Destination
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Quick Finder
Baekryeonsa / Banwol and Usan Village / Boseong / Buan / Byeongyeong / Chaeseokgang / Cheongsando / Daesaseupnori festival / Daegumyeon Kiln Sites / Damyang /
Dasan Cottage / Deokyusan national park /Gangjin /Geomundo / Gimje /
Gochang / Gurye / Gwangju
Haenam / Hanji Museum / Hongdo / Hwasun / Iksan / Jeongeup / Jeonju / Jeungdo / Jindo / Jewelry Museum / Jinan / Jirisan national park
May 18th Uprising against Military Regime / Mireuksa temple site / Mokpo / Muwisa / Muju / Naejangsan national park / Naju / Nagan Fortress Village / Namwon / National Maritime Museum
Pungnamje / Saemangeum / Samjicheon Village / Seonamsa / Songgwangsa / Soswaewon / Suncheon Bay / The National May 18 Democratic Cemetery / Uhangni Dinosaur Museum / Wando / Wando Arboretum / Yeonggwang / Yeosu / Yudalsan
Southwestern Region
The area covers, Chungcheong Namdo, Jeolla Bukdo and Jeolla Namdo provinces. Boarded on the north by Gyeonggido, on the east by Gyeongsang Nam-do province, and on the west by the Yellow Sea, the region has a spacious flat land that has made this area a great source for the rice and agricultural products. There are several provincial and national parks.
Saemangeum
Located on the southwest coast of Korea, Saemangeum is an estuarine tidal flat on the coast of the Yellow Sea and its seawall, started in 1991 and completed in 2006, connecting Gunsan and Buan is the world's longest man-made dyke. The construction of the 33,9km-long dike at the yellow sea is considered to be one of the world's large land reclamation projects. Two discharge sluices, named Garyeok and Sinsi, were installed at two different locations in order to drain excessive water during flood season from inside of the basin out to the sea. Under the vision of "Hub of Biz Frontier in East Asia," the project has been carried out with two large goals of creating future-oriented new industry and tourism leisure industry. The authority will create four districts, which are the Saemangeum district, the Gogunsan Gundo international ocean tourism estate, the Gunjang state-run industrial estate and the Gunsan City rear district by 2020. Saemangeum, however, has been the most important known wetland for shorebirds in Korea and in the Yellow Sea, supporting huge numbers of shorebirds on both northward (April and May) and southward migration (August-October) between Siberian and Alaskan breeding grounds and wintering areas in southern Asia, Australia and New Zealand.
Gwangju
Being the country's 5th largest city, it is the principal city of the Jeollado province, the bread basket of the country which is situated on the southwestern corner of the peninsula. The Mudeungsan Mountain, southeast of Gwangju hovers over the city like a guardian. The mountain's fame is watermelon and its local tea, made from soft buds that emerge from the snow in early spring. Gwangju is also famous for its Kimchi festival and the Biennale. Gwangju's Folklore and National Museum displays thousands of historical artifacts including Chinese porcelains which were salvaged in 1976 from a Chinese trading ship wrecked at Shinan 600 years ago. On the outskirt of Gwangju is the Mudungsan national park, which is an ideal spot for a day visit. The Western influence first came in 1904 with Christian missionaries. The American Mission Monument, erected in 1982, reads 'At this site on December 25, 1904. American Southern Presbyterian missionary Eugene Bell sent of Led the first service of Christian worship in the city of Gwangju'. The Owen moratorium, which was built in 1914 by American donation, is now in use as an auditorium by a nursing school. The Gwangju Uprising in 1980 is a unique historical event that elevated Korean democracy by fighting against the authoritarian rule and injustice. Entering the Gate of Democracy, a Democracy Square followed by Gate of Memory and a 40m-high Memorial Tower is placed at the central axis that leads up toward the burial sites. In 1997, the victims were exhumed from Mangwol-dong cemetery and honored at this national cemetery of May 18. Rest in honored serenity in this cemetery is 660 victims of the democratization movement of Gwangju, patriotic activists and men of national merit. Unjusa and Songgwangsa temple in the southeast of Gwangju are among the attractions in the area. Songgwangsa is one of the largest temple representing the Buddha's followers; monks and laity.
May 18th Uprising against Military Regime
After the assassination of Park Chunghee on October 26, 1979, Prime Minister Choi Kyuha took the president's role, who later won an election on December 5th that year to become the country's fourth president and ruled 8 months until August 15th, 1980 only to be usurped 6 days later. Major General Chun Doohwan and close allies within the military staged a coup d'état against Choi's government on December 12th and quickly removed the army chief of staff and virtually controlled the government by early 1980. By then, university students led strong protests against authoritarian rule all over the country. Chun declared martial law on May 17, 1980, and did away with all trappings of civilian government, becoming the de facto ruler of the country. Political opponents were arrested and confined to house arrest. On May 18, 1980, a confrontation broke out in the city of Gwangju between protesting students and the armed forces dispatched by the Martial Law Command. The incident turned into a citywide protest that lasted nine days until May 27 and resulted in the Gwangju Massacre, where 191 civilians were killed, 892 civilians were injured and 441 civilians missing by Chun's military. May 18th Democratic Uprising against Military Regime is registered in the UNESCO's Memory of the World in May of 2011.
The National May 18 Democratic Cemetery
It is a symbol of freedom and democracy. It is a memorial to the victims of Korea's violent military crackdown during May 18 - 27, 1980, and a history museum and educational center. At the entrance is the Gate of Democracy, which contains a visitor guestbook. The Gate Cherishing the Memory of the Deceased stands high for all to see. The Gateway to History contains photographs from the Uprising as well as showings of video documentaries. Portraits of those who are buried in this cemetery are enshrined on the walls of Portrait Enshrinement Tower. There stands the lofty May 18 Memorial Monument, a 40 meter high tower - the shape of two symmetrical square pillars - and an egg-shaped statue that symbolizes the resurrection. A few minutes walk throught the memorial garden is a reinstated cemetery of Mangwol-dong, where the victims were first hurriedly buried without proper ceremony. In 1997, the graves were exhumed and their remains re-interred in this cemetery. Behind the memorial tower, the graves of the victims are honored in serenity.
Damyang
Located 22km north of Gwangju, Damyang is a historical county with fertile plains, beautiful scenery and lots of cultural heritage. In the reign of the Joseon dynasty, Salim, the elite of the society and politics, chose this area as a retreat for their tranquil lives, when they found no place to realize their aspiration under the absurdity and contradiction of the then political realities. They made a companion with nature and wrote verse and prose, while disciplining themselves and teaching their disciples. Today, it is one of the most famous towns for bamboo cultivation and craftsmanship. Set by the scenic mountains and lakes, the city has a population of 60,000 in the area of 460 square kilometer. You cannot go anywhere in Damyang without realizing the significance of bamboo which has always been one of the most admired plants in Korea - its tall, high stems often likened to the unyielding spirit of a true gentleman is a theme park landscaped with bamboo. You will enjoy a path through a high bamboo forest as you listen to bamboos rustling in the wind. In addition, there is an ancient fortress that has a total circumference of 7.4km. Today, the walls and other historical relics are well preserved in the fortress complex together with its gates. The Damyang lake with its 316m long and 46m high bank holding 67 million tons of water is worth a visit. The Bamboo Museum opened in 1992 provides an excellent opportunity to look into the bamboo artworks and displays a total of 1,150 antique and modern works of bamboo ware.
