Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Seonamgyegok Valley (Haseonam Rock) (선암계곡(하선암))

Seonamgyegok Valley (Haseonam Rock) (선암계곡(하선암))

2021-05-14

1337, Seonamgyegok-ro, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-422-1146

Seonamgyegok Valley is a clean 10-kilometer valley stretching from Gasan-ri to Daejam-ri in Danyang. Among the Eight Scenic Views of Danyang, Teukseonam Rock and Soseonam Rock are located here. This valley is known for its dense forests, strange rock formations, and clear and clean valleys, and is one of the best destinations in summer to camp and play in the water. Nearby attractions include Soseonam Recreational Forest, Teukseonam Camping Site, Soseonam Amusement Park, and Special Seonam Camping Site.

Gongju Tomb of King Muryeong and Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (공주 송산리 고분군과 무령왕릉 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

Gongju Tomb of King Muryeong and Royal Tombs [UNESCO World Heritage] (공주 송산리 고분군과 무령왕릉 [유네스코 세계문화유산])

2024-01-08

37-2 Wangreung-ro, Gongju-si, Chungcheongnam-do

The Songsan-ri Tombs and Royal Tomb of King Muryeong (r. 462-523) contain representative relics of the Baekje period (234-678). The Songsan-ri Tombs contain the graves of kings from the period when Baekje's capital was Gongju, and it is believed to contain 17 such graves. Only seven graves have been discovered so far. There are two types of tomb designs: traditional Baekje-style rock and earth fortification tomb and Chinese-influenced rock tomb. The tombs number one to five were made using the traditional Baekje-style design while tomb number six and the Royal Tomb of King Muryeong were made using the Chinese-influenced design. Even though many artifacts were stolen from the tombs, the tombs serve as an important evidence of Baekje culture and the foreign exchanges from during that period.

Geojedo Haegeumgang Islets (거제도 해금강)

Geojedo Haegeumgang Islets (거제도 해금강)

2024-03-06

1 Galgot-ri, Nambu-myeon, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-639-4792

Haegeumgang Islets is a tourist attraction located in front of the Windy Hill on Geojedo Island, known as a rocky island within the Hallyeohaesang National Park. While its shape resembles the spreading roots of arrowroot, hence its name "Galdo," it is widely referred to as Haegeumgang, representing the sea's Geumgangsan Mountain. Famous for its sunrise and sunset views, they are best observed from Ilwolbong Peak or Sajabawi Rock. Visitors can enjoy stunning landscapes, including the Sipja Cave, Mireukbawi Rock, Chotdaebawi Rock, and a 1,300-year-old pine tree, by taking a ferry tour.

Seoul Namsan Park (남산공원(서울))

Seoul Namsan Park (남산공원(서울))

2024-03-18

231 Samil-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Namsan Mountain rises in the heart of Seoul at an altitude of 265 meters and has been a significant landmark since the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897), leaving behind several ruins. It was heavily damaged in the early 20th century, but was partially restored in 1968 with the creation of the park. Highlights include Namsan Tower and love locks left by numerous couples. Visitors can also easily reach the top by a cable car or bus.

Anmyeondo Island Recreational Forest (안면도자연휴양림)

Anmyeondo Island Recreational Forest (안면도자연휴양림)

2020-06-09

3195-6, Anmyeon-daero, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do
+82-41-674-5019

Anmyeondo in Taean is home to a 100 year old pine tree forest that is special in Korea. The natural forest was managed by the royal family during the Goryeo Dynasty and since 1965 has been managed by the province of Chungcheongnam-do.

The Forest Exhibition Hall in Anmyeondo Recreational Forest displays the producing process of wood, the uses of wood, the forest’s worth, and more in an easy to comprehend manner. The Forest Cabin and Forest Recreation Center have a gas stove, cooking utensils, and shower facilities.

