Destination
 |
 |
 |
Quick Finder
Bokcheon Museum / Bujeon Market / Busan / Busan Aquarium /Busan Cinema Center / Busan Modern History Museum / Busan Port /
Centum City / Cheonghakdong / Dinosaur Eggs and Bird Footprints / Dongnae Fortress / Geoga Bridge / Geoje / Goseong / Goseong Dinosaur Museum
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple / Haeundae / Hapcheon / Hwagae Market / Gukje Sijang / Gwangan Bridge / Jagalchi Fish Market / Jinju / Jinhae / Masan / Namhae / Namhae Bridge /
P.O.W Camp
Sangjokam / Taejongdae / Tongyeong / UN Memorial Cemetery / Ulsan / Upo wetland / Yeongdo Bridge / Yongdusan Park
South Eastern Region
The southern boundary of the region is a sunken coastline which has created an irregular pattern of bays and inlets with thousands of offshore islands. The Hallyeohaesang marine national park, stretching 172km with 800km of coastline from Tongyeong to Yeosu, is the most picturesque coastline in Korea. With its irregular pattern of bays and inlets, Dadohaehaesang (Archipelago) marine national park is Korea's largest park embracing more than 1,700 islands and islets topped with subtropical vegetations like camellia, gardenia, citron and orchids in wild, creating a gorgeous landscape over the calm coastal waters, and each of them is well known for its natural beauty. There are islands of varying sizes with dense forests, curious rocks, and white sand, all sitting amidst a bed of blue skies, sea waves. Water and air erosion of the cliffs and caves have created a peculiar topography. In the mild oceanic climate, various plants grow. Major industries in the Port of Busan include shipbuilding, electronics, steel, automobiles, ceramics, paper, and chemicals, but now tourism is the industry of a fast-growing interest with increasing number of visitors. This scenic coastline creates a unusual rock formations and caves, providing a spectacular cruising course. Of the islands of the park are Hongdo, Heuksando, Wando and Keomundo. In addition, Jeungdo, Samjicheon, Cheongsando, Banwol and Usan village in Jeolla Namdo province have been designated as Slow City, the first in Asia.
Busan
It is the second largest city in the country with the population of more than 4 million. In 1876, Busan was formally opened for trade to the outside world. Busan is a principal port and dominates the export trade with more than half of all oversea shipment. Though it is a commercial and industrial city, Busan has also maintained its reputation as the major tourist attraction in the southern part of Korea. Some of the places of interests of Busan are the Taejongdae park, fish market, the Yongdusan park, and fashion and entertainment districts of Gwangbok-dong and Nampo-dong. Busan annually hosts the International Fireworks Festival and the Busan International Film Festival, while regularly holding various events at Centum City, the world's largest department store. Launched in 1996, Busan International Film Festival showcases various genres and movies of diverse regions for a glimpse into the trends of world cinematography. The festival is committed to discovering and supporting talented Asian directors and films, at the same time advancing a vision for Asia cinematography. Beomeosa, situated on a secluded pine-forested mountain slope, is the most visited temple. Dongrae is noted for the natural hot spring baths. Busan has several beaches. Haeundae is a 2km long and 35m to 50m wide sandy beach. Songdo beach with pleasant public parks overlooking the bay is among the most visited in summer.
Busan Port
Opened in 1876, Busan port has been undergoing continuous harbor development since the commencement of the first wharf construction in 1906. Currently, the port is equipped with a capacity to annually process 91 million ton of cargo together with 26.8km of quay wall facility enabling simultaneous facilitation of 169 vessels. The port has 10 piers including two passenger terminals. Its deep harbor and gentle tides have allowed it to grow into the largest port in Korea and the fifth largest in the world in terms of total tonnage. They unload the containers in every 3 seconds.
Anchorage depth: 9.4m - 10m
Cargo pier depth: 3.4m - 4.6m
Oil terminal depth: 6.4m - 7.6m
Harbor type: Coastal Breakwater
Jagalchi fish market
Located at the southern seashore of Nampo-dong, it is one of the most popular attractions in Busan. Being the largest fish market in Korean and a symbol of Busan since its opening in 1970, the market has a wide variety of fish, such as sea bream, flat fish, octopus, sea squirt, cuttlefish, abalone, flounder, and shells, to just name a few. One big draw of this market is its flexible pricing system. Since a wide array of foods from the sea are sold here do not have fixed prices. This is a must stop in Busan as it embodies the true essence of Busan and shows the spirit of the people who live there. The lively market echoes with the shouts of vendors selling their fish as the buyers are free to haggle over what they expect to pay. Meanwhile, the flapping fish add to the pandemonium. There are also many restaurants selling raw fish at reasonable prices. Trying them here in the market is a true visual culinary treat. In June 2006, the market comes in a modern shape and perhaps may lose some of its true picture of the locality. The sea gull-shaped building was put in the market. The new market building with 2 floors under the ground and 7 floors above the ground serves as parking lots, frozen and refrigeration warehouse, seafood market, seawater sauna, marine shopping center, the cooperatives office, a small theater, cultural center, coffee shops and restaurants, etc. The fish auction takes place on the dockside twice daily at 06:00 and 22:00, except Saturday night auction. The market opens from 07:00 to 22:00 except the last Tuesday of the months.