Soswaewon
Soswaewon, literally meaning freshness and cleanliness, is a 16th century garden built by Yang San-bo (1503-1557), who renounce his fame and success and retired into the nature. It is a private garden representative of the Joseon era. The garden expresses ancient Koreans' respect for nature, especially in the way the architecture melds naturally into the surrounding landscape. On the side of the valley stand Jewoldang pavilion for the host and Gwangpunggak pavilion for the guest, making it an inner and outer garden. A stream running down from the north passes beneath a natural rock structure and pond right in the center of the garden. Bamboo, pine trees, various shrubs and flowers adorn the grounds, adding serenity to this peaceful retreat. Of 10 buildings, only three remain today. The garden can be said to be a cultivating house of scholar spirit in that many Confucian scholars discussed academic subjects and wrote their works here.
Namwon
It is a time honored charming city dotted with many historical spots and visitors attractions. As one of the gateways to the Jirisan national park, Namwon is famous as the home of Chunhyang, the legendary faithful maiden whose story has been compared to the Romeo and Juliet. There is a park at the center of the town in which stands the Gwanghallu pavilion where the lovers are said to have first met beside a pond, and a bridge built on a pond that is supposed to ensure connubial bliss to any couple that steps on it. A small shrine contains a portrait of heroine, and on each spring a folk festival is held in her honor. Many ancient temples, which were the stronghold for Buddhist monks who fought against the Japanese, can be viewed and castle ruins are around. A giant tomb of unknown soldiers who were killed in the battle against Japanese troops in the late 16th century, is an example of patriotism of Namwon people. Namwon is also the home of traditional music. Many famous Pansori, Korean opera, singers are from this small town. A visit to the Namwon Classical Music Institute offers an opportunity to enjoy Korean traditional music including vocal and instrumental music.
Jirisan national park
The Jirisan Mountain is the Korea's first national park designated in 1967 and, at 440㎢, is the largest mountain national park of the country. It is the second highest mountain in South Korea, after Mt. Hallasan on the Jeju Island. The vast of the park and its peaks including the 1,915m Cheonwangbong, creates a superb view around the year. On the slopes of the mountain are some famous temples which include Hwaeomsa, Ssanggyesa and Cheoneunsa. With stream running through thick virgin forests and a sea of clouds covering the summits, the park offers the magnificent scenery. The picturesque mountain, home to a rich variety of species of animals and plants, forms the extreme southern end of the Great Baekdu Mountain range, which splits the southern Korean Peninsula into east and west. This makes it the perfect starting point for backpackers traveling across the Baekdu range. Of the popular trekking route is Nogodan trail.
Overall 5 hours hiking through Hwaeomsa valley up to Nogodan of 10Km. A paved highway makes a 1100-m-high pass just 3 km to Nogodan's west, and a large parking lot with restaurants and etc has been built beside it, however the valley is still popular among the true hikers. The trail is a mix of both easy and challenging. The trail maintains a relatively gentle slope until reaching the Jeopseondae where small cascades appear to your right and where it immediately turns arduous as it heads up a very steep incline for about 2.5 kilometers. You can scale rocky trials all the way up to Munaenggi. Another 40 minutes easy walk leads you to Nogodan (1,507m), holding a legend of old mother in law and her daughter in law and being the third highest peak of Jirisan after Cheonwangbong (1,915m) and Banyabong (1,734m). The park is considered harmonious because it straddles the border of three provinces and five cities. The park attracts about four million visitors a year.
Naejangsan national park
As one of the most famous tourist attractions for its beautiful colored leaves, the Naejangsan Mountain rises over a vast area offering spectacular scenery around year. Listed as a national park in 1971, the mountain is blessed with fancy rock formations, imposing waterfalls, deep valleys and gorgeous maple trees. Naejangsa and Baekyangsa are some of the temples in the park.
Deokyusan national park
Set in the middle of the Sobaek Mountain range connecting Mt. Sobaeksan and Mt. Jirisan , a grand ridgeline stretches towards the southwest for nearly 30km. Named virtuous and generous mountain, it boasts of its waterfalls, swamps, and fascinating rocky cliffs combine with crystal clear streams, and to create 33 scenic attractions of the Gucheondong valley. In spring, royal azaleas carpet Deokyusan, and lush forests, hemerocallis, and the outstanding Gucheondong valley make Deokyusan a perfect place to escape from the heat of the summer. The Deokyusan natioal park is also famous for its beautiful autumn foliage and snow-capped Japanese yew and Korean fir trees create splendid snow scenery in winter.
Jeonju
It was the capital of the Late Baekje kingdom and is now the home of well over 600,000 people. The city boasts a time-honored tradition as well as significant cultural and artistic heritage. The Jeonju Hanok village, a Korean House complex retaining much of their perfection intact, and graceful ancient gate display calm and gracefulness. Jeonju Hanok Village is filled with all kinds of wonderful hidden treasures that can be found only by exploring the alleyways and courtyards. You may find a small workshop hand-making hanji paper, or perhaps a tiny tea house. There are also plenty of restaurants, as well as calligraphy and wine museums. Gyeonggijeon holds the portrait of King Yi Seong-gye, a Joseon dynasty's founding king, featuring him seated in a magnificent red chair with three gold-foiled dragons on his royal blue robes. Across the street is a beautiful Jeondong Catholic church of Byzantine and Romanesque architectural design. It is a prominent cultural asset in itself, the cathedral was established to uphold the spirit of Catholic martyrs, and it is considered one of the most beautiful churches in Korea. Just west of the church is the stately Pungnammun. It's the only remaining gate of former city fortress. Rebuilt in 1768, the architecture is similar to other great gates except that the Jeonju gate's pillars extend from the first level up into the second. The city's attractions also include Jeonju national museum housing a rich collection of prehistoric artifacts, Buddhist artworks, ceramics, metal craftworks and historical ethnographic materials. Jeonju is also a home of traditional mulberry paper. The paper is used in calligraphy and in making fans, umbrellas and other items. Bibimbab is the city's specialty. Korean traditional wine museum is an excellent facility to learn more about the brewing techniques of Korea's traditional wine. The traditional craftworks exhibition hall is designed to admire the beauty of traditional Korean crafts. Here, visitors will get to learn about the art of mulberry paper, pottery, woodwork, embroidery and other traditional crafts and buy souvenirs produced by the master artisans.
