up Oseosan Mountain. There are few existing records that mention the temple’s beginning. Some suggest that it was built around AD 527 during the 5th year of Baekje King Seongwang’s reign, but there is little evidence to support this theory. The only reference alluding to a specific time is Yeojidoseo ("Detailed Survey of Korean Geography" published during the late Joseon dynasty). It states Jeongamsa Temple's location as on Oseosan Mountain, and Oseosan Mountain being surrounded by Hongsan Mountain and Baegwolsan Mountain and intersected by Hongju, Gyeolseong, and Boryeong. This indicates the temple was recognized in the mid-18th century and around the same time, Garamgo (a book about temples, published in the late 18th century) also states that Jeongamsa Temple is located approximately 11 kilometers to the east of Gyeolseonghyeon. It is still uncertain whether the temple referred to is Jeongamsa Temple on Oseosan Mountain.
Some foundation stones within the temple site measure 70-80 centimeters on each side. These stones indicate that the old Buddhist shrine of Jeongamsa Temple was laid out with five kan (Korean unit of measurement indicating the space between two pilars) at the front and three kan on the side. Future archaeological studies will help identify the true history of Jeongamsa Temple.

Mindungsan Mountain (민둥산)

2024-10-08

Mureung-ri, Nam-myeon, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-1544-9053

Situated in Jeongseon, Gangwon-do, Mindungsan Mountain (1,118.8 meters) is an unusual site when compared to other national peaks. As hinted by its name's meaning "bare mountain," there are few trees near its summit. Locals also refer to it as Eoksaesan (silver grass) Mountain because of the waves of eulalia covering its sides.

The mountain’s gradual slope offers an enjoyable trekking experience for hikers of all levels. In mid-October, waist-high silver grass is indeed everywhere, making it challenging for hikers to view the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain spots near the peak offer breathtaking views of the gentle ridges and flowing hillsides.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information