Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Seosan Munsusa Temple (문수사(서산))

2020-01-16

201, Munsugol-gil, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-663-3925

The exact founding date of Munsusa Temple is unknown because there are no official records that have been discovered. The temple is estimated to date back to the Goryeo dynasty due to a prayer found in 1973 at the Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha in the temple’s Geungnaksiljeon Hall dated 1346. Around 600 items were discovered along with the prayer, including unbleached ramie cloth, a short-sleeved gown, rice, and barley. Munsunsa has the tranquil atmosphere of a mountain temple. When spring arrives, cherry blossom flowers and wild flowers bloom across the mountain and the nearby cattle farm call to mind a traditional Korean painting.

Munsusa Temple's Geungnaksiljeon Hall is a beautiful building constructed in the Jusimpo style (the column brackets placed only on top of the columns) combined with Dapo style (the column brackets placed between columns as well as on top of the columns). It is designated as Chungcheongnam-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 13. Inside the gorgeously and majestically carved hall are many relics including Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha, Samsebulsang statues (statues of Buddhas of Three Times (past, present and future)), Nahansang statues (statues of disciples of Buddha), and various portraits of Buddha.

The Gilt-bronze Seated Buddha (x_height: 70cm, length between knees: 50cm) was created in 1346. It is a fine example of late Goryo dynasty style Buddha statue along with Gilt-bronze Seated Bhaisajyaguru Buddha of Janggoksa Temple (Treasure No.337).

Seosan Gaesimsa Temple (개심사(서산))

2021-09-18

321-86, Gaesimsa-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-688-2256

Situated in a dense forest in Sangwangsan Mountain and 6 kilometers away from Haemi-myeon, Gaesimsa Temple is one of the four major temples in Chungcheongnam-do. The path from the parking lot to the temple site is quite remote and curved, but beautiful especially in spring when cherry blossoms are in full bloom.

The temple was built in 1484 during the 15th year of King Seongjong and designated as a Treasure. The architecture of the temple stands out, as the buildings use bent tree trunks for pillars.

Rock-carved Buddha Triad in Yonghyeon-ri, Seosan (서산 용현리 마애여래삼존상)

2020-03-27

65-13, Maaesamjonbul-gil, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-660-2538

Seosan Maaesamjonbul (Rock-Carved Buddha Triad) is carved into a huge rock cliff at the entrance to Bowonsa Temple at Gayasan Mountain. The Rock-Carved Buddha was discovered in 1958, and is considered the oldest and one of the most outstanding Buddha rock carvings in Korea.

Standing Buddha stands in the center, the cross-legged Buddha is to the right, and Standing Bodhisattva is on the left. The main Buddha, Yearaeipsang (Standing Buddha) is 2.8m high.

All sculptures carved in the middle of Baekje (6th century) are called "Baekje's Smile," named for their trademark bright smiles. The appearance of the smile changes depending on the direction of the sunlight, so these statues were designated as National Treasure No. 84. The best time to see the smile is from 9-11 a.m.

The location, an important site along a key transportation route from China to Baekje, is on the way to Buyeo from the Taean peninsula. The masterful work represents the active interchange of culture with China during that time period.

Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground (Yeosutgol) (해미순교성지(여숫골))

2020-03-06

13, Seongji 1-ro, Seosan-si, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-688-3183

Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground is the site where nearly 1,000 Catholics in Chungcheongnam-do were buried alive during the time between the Byeongin Persecution in 1866 and 1882. At that time, Catholics were executed outside Haemieupseong Fortress' Seomun Gate (West Gate). As it was difficult to execute them one by one, the martyrs were buried alive in a big hole all at once. When confronted with their deaths, the martyrs prayed while singing 'Yesumaria' (Jesus Maria). Because it also sounds like "Yeosumeori", the place was called 'Yeosutgol' as well.

The 16-meter-high memorial tower was set set up near Haemicheon Stream to pay tribute to the nameless martyrs who were buried alive. Many Catholics visit this location every year to remember and honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their belief.

Nakseonjae Hall (낙선재)

2021-09-30

99, Yulgok-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1822

Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Nakseonjae Hall is a one-story structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled and gable roof. It has 6 kan in the front and 2 kan (traditional unit of measurement of the space between pillars) to the sides. It originally belonged to the nearby Changgyeonggung Palace, but came to be considered a part of Changdeokgung Palace in more recent years.

The hall was constructed in 1846 (12th year of King Heonjong’s reign) and it is collectively called Nakseonjae together with the adjacent Seokbokheon Hall and Sugangjae Hall.

Behind the building is a flower garden made of stacked large stones. The chimney, the flowers, and the oddly shaped stones harmoniously blend into one another to create an outstanding landscape gardening.

Baraebong Peak (바래봉)

2024-04-07

196, Baraebong-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-630-8900

Baraebong Peak gets its name from its resemblance to an upside down barittae (a wooden rice bowl used by temple priests). The mountain is characterized by round slopes and fields of royal azalea flowers in spring. Trekking starts at Yongsan Village, 1.5 kilometers away from Unbong-eup. The trail follows a gentle path through a forest reserve behind a ranch and up to the peak. The last section of the trail before reaching the summit is covered in royal azaleas in full bloom from late April until May. The view from the peak includes the whole vista of Jirisan Mountain.

KT&G Sangsangmadang Nonsan (KT&G 상상마당 논산)

2025-01-13

15-20, Hancheon-gil, Sangwol-myeon, Nonsan-si, Chungcheongnam-do

KT&G Sangsangmadang are cultural arts facilities located in Hongdae, Chuncheon, and Nonsan. The Nonsan branch includes basic facilities such as a design shop, café, and experiences, while also offering an art lounge, art camping village, and youth training facilty for more indepth education. Sangsangmadang’s lives out its concept of growing artistic imagination and sharing happiness.

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain ()

2024-10-25

391-39 Hwangnyeongsan-ro, Nam-gu, Busan
+82-70-7543-5249

Hwangnyeongsan Mountain offers a lush green forest easily accessible from downtown Busan. The mountain is popular for hiking, as well as taking in the nightscape. The mountain stretches across Busanjin-gu, Nam-gu, and Suyeong-gu districts, and with an altitude of 427 meters, it is the second tallest mountain in the Geumnyeon Mountain Range. Despite this distinction, the summit can be reached after a two to three-hour hike. At the foot of the mountain, one can find a citizen's recreation area and a youth training center. Choosing which mountain trail to take depends on the transportation options available.

Traditional Food Town around Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성 전통음식마을)

2021-03-17

731, Namhansanseong-ro, Gwangju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-762-3010

The Traditional Food Town around Namhansanseong Fortress has many restaurants offering rice, dotorimuk (acorn jelly salad), tojongdak (whole chicken) dishes, and other traditional dishes. The area embraces almost 300 years of Korean history and the restaurants were built in traditional hanok-style buildings around Namhansanseong Fortress, a military stronghold from the Joseon dynasty.

Modo Island (모도)

2017-02-22

12-3, Modo-gil, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-544-0151

In 1929, Modo Island was spotted by Kim Hae-gim on his way to Jeju Island. He called the island Ttiseom because of the multitude of ttipul grass, a grass native to Korea, on the island. There were also many houses with thatched roofs made with dried ttipul on the island. The name Modo Island comes from the Hanja characters for "Ttiseom."

Sightseeing - Korea travel information