Hanji Museum
The museum features various paper applications, as well as the history of paper manufacturing in Korea.
There are over 1,800 items made of paper as well as relics related to the art of paper, 700 pieces of paper artwork, ancient writings, as well as roughly 230 historical texts, and 90 other related paper made items. In addition to these exhibits, one may try their hand at making their own piece of paper just as it has been done for centuries in Korea. A unique paper items and well-crafted souvenirs are also available.
Pungnamje festival
The week-long Pungnamje festival is one of the largest local events in Jeonju. First held in 1959, it offers a wide variety of exciting events and cultural performances. The festival programs include the poetry competition, cooking contest, Joseon military parade, traditional blacksmith demonstration, straw shoes making, hemp spinning, rice cake making, and traditional wedding ceremony. In addition, Jeonju hosts paper festival and Sori, or music and folk song festival, and the Daesaseupnori festival.
Daesaseupnori festival
Traditional Korean musicians, held in the highest regard, come from all part of the country for the competition. The Jeonju Daesaseupnori preserves and maintains the Korean traditional folk songs and music. This national competition consists of nine categories; the professional, and the amateur Pansori, the solo opera, Gayageum Byeongchang, the playing on the Gayageum zither and singing, farmer's dance and music, Korean traditional dance, instrumental music, Sijo, the traditional Korean verse, Minyo, the folk song, and archery contest. The festival dates vary every year as it falls on the 5th day of May by lunar calendar.
Iksan
Located immediate northwest of Jeonju, it is the town of time-honored history and culture. It is also the town of jewelry and precious stone processing complex. As the only gem city in Korea carrying forth the magnificent tradition of metal art of the late Baekje Period (AD 600-640), this old capital's 1,100 skilled technicians produce jewelry that is exported to 40 countries. A visit to the Gems and Jewelry Center for finely crafted jewelry is rewarding. Of the interesting events of the town is the Mahan festival which was a religious and ritual service offered to the heaven in ancient Mahan period. The festival involves folk play, band competition, and a beauty pageant in memory of Princess Seonhwa who lived in the ancient kingdom.
Mireuksa temple site
It was one of the greatest Buddhist temples in the kingdom of Baekje with its magnificent stone pagoda that stands at 14.24m over the past 1,400 years. It is one of the oldest and grandest stone pagodas which still remain in Korea. It is a representative relic of the Baekje culture and was constructed in the last year of the Baekje period. The pagoda was originally 9 stories, but only 6 stories survived. Especially its roofs are thin and broad, and the somewhat raised edges of the roof eaves are as smart as those of Korean traditional tiled roofs. The cross shaped corridor on the first story, central interior column, and structure of the ceiling demystifies the unique transition period transforming wooden pagodas into stone ones.
The Miruksa Exhibition Hall demystifies the layout of the greatest temple of the Baekje Kingdom. It represents the legends about the origins of Miruksa Temple and the unique transition period transforming wooden pagodas into stone ones are explained.
Jewelry Museum
The Iksan Jewelry Museum is one of the most fascinating museums in Korea , and the visitors will be acquainted with the development of the Korean jewelry industry. The pyramid-shape building consisting of six exhibition halls houses royal jewelry, minerals in their raw and polished form, ornaments, and works of art. When walking through the entrance, it feels like entering the mother's womb. Dark and mysterious, the contents reveal the secrets of the earth's crust. A jewel can be defined as a work of art when it measures up to the requisites of beauty, durability, rarity, tradition and portability. The sixth and last exhibition hall reflects these characteristics in all its opulence. Next to the Iksan Jewelry Museum is the Fossil Exhibition Hall. Filled with dinosaurs and fossils, it is children's delight. Tyrannosaurus rex vies a bloody combat with triceratops, while pterosaurus suspended from the roof looks on. Make use of the opportunity to see a baby psittacosaurus mongoliensis from the early Cretaceous Period originally found in China. It died from the overindulgence in pebbles still visibly stuck to the remains of its skeleton after all the centuries.
Jinan
Located approximately 3km southwest of Jinan stands mysterious Maisan, twin peaks symbolizing male (667m) and female (673m) in the shape of horse's ears, which are composed of aqueous rocks. They look like huge concrete structures, built up by rocks and cements. There is a crevice called Hwaam cave where spring water gushes out. Today, the Tapsa temple is surrounded by over 80 conical stone pagodas. In 1885, a lone Buddhist hermit layman Yi Gapyong (1860-1957), at the age 25, came to Maisan to meditate and cultivate himself living on such as raw pine needles. Over the next 30 years he constructed, single handed, as many as 108 conical natural stone pagodas, all without mortar. Most of them were piled up only with native stones, except a few remain pagodas such as Cheonjitap to which a couple of stones carried from the other part of Korea were added, to be in harmony with their spiritual energies. He applied the principles of Yin Yang, the cosmic dual forces. Using this method, stones are first laid in a circular configuration before placing additional stones inside this circle. More stones are then placed in position to form a conical pyramid with his utmost sincerity and dexterity. The style of pagoda is unusual and quiet different from that of the stone pagodas seen in other temples.
Muju
It is an eco-cultural town harmonizing its nature and tradition. A series of mountains, such as Minjuji, Daedeok, Deokyu and Jeoksang, all of them rising more than 1,000 meters, make this area one of the most beautiful and clean environmental towns. Deokyusan National Park spans a large area and encompasses such attractions as the Muju Gucheondong Valley, with its bizarre rock formations, superb cliffs and waterfalls, and the Anguksa Temple and Jeoksangsanseong Fortress, both offering superb views over the surrounding area. Gucheon-dong is popular for its clean fresh water and cherry blossom along with the royal azaleas. In the fall, color leaves offer a marvelous view. When a silver snowfield unfolds, Muju resort, catering to large ski facilities, hotels, swimming pools and amusement park, is crowded with outdoor enthusiasts. Muju is a place where you can find yourself amid the wonder of nature. Taekwondo Park and Insect museum is unique to Muju. At the entrance of Insect Museum, representative fossils ranging from the Paleozoic era to the Cenozoic era were restored to help appreciate the ancient mystery of the nature, and specimens of 13,500 rare insects of 2,000 species including fireflies along with 150 tropical plants are exhibited.
