Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

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.

Dorisan Observatory (도리산전망대)

2025-01-09

54, Jodo-daero, Jodo-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-540-3601

Located at the top of Mt. Dorisan in Yeomi-ri of Sangjodo Island, Dorisan Observatory is the highlight of the area, and offers panoramic views of Dadohae and its many islands including Gwanmae, Byeongpung, Nabae, Daema and Soma Islands.

The eco-friendly structure provides panoramic views of nearby islands that locals like to say, “appear scattered over the sea like a flock of birds over water.” Visitors can enjoy majestic sunrise and sunset views, and on days with clear visibility, can see Bogildo Island in Haenam and even as far as Hallasan Mountain and Chujado Island in Jeju.

Another of Jodo’s attractions is the nature lover spots on Hajodo Island. Jodo is comprised of the Sangjodo and Hajodo Islands connected by a bridge. The entire area is filled with pine trees and has plenty of beach access. The nearby Dondaebong Peak (230m) and the Hajodo Lighthouse offer comparable views and scenic landscapes for visitors in the area to enjoy.

Dogapsa Temple (도갑사)

2021-12-06

306, Dogapsa-ro, Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-473-5122

Dogapsa Temple, built during the late Silla period, has a long history and various national treasures. Approximately 100 meters from Iljumun Gate of Dogapsa Temple is Haetalmun Gate (gate of emancipation), built in 1473 with a unique design that is also designated as a National Treasure. Near the gate is Treasure No. 1134, Wooden Child Manjusri and Samantabhadra of Dogapsa Temple. A five-story stone pagoda as well as Stone Seated Buddha (a Treasure) can also be seen at the temple. A large amount of the temple was burnt down during various wars, but the remaining stones show how large the temple once was.

Baekje Cultural Land (백제문화단지)

2024-12-06

455 Baekjemun-ro, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-408-7290

Baekje Cultural Land is the largest history-themed park in Korea, built to share the beautiful culture of the Baekje Kingdom with the world. The large site is filled with traces of Baekje culture. Sabigung Palace is a reconstruction of a real royal palace from the Three Kingdoms period. Neungsa Temple, a royal temple representing the Baekje period, has been recreated according to the real size based on excavation research done at the historic site in Neungsan-ri, Buyeo-eup. Just inside Daetongmun Gate is the Five-story Stone Pagoda, the most prominent structure in the complex. Wiryeseong Fortress, built during the Hanseong Baekje Era, gives a different aspect of Baekje in comparison with Sabigung Palace from the Late Baekje Era. A panorama of the complex can be seen from Jehyangnu Pavilion.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - TV series "Moon Lovers: Scarlet Heart Ryeo"
The Baekje Cultural Land, which served as the backdrop for the spectacular royal palace in the drama, is the largest historical theme park in Korea, built to promote the excellence of Baekje that flourished with brilliant culture. This site features delicate recreations of Baekje’s ancient structures for royal families, including the Sabigung Palace and the Neungsa Temple.

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.

Provence Village (프로방스 마을)

2024-10-31

69 Saeori-ro, Tanhyeon-myeon, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-946-6353

Provence Village is a themed village that began with the opening of a chic French restaurant in 1996. It has expanded to include a famous bakery cafe, Italian and Korean restaurants, shops, colorful murals, a beautiful garden, and romantic lighting displays in the evenings.

Each unique shop is connected to other shops in the village. An art studio offers a wide array of dishes used in cafes and restaurants in the village; the Living Gallery not only decorates Provence Village, but also makes decorative items such as hand-painted ceramics, available for purchase; and the European bakery boasts fresh, delicious breads. Each shop is an independent unit with a unique design concept. The Living Gallery offers shops selling ceramics, flowers, and herbs, while the Fashion Gallery consists of shops offering clothing, accessories, and interior design items. The Herb Garden hosts a wide array of cultural events and performances for visitors throughout the year.

Munui Cultural Properties Site (문의문화재단지)

2022-12-27

721, Daecheonghoban-ro, Sangdang-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do

Munui Cultural Properties Site, overlooking the Daecheongho Lake, attracts many visitors. The site was created to preserve and promote the local traditional culture of Cheongwon (Chungcheongbuk-do); it is a great place to learn about local history, culture, and arts.

The spacious complex (132,232m²) is a home to ten traditional houses (Munsangwan, aristocrat houses, a museum, and a tavern), showing a form of a traditional village. It is also full of dolmen stones (symbolizing abundant procreation), Jangseung (totem poles at the entrance of villages or temples), and Yeonjabanga (millstones worked by horses or oxen), providing visitors with opportunities to learn about traditional culture and life.

With a theme of roof tiles, a relics gallery in the complex boasts over 774 local items, categorized by historical period (e.g. the Silla Period, Baekje Period, etc.). Munsan-ri Stone Bridge, believed to have been built during the Goryeo Period, was restored in front of the gallery.

The complex also offers a wide array of amenities including mineral spring sites, playgrounds, and Munui Movie Village (a drive-in movie theatert). Nearby notable attractions include artificial falls, Yangseongsan Mountain, Jakdusan Mountain, Daecheongho Lake, Nosan Pine Forest, Donghwasa Temple, and Bugang Mineral Springs.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information