Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Dokdo (독도)

2024-09-06

55 Dokdoisabu-gil, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do

Located 87.4 kilometers away from Ulleungdo Island, Dokdo is an island on the east coast of Korea. Dokdo comprises two major islands called Dongdo (East Island), located at a latitude of 37°14'N and a longitude of 131°52'E, and Seodo (West Island), located at a latitude of 37°14'N and a longitude of 131°51'E. Designated as a Natural Monument, Dokdo is a protected natural reserve that serves as a home to several rare and endangered bird species. Civilian access to Dokdo was prohibited in accordance with Article 33 of Cultural Heritage Protection Act until March 24, 2005, when adjustments were made with the law, granting the public access to Dongdo and Seodo under certain conditions. Since then, continued adjustments have been made, such as abolishing the number restriction of daily visitors, allowing more visitors to appreciate the beauty of Dokdo.

Dongdo, located on the southeastern coast, has a circumference of 2.8 kilometers and a surface area of 73,297 ㎡ with its highest peak reaching 98.6 meters. It also has a lighthouse and a wharf along with other marine and fishery facilities. As for Seodo, located on the northwestern coast, it has a circumference of 2.6 kilometers and a surface area of 88,740 ㎡ with the highest peak reaching 168.5 meters. Seodo houses living quarters of Dokdo's residents, where fishers seek shelter in case of an emergency. Several uniquely shaped rock formations are scattered surrounding the two major islands, such as Gajaebawi Rock, Chotdaebawi Rock, and Eolgulbawi Rock to name a few. The total surface area of all the rocks combined is 25,517 ㎡.

Dosanseowon Confucian Academy [UNESCO World Heritage] (도산서원 [유네스코 세계유산])

2024-12-05

154 Dosanseowon-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-856-1073

In terms of architecture, Dosanseowon Confucian Academy complex can largely be divided into Dosanseodang compound and Dosanseowon compound. Dosanseodang area consists of living quarters and lecture halls where Toegye Yi Hwang, an eminent Confucian scholar, lived and taught his students. Dosanseowon was built after Toegye Yi Hwang passed away by his followers' to honor the legacy of his teachings as well as to pay respects to the deceased.

Built in 1561, Dosanseodang lecture hall is the oldest building in the whole complex. It was personally designed by Yi Hwang, penname Toegye, to further his studies while educating future scholars after moving to the countryside. Living quarters used as a student dormitory were also built along with the lecture hall.

Dosanseowon compound was completed in 1576, six years after Yi Hwang's death. Yi Hwang's ancestral tablet was enshrined inside Sangdeoksa Shrine in 1572. Two years later, Jeongyodang Lecture Hall was built to relocate the tablet and with the addition of buildings to the hall's east and west, the area became a seowon. In 1575, the establishment was bestowed a royal charter and a plaque with the name Dosanseowon written by Han Seok-bong, and became the Confucian academy headquarters in the Yeongnam region.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - variety show"I Am Solo"
This is where participants were dressed in hanbok and matched with a partner based solely on the color of their clothes, regardless of their will. Each time they were matched, viewers felt excitement and tension as if they were being matched themselves. Follow the hiking trails around the academy to see notable monuments like a massive willow tree, and Sisadan Stele.

Daeyasan Yongchugyegok Valley (대야산 용추계곡)

2021-02-16

Gaeun-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-550-6414

Yongchugyegok Valley is considered the most majestic among the eight scenic views of Mungyeong. The valley is locating along the rocky foothills of Daeyasan Mountain, bordering Goesan-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do. According to legends, this valley was where two dragons soared into the heavens and their traces still remain on the two huge granite rocks. The valley is also known to have a pool of water that never dries up, and people of the past would come here to pray for rain at times of drought.

Goryeong Daegaya Historic Site (고령 대가야유적지)

2020-06-18

1203, Daegaya-ro, Goryeong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do
+82-54-950-7103

The town of Goryeong is four hours outside of Seoul, and features many relic sites of Daegaya around the whole district of Goryeong-gun. Around the first century, Daegaya was formed in the Nakdonggang River’s downstream area in the lower Korean peninsula, flourished independently for 520 years (AD 42~562), and declined after the 6th century. After its decline, part of it was annexed by Silla (57 BC ~ AD 935), and the rest annexed by Baekjae (18 BC~AD 60), and became a forgotten tribal kingdom.
On King Jinheung’s (reign 540~576) 23rd year of reign it became the district of Daegaya, and the name was changed to the district of Goryeong on King Gyeongdeok’s (reign 742~765) 16th year of reign.
This is the place where you can view the country’s first Sunjangmyo (tomb where many dead people were buried together), called Jisandong Gobungun, Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, and Treasure No. 605, the pre-eminent relics site of the Prehistoric Period called Yangjeondong Amgakhwa, and other various cultural assets.
There is a large, ancient tomb with a diameter of 20m, built on the ridgeline of the mountain, and as you go down the mountain, there are 159 other tombs of smaller scale. The largest tomb in the south side is called the Geumrim Royal Tomb, and the other large tombs near it are presumed to be tombs of royalty or aristocrats.
At the Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, site of the restored No. 44 tomb, you can see the ancient custom of burying the living with the dead (Royalty buried with their retainers). The dome-style exhibit hall displays Sunjangseokgwak, ironware, pottery and other various excavated relics.