Gimje
Located at the heart of the Honam Plain, Gimje has been the largest granary of Korea. Gimje and its vicinity is the only area in Korea where one can observe a panoramic view to a wide expanse of land of rice paddies that meet the horizon and awe inspiring sky. Geumsansa temple is not to be missed. Originally built in 600 by master Jinpyo, it is a significant temple in the scope of its scale and character. It was the main temple for practicing the Maitreya faith during the Silla period. The Maitreya Buddha Hall is a three story wooden structure, a unique among Korean Buddhist halls. The first floor is Great Compassion Hall, the second of Dragon Flower Meeting and the third of Maitreya Hall. Inside the hall is a huge painting of the Mireuksa Buddha, the Buddha of the Future. The temple boasts of many cultural assets; a small sculpture of a bud positioned on the top removed, but the function or purpose for the relic remains unknown. a finely detailed lotus-shaped pedestal on top of its surface is cut, a 5 story pagoda from Goryeo period standing at 7.5m, a stone lantern, having the lower and upper pedestals are round in shape, and each have 8 lotus petals engraved on the surface. A stone stupa can be seen. Images of Buddha and guardians are carved into the faces of the outer stones of both the upper and lower stylobates.
Jeongeup
Jeongeup is famous for the celebrated Naejangsan national park, best known in Korea for color leaves. During autumn its maple leaves explode into a vivid red, so it is quite crowded. Maple trees line up either side of the entrance, making up of 500-meter-long canopy as you approach the Naejangsa temple. This temple was first constructed in 637 with 50 buildings. But, in 1539 during the reign of King Jungjong and when the monks turned into the thieves misbehaving badly stirring up the public sentiment, the royal court ordered to burn down the temple. At the end of the path there are sixteen sacred stupas. At first you cross through a gate that has giant, wooden statues that guard the temple from evil spirits. Just beyond this gate is Jeonghyeru, the high building of Samandhi and Mati. Inside is a nice bridge over water spotted with goldfish. There are about fifteen buildings, two stone pagodas included in the temple, so it is a pretty good-size.
Buan
Byeonsan Peninsula National Park stretches 35km and through five townships along the coast. Established as a national park in 1988, it is the only national park in the country that has both a seashore and mountain in it. Outer Byeonsan is dominated by Chaeseokgang cliff and Byeonsan beach, whereas Inner Byeonsan with waterfalls, lush woodlands and temples. At Naesosa temple entrance, fir trees stand tall providing a tunnel under which you will walk into the main gate of the Buddha's world. The main worship hall of Naesosa is enshrined with Amitabha Buddha assisted by two Bodhisattvas. Unlike most of Korean temples, it is less colorful, mostly bare wood, with a few faded murals on the ceiling and beams inside the temple. The Bodhisattva that is painted on the wall behind the Buddha is the largest of its kind in Korea. The Dharma bell that was cast in 1222 is a rare example of beautiful craftsmanship. This 103Cm high, 67Cm wide and 420Kg weigh bell has a hanging ring with a carved dragon and triad Buddha statue is engraved on the center. On the courtyard stands three storied stone pagoda that is supported by one stone on every floor of the main portion. The pillars are carved on each side. The higher it is, the more drastically it diminished giving it a sharp impression. There is an eye catching tree of a 1000-year-old Zelkova. People use to come to the foot of this tree and pray under it. Naesosa is an immensely tranquil place. Nothing is out of place, nothing is hurried or loud, everything moves on slowly, steadily, towards no specific end. Timeless is too brief for this place.
Chaeseokgang
Located at the west end of Byeonsan peninsula, the name Chaeseokgang was adapted as it resembles the Chinese equivalent of this location where Chinese poet Lee Taebaek, while drinking wine on a boat, saw the moon reflected in the river and jumped into the water to grab it. The rocks have been formed by the waves of the ocean over a very long time, and resemble hundreds of thousands of stacked books. It is nature's masterpiece of stratification, and you can see here that are not seen elsewhere. The visit to Chaeseokgang is available twice a day when the water recedes, and at low tide. The scenery of sunrise or twilight there is simply awesome.
Byeongyeong
Byeongyeong village is where regional military officials, were dispatched during the Joseon Kingdom. Byeongyeong Fortress, a regional military headquarters in the Jeolla region, built in 1417, still remains there. Constructed on flat ground, the wall has a total length of 1,500 meters. In the village where commoners lived, all houses have stonewalls, high enough to prevent mounted police guards from looking into the house. Stones comprising the walls were laid obliquely at about 15 degrees - the way of the building walls is Dutch style, learnt from a Dutchman named Hendrick Hamel, who was shipwrecked in 1653 and stayed here 7 years from 1656 to 1663. The base once moved to Jangheung temporarily in 1599, but it was repositioned here in 1604.
Gochang
Gochang is a small town dominated with UNESCO world heritage Dolmen, Seonunsa temple and Gochang fortress. Much was lost during Japanese invasion in 1597, but Seonunsa temple remains its reputation. The temple is also famous for its camellias, which grow on the low hill behind the main worship hall. Constructed in 1453, Gochang Fortress has a total perimeter of 1.7km. Legend has it that 6th, 16th and 26th of the month are regarded as the best time to walk around the wall. It has such tactical features as three half-moon-shaped protrusions, six parapet structure and moats. There were 22 buildings including a commander's headquarters, a guest house, two ponds and four fountains inside the fortress. But most of them were burnt down during the Hideyoshi invasion. The existing remains are having restored as a visage of old days from 1976. But, today the festival is held regular basis on and around the ninth day of the ninth lunar month. In Dapseong Nori, local women walk around the fortress carrying a stone on their heads, with the belief being that the one trip around the fortress will cure leg disease, two trips will prevent disease and give you a long life, and three trips will bring you to the paradise.
Gochang tidal flat of 40.6㎢ is the largest among the Ramsar wetlands in Korea. The tidal flat is famous for its diverse array of natural monuments and endangered wildlife including the Kentish Plover, Eurasian Oystercatcher, red-backed sandpiper, and whooper swan. UNESCO has recognized the environmental and community values of Gochang's mud flats and wetlands, as well as its Seonun mountain park, dolmen structures and wild animal reservation zone and designated as a protected biosphere reserve, thus became the fifth in the South Korean list.
The Gochang, Hwasun and Ganghwa Dolmen Sites are the location of hundreds of stone dolmen which were used as grave markers and for ritual purposes during the first millennium BCE when the Megalithic Culture was prominent on the Korean Peninsula. The Korean name for dolmen, Goindol, comes from the southern-style dolmen. It literally means a stone that is propped up by other stones. This is a primary method of discriminating dolmen from other rocks. The sites were designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2000. Korea is said to contain more than 40% of the world’s dolmen which are mostly concentrated in these three sites. In the whole Korean Peninsula, some 36,000 dolmens have been recorded by academics.
In Gochang, the area with the largest dolmen concentration in the Korean Peninsula, 1,686 dolmens have been found in 205 groups. The dolmen were built from east to west at the foot of a series of hills at an altitude of 15 to 50 meters. Generally, the capstones of the dolmens are around 1 to 5.8 meters in length and may weigh up to 225 tons. In particular, the 447 dolmens were designated as World Cultural Heritage Sites. This density of dolmen distribution is unparalleled in the world.