Gukje Sijang
It is locally named 'Gukje Sijang'. Located in the bustling city center of Nampo-dong, the market spills out into the street and continues up to the busiest districts of Kwangbok-dong and Nampo-dong. One can find everything here except fish and fruit. Along its southern boundary is Fish Market. In addition the area is filled with shops and stores selling daily necessities, clothes and household goods. The market has been a well-known "international market" since it carries various domestic and international goods. The market contains 1,400 stores, which sell quality products at reasonable prices. Neighboring market is traditional market and is well-known as the site of the Busan International Film Festival as well as the shopping district. Adjacent block is a vibrant and lively PIFF Square filled with movie theaters and so many trendy shops, having hand prints of the famous movie stars and directors on the sidewalk.
Yongdusan Park
Located at the head of a steep slope and looks over the city and harbor in a breathtaking view, this small park is much loved by citizens of Busan and visitors as well. The most conspicuous is the 120m high Busan tower, a symbol of Busan that stands proudly 69m above sea level, topped by an observatory modeled after the baldachin of Dabotap Pagoda in Bulguksa Temple, Gyeongju dominating the most of the area of the city. And smack dab in the middle of the park stands the statue of Yi Sunsin, the Korea's greatest naval hero who is credited with the perfection of the first iron-clad warship in history. In the park's octagonal pavilion, you cannot help but appreciate the collection of countless miniature ships from basically every kind. The ships include the sailboat, merchant ship, fishing boat, warship, Santa Maria, the Titanic, and supertankers in exquisite craftsmanship.
Haeundae
It is the world-class resort area blessed by the beautiful water and here you have many different choices of super deluxe hotels. The soft sand stretches 1.5km along the beautifully curved coastline. The 1m-deep water has an average water temperature of 22.5 degrees Celsius in the summer and is ideal for swimming, which culminates for two months from July to August. The beach with its 59,000㎡ accommodates 120,000 vacationers. Nearby attractions are Mipoo raw fish town, Dalmaji hill for the scenic driving, island cruise, Olympic park and Yachting club. The BEXCO convention center is a new addition to the Haeundae beach area. It has a total area of 132,000㎡ of three floors above the ground with one story basement. BEXCO is one of the Korea's largest scale state-of-the-art exhibition and convention facility hosting many international events.
Gwangan Bridge
Opened in 2003, it is the second-longest suspension bridge in the country after the Incheon Bridge. The road surface is about 6,500 meters long, with the bridge as a whole spanning 7,420 meters. Construction on the eight-lane, double-story bridge started in 1994 and took almost an entire decade to complete. Adorned with over 10,000 colorful LED lights, it is an absolute splendor to view at night, especially when admired from Gwangalli Beach. The nightly light show, complete with musical accompaniment, is one of the most popular evening attractions for locals and visitors alike, and changes seasonally. Shows are on at 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., with 9 p.m. showings put on over the weekend.
Busan Aquarium
Right along Haeundae Beach is Busan Aquarium, a multi-story aquarium definitely for the tourist crowd.
There are about 250 species and up to 35,000 marine animals on display. The main tank contains 3,000,000 liters of water, and the animals can be viewed through acrylic windows or from the 80-metre underwater tunnel. There are 40 exhibits, which include penguins, otters, piranha, sea jellies and a touch tank for a close up "hands on" look at a variety of sea creatures.
After descending the escalator, your eyes gradually adjust to the dark that comprises the majority of the underground space. It certainly attunes your eyes to the clever and changing light displays, but some of them are overkill to say the least!
Included inside are: a two-story aquarium area (look down from the upper floor or up from the lower floor, but most of the fish often seem happy near the top); an underwater shark tunnel (it’s less ominous than it sounds!); and a short tunnel you can crawl through before standing up to be surrounded by seals up close and personal.
Centum City
Comprised of 14 floors above ground and four below ground, it is a shopping and entertainment complex, The major luxury mall brands 60 various brands of cosmetics and clothes illustrate the high standards of this huge department store.
Four squares, four food courts, and a ridiculous number of restaurants! Anchored by an eight-floor department store with separate buildings including an office tower, the multi-facet mixed-use center hosts a a driving range with 60 tees, a movie theater, “Spa Land” with 22 tubs and capacity for 1600 people, a grocery store, an ice rink, a cinema, a water bar, a bookstore, an art gallery, a rooftop park with green grass, and a daycare center. It lacks for nothing. It is a super large-scale shopping space - over 293,000 total square meter! Centum City is listed as the world’s largest department store in the Guinness world records.
Busan Cinema Center
It is an architectural gem of Busan, an important site for the annual Busan International Film Festival (BIFF). Busan Cinema Center represents a new combination of culture, entertainment, technology, and architecture with a public space. The concept envisions an urban center with superimposed areas: the Urban Valley, the Red Carpet Zone, the Walk of Fame, the Memorial Court, and the BIFF Canal Park. The buildings house theaters, cinemas, a conference center, offices, production studios, and restaurants, whose spatial boundaries flow into one another in a mixture of protected interior spaces and outdoor spaces, the largest of which also functions as an outdoor cinema with seating for 4,000 people. Of the most impressive feature of the center is two steel roofs. The Small Roof covering the outdoor theater BIFF Theater has a span of 70 m and an area of 66 m x 100 m to 120 m and weighs 1,236 tons. The Big Roof is 163 m long x 60 m wide with an 85 m cantilever portion and weighs 6,376 tons. The Big Roof is the longest cantilever roof certified by Guinness World Records. At night, a stunning light display dances across the roof's long overhang, which extends out from the building.
