Originally known as Gwangtongnu, Gwanghalluwon Garden was built by Hwang Hui Jeongseung in 1419 during the reign of Joseon Dynasty’s King Sejong. Because of its outstanding beauty, Governor Jeong In-ji gave the garden the name ‘Gwanghallu’ in 1444, comparing it to a garden from the palace on the moon. It is famous as the location…
At 1,915 meters, Jirisan Mountain is the second highest mountain in Korea after Jeju’s Hallasan Mountain (1,950 meters). True to its name (jiri literally means ‘a place where the foolish become wise’), Jirisan Mountain has long been a favorite locale for disciplining both the mind and the body. With 4,989 flora and fauna inhabiting its grounds,…
Jeju Glass Museum (originally the Gimpo Glass Museum and SongHee Glass House), has been making a significant contribution to the advancement