Yeongju Birosa Temple (비로사 (영주))

17.0Km 2021-06-11

661-29, Samga-ro, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-638-5033

Birosa Temple is located at the southern foot of Birobong, the highest peak of Sobaeksan Mountain. It was founded by revered Buddhist monk Uisang Daesa in the 20th year of King Munmu’s reign (AD 680) during the Silla Kingdom. The temple’s Buddha statues and the flagpole supports reveal the long history of this ancient temple.

To the left of the entrance to Birosa Temple stand a pair of flagpole supports. The 4.8-meter-high flagpole supports facing each other have a meticulous structure. Inside the temple precincts is Jingongdaesa Bobeoptapbi, a stele with a stone turtle base erected in honor of the great monk Jingong Daesa.

The temple enshrines the Amitabha and Vairocana Buddha statues, which were created during the Silla Kingdom in the late 9th century. Both of these Buddha statues realistically depict the human form, and show similar characteristics, which reveal that they were crafted by the same artisan. Preserving such valuable cultural heritages, Birosa Temple also has a serene view of Birobong Peak on Sobaeksan Mountain.

* Major cultural properties: Stone Seated Amitabha and Vairocana Buddha Statues (Treasure No. 996), Samgadong Stone Flagpole Supports (Provincial Tangible Cultural Property No. 7)

Cheongpungho Scenic Monorail (청풍호 관광모노레일)

18.2Km 2024-03-13

879-17 Cheongpungmyeongwol-ro, Cheongpung-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-653-5120

The Cheongpungho Scenic Monorail offers a unique journey along a three-kilometer track from Dogok-ri in Cheongpung-myeon, Jecheon, to Bibongsan Mountain, situated at 531 meters above sea level. Typically, reaching the summit of Bibongsan Mountain on foot from Dogok-ri takes about an hour. However, the monorail service significantly reduces this time by half. Additionally, passengers can enjoy panoramic views of Cheongpungho Lake from various perspectives during their ride.

Danyang Bobaljae Pass (단양 보발재)

19.5Km 2024-02-26

San 26-7, Baekja-ri, Yeongchun-myeon, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do

Bobaljae Pass is located 540 m above sea level on the northern side of Sobaeksan Mountain. It is also known as Godeuneomijae Pass. The S-shaped curve is known for wildflowers in spring and fall foliage in autumn, so one can either take a leisurely drive along the road or park one’s car at the observatory and get some pictures. Guinsa Temple and Ondal Tourist Area nearby are also good to visit.

Yeongju Punggi Insam Festival (경북영주 풍기인삼축제)

19.6Km 2025-07-11

Seongnae-ri, Punggi-eup, Yeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-639-6612

Ginseng is a well-known traditional Korean medicinal herb. High quality ginseng in Korea is mostly produced in Punggi, a region in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and the place where the Punggi Ginseng Festival takes place. The festival features health-related exhibits and offers opportunities to taste healthy ginseng dishes at the ginseng cooking exhibition. Visitors can also participate in Punggi ginseng-related interesting activities such as making Punggi ginseng wine and peeling ginseng in the traditional Korean way. The festival offers a variety of ginseng products, including fresh ginseng, original ginseng, red ginseng, and ginseng processed foods, which are all grown by local farmers in Yeongju and sold at reasonable prices. Additionally, the festival showcases local specialties and symbols such as ginseng and Yeongju apples through oil lantern displays along Namwoncheon Stream. With so many attractions, visitors are sure to have a great time at the festival.

Geumwolbong Peak (금월봉)

19.7Km 2024-02-26

1316 Cheongpungho-ro, Geumseong-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Geumwolbong Peak is a unique, small rocky mountain distinguished by its diverse shapes that blend a touch of artificiality with natural beauty. This site, initially a limestone mine, unveiled its striking rock formations in 1993. The resemblance of these rocks to the Manmulsang (Ten Thousand Rocks) of North Korea's Geumgangsan Mountain earned it the nickname "Little Geumgangsan Mountain." It was later officially renamed Geumwolbong Peak.

Jecheon Deokjusa Temple (덕주사(제천))

19.8Km 2021-12-03

87, Mireuksonggye-ro 2-gil, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-653-1773

Deokjusa Temple is a branch temple of Beopjusa Temple, the head temple of the 5th district of the Jogye Order. The temple is believed to have been established in 597 AD by Princess Deokju, the last princess of the Silla Kingdom. According to legend, Princess Deokju stayed at the site with Prince Ma-ui and built the temple, naming it after herself, along with the cave nearby. However, there are no records to confirm or refute these claims.

The temple once stood in front of the Rock-carved Standing Buddha of Deokjusa Temple (a Treasure), but was burned down during the Korean War. The present temple building stands about 1.7 kilometers from the original temple site and is the result of reconstruction efforts conducted in the 1970s.