Gurye
Located on the western foot of the Jirisan mountain, it is a home of 35,000 people in the total area of 440㎢, of which 80 per cent belongs to the mountainous area. Jirisan, the second highest mountain (1,915m) in the country offers scenic trails and paths for hikers and trekkers. In spring, the valleys are truly colorful with a full bloom of azaleas, peaches and cornus officinalis, etc. About 16km from the town center is a small farming village, Sangwui. Valleys of Sanwui are colored yellow with a full bloom of cornus officinalis, creating a festive mood from a long harsh winter landscape. The cool valleys with clear stream water and cascades are enough to attract the visitors during the hot summer months. The scenery in fall is amazing as the whole mountain is in an ablaze with color leaves. One of the must see attractions of Gurye is an ancient Buddhist temple of Hwaeomsa . Located 5km east of the town, it is the 6th century temple dedicated to the Vicocana Buddha, the cosmic head of the Hwaeom trinity. Gurye still has lot to offer as there are many other temples, lonely hermitages, ancient pagodas, stupas, shrines, fortress, hot spas and mountain resorts as well.
Suncheon Bay
Suncheon Bay is a coastal wetland, composed of a 3.5km long stream, a vast tideland and a wide field of reeds. The image of the entire field swaying in the wind is as dazzling as waves on the sea. Suncheon Bay's tidal flats and reed fields that are highly known for its ecological importance offer not only a beautiful landscape, but also incredible biodiversity. Counted as one of the world's top five wetlands, the bay stretches along the 40km long coastline and yet a home to a diverse range of species from various types of crabs to a multitude of common and rare birds. Such internationally rare birds as the hooded crane, white-napped crane, white stork, black-faced spoonbill, and the Eurasian Oystercatcher are spotted here. There are about 140 species of birds including the snipe, wild duck, shell duck, and wild goose. From the bay's observatory, visitors can observe the reed fields up close, or take a boat ride out to the bay at high tide. The reach to the Yongsan Observatory, the best place to see the bay's beautiful S-shaped waterway and reeds, is an hour's trek, but the view is well worth it.
Nagan fortress village
West of Suncheon is the Nagan fortress Village. The fortress was built into a mud rampart in the 14th century to protect the town from the Japanese aggression. Later in the 16th century, the fortress was reinforced with stones, subsequently became the castle. Unlike other fortresses, the Nagan fortress is situated on a wide plain. It was built on naturally square stones, varying in size from one to two meters. The village contains the symbols of agricultural society such as thatch-roofed houses that are hardly found throughout the country, timeold customs and communal rites. It is comprised of essential elements for a typical administrative town of Joseon such as a cluster of people’s houses, fortress and government office. Also, the village embodies the ideological view of Confucianism, the dominant ideology of Joseon, in its spatial composition and landscape. About 90 traditional thatched roof houses are still functioning, making a peculiar townscape in harmony with the rectangular stone rampart. Today, the visitors are invited into several residences to experience hands-on programs exploring pansori epic chant and wooden craft making. Naganeupseong is the last remaining walled-village in Korea. The entire 1,410-meter-long fortress wall remains intact, giving visitors the unique opportunity to take a walk along the top and get a spectacular view of the village down below. Near the east gate is a Confucian academy and shrine. No longer teaches local youths here. At the center of the village is a monument dedicated to General Lim Gyeongeop (1594-1646) for his outstanding service as the county chief. A memorial service is annually held here in the honor on the first full moon day of the year. In this village grow old trees like homoiocelties asparas, zelkova, and gingko some of which are believed to be 100 to 400 years old. One unusual aspect of the town is that it was inhabited by a number of different clans rather than having one dominant one. In every October, the town holds a huge food festival featuring a hundreds of traditional Korean delicacies.
Songgwangsa
30km west of Suncheon, Songgwangsa is one of the three most important temples in Korea, representing the Buddha's followers; monks and laity. Therefore, it has a formidable collection of stele and pagodas containing the ashes of some of many masters who have lived here. The temple contains all the facilities needed to train monks in the ways of Buddha and has produced 16 guksas (the highest rank in Buddhism, a title reserved only for the most highly esteemed monks). The sheer width of Daeungjeon (main building) gives one the impression of grandeur, a feeling further enhanced by the many paintings illustrating the teachings of Buddha and highlighting his achievements. The most famous monk who lived here was master Jinul (1158-1210). In 1190, he realized his life-long wish to create a situation in which like-minded people could live and practice Buddhism together. In the Main Hall, the three main statues are the past Buddha, Dpiankara, the present day Buddha Sakyamuni, and the future Buddha Maitreya. Uhwagak Pavilion at the entrance is considered particularly beautiful for the striking harmony between its arched bridge, columns, and the surrounding environment. In front of the main bridge-entrance into the temple, there are two small houses completely separate from the rest of the temple. The late master Gusan (1901-1983) set up an international Zen center here.
Seonamsa
It is a Taego sect temple whose monks are allowed to marry. Set in the Mt. Jogye about 27km from Suncheon, the temple is said to have originated from the small hermitage built by Ado in 529. In 861, Silla priest Doseon expanded the temple as a Zen center and named it Seonamsa. Later in the early 11th century, famous Goryeo priest Uichon expanded the temple by blending various Buddhist tenets into one embodying Zen Buddhism. After most temple structures were destroyed during the Japanese invasion in the late 16th century and again by a fire in the 18th century, the temple was restored on several occasions by a number of priests. In 1985, the temple opened its school to train Buddhist leaders and better develop the traditional Buddhism of Korea. The valued cultural items are preserved at the temple. On the way to the temple, one can find a collection of stele with stupas and a stone pagoda. There is a 3-story stone pagoda, the Hall of Goddess of Mercy, and several other halls dedicated to the Buddha. About 20 minute walk through well-managed scenic path by the babbling brooks under the woods adds the pleasure of the visit. About 3 hour of easy trekking through the mountain path leads to the famous Songgwangsa temple.
Yeosu
Located on the middle of the southern coast dotted with 317 islands creating a gorgeous landscape, the city is surrounded on three sides by rugged mountains, making it a beautiful natural port. Numerous rock cones topped with lush green vegetation, fancy rock formations and many of the fascinating caves formed by sea erosion are far from being forgettable. Odongdo is a key location and the access point to Hallyeo Maritime National Marine Park. Originally, it was an island, but now having installed the bulwarks of Yeosu Port all the way to Odongdo Island, visitors can simply walk along the breakwater to this isle, covered with over 200 species of evergreen subtropical trees including camellia that begin to bloom in November that colors the entire island in scarlet until April the following year. And further to the south is Dolsando Island that can be accessible by the 450m-long Dolsan Bridge, which commands a panoramic view of the port. Hyangilam hermitage, located at a southern tip of the island, is a vantage point to view a beautiful sunrise. Yeosu hosted the 2012 World Expo from May 12 to August 12, 2012. With the theme "The Living Ocean and Coast," the expo offers a valuable opportunity for the international community to seek ways to coexist with the sea in an ecologically sound way. The expo will feature a sea exhibit harmonizing manmade structures and nature, a miniature Dadohae Park on a 1/1000 scale, and a living marine laboratory that features Korea's state-of-the-art technology against a beautiful seascape. The Aqua Planet displays 33,000 marine animals from 280 species, including endangered species and sea dragons. It is the Korea's first dome aquarium feature to visitors a 360 degree view of an underwater environment. Yeosu is a locale where Dutch sailor Hamel and his seven crew members made their escape on September 4, 1666 after 13 years and 28 days detention. Hamel Lighthouse stands in a small port and a bit further from the lighthouse is a statue of Hamel.
