Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Cheongju Heungdeoksa Temple Site (청주 흥덕사지)

Cheongju Heungdeoksa Temple Site (청주 흥덕사지)

2020-03-27

713, Jikji-daero, Heungdeok-gu, Cheongju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-201-2022

A large number of relics were unearthed at this site due to a land development project in 1985. Work was halted and relics were excavated by the Cheongju University Museum. The time and size of Heungdeoksa Temple is unknown, but according to Jikji (Buljojikjisimcheyojeol, the world’s oldest existing book printed with movable metal type), the excavated books were printed using metal types at the temple in the third year of King Uwang’s reign (1377). The books were published 78 years earlier than Gutenberg’s invention.

In 1972, the Jikji was officially recognized as the world’s oldest book printed with movable metal type during the International Book Year. The Buljojikjisimcheyojeol is currently kept at the National Library of France.

Danyang Jeokseongbi Monument of Silla (단양 신라 적성비)

Danyang Jeokseongbi Monument of Silla (단양 신라 적성비)

2021-05-14

Habang 3-gil, Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-422-1146

The Danyang Jeokseongbi Monument of Silla was erected by King Jinheung, the 24th King of Silla Kingdom, as a public announcement board. It was found at Jeokseongsanseong Fortress in Danyang in 1978.

The stone stele is broken into three parts: the two lower pieces are inscribed with 280 letters, which spell out the names of people, locations and positions from the Silla Kingdom period, whereas, the top piece has 100 letters which are mostly destroyed. The discovery of the monument helped illuminate political development and statuses of the time.

Yoseonjeong Pavilion & Yoseonam Rock (요선정·요선암)

Yoseonjeong Pavilion & Yoseonam Rock (요선정·요선암)

2022-12-28

13-39, Dowonunhak-ro, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do
+82-33-370-2140

Yoseonjeong Pavilion is located in a valley with a clear stream water flowing below. Next to the pavilion is a large rock with the word Yoseonnam inscribed on it. During the Unified Silla period, there was a small hermitage where Yoseongjeong Pavilion stands today. The hermitage was frequented by monks Doyun and Jinghyo, who had founded Heungnyeongseonwon Temple on a foothill of Sajasan Mountain to teach the values and principles of Buddhism. Today, next to the pavilion is a small stone pagoda and a statue of seated Buddha.

Paju Historical Site Related to Yi I (파주이이유적)

Paju Historical Site Related to Yi I (파주이이유적)

2021-12-10

204, Jaunseowon-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-958-1749

Paju Historical Site Related to Yi I is dedicated to a great scholar of the mid-Joseon dynasty. He was born to Lee Wonsu and Shin Saimdang in 1536. He passed Saengwonsi, a type of preliminary exam in 1564 (the 9th year of King Myeongjong), and another 9 exams so he was called Gudo Jangwongong. He served in key positions. He is thought to be one of the top two scholars along with Yi Hwang.
Jaunseowon Confucian Academy is home to the tablets of Yulgok Yi I and his family’s graveyard, located at the foot of Jaunsan Mountain. Jaunseowon Monument and Memorial Stone of Yi I Scholar are located here as well. Yulgok Memorial Hall displays his goods, and his biography. In February 2013, Jaunseowon Confucian Academy and the tombs of Yulgok Yi I and his mother Shin Saimdang were individually designated as Gyeonggi-do Cultural Assets, but the whole area as a whole is a designated National Historic Site under the name Historic Site related to Yi I.

Gimpo Hyanggyo Confucian School (김포향교)

Gimpo Hyanggyo Confucian School (김포향교)

2020-03-27

38, Bukbyeonjung-ro 25beon-gil, Gimpo-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-984-8891

The Gimpo Hyanggyo Confucian School is where the tablets of the Five Sages (Confucius, Mencius, Xunzi, Weng zi, Zisi), the Wisemen of the Song dynasty, and the 18 wisemen of Korea are kept. The confucian temple had moved to Geolpo-dong in Gimpo before being relocated to its current site.

Hwaseokjeong Pavilion (화석정)

Hwaseokjeong Pavilion (화석정)

2021-12-14

152-72, Hwaseokjeong-ro, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do
+82-31-940-5831

Hwaseokjeong Pavilion was built in honor of Gil Jae, a Goryeo dynasty Confucian scholar who had resigned from his government post to train young scholars. Overlooking the Imjingang River, the pavilion provides a good resting area dotted with zelkova trees.

Suyeong Sajeok Park (수영사적공원)

Suyeong Sajeok Park (수영사적공원)

2021-08-06

43, Suyeongseong-ro, Suyeong-gu, Busan
+82-51-610-4372

Suyeong-gu of Busan is a historical district nestled between Geumnyeonsan Mountain and Gwangalli Beach. It was the site of the Gyeongsang Jwado Marine Headquarters during the Joseon dynasty. In fact, its name 'Suyeong' was derived from 'Sugunjeoldosayeong,' meaning 'marine headquarters.'

The Suyeong Sajeok Park was established in commemoration of the spirit of the Suyeong residents. It is designed to show their maritime lifestyle.

May 18th National Cemetery (5·18 기념공원)

May 18th National Cemetery (5·18 기념공원)

2024-02-29

152 Naebang-ro, Seo-gu, Gwangju
+82-62-376-5197

May 18th National Cemetery is a park established to commemorate the democratization movement that took place in Gwangju in May 18th, 1980. The park features facilities such as the May 18th Memorial Culture Center, Daedong Plaza, Gwangju Student Movement Memorial Tower, memorial spaces, and the Oweol Pavilion. It serves as a meaningful space for reflecting on the history of Korean democracy and honoring the sacrificial spirit of the martyrs who lost their lives during the democratization movement.

Cheongnyongsa Temple Site (청룡사지)

2021-07-30

147, Cheongnyongsaji-gil, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-850-5980

In the late Goryeo era, King Taejo ordered to build a large temple at the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain for Preceptor Bogak to retire to hermitage. Now, the temple site has become a ruin, with only the Stupa of State Preceptor Bogak, called Jeonghyewonyung, lion stone lantern, and stele for Jeonghyewonyung at the site. Cheongnyongsa Temple, recently built, is also situated in the vicinity of the area along with other Buddhist cultural assets.

Chungju Mireukdaewon Stone Temple Site (충주 미륵대원지)

2021-03-19

150, Mireungnisaji-gil, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do
+82-43-850-6724

Mireukdaewon Stone Temple Site, Historic Site No. 317, faces south in the basin of the Haneuljae Pass between Chungcheongbuk-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is said that Mauitaeja, the last prince of the Silla Kingdom, had a dream one night as he was traveling to Geumgangsan Mountain where the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva instructed him to erect a statue of Buddha. As a result, he built a temple to honor the goddess’ wish at the current site of Mireuk-ri. The temple name was discovered through excavation research in 1977 and 1978 by Cheongju University, while the temple grounds were more thoroughly investigated by a team of researchers from Ewha Woman's University in 1980.