Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Somaemuldo Island Lighthouse (소매물도 등대)

2021-04-02

246, Somaemuldo-gil, Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-650-0580

Deungdaeseom Island, originally called Haeguemdo Island, is known for the lighthouse and beautiful landscape. In 2002, the island was renamed Deungdaedo Island. Somaemuldo Island Lighthouse built in 1917 as an unmanned lighthouse transformed into a manned lighthouse in 1940. The concrete lighthouse is 16 meters in x_height with a light that can reach up to 48 kilometers. The lighthouse is located on Deungdaeseom Island, which is an islet attached to an island named Somaemuldo Island, south of Geojedo Island.

Sungnyemun Gate (숭례문)

2024-11-27

40 Sejong-daero, Jung-gu, Seoul

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. Passageways for traffic are located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun Gate’s tablet has its name written vertically.

On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate was re-opened to the public again on May 4, 2013.

Cheomseongdae Observatory (경주 첨성대)

2024-11-25

140-25 Cheomseong-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-772-3843

Cheomseongdae Observatory, constructed during the reign of Queen Seondeok (r. 632-647), is one of the landmark of Gyeongju. The observatory was built in a cylinder shape at approximately 9 meters in x_height. The observatory consists of 365 stones, symbolizing the number of days in a year. The rocks are piled in 27 layers symbolizing the 27th ruler, Queen Seondeok, and the days in a lunar month by adding the of two rock layers on top.

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Cheomseongdae Observatory, where Bo-gyeom and Ji-ah, bound by a special fate, encounter each other, is the landmark that represents the city of Gyeongju and one of the oldest astronomical observatories in the world. In addition to its superlative value as a historical site, it is also popular as a tourist destination thanks to flowers and plants that bloom each season.

Gyeongju Poseokjeong Pavilion Site (경주 포석정지)

2020-10-06

816, Namsansunhwan-ro, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-745-8484

Poseokjeong Pavilion served as a separate palace where kings enjoyed banquets with nobles. The building no longer exists, but the abalone-shaped stone water canal still remains, speculated to have been built during the Unified Silla period although the exact year is unknown. The water canal has an estimated length of 10 meters, with a x_width of approximately 35 centimeters and an average depth of 26 centimeters. Based on Chinese writings from 353, it is said that drinking glasses were floated on the canal. One popular party game had guests creating poems before the glass had passed nine sections of the canel. Guests who could not do this had to drink three glasses. Modern research has shown that the site was not merely a place for fun, but also served as a meeting venue for the royal family, as well as for holding memorial services.

Gangneung Gyeongpo Beach (강릉 경포해수욕장)

2024-05-23

514 Changhae-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-640-4531

Located 1 kilometer away from Gyeongpodae Pavilion and 6 kilometers from downtown Gangneung, Gyeongpo Beach is a sand bank formed between Gyeongpoho Lake and the ocean. This beach has a beautiful sandy shore that extends to a length of 1.8 kilometers and shallow waters, making it a popular beach attraction. By the beach is a lush pine forest where visitors can enjoy forest bathing. Other activities to enjoy around the area include the cultural art fair that takes place at the beach stage every summer, riding a bike along Gyeongpoho Lake, and hiking the nearby mountains and valleys.

Gyeongpoho Lake (경포호(철새도래지))

2023-10-16

365, Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-640-5119

Gyeongpoho Lake is a popular attraction, with beautiful natural scenery and many cultural relics nearby. The view of the moon reflecting off the lake from Gyeongpodae Pavilion is especially stunning. The 1,256,204 m² naturally formed lake is connected to the ocean, and is famous as a destination site for migratory birds in winter. There are also many fish in the lake, but the lake has been designated as a nature protection site and fishing is prohibited.

Goseokjeong National Tourist Area (고석정국민관광지)

2023-03-07

1825, Taebong-ro, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-450-5558

Goseokjeong Pavilion is the most scenic spot among the eight scenic views of Cheorwon. The crystal clear waters of the Hantangang River wind around Goseokbawi Rock, a peculiarly shaped rock about 10 meters tall that stands dominantly in the middle of the river. Goseokjeong Pavilion is a two-story tower-style pavilion that has an area of about 33 square meters, built halfway up the Hantangang River during the reign of King Jinpyeong (r. AD 579-632) of the Silla Kingdom. Today, Goseokjeong refers to the entire area around Goseokjeong Pavilion and the valley surrounding Goseok Rock. Designated as a Monument of Gangwon-do, the pavilion is known to have been one of the most favored places by King Jinpyeong of the Silla Kingdom, and King Chungsuk of the Goryeo dynasty. The area became all the more famous as the arena of Im Kkeok-jeong (?-1562), who was a legendary leader of a peasant rebellion in the early Joseon dynasty.

The pavilion was destroyed during the Korean War and restored in 1971 by community leaders in Cheorwon. Unfortunately, it was damaged once again by flood in 1996 and reconstructed the year after. There is a natural stone chamber inside Goseokbawi Rock that Im Kkeok-jeong used as a hiding place. On the opposite side, there are remains of a stone castle. Jiktang Waterfall is located about 2 kilometers up from this site, while Sundam Valley is situated about 2 kilometers in downstream. Goseokjeong is a year-round tourist attraction with an extensive grass square and recreational facilities. It is also the starting point for DMZ tours as the Iron Triangle Battlefield Conservation Office is located here and in winter, visitors can enjoy migratory bird tours.

Gwangalli Beach (광안리해수욕장)

2025-04-14

219 Gwanganhaebyeon-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
+82-51-622-4251

Located to the west of Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach is 1.4 kilometers long and 25~110 meters wide, and is famous for its fine sand. The area underwent a water purification process, which led the ecosystem to flourish in the nearby river waters. In addition to the beachfront, the Gwangalli area is filled with delicious restaurants and romantic cafes, as well as stores selling famous fashion brands. The area has plenty to offer, but many people come in the evening to take in the bright lights of Gwangandaegyo Bridge, stretching across the horizon.

Seoraksan Gwongeumseong Fortress (설악산 권금성)

2024-02-28

1091 Seoraksan-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-636-7700

Gwongeumseong Fortress is a stone castle from the Goryeo dynasty and is located 800 meters above sea level in Seoraksan National Park. From a distance, Gwongeumseong Fortress looks like a rising peak, while up close, the expansive stone floor and remnants of castle walls become visible. Visitors can access the fortress via hiking trails or by taking a cable car. From the fortress, visitors can enjoy the majestic view of Seoraksan Mountain and the blue waters of the East Sea.

Guryongsa Temple (구룡사)

2022-12-21

500, Guryongsa-ro, Wonju-si, Gangwon-do
+82-33-732-4800

Guryongsa Temple is located 6 kilometers from Birobong Peak on Chiaksan Mountain, in the direction of Hakkok-ri. It was believed that Monk Uisang (625-702) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) built and named the temple Guryongsa in 668 during the reign of King Munmu. However, it is now known that the temple was built after King Sukjong, the 19th King of the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), who reigned from 1674 to 1720, because of the architectural style of Daeungjeon Hall. There is a legend that the Guryongsa Temple site was originally a lake where nine dragons lived. The name Guryong comes from the story that the lake was filled up to build the temple on it. There are many buildings such as Daeungjeon Hall, Bogwangnu Pavilion, Samseonggak Pavilion, Simgeomdang Hall and Seolseondang Hall. Daeungjeon Hall has maintained its original shape though it was repaired many times.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information