Geomundo
About 115km southwest of Yeosu, a half way between Yeosu and Jeju, is Geomundo which is dominated by lush green vegetation offering a pleasant trekking trails for anyone to enjoy. The islands were once occupied by the British for 2 years (1885-1887) when the Korea was in the political turmoil among the struggle of the neighboring powers. A number of trekking trails available from 2 hours to six hours. About 28km east of Geomundo is a group of islands called Baekdo, meaning white islands, comprising 39 large and small isles all of which are uninhabited. Well over two hours cruise to Baekdo, starting and ending at Geomundo wharf, is unforgettable.
Boseong
Boseong is the lovely town famous for tea and hemp clothes. Also the town is renowned by Sori, or a Korean traditional genre of singing. Sitting at the popular turnoff on the side of a mountain pass and looking down at the tea-covered hillsides that extend nearly to the sea, Boseong began commercial production of tea in 1939, and ever since has become a fast growing tea area after the flanks of the Jirisan Mountain and the Jeju Island. Boseong is the home to the largest tea plantations in Korea. One of the mountains has been terraced to facilitate tea growth. Thanks to its fertile soil and climate with high humidity, it became the ideal place for the tea cultivation. Boseong alone supplies 80 per cent of local demand. Daehan Tea Farm is delightfully accommodating visitors. A short walk along the path lined with cedar trees that had been planted to block the wind leads visitors to the tea plantation where the carefully trimmed tea trees stretch endlessly over steep mountain slopes - a lush green carpet that is a sight to behold. Lovers freely roam the hills, walking between the rows of bushes and taking pictures of each other at every bend. Visitors can taste and purchase fragrant, high-quality green tea. In Korea, tea leaves are picked from early April until late August and Ujeon tea, made by tea leaves picked during the first plucking season in April is considered the best quality. The Dahyang festival takes place from every later April to early May. The festival has many programs including tea-leaf picking and tea brewing contests and classes for traditional tea ceremony. A tea market is opened during the festival. In Yulpo, located on the other side of mountains from the tea plantations, there is a small hot spring where you get a view of the ocean while you soak. They only have four pools and one sauna, but it's a chance to have a unique, relaxing experience. Boseong boasts of the 6th century Daewonsa temple, in which numerous kinds of lotus flowers are growing. Bas-relief Buddha, weathered stone pagodas, ancient fortress ruin, beaches, mountain resorts, and lakes are some of Boseong's attractions. Flax cloth is Boseong's specialty.
Hwasun
The prehistoric cemeteries at Hwasun, Gochang, and Ganghwa contain many hundreds of examples of dolmens - tombs from the 1st millennium B.C. constructed of large stone slabs. They form part of the Megalithic culture, found in many parts of the world, but nowhere in such a concentrated form. Dolmen tombs in Hwasun are historically valuable because of the sheet number of them (over 500) and the presence of the quarry from which the stones were excavated. Enormous capstone slabs and unfinished dolmens in the area give further evidence of how people constructed these historic burial sites. The global prehistoric technological and social phenomenon that resulted in the appearance in the 2nd and 3rd millennia BCE of funerary and ritual monuments constructed of large stones (the 'Megalithic Culture') is nowhere more vividly illustrated than in the dolmen cemeteries of Gochang, Hwasun, and Ganghwa. Unjusa temple once flourished with its thousand Buddhas and thousand pagodas is an unusual place. Today, the temple holds only about 100 stone Buddha statues and pagodas. The statues are sculptured in unorthodox, idiosyncratic, and abstract ways. One leans against rock wall, another sits inside a stone house, and yet another reclines on the ground.
Gangjin
Gangjin sits against a superb backdrop of Mt. Wolchulsan , which is rimmed by the sinuous Tamjin River and the scenic Gangjin bay to the south. Numerous cultural treasures - including the 10th century Muwisa temple with its treasured Buddhist paintings and mural paintings, the 9th century Baekryeonsa temple screened by camellia woods, the Wolnamsa temple site with its graceful brick pagoda, Geumgoksa and its stone pagoda, the 18th century cottage of famous scholar, a home of Korean poet, and Dolmen of the pre-historic era - attract the growing number of visitors. Of the significant historic event is the wreckage of Holland sailor Hendrick Hamel in the 17th century off the shore of the Jeju Island. The 15th century Gangjin fortress, which has been the commander post during the Joseon dynasty (1392-1910), is the very locale where Hamel's crew members were detained for 8 years. Gangjin, situated the half way between Boseong and Mokpo, is a home to traditional Korean Celadon. More than half of the country's celadon kilns and many celadon relics have been excavated here. The Gangjin Celadon Museum aimed to carry on the celadon culture in Korea through collecting, exhibiting and researching about celadon, is a good facility for an introduction of the Korean celadon. Nearby is a functioning kiln, and visitors may have a chance to view the reproduction of the celadon. A total of 188 kilns, which are presumed to have flourished from the 9th century into the 14th century, are said to have existed here. The first research on the Gangjin pottery kiln relics was made in 1914. A new kiln was established in 1977 to reproduce the beautiful Goryeo celadon which had not been made for about 600 years. Gangjin holds cultural festival every August. It offers a variety of programs including the sacred rite before a celadon kiln, tug of war, the weaving contest, on-site celadon-making class, and the exhibition at the celadon museum.
Daegu-Myeon Kiln sites
Daegu-Myon is confirmed the main place where celadon porcelains were baked during the Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). 188 pottery kilns are scattered in the area of 672,000㎡ in Daegu-Myon. It is now designated as the historic site No. 68. Later, a series of excavations were followed and a great number of potteries were found. At Youngun-ri, hundreds of kiln sites were found scattered sporadically throughout the area. Among them, Sadang-ri is the place where the finest Goryeo celadon was produced. The kilns at Youngun-ri are classified as the early stage kilns which were mostly built from the 10th to mid-11th century. Shards of porcelain found in this area show similarity to Chinese porcelain styling such as Woljuyo, Yeojuyo and Yeoyo. Sangdae-ri has 40 kiln sites in number. Some of them were damaged by the inroads of stream and some of them converted into farmland. They show the process of changes in Goryeo celadon porcelain, including the mysterious color of in its zenith. Sudong-ri has 6 kiln sites, most of which belongs to the later Goryeo period. They contain diverse forms and techniques with different color of glazes.
