Sightseeing - Korea travel and tourism information

Baenaegol Valley (배내골)

2021-04-03

Wondong-myeon, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-382-4112

Baenaegol Valley is located at the heart of the mountainous region affectionately known as the Yeongnam Alps. The valley derives its name “Baenaegol,” meaning “the valley of pears,” from the wild pear trees that grow in large numbers along the valley.

The valley covers nearly 8 kilometers of land between the range connecting Sinbulsan Mountain and Yeongchuksan Mountain and the western range connecting Cheonhwangsan Mountain and Jaeyaksan Mountain in Miryang. It is a popular vacation destination in the summer. Also, many tourists come to drink the water containing acer mono sap, which is known to be produced in this region during the springtime.

Baenaegol Valley is just a short distance away from downtown Yangsan. The valley provides an opportunity to enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. The long valley is wedged between highlands, which results in at least two hours less of sunshine than other regions, so it feels cooler in the summer months. Strawberries are also widely grown in the area.

Naewonsagyegok Valley (내원사계곡)

2021-02-18

207, Naewon-ro, Yangsan-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-380-4826

Naewonsagyegok Valley is located just below Naewonsa Temple at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain. The valley is surrounded by Jeongjoksan Mountain to the northeast, Wonjeoksan Mountain to the south, and Cheonseongsan Mountain to the southeast. The water running through the numerous valleys between these mountains has formed streams like Yongyeoncheon and Sangnicheon, which form the Yangsancheon Stream out of Naewonsagyegok Valley.

Naewonsagyegok Valley was formerly called Sogeumgang (little Geumgang), meaning that its beautiful scenery is comparable to that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also known as the “mystical valley” as crystal clear water flows all year round. The word “Sogeumgang” is distinctly engraved on one side of the cliff and large rocks stand in layers throughout the valley. Some of the rocks are called Byeongpungbawi Rock, literally meaning folding screen rocks, as they are stretched out much like folding screens.

The valley and the surrounding mountains are a popular summer vacation spot and a well-known hiking destination during the spring, fall, and winter. Muk (acorn jelly) made with acorns gathered from this area not only tastes great, but is also very healthy. Nearby attractions include Tongdosa Temple and Hongnyongpokpo Falls.

* Entrance into the upper region of Naewonsagyegok Valley is restricted.

Hadong Pine Forest (하동송림)

2021-07-21

2107-8, Seomjingang-daero, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2651

Hadong Pine Forest grows along the Seomjingang River near Seomjingang Iron Bridge. It was planted in 1745, during the 21st year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign, to block wind and sand. Now, it is one of the best pine groves in Korea.

In a total area of 26,000 ㎡ are approximately 750 old-growth pine trees. Along with the white sand on the riverside, the forest provides picturesque scenery when seen from Hasangjeong Pavilion within the forest. The forest park is used as a venue for folk games and major events hosted by the local government. There are sports facilities and recreational facilities teenagers, children, and families can enjoy, attracting many locals and tourists.

Jirisan History Museum (지리산역사관)

2021-06-15

1438, Hwagae-ro, Hadong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
+82-55-880-2954

Jirisan History Museum is located within Jirisan National Park at the start of the hiking course to Byeoksoryeong Pass. Rather a small museum, it provides detailed information about the history of North Korean partisans and the routes that they took throughout the mountain during the Korean War. The museum also exhibits the war relics, lifestyle of the mountain villagers and local produce of Hadong.

Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine (당고개순교성지)

2020-03-18

139-26, Cheongpa-ro, Yongsan-gu, Seoul
+82-2-711-0933

Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine is located on the small hill just five minutes away from Yongsan Eletronics Market. 10 Catholics were martyred on this hill during the Gihae Persecution in 1839 including Choi Gyeong-hwan (Francis)'s wife Lee Seong-rye (Maria).

Nine of the 10 martyrs are now recognized as saints. Lee Seong-rye, the mother of Father Thomas Choi Yang-eop (Korea's second ordained priest), has not yet been canonized although she did suffer martyrdom. The reason was that the mother briefly put aside her faith because of the pressures of raising five children after she had her oldest son, Thomas. However, the difficulty of combining these two interests was eventually overcome and she died a martyr.

Aside from serving as a memorial site, Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine also offers a commanding view of Seoul. Nearby tourist attractions include Saenamteo Catholic Holy Place of the Martyrs, which is a Catholic church with Korean architecture, and Yongsan Family Park.

Memorial Tower of Baengmagoji Battlefield and Memorial Museum (백마고지 위령비와 기념관)

2024-10-17

72, Daema 1-gil, Cheorwon-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-450-5559

Located in the northern area of South Korea, Baengmagoji Battlefield was one of the bloodiest battlefields during the Korean War. The communist Chinese army launched a major offensive attack for 10 days on October 6, 1952 during the Battle of Baengmagoji, which can be translated into the Battle of White Horse Highlands. Due to this battle, the communist Chinese army suffered around 14,000 casualties and the army completely collapsed while the 9th Infantry Division won the Battle of Baengmagoji and got the nickname “White Horse.”

After the battle, the area gave off a bad smell because of the dead bodies. The mountain area lost its original shape due to the severe battle and as a result the area was named “Baengmagoji” as it was said to resemble a white horse (baengma) lying down.

Uidonggyegok Valley (우이동계곡)

2021-06-09

Ui-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul
+82-2-909-0497

Uidonggyegok Valley is located between Bukhansan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain, and is a popular retreat for locals. Near the entrance to the valley are accommodations, a playground, wedding hall, and other amenities. Clean water runs through the valley, and is lined with restaurants. The hiking path starting to the left of the valley entrance passes Doseonsa Temple on the way to Insubong Peak. The hiking path through the valley is quite difficult, but leads to Uiam Hermitage, and further to Dobongsan Mountain along the ridge. Additional temples in the area include Seongbulsa, Yongdeoksa, Seonunsa, and Gwangmyeongsa Temples.

Kalbongsan Recreational Forest (칼봉산자연휴양림)

2021-03-26

454, Gyeongbanan-ro, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-8078-8061

Kalbongsan Recreational Forest is located between Gyeongbangyegok Valley, famous for Surakpokpo Falls, and Yongchugyegok Valley, famous for Yongchupokpo Falls. The forest is a popular summer vacation spot for families due to the pure natural environment. Kalbongsan Mountain also provides many trekking paths.

Gildong Ecological Park (길동생태공원)

2021-10-23

1291, Cheonho-daero, Gangdong-gu, Seoul
+82-2-489-2770

Gildong Ecological Park was founded by the Seoul government by restoring the wetland on the side of Cheonho-daero. The park maintains and preserves a wide range of flora and fauna in their natural habitats, allowing park visitors to observe plants, animals and insects in a natural ecosystem, and to learn about the importance of nature conservation.

The 80,683 ㎡ park is divided into a wetland zone, forest zone, and grassland zone. Amenities include an outdoor classroom, outdoor exhibition space, observation deck, pergolas, and more. The bird observation platform in particular is a great way to birdwatch in the urban landscape.

Boseong Ganggol Village (보성 강골마을)

2024-08-13

15-9 Yeokjeon-gil, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do
+82-61-853-2885

Ganggol Village was home to the Gwangju Lee Clan, with most of the hosues being built in the early 20th century. Of the many houses here, three of them have been recognized as important folk materials, along with one pavilion. In the Ganggol Village Experience Program, participants can spend a night at the traditional hanok village and experience the lifestyle of the old days.

Sightseeing - Korea travel information