Taejongdae
It is a natural park located far off the southernmost coast of Yeongdo. The park with its subtropical forest, rugged cliffs dropping strait down to the sea offers a stunning ocean vista. At the very most southern tip of the Taejongdae there is an observatory along with coastal walking trails along the rocky cliff face and a light house. A colorful shuttle tram bring visitors to the main attraction - Observatory Deck where you will get a splendid view of a lush green vegetation, surging waves crashing into the rocks and islets floating on the ocean. There is a mother and children statue by the Observatory Deck, a few steps away from the suicide rock. You will recall something about its comfortable image. On a clear day, you will also view Japanese island, Tsushima.
UN Memorial Cemetery
The UN Memorial Cemetery is the only one of its kind in the world designated by the United Nations itself. It is our nations most sacred shrine. This is a place of dignity and respect. Please remember these are hallowed grounds. It was established on January 18, 1951, since then, this area (14.7ha) has served as a cemetery by the UN Command during the Korean War. Later in 1959, an agreement was concluded between the United Nations and the Republic of Korea to establish the "United Nations Memorial Cemetery" in Korea to pay tribute to all those who perished during the war in resisting aggression and in upholding the peace and freedom. The cemetery consists of largely three areas: symbolic, grave and green areas. Among them the symbolic area occupying the highest part of the land with flag masts of participating nations of the UN forces, was dedicated in honor of the precious sacrifices and the symbol of concerted efforts of 22-nation allied forces including Korea under the UN flag during the War. Since its inception, various buildings and monuments have been installed inside the cemetery. Memorabilia hall exhibits the first UN flag used by the UN Command during the Korean War, a variety of UN troop pictures taken during the war and related memorabilia. There are Two Turkish memorials, a Greek memorial in the symbolic area; a Commonwealth memorial monument commemorating the 386 fallen of the Commonwealth forces, an Australian memorial and a Canadian memorial statue in the grave area; and a Korean memorial monument for all sacrifices of the UN forces of which the rolls of honor are enshrined in the green area. These monuments are all dedicated by their countries respectively. The main gate, which was dedicated by Busan citizens in 1966, and the memorial service hall of 1964 were both designed by a famous Korean architect, and now adding their memorable and historic character. 2,300 war dead from 16 Korean War allies rest in honored serenity. During the period of 1951-1954, remains of approximately 11,000 fallen of the UN Forces were buried here. Thereafter, most were repatriated to their home countries. It is the permanent home war heroes of the following nations. Australia (281), Canada (378), France (44), Netherlands (117), New Zealand (34), Norway (1), South Africa (11), Republic of Korea (36), Turkey (462), United Kingdom (885), USA (36), Unknown soldiers (4), Non-belligerents (11). Military support by 16 countries are Australia, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Ethiopia, France, Greece, Luxembourg, Netherlands, New Zealand, Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, Turkey, UK, USA.
And 5 countries including Denmark, India, Italy, Norway and Sweden supported medical service.
Busan Modern History Museum
Built in 1929, the building was once used as the office of Japanese Oriental Development Company to implement the Japanese policy of economic domination of Korea. The company first concentrated on the management of farms and executing the Japanese immigration program, then, it gradually expanded its investment in finance and industrial capital. After liberation, it was used as a U.S. Army barracks and, later, the USIS. The museum is highlighted by the story of Busan from the late 19th century to modern-day Busan.
opening of the port in 1876, exploitation of Busan by the Japanese Imperial Army, a hard time under the Japan's Oriental Development Company, the transformation of Busan into a modern city, and the relationship between Korea and the U.S. after the Korean War. Apart from the main exhibition, the museum houses a unique book that shows interesting photographs of Korean lifestyle of the century ago. Hermann Gustav Theodor Sander, (1868-1945) who served a military attache to an embassy of Germany in Tokyo, is known to have made journey around Korea twice during 1906~1907 and took more than 188 photographs. They are published in Hermann Sander's Journey and the visitors may have a chance to see them.
Bujeon Market
Located in the central neighborhood of Seomyeon, it
is the largest market of its kind in Busan. Calling it a market town is no mere hyperbole. Just the covered portion comprises a full grid of streets and alleys, and you can easily get lost in its chaotic, densely crowded streets. The market has a sprawling collection of fruit carts, meat carcasses, and all manner of colorful characters who pass their days laughing, haggling, and gutting fish. The market is filled with vendors selling a staggering array of meats, squiggling octopuses, squids, salted seafood, offal, dried and fresh seafood, kelp, vegetables, peppers, grains, breads, and mountain greens, ginseng, honey, garlic, pots, pans, aprons, fruits, spices. Everything a Korean kitchen could ever possibly need. It is unbelievably cheap. Definitely worth a look.
Bokcheon Museum
There are extraordinary burial mounds built along the top of a ridge that overlooks a wide area that makes up parts of modern-day Dongnae-gu and Yeonje-gu. The actual site of the tomb is currently marked with bushes. This ancient tumulus group indicates that a complex chiefdom ruled by powerful individuals was present in the Busan area. Bokcheon Museum displays artifacts excavated from this tumulus group, providing an excellent video presentation. The exhibition is highlighted by the life of the people during the Samhan, Gaya, and Three Kingdom periods and fascinating archaeological relics, such as bowls made of earth, metal tools, ornaments, horse saddles, and armor. There is one glass dome structure in the middle of the open pavilion to showcase the tomb and you will see how toms are constructed.