Muwisa
It is located about 16km northwest of Gangjin. The temple was first named Gwaneumsa in the 7th century, but renamed Muwisa after several renovations. The 15th century Hall of Paradise, which is designated as the National Treasure No. 13, is enshrined with the Amitayus Buddha (Infinite Life) including two Bodhisattvas. Right behind the Buddha is a painting of three Buddhas. Behind this painting is a mural painting of Goddess of Mercy who lacks her eyes. The legend says that one old man visited the temple for this mural painting at the time when the Hall of Paradise was completed, and asked not to look into the hall for 100 days while he was painting. But, an impatient monk peeped into him painting on the 99th day. All of a sudden, a bird flew away with his painting brush in his mouth, and then the paintings remained uncompleted. Muwisa has a great collection of Thangkas (Paintings in Buddhism). Other 28 Thangkas are on display for the visitors in the other building, Bojeongak. Muwisa's other attractions are the Hall of Mountain spirit, the Hall of one thousand Buddhas, the Hall of Metreya Buddha, the Hall of Ten Kings of Hell, a belfry, a 3-story stone pagoda and a stele dedicated to the monk Seongak.
Baekryeonsa
About 15 minutes ride from the town of Gangjin is Mandeoksan. On its lower slope in the camellia woods sits a graceful temple Baekryeonsa . Founded in the 9th century, the temple has a great reputation with its 8 great monks in the later Goryeo dynasty (918-1392). The main hall, Daewoongjon, is enshrined with three gold leaf wooden Buddhas. Sakyamuni is in the middle and two others are Amitayus and Medicine Buddha on each side of its octagonal sanctuary with its 3 front rooms and double eaves. As the main god depicted is the Merciful Goddess, Bodhisattva should have been depicted on either side, but instead, there is a depiction of Buddha. Of the temple attractions are a stele standing next to the main hall, and stupas away in the camellia woods. The eulogy on the stele consists of 19 lines with 45 letters a line. It records the national preceptor Wonmyo's achievements. On the back of the stele are inscribed the names of 72 monks and civilians who joined the erection of this stele. The epitaph also says that the entire stele, built by Choeja (1188-1210), was lost except turtle base which is now in use. The stele was re-erected in 1681.
Dasan Cottage
This historic site is a spot that Jeong Yakyong (1762-1836), while on an exile, completed a study on pragmatic learning. He was exiled here on a charge of Catholic mission. He lived here outside the town wall for 8 years among his 18 years-exile period. At this cottage with a view of Gangjin bay located near the bottom of the Mandeoksan Mountain, he taught young scholars and completed about 500 works with the help of his pupils from the spring of 1808 to September of 1818. Among his books, Mokmin Simseo, Gyeongseyupyo, and Humhum Sinseo on Cultivating the People, Reforming the Social System and Criminal Law are the most famous. The house where he lived fell to ruin. Later the east hermitage and west hermitage were built next to the cottage.
Wando
Wando is located at a point where the ocean current and warm current meet. Wando embraces a total of 201 islands, of which 141 are uninhabited and 60 are inhabited. Thanks to the advantageous environment of being surrounded by clean waters with warm temperatures, Wando's harvest of abalone is superior both in quantity and quality, as it is abundant with seaweed, the main food for growing abalones. Along the long coastline stretching 839 kilometers, various seafood products including sea vegetable growing wild on rocky coastlines and sea tangles are found. The islands are also abundant with green forests, rocks and stones and white sandy beaches all year round.
Although it is still lagging behind in terms of high-end tourism infrastructure, the region is frequented by many seeking a dose of nature.
The serene sunset is also a sight to see from the pebble (gravel) beach of Gugyedeung. Located in Jeongdori, the beach is formed with layers of pebbles rounded out adorably by the long years of erosion. Sunset on the beach is breathtaking. There is also a walking trail surrounding the beach with various evergreens. It is said that residents who lived in the region planted the forest to block themselves against strong island winds.
Wando Arboretum
Located in Gunwe town on Wando's main island, the garden that opened in 1991 spans some 2,000 hectares of land and houses 3,739 species of plants, flowers and trees. It is one of the Korea's largest arboretums keeping warm-temperate zone plants, offering refreshing scents of nature and entertains the eyes with festive colors of flora.
Main facilities include the Forest Exhibition Hall, Forest Environment Education Center, glass house, outdoor gardens, walking trail, observatory, camellia tree garden and much more.
The arboretum is especially charming in that it is surrounded by the mountains of Baekun and Sanghwang, creating a mystic ambiance.
The green house or the glass house is also a favorite destination to many for housing forests of exotic plants, flowers and cactus.
Haenam
Haenam was the first place in the world where dinosaur, pterosaur and bird tracks were found together. It also has numerous large arthropod tracks. The 7.3-meter long tracks made by a flying reptile are visible at the center of the fossil site, which is listed as Natural Treasure No. 394. There is Tomal,
Uhangni Dinosaur museum
As it is situated near the Uhangni village, its official name is Uhangni Dinosaur Museum. In this area, footprints of dinosaurs from the latter Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic era, about 80 to 90 million years ago, were found. The museum has a big main building where you can get a very detailed understanding about the life of those giants.
Mokpo
It is situated on the southwestern tip of the Korean peninsula embracing thousands of islands. First opened for trade in 1897, Mokpo plays an important role as the largest port in the area. A rail line from Seoul connected it to the capital region in 1913, after which it became a vitally important harbor, especially during the time when Japan colonized Korea. Mokpo serves as the launching point for tours of the archipelagos off the shore. The high-speed KTX train from Seoul has contributed to the tourist boom to the city. The Mokpo Cultural Center in renaissance style has a wide collection of Korean literatures and manuscripts, and displays daily utensils. National Maritime Museum displays relics excavated from the shipwreck. Namnong memorial hall dedicated to the great painter is among the Mokpo's attractions. Neighboring building is the natural history museum displaying 28,000 items including fossils of reptiles, dinosaurs, ore, marine animals, insects and plants as well. With the completion of Yeongsan embankment in 1981, 26,000ha of farmland was added to the area. The agriculture museum here offers an excellent opportunity to show the visitors a traditional and modern farming technique. The Dongmyong fish market selling quality marine products at cheap prices is among the attraction of the city. Mokpo has recently been receiving a lot of press attention, due to the construction of Korea’s first Formula One Grand Prix racetrack there, completed and first used in October 2010.
The neighboring town of Yeongam is a home to some 100 species of migratory birds. A 4.3km stretch of sea from Sampo-ri to Byeoram-ri, where the sea water and fresh water meet, is a great spot to fish for both fresh water and the sea species.