Daehangno (University Street) (대학로)

Daehangno (University Street) (대학로)

2021-03-25

104, Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1114

Daehangno is an artistic neighborhood that stretches 1.1 kilometers from Jongno 5-ga Intersection to Hyehwa-dong Rotary. The area is filled with culture and performing arts facilities, with the center of all this being Marronnier Park. Visitors can find performances taking play every day at the many theaters large and small, as well as restaurants serving a range of cuisines. The area is especially active on weekends and during the street festival period.

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

Deoksugung Palace (덕수궁)

2024-10-31

99 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul
+82-2-771-9951

Registered as a Historic Site, Deoksugung Palace was initially not a royal palace, but the residential home of Grand Prince Wolsan (1454-1488), the older brother of King Seongjong (1469-1494) of the Joseon dynasty. It wasn't until 1593 that the palace was used as a temporary palace of the royal family after their home was burned down during the Imjin War. King Seonjo also stayed at Deoksugung Palace after returning to the city. It became a proper palace when Gwanghaegun (1575-1641) ascended to the throne and gave this royal residence the name Gyeongungung Palace in 1611. Over the following decades, the palace alternated between being an official palace and a temporary residence. The name did not change officially to Deoksugung Palace, meaning the “palace of virtuous longevity,” until 1907. While the palace once encompassed a vast area with many buildings, the current palace grounds are just a small shadow of the prior splendor, with very few structures remaining.

Heunginjimun Gate - Dongdaemun Gate (흥인지문)

Heunginjimun Gate - Dongdaemun Gate (흥인지문)

2024-10-10

288, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2148-1842

Heunginjimun Gate was built to protect Hanseongbu, which historically housed essential government facilities. Heunginjimun Gate was the gate on the east side of the outer wall of Seoul Fortress among eight gates. It is referred to as Dongdaemun Gate as well. The gate was constructed during King Taejo’s 5th year in 1396, remodeled during the reign of King Danjong in 1453, and was newly built in 1869 during the sixth year of King Gojong’s reign in 1869.

The gate features a hipped roof with five front and two side compartments on a two-storied building. The thin and weak bracket system supports the eaves and is excessively decorated, reflecting the construction features of the late Joseon period. Also, outside of the fortress is the half-circle-shaped Ongseong, a small wall, to protect the gate.

One of the unique factors of Heunginjimun Gate is that it is the only gate among Seoul’s eight to have Ongseong, further exhibiting the style of construction used during the late Joseon period.

Hongneung Arboretum (홍릉수목원)

Hongneung Arboretum (홍릉수목원)

2020-05-23

57, Hoegi-ro, Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul
+82-2-961-2522

Hongneung Arboretum was the first arboretum in Korea, established in 1922 when experimental forests were built on Hongneung Royal Tomb, the burial mound of Queen Myeong-Seong. Hongneung Arboretum is managed by the Korea Forest Service, and houses a variety of domestic and international plants for both visitors to enjoy and researchers to study. The arboretum and Forest Sciece Exhibition Hall are open to the public. Student groups can enjoy natural science and forestry experiences with advanced reservation.

Hallyeohaesang National Park (Geoje District) (한려해상국립공원(거제))

2021-01-21

Jangseungpo-dong, Geoje-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-860-5800

Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park was designated as the first national marine park in 1968 and covers the area between Jisimdo Island in Geoje and Odongdo Island in Yeosu with six separate districts including Geoje, Tongyeong, Sacheon, Hadong, Namhae and Odongdo Island. It spans over an area of 535.676 ㎢ and the ocean accounts for 76% of the total area. The outstanding view created by the sea and land attracts over 1 million visitors every year.

Geoje is made up of 10 inhabited islands and 50 uninhabited islands. Two-thirds of the area is included in Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park, featuring Haegeumgang Islets, designated as Scenic Site No. 2, and Daebyeongdaedo Island & Sobyeongdaedo Island, one of the most stunning points of Hallyeo Waterway. Also, the drive on the coastal road between Yeocha and Hongpo offers a breathtaking view of Dadohae Islets unfolding from the peak of Cheonjangsan Mountain and Nojasan Mountain.