Dongnae Fortress
This old fortress has a circumference of 3.8km and was one of the large fortresses in those days, and the location for such fortress is rather good since it has four hills around it to provide a natural protection. At present, some fortress structures are restored while some are permanently gone.
This fortress was one of the first targets by Japanese and their invasion began here on April 14, 1592. A fierce battle ensued here. There is a small museum that explains how the fortress was built and speaks to Japanese invasion. Here you will see a famous quote on the wall in the entrance.
戰則戰矣 不戰則假我道 : which is asked "If you want to fight, fight, if not, then move out of the way" by the Japanese.
戰死易 假道難 : responded that "It's easy to die in a battle, but it's difficult to let you through" by Korean magistrate Song Sang Hyeon.
On top of the hill stands Bukjangdae command post. The view spreading below is the view of Busan, ocean and also the ancient tomb at the bottom. Not too far from the Bukjangdae is located the Independence Movement Memorial.
Yeongdo Bridge
Yeongdo, a small offshore island, is famous for its Taejongdae seaside cliff and Mt. Bonglae which provide fantastic views of one of Korea's largest cities.
The National Maritime Museum, which offers ocean-related exhibitions all-year-long, is underrated as a tourist destination. Yeongdo is also the location of the international cruise terminal, the entry point to Korea for travelers arriving on a cruise ship.
Yeongdo bridge was constructed in 1934 during the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945) as the first drawbridge in Asia. The bridge was designed for the big ships to pass through, so the bridge had to be able to make this to happen. A 214.63m-long bridge was once famous for the lifting of the drawbridge 6 times a day but it was stopped in 1966 due to heavy traffic.
After the Korean War (1950-53), the bridge became a landmark for refugees looking for their families and loved ones.
The Yeongdo Bridge got its lost fame back. The recent buzz in Busan is that the bascule bridge is being opened regularly for the first time since 1966. Today, this single-leaf bascule bridge lifts its 31.3m-long and 590 ton deck at an agnle of 60 degrees for 15 minutes for the tourists daily at 14:00. This scene is a great photo moment and sight to behold.
Haedong Yonggungsa Temple
The temple has a long history which dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty in 1376, built by Naong, an influential Buddhist teacher. Unfortunately, like so many things, the temple was burned to the ground during the Japanese invasion and eventually rebuilt in 1930s.
This Buddhist temple is quite unique in that it was built beside rocky shores as most temples are built in the mountains. You first approach the temple grounds, which are located along the coastal waters of the shoreline, down a narrow corridor filled with vendors selling their wares. You are immediately greeted by life-sized statues representing warriors of the twelve Zodiac animals. Many choose to take pictures here, finding their birth year animal and striking a pose
As you make your way towards the temple, you will see a towering seven-story stone pagoda that is intricately detailed in its design and along the way a Dharma statue with a tarnished nosed and a scuffed belly that grants woman that rub its belly or nose a future son. It is through the gate, which spots two golden dragons on either pillar, and down the flight of
108 stairs and crossing over the bridge that separates one shoreline from the next, you will finally enter the main temple courtyard.
The main worship hall t is filled with beautiful paintings including murals and a painting to the Divine Sea god of the East Sea. Enshrined in the center is Sakyamuni Buddha franked by Medicine Buddha and Amita-bul, the Buddha of the Western Paradise. To the right of this triad is a mural dedicated to The Seven Stars, while to the left hangs a Yeongsan Hoesang mural. Near the main hall is a ferocious metal dragon with all the tiny little Buddha Statues. Located in front of the main sanctuary is a three story stone pagoda supported by four lions representing feelings of joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. To the left of the main hall is a large, jovial, golden statue of the Dharma. Also in the main courtyard are two large, round, golden pigs that grant good fortune. There is a flight of stairs that lead underground which houses a statue of Medicine Buddha, as well as water that purportedly cures ill health. It is next to this shrine hall, and up an uneven set of stairs, that you will climb towards a serene statue of The Bodhisattva of Compassion surrounded on all sides by shrubbery and monk statues.
Jinju
It is a charming city set by the picturesque Namgag River and a home of 350,000 people. Jinju is more often referred to as the home of the loyalty. Jinju's historic point of interest is the old fortress, which is built on the cliffs along the Namgang River. The city has a famous history of the faithful Nongae who plunged into the swirling river holding a Japanese general tightly in her arms, drowning both, when Japanese troops breached the inner wall in the 16th century. Within an area of 176,840㎡ of this 1,700m-long Jinju fortress contains magnificent gates, pavilions, shrines, watch towers and the Jinju National Museum displaying historic artifacts and documents on Japanese invasion. Near the hill of the Chokseokru pavilion, which once served as the commander post, is a large rock where Nongae and the Japanese general perished. Silk is now one of the main industries of Jinju. Numerous pottery workshops are also found in and around Jinju. Only a few minute drive from the city center will take you to the Jinyang lake with its dam and the water museum, and a sunset offers a stunning view. Jinju's Lantern Light Festival is a great attreaction.
The origin of lantern lighting dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) when a war broke out between Korea and Japan in the late 15th century. Some 70,000 civilians, officials and soldiers were killed in Jinju alone during Japanes invasion. In October 1592, General Kim Simin used lantern not only as military signals, but also for communication between soldiers and their families. They would be floated in the sky or on water. The Lantern Festival program includes a street parade, a pleasure cruise, a love bridge and folk games.