National Maritime Museum
National Research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage is a type of museum dedicated to preserving and presenting Korea's rich maritime history. It sponsors explorations of the sea floor to retrieve relics submerged from hundreds of years ago, and preserves and exhibits impressive artifacts recovered from underwater excavations of shipwrecks along the southwestern coast.
The main exhibition includes skeletal hull of a replica wooden ship from the Goryeo dynasty along with over 3,000 excavated relics from Wando and miraculously intact ceramics from the famous kilns of Gangjin. And of course the remains of the 14th-century Chinese ship discovered in 1975 just north of Mokpo in Sinan and over 22,000 recovered pieces of pottery - the primary source of the museum's artifacts. The exhibition also includes Life of a Korean Fishing Village, with displays of traditional and modern fishing methods and Korean Traditional Boats although modern ships, like oil tankers. A replica of wooden anchor for shrimp fishing boat is on display at the entrance. There is a nation's only professional institution specializing in underwater archaeology.
Yudalsan
The 228m-high rocky mountain standing majestically by the port, is among the most visited spots in Mokpo. It is the last peak of the Noryeong Mountain range and is connected by archipelago. There is a small park atop its slope from where you can get a nice view of downtown Mokpo and the harbor, as well as the many small islands dotting the ocean vistas. There are five pavilions, a memorial tower, a statue of Admiral Yi, a monument to the royal dead, and a giant bell commemorating the new millennium on its slopes. Nearby is a lone rock, highly visible from the shore, named Nojeokbong where admiral Yi is said to have fooled and drove away Japanese troops by stacking straw thatches over the rocks making their small army seem like a much larger one. Near the rock grows a tree that attracts every visitor and you can check it out. The cannon which once announced the noon is still there. A steep trail leads you up to the peak of the mountain. Of the interesting attractions on the mountain is an ancient bas-relief Buddha of 3.7m high and 1.6m wide. There is a scenic circle-mountain drive, and the fancy rock at the foot of the mountain is the Korea's first outdoors sculpture park featuring a set of sculptures representing the theme Nature, Culture, and Sculpture. It’s a nice variety of art, from completely abstract to some with a more understandable meaning. It has an area of 48,000㎡, once filled with shacks and huts. But, today it became a beautiful garden for the citizens. Today, one thatched roof house still stands at its site that shows visitors what the houses were. At the lower foot of Yudalsan along the circle mountain drive is Dalseong park. Opened in 1983, the Dalseong park exhibits 194 different species of orchids. The sarcanthus scolopendrifolius Makino is unique to this park and only can be seen here. Other attraction includes the botanical garden which exhibits 168 species of rare yet endangered plants.
Jindo
The island is more known as its native dog and Youngdeungje. Around mid-April, the island is crowded with people from the country for the festival. Jindo dog is a pure breed of this island that has been designated as the National Monument No. 53. The Jindo dog has yellow or white fur with its ears rigid and tilted slightly forward. The head is octagon-shaped and neck is thick. The dog is notable for the loyalty and keen sense. Youngdeungje is a local festival held annually when the sea parts. During the colorful festival in April, traditional folk rituals and cultural performances take place, including Ssitgimgut, a shamanistic exorcism which prays for the dead souls leading them into the paradise world by relieving any remorse, are performed Of the most attractive event on this island is the parting of the sea. It occurs several times yearly. The dates vary every year, but mostly fall in March, April and October. It reminds many Koreans of the biblical story of Moses' parting the Red Sea. The sea between the Hoedong village in the southeastern coast of the island and its offshore small island of Modo parts for one hour when the water is sucked out by the outgoing tide, leaving a path 30 to 40m wide and 2.8km long. This event became known to the outside world when Mr. Pierre
Randy, the French Ambassador to Korea , witnessed the sea parting in 1975 and reported it to French newspapers.
Jeungdo
The highlight of Jeungdo village is its salt field. Built in 1953, the salt field has a history of a half century and is a cultural asset of the modern era, being the largest single salt field in Korea. The 3km-long salt storage path is great for lazy evening walk. Salt storage has been renovated as a museum offering useful information on the history of salt and its culture, as well as some hands-on salt programs.
Samjicheon Village
Established in the 16th century, the village still preserves the culture and peaceful landscape of centuries ago. The images of traditional houses glimpsed through the cracks of stone-walled path evoke a definite sense of nostalgia. It is particularly noted for its preservation of traditional foods and cooking methods. It is one of the reasons why this village has been designated as a Slow City. A traditional Gisundo bean paste, Changpyeong Taffee, Korean snack and Bindorim Honey Candles are some of the local specialties.
Cheongsando
The Cheongsando refers to Blue Mountain Island. In the gentle rolling farms and fields, one can spot cattle working in the flat stone rice paddies, made by digging the soil out and placing stones on top, and then covering them with soil. One can sense the wisdom how to make good use of barren land. The field of rape flowers, contrasting the clear blue sky, creates a splendid view. A pebble beach in the nearby Jinsan village is rendered particularly beautiful when enhanced by the sound of pebbles rubbed together by the waves. Truly, Cheongsando is a full of pleasant surprises.
Banwol and Usan Village
Neighboring with Usan village, Banwol is also a small village with less than 40 households. Because of rare human intervention, one can see beetles that can only survive in a pristine environment. The village is also famous for its 100% pollution-free mushroom grown here. Beetle village raises beetles using the mushroom. Borimsa temple and earthworm ecology school are among the attractions of these Slow City villages.
Hongdo
Located 115km west of Mokpo, Hongdo Island comprises two major islands topped with evergreen trees, and extending 6.4km long and 2.4km wide. The total area of the island is 6.87㎢, and has a circumference of 20.8km. On the cliffs of the coast, tens of thousands of camellia trees grow wild. Hondo is famous fishing places which anglers frequent to catch rockfishes, skates, mackerels and herrings. Famed for its crimson sunsets, Hongdo island embraces 20 islets of quartzite forming fancy formations and holding many legendary stories, and showcases a cluster of stunning rock formations carved into it srugged shores by a powerful sea. The coastal lines are sheer cliffs and honeycombed inlets. The entire island has been designated one of Korea's natural monuments, and it also enjoy marine national park status,meaning that the wildlife here is fiercely protected. About 270 differnt types of trees have taken root here including camellia, silver magnolias and aucuba trees. Climbing the 2km-long trail to the summit of Gitdaebong a height of 368m takes about an hour and a half. And about one hour and 30 minutes cruise covers a whole circle island, offering a scenic wonders of islands. Same day excursion is available from Mokpo. The boats serve passengers twice daily leaving Mokpo at 07:50 and 13:00, taking 2 hours 20 minutes for one way. The return service is daily at 10:20 and 15:40 respectively. The boats call at Heuksando, about 22km east of Hongdo. The visit to Heuksando is most rewarding for its half day fishing village tour and a scenic trekking.