Myeongdong Cathedral (서울 명동성당)

2022-12-27

74, Myeongdong-gil, Jung-gu, Seoul

Myeongdong Cathedral is the Church for Archdiocese of Seoul and was also the birthplace for the Roman Catholic Church community in Korea. The church houses the remains of several individuals: Bishop Laurent Joseph Marie Imbert (1796-1839), and priests Peter Simon (1803-1839), James (Jacques Honor Chastan, 1803-1839) and Pourthie Jean Antoine Charles (1830-1866) and four martyrs.

Myeongdong Cathedral is located in downtown Seoul and tourists frequently come and visit the place. Near the cathedral are other tourism spots such as Namsangol Hanok Village preserving Korean traditional houses, N Seoul Tower overlooking Seoul and Namdaemun Market, a traditional market with a wide variety of food and goods.

Bosingak Belfry (보신각 터)

2024-03-04

54, Jong-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-2133-2641

Bosingak Belfry is also known as Jonggak. It was the site in which a large bell, used to keep the time in Seoul, was found during the Joseon period (1392-1897). Bosingak Belfry was burned down during the Korean War (1950-1953) and was reconstructed in 1979. The original bell was moved to the Gyeongbokgung Palace, and a new bell was forged in 1985. At midnight, January 1, the bell at the Bosingak Belfry is rung to welcome the new year. Many people gather around the belfry to make a wish for their new year.

Cheong Wa Dae (Blue House) (청와대)

2024-10-30

1, Cheongwadae-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul
+82-2-1330

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles on the Main Office; it is the first thing to catch one's attention upon viewing the premises. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Main Office. Each tile was baked individually to make them strong enough to last for hundreds of years. The blue tiles and the smoothly curving roofline blend beautifully with Bugaksan Mountain in the backdrop.

Cheong Wa Dae is comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan (State Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn) Hall, Nokjiwon Garden, Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Hill, and Chilgung Palace. It is interesting to see that all the buildings are unique and beautifully designed, built in the traditional Korean style. Just outside the premises is Cheongwadae Sarangchae, an exhibition hall showing the history of Cheong Wa Dae and the Korean presidency, as well as gifts received by heads of State over the years. The hall is open and free to all visitors.

The National Assembly Building (국회의사당)

2024-02-29

1, Uisadang-daero, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul
+82-2-788-2114

The National Assembly Building stands as the symbol of Korean democracy. It consists of the National Assembly Building, the National Assembly Library, and the Memorial Hall. Visitors can take part in programs such as observing the Plenary Chamber and visiting the Children's Museum. Because it is a great place to learn about Korean history and politics, it is a popular tourist site. Visitors are required to make reservations for their visit, which can be done through the webpage.

Sokcho Beach (속초해수욕장)

2024-11-28

190 Haeoreum-ro, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do

Sokcho Beach opened in 1976 and is one of Korea's representative beaches. It is close to Sokcho's downtown, and the express bus terminal is also within walking distance, so transportation is convenient. With clear sea water, shallow depth, and a gentle slope, Sokcho Beach attracts visitors from all over the country every summer. Especially during the high season in July and August, the beach is so cluttered that there's nowhere to walk. There are many restaurants and facilities near the beach. And there is a pine forest with a small park and a trail behind the beach. The sculptures installed throughout the sandy beach are a sight to see regardless of the season, so tourists continue to visit even after the holiday season. There are sculptures including the Korean initials "ㅅㅊ" symbolizing Sokcho, a large compass showing directions to countries around the world, and a dolphin sculpture. The large picture frame with the blue sea in the background and the Stairway to Heaven are the most popular photo spots here. The beach often serves as a venue for a variety of events like performances and festivals.

Yongsan Family Park (용산가족공원)

2022-12-15

185, Seobinggo-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-792-5660

Visitors to Yongsan Family Park can enjoy a relaxing time at a big grassy field beside a refreshing pond and well-organized walking paths. Yongsan Family Park spans an area of roughly 89,256.20 ㎡ in what was a section of the former golf course of the Eighth US Army Division. The park is comprised of various facilities such as a 2km-walking path, a natural education site, and Taegeukgi Park. Visitors can watch and feed pigeons and wild pheasants living at the park.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information