A concert will make the fountain come to life with dazzling fireworks galore. Jinju also has a old traditon of Korean bullfighting, which is very different from Spain's version. Korean bullfighting pitches bull against bull. It's more of a festival and also represents a special friendship between the bull and the owner.
Cheonghakdong
It literally means a community where a crane of blue feathers lives. It is one area that was left virtually untouched throughout much of Korea's turbulent history. About 200 residents in Cheonghakdong Village still honor the old Confucian way of life and uphold the custom of tying hair in a knot, wearing Korean traditional clothing. Near the village is the holy ground to worship the founder of Korea and a monastery called Samseonggung. At both entrances, there is either a gong or a drum that must be struck by a member of the party in order to announce visitors' arrival. There are about 1,500 various types of stone towers. When the palatial residence is shown, the ascetic solemnly requests to the visitors to show respect.
Hwagae Market
Hwagae Market offers a colorful bazaar of produce, fungi, mushrooms, herbs, sea weed in various preparations, household goods and locally-crafted tea ware, wooden saucers, bamboo scoops, strainers, brushes and mats most of which are reasonably priced considering that they were handmade.
The market is filled with excitement and the local vendors of all ages peddle herbs, and wares, most harvested or crafted from raw materials provided by the mountain range. The cheerful rhythm of the drum from the taffy seller attracts the ears and eyes of many, creating an exciting atmosphere. A traditional blacksmith still produces hoes, sickles, and other implements in the traditional ways.
Next to the market are small stalls where you can feast your lips on local specialties from corbicula soup and fried sweet fish.
Today, the marketplace bears a facade of modernity, but still exudes all of the vitality and human touch of a traditional country market of old with many attractions.
Tongyeong
Tongyeong is a traditional seaport of great charm and historical interests. There are 150 offshore islands near this port city and they are rich in tradition relating to Admiral Yi Sunsin, Korea's greatest naval hero. Some of the attractions of Tongyeong includes old boot camp Sebyeonggwan, dates back to the early 17th century and Chungryeolsa, meaning 'Faithful to the King and the Country', that was erected to commemorate the achievements and loyalty of Admiral Yi Sunsin. It is now both shrine and museum. Seoho morning market and Jungang market offers the sights, sounds, and smells of a Korean fishing village; the Nammangsan Sculpture Park is a home for some of the world's top sculptures; and Tongyeong Traditional Craftwork Center is located on the edge of winding Sanyang scenic drive, where Tongyeong craftspeople exhibit and sell their authentic wares. About 30-minute trip by boat is Hansando, the site of Admiral Yi's headquarters during the Japanese invasion led by General Hideyoshi. This same place is where he won his most spectacular victory in July, 1592 by using a brilliant Crane-wing tactic. He is also credited with the perfection of the first iron-clad warship in history. The panokseon had an open top deck ? where the marines were positioned ? and was thus more vulnerable to the main Japanese naval tactic of grapple, board and engage in hand-to-hand combat. The construction of the turtle ship was such that it was immune to such tactics, being protected by an iron-clad roof covered in sharp spikes.
Dongpirang mural village
A modern addition to the town is a wall painting village among the terraces of hilltop houses overlooking the harbor. Set at the foot of the mountains, the village was on the verge of being torn down, but it got the second chance when artists came to the rescue painting over the decorated chic witty and cheerful murals. What were once shabby houses now welcome visitors with radiant colors. The views of Tongyeong harbor from the top of Dongpirang village is marvelous.
Jinhae
Just west of Busan, Jinhae's claim to fame rests on its beautiful display of cherry blossoms every year, usually in late March or early April. It is the main location for the Korean Navy. Of the most spectacular events is the Cherry Festival, which was first introduced in 1963. During the 10 days festival period, the whole city is crowded with visitors from every part of the country and the whole city runs busy. The Naval Academy and its museum are open to the public and visitors will have an opportunity to board the warship. Various folk arts including folk song and dance, and Taekkyeon which is the traditional martial art, are performed. Navy Guard of Honor band brings an added mood of festivity. Jinhae is among the few places in the country where you can watch bullfights.
Geoje
It is the second largest island after Jejudo. Now, the island is connected to the mainland with its 740m-long bridge from Tongyeong and 8.2km-long bridge from Busan. Located to the east of Tongyeong, the island became prominent with its ship building industry. There are 61 islands around Geojedo only 11 of which are inhabited. The eastern coast of the island is called Haegeumgang, meaning "Diamonds of the Sea". It consists of two adjacent small islands, rising 116 meters above sea level and covering the area of 0.15㎢. The cliffy seashore, lined up with fantastic-shaped rocks, is a superb tourist site. There is Oedo Island, entirely covered by natural camellia and over 3,000 other plant specimens. Overall 3 hours Haegeumgang cruise starts at Jangseungpo, absolutely on weather permitting. Geojedo's unique attraction is the P.O.W Camp which once accommodated a total of 170,000 during the Korean War. Today, only a portion of the camp buildings still remains to tell the story of this horrific time.
