Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Amnok Resort (압록유원지)

2020-02-10

1012, Seomjingang-ro, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-360-8308

Situated at the joining point of two rivers, Seomjin and Boseong, Amnok Resort is renowned as a summer vacation spot with a 100,000m² beach. Since mosquitos are rare here, it is continuously gaining popularity as a family camping site and Banweogyol Bridge and Cheolgyo Bridge make for beautiful scenery. The popular fishing spot located in the lower reaches of Boseonggang River attracts many anglers. The riverside is lined with various native local restaurants where you can taste Amnok’s specialities such as king crab soup, roasted sweet fish, and maeuntang (spicy fish stew).

Jinjuseong Fortress (진주성)

2024-08-23

626 Namgang-ro, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do

Jinjuseong Fortress, initially erected in ancient times, was expanded in 1379 to fend off pirate invasions. It saw two battles during the Imjin War (1592-1598). Inside, there are structures like Chokseongnu Pavilion, Jinju National Museum, a victory monument, an outdoor stage, and cafés. The castle overlooks the scenic Namgang River. Visitors can also enjoy hanbok experiences and take a ferry on the Namgang River.

Taeansa Temple (태안사)

2022-08-31

622-215, Taean-ro, Jukgok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-363-6669

Located on the foot of Dongnisan Mountain, Taeansa Temple was built by three monks during the reign of the Silla King, Gyeongdeok (742). Afterwards, Monk Hyecheol constructed a large temple with 132 rooms during Goryeo Taejo’s reign, which was established as a central seminary of the Dongnisan Mountain area. In the precincts there are four treasures, including Hyecheolguksa Sari Pagoda, Gwangjaseonsa Pagoda and Neungpagak. The temple was badly damaged during the Korean War and had been refurbished since then. An invigorating valley and a shady nook can be reached just 1.8 kilometers from the entrance of the temple. It is a popular trail during the fall, with its bright maple leaves.

Namwon Silsangsa Temple (실상사(남원))

2024-04-07

94-129, Ipseok-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
+82-63-636-3031

Silsangsa Temple was constructed by Monk Jeunggak, as one of nine special temples in the year 828. The temple was established because of the theory of divination, based on topology. The belief held that Korea’s good spirit would be taken away to Japan, bringing bad luck if the temple was not constructed at this particular location. The temple was reconstructed in the 26th year of King Sukjong’s reign (1700) after it was completely destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598). However, it was almost burnt down in the 19th year of King Gojong’s reign (1882).

It is presently preserved just as it was during the Unified Silla Kingdom, with its three-story pagoda and its 11 treasures with a total of 17 cultural assets. The entrance of the temple lies in the middle of a rice field and the temple has a pastoral view, surrounded by trees. From the entrance, visitors can cross the half-moon shaped stone bridge to find a remarkable totem pole.

Baengnokdam Lake (한라산 백록담)

2022-07-13

Topyeong-dong, Seogwipo-si, Jejudo
+82-64-713-9950

Baengnokdam is a crater lake that sits on top of Hallasan Mountain at the center of Jeju Island. It spans 3 kilometers in circumference and 500 meters in diameter, and is surrounded by approximately 360 parasitic cones. At the peak, visitors can feel like floating on clouds.

Mihwangsa Temple (미황사)

2025-01-21

164 Mihwangsa-gil, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-533-3521

Constructed during the eighth year of King Gyeongdeok of the Silla dynasty (749), Mihwangsa Temple is located on the western side of Dalmasan Mountain (489 meters), titled the Geumgangsan Mountain of the Southern Sea. The temple is situated the furthest south of all temples in the Korean peninsula. Beautiful sunsets and the view of the graceful Dalmasan Mountain from the temple attract numerous visitors. The foot of the mountain found behind the temple blends well with the suitable-sized temple and the appearance of Daeungbojeon Hall gives out an aura of comfort and tranquility. The cornerstone of Daeungbojeon Hall is carved with sea creatures, such as turtles and crabs that cannot be observed elsewhere. Other attractions include 18th century murals on the walls of Daeungbojeon and Unginjeon Halls.

Yeosu Hyangiram Hermitage (향일암(여수))

2024-12-23

60 Hyangiram-ro, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do

Hyangiram Hermitage (Cultural Property Material) is one of four Buddhist hermitages in Korea where the faithful come to pray to the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva. It was originally named Wontongam Hermitage, established by Monk Wonhyo during the fourth year of Baekje King Uija’s reign (644). Wontongam Hermiatge was renamed to Geumoam Hermitage by Monk Yunpil in the 9th year of Goryeo King Gwangjong’s reign (958), then renamed once again to Hyangiram Hermitage by Monk Inmuk during the 41st year of Joseon King Sukjong’s reign (1715).

The temple contains many buildings both preserved and rebuilt, including the main hall, Daeungjeon Hall, which was rebuilt in 2012 after it burned down in a fire. The mountain path to Hyangiram Hermitage is very steep, but many people make the climb in hopes of their wish coming true. Legend has it that anyone who passes all seven of the stone caves on the walk to Hyangiram Hermitage will be granted their wish.

Geomundo Island (거문도)

2020-06-18

103, Geomun-gil, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-659-3871

Located approximately halfway between Yeosu and Jeju Island, Geomundo Island is part of the Dadohae Maritime National Park. It is divided into Dongdo, Seodo, and Godo Islands, all of which offer scenic views of quaint towns and surrounding nature. Also, Geomundo is the access point for the famous Baekdo Island group, a spectacular array of uninhabited rock pinnacles attached with numerous legends.

Baekdo Island (여수 백도)

2021-05-27

Geomun-ri, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-690-2607

Located 28 kilometers east of Geomundo Island, Baekdo Island is comprised of a collective group of uninhabited rock islets. Some of the most well-known islets are Maebawi Rock, Seobangbawi and Gaksibawi Rocks, Hyeongjebawi Rock, and Seokbulbawi Rock, each rock with a legend or a myth of its own. Baekdo Island is also a nature preserve that serves as a home to several endangered species, and can only be observed while aboard a cruise that tours the nearby islands.

Seoul Bongeunsa Temple (봉은사 (서울))

2024-10-24

531 Bongeunsa-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul
+82-2-3218-4800

Once known as Gyeonseongsa Temple, Bongeunsa Temple is located north of COEX, and was constructed in the 10th year of Silla King Weongseong’s reign (794). In 1498, Queen Jeonghyeon refurbished Gyeonseongsa Temple and renamed it Bongeunsa Temple.

Originally located near the Royal Tomb of King Seongjong, the temple was transferred to its current location during Joseon King Myeongjong’s reign. The temple is home to 3,479 Buddhist scriptures of 13 types, including the works of Kim Jeong-hee. The Buddhist ceremony called Jeongdaebulsa is held on the ninth day of the eighth month of the lunar calendar, where monks march carrying the scriptures on their heads and recite the Beopseongge (Buddhist rites).

Sightseeing - Korea travel information