Geoje is the center of Korea's shipbuilding industry. Daewoo Shipbuilding Marine Engineering is one of the largest shipyards in the world. Equipped with the state of the art facilities such as 1 million DWT dry dock and the 900 ton Goliath crane, the company can build more than 40 vessels per year including commercial ships, offshore platforms, drilling rigs, LNGC and submarines. Samsung Heavy Industries is equipped with 3 dry docks and 1 floating dock which comes to 2.45 million GT. The company has capacity of building 50 ships a year. It made the world's largest container vessels and occupied more than 60% of LPG carrier market share. The SHI becomes the front runner in the field making FPSOs, tankers and drillships. Geoje was the final port of call of the SS Meredith Victory at Christmas 1950. It is best known for evacuating more than 14,000 refugees in a single mission and the largest humanitarian rescue operation by a single ship during the Korean War.
P.O.W Camp
The camp here reminds visitors of its turbulent history. The facility is a recreations of battles and such, it is still a good educational resource for background on the Korean War. The original camp was closed after the 1953 armistice, but a park was created here in 1997. The outbreak of the Korean War on June 25, 1950, led to the establishment of a massive P.O.W camp accommodating a total of 170,000 POWs of whom 150,000 were North Korean soldiers and the remaining 20,000 were Chinese soldiers. Approximately 300 prisoners were female.
There were frequent bloody, often fatal, encounters between anti-communist and pro-communist POW factions. The situation was so chaotic, that on May 7, 1952 , one faction actually managed to kidnap the camp commander, American Brigadier General Dodd, and held him until his release was negotiated three days later. When Brigadier General Dodd, the 12th Commanding General of the POW camp, was investigating the 76th Camp in the morning of May 7, 1952 , he was taken captive by POWs, and Brigadier General Charles Colson succeeded him as the 13th Commanding General. He made strong efforts to have Brigadier General Dodd released, and ordered all the households in Gohyeon district to be evacuated within 24 hours on May 9. The residents were forced throw out their beloved lands and houses as evacuates and suffered hardship for the following three years. Brigadier General Dodd was released on the fourth day on May 10 and the riot was brought to conclusion, the succeeding Brigadier General Colson and the air-commodore Dodd degraded one class each as they were responsible for the commander of the repatriate.
On May 11, as the 14th Commanding General Brigadier General Boterner was assigned and burned all houses of residents and public buildings, and the POW camp were divided into 500 POWs units and strict control was executed by installing double wire netting around the camp. Upon the cease-fire agreement on July 27, 1953, the POWs were exchanged and the camp was closed. From the spring in 1955, the evacuated residents returned to their lands and 880 consents of POW barracks were given to them by the Health and Society Ministry, together with funds for agricultural land restoration expenses. It was decided in December 1983 to protect the remnants of the camp.
Both side prisoners were repatriated, at their free choice of destination, from August 5 to September 6, 1953 under the name of Operation Big Switch and Operation Big Swap at Panmunjom. The UNC returned 75,823 POWs (70,183 Koreans, 5,640 Chinese); the Communists repatriated 12,773 UNC POWs (7,862 Koreans, 3,597 Americans, 946 British).
The vast majority of the 22,600 enemy non-repatriates were Chinese, most of them former Chinese Nationalist veterans. Prisoners who declined repatriation were given ninety days to change their minds. 137 Chinese soldiers did so, and went back to China. Two Americans and eight Koreans also did so, and were returned to the West. That left 325 Koreans, 21 Americans and 1 Briton who voluntarily decided to stay with the Communists. The Big Switch and Big Swap ended on September 6, 1953 after 33 days of operation.
Geoga Bridge
Opened on December 13, 2010, it is a 8.2km-long bridge that links Busan and Geojedo, the second largest island in Korea. Building a tunnel like none ever seen will take technics like none ever tried. Yet the Koreans have never built an immersed tunnel. But, Korea has completed it with the Dutch who have five century’s experience and her specialty is tunnel immersion. The bridge has a number of segments; Jangmok tunnel - Jeodo island (1st approach bridge; 458m, 3-pylon cable-stayed bridge; 676m, 2nd approach bridge; 510m), Jeodo island - Jungjukdo island (Jeodo bridge; 220m, Jeodo tunnel; 290m, 3rd approach bridge; 330m, 2-pylon cable-stayed bridge; 919m, 4th approach bridge; 610m, Jungjukdo tunnel; 281m), Jungjukdo - Daejukdo - Gadeokdo island (Gadeok immersed tunnel; 3,666m, 5th approach bridge; 247m).
A 3.7Km-long roadway tube tunnel is the deepest highway on earth and the Korea's first immersed tube constructed 48m below mean water level. The remaining 4.5Km segment is a combination of two cable-stayed bridges built on the open sea and a number of approach bridges and tunnels built on three islands in the middle.
A 2-pylon cable-stayed bridge with a 475m main span and 220m side spans. This bridge provides 52 meters of navigational clearance and has two 156m diamond-shaped pylons. A 3-pylon cable-stay bridge has two main spans of 202m with side spans of 106m. The pylons are 102m tall and there is 36 meters of clearance underneath the bridge.
For the Koreans it is a chance to join the Dutch on the world stage. It is not just a short cut but the past to the future.
Hapcheon
About an hour drive from Daegu is the Gayasan National Park dominated with the Haeinsa temple representing the Teaching. After passing through three gates, there is a large courtyard with the Main Hall. Behind the main hall are depositories which house the 81,258 wood-blocks of the Tripitaka Koreana (three baskets - Sutra which are believed to be the actual words of the Buddha, Vinaya which contains the rules of behavior for monks and nuns, and Abhidharma which is classic commentaries of the sutra). Built in 1488, the depositories escaped the fires which burnt down the rest of the temple in 1817. The Tripitaka Koreana was completed in 1251 after 16 years of work in the Jeondeungsa temple on the Gangwhado Island. The total number of the words engraved is 52,382,960. It was believed that the possession of these wood blocks would protect the country against foreign invasion. The original set of printing blocks, carved in the 11th century, was burnt down by the Mongols and, in the 13th century, the project to make the new set was undertaken at the orders of King Gojong. They were transported from the Ganghwa Island on the heads of nuns to Haeinsa for safekeeping. Haeinsa is named to the World Heritage List. There are also a few men's hermitages. The temple is the largest in Korea in terms of residents and has the largest monk's university.
Ulsan
Located in the southeastern coast of Korean peninsula, Ulsan is one of the largest cities in the country. The city has started to experience a dramatic growth from the 1960s when the Korean government launched the nation's first and largest industrialization drive. The city has an extensive industrial infrastructure, which includes Hyundai Motor Company, Hyundai Heavy Industries, LG Chemical and other manufacturers. Ulsan is often referred to as the Detroit of Korea. Also, Ulsan is well-known for pear farming and dominated by pear festival. Ulsan once boomed for whaling until it was banned in 1986. Today, the city operates three-hour whale watching tour from April to October on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday departing Jangsaengpo. Whale museum is an excellent facility to catch a glimpse of whaling history and various species of whales. Hyundai Motors Plant is one of the Ulsan's pride. Hyundai Motor Company, a division of the Hyundai Kia Automotives Group, is the world's fourth largest automaker in terms of units sold. Hyundai operates the world's largest integrated automobile manufacturing facility in Ulsan, which is capable of producing 1.6 million units annually. The company's success is driven by the commitment of approximately 75,000 employees in more than assembly plants, Hyundai vehicles are sold in 193 countries through some 6,000 dealerships and showrooms worldwide.
Daegok-ri Rock Carvings
Bangudae rock carving is a huge prehistoric petrography with about 191 pictures carved with sharp tool on a natural rock (8m x 2m) at the bottom of the cliff of Daegokcheon the upstream of Taehwagang in Daegok-ri, Eonyang-eup, Ulsan. Here, one can classify objects widely into sea animals like whale and dolphin are carved on the left and the land animals like tiger, dog, deer, boar and goat are carved in line on the right. Some animals or human beings are expressed in a simple shape, but some are described in X-ray style lifeline in the pictures of pregnant animals, gullet and other internal organs, animals kept in a net or cage, a boat where lots of people on board, a boat dragging a caught whale, a man with emphasized genital, a dancing shaman with a tail and so on. This rock carving is presumed to have been made sometime during the Neolithic and Bronze age.
Cheonjeon-ri Gakseok
The patterns etched into the rocks (6.5m x 3m) range from ocean creatures and land animals to human faces. The upper part of the rock, which is presumed to have been made during the Bronze age, features geometrical patterns, the designs of lozenges, two-prong circles, mud snails, deer, fish, birds, snakes, and human faces, etc. On the lower part of it, which is believed to have been made during Silla period (BC57- AD935), there are a number of characters from the time of the Silla kingdom, figures of humans and animals which were drawn in line. The stone type has patterns which have chiseled inside with chiseled outlines. A two-pronged circle symbolizes the sun, and the additional geometrical patterns signify that this was an altar where people of the Bronze Age held religious rituals to pray for agricultural abundance and the prosperity of their descendent.
Dinosaur Footprints
The area surrounding Cheonjeon-ri is known for its rock drawings and fossils of dinosaur footprints. It appears that the footprints belong to the dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous period about 1 billion years ago. There are about 200 footprints in the area of 1,750㎡.
Upo wetland
Upo wetland, the largest natural wetland in Korea, is located in Changnyeong stretching across 3 counties and 13 villages. Upo wetland is made up of four smaller wetlands - Upo, Mokpo, Sajipo, and Jjokjibeol. Altogether, Upo wetland is 2.5km wide, 1.6km long, and covers 2,132,926 square meter. Upo is the largest of the four, and this is why the wetlands are collectively known as Upo wetland. Many types of plants and animals inhabit Upo wetland. Upo wetland was able to preserve its precious ecosystem throughout the years. Thanks to increased public interest in natural wetlands and increased public awareness about environmental conservation, the Korean government named Upo wetland an 'Ecological Conservation Area' on July 26th, 1997. On March 2nd of the following year, Upo wetland was designated as the 'Protected Wetland' in accordance with the international Ramsar Treaty.
Namhae
Namhae is popular for a sunken coastline which has created an irregular pattern of bays and inlets. Located in the middle of the southern coast, Namhae is a famous for its splendid natural landscape. The island, comprising 68 islands of which only 3 islands are inhabited, is the third largest island in Korea. The island has long been popular with travelers for its natural wonders, lovely beaches, ancient temples, trekking trails and historical sites. Shaped like an hourglass, the mountains are high and rugged while the scenery is picturesquely rural, offering a pastoral view. On the southern tip of the island is one of Korea's most attractive beaches situated below the rugged spires of mountain. There is a similar but smaller fishing village Mulgeon guarded by thick forest to protect from the high winds from the sea. Nearby is German village inhibited by Korean-Germans who had gone to Germany in the 1960s seeking work and later had returned. One of the must-stops is Gacheon village. Nestles on the cliffy hill overlooking the ocean, it and creates a unique mood of the islands. The village is famous for two attractions; the first is the terraced rice paddies, a long and narrow stair-like fields spread over hills by the blue sea, with 108 steps created on a steep hill with stones and soil. Second is the phallic symbol guardian rock of the village, but also a popular fishing spot. The winding coastal road is paved and visitors can feast their eyes on the green landscape created by innumerable islands and the emerald-colored sea.
Namhae Bridge
Modeled on the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, it was opened in 1973 and became Korea's first suspension bridge that spans 660 m long, 52 m high, and 12 m wide. The bridge is particularly beautiful at sunset. More visitors flock in spring when cherry blossoms line the shores. The only complaint is that there is no lookout-area where drivers can pull over to take in the view. So visitors must enjoy the landscape for a few fleeting moments as they cross over the bridge.
Goseong
Located at the southern end of the central Gyeongnam, it was the capital of Seogaya, an ancient kingdom of advanced culture. It is endowed with natural tourism resources of beautiful mountains, ocean, and fields. Geographically, Goseong borders Geoje, Sacheon, Tongyeong, Masan, and Jinju. Goseong has been a home of dinosaurs.
Goseong has the highest concentration of tracks in the world, including the footprints of 410 individuals in one group. It also has the most abundant ornithopod footprints as well as 139 sauropod footprints. The footprints of dinosaurs that lived in the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era remain extending over 6km of the coast around Sangjokam, and fossilized dinosaur's footprints were found in abundance in 1982. It is presumed that many kinds of dinosaurs including dinosaurs with four legs and two legs inhabited together at this site. Also, vestiges of dinosaur and bird footprints, are fossil site of the extinct animals and plants of the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era, where various fossilized dinosaurs' footprints and birds' footprints were discovered. About 1,900 dinosaur's footprints including the footprints of sauropoda, omithopoda, ceratosauria and others were found on the extended coastline of 4km that is the stratum of the Cretaceous Period of the Mesozoic Era. The site is recognized as one of three fossil sites of dinosaurs' footprints in the world along with the site in Brazil and Canada. When you walk a long way round the rock road along the dinosaurs' footprints, you can find the entrance to a cave. A natural stone Buddha, dinosaur's footprints on bedrocks, loom-shaped figure which has a folk story that fairies came down to the cave, made loom and weaved clothes of silk brocade to present to the Lord of Heaven were discovered inside the cave.
Goseong Dinosaur museum
It is a new addition to Goseong's attraction. The museum covering total space of 3,400㎡ gives visitors overall information about dinosaurs. Dinosaurs with skeletons, footprint fossils, fossils by period, 96 items of whole or partial skeletons, models, and fossils of Archaeopteryx, Pterosaurs, Apatosaurus, Ankylosaurus, and Tyrannosaurs Rex are on display. Also, there are activity areas for the children to learn and experience the world of dinosaurs, such as 'With Dinosaurs' theme land, dinosaur story room, fossils and geological strata, dinosaur bone assembly, size comparison, looking inside and outside and game land. Outside the museum stands 34m-long, 8.7m-wide, 24m-tall model of Mesozoic Era herbivore, Brachiosaurus made of steel truss mosaic tiles.
Sangjokam
Since the discovery of Sauropod footprints for the first time in Korea in January 1982 in Goseong, 5,400 more footprints have been discovered including 4,300 reported in academic journals and 704 unconfirmed ones. Diverse dinosaur footprints have been discovered in Goseong including the smallest Sauropod footprint of 9cm to 1m long footprint. Along with Colorado and west coast of Argentina, Goseong is a treasure house of dinosaur footprint fossils. Dinosaur and bird footprints left here are scientifically important and designated and protected as Natural Monuments. The analysis of dinosaur footprints found here revealed that the footprints can be classified into 12 types. They include Ornithopods that walked on 2 legs and 4 legs such as Iguanodon, and Sauropods that walked on 4 legs and carnivorous Theropods. After the continents drifted apart, the evolution of dinosaurs on each continent was different. From what is known about the dinosaurs in the early and mid-Cretaceous Period, we can conjecture the dinosaurs that had lived in Goseong. The base of the strata along the coast of Sangjokam, which might have been a part of larger field in the Cretaceous Period, is completely disturbed. This indicates that groups of dinosaurs moved around heavily in this area. Compared to sparse footprints found in other countries, Sangjokam was inhabited by many dinosaurs about 100 million years ago. The existence of 4,300 footprints proves that Goseong was a place of many dinosaurs.
Dinosaur eggs and bird footprints
Eggs were discovered at 6 sites along the coast of Goseong-eup and Samsan-myeon. The analysis of these eggs revealed that they were the eggs of 3 different types of dinosaurs. Especially, the nest was discovered in its original shape without much damage. Further excavation might reveal more eggs and bones. Researches up to now confirm that Goseong was once a dinosaur nesting place. Goseong has the highest number of bird footprints found in Korea . From the footprints found in Hai-myeon, a new species was found and named Jindongornipes kimi. Koreanaornis hamanensis was also discovered in Hai-myeon. Recently, Jindongornipes kimi was found in Donghae-myeon also. Korea is one of the most important sites of bird footprints of the Mesozoic Era. And it is highly probable that new bird footprints will be found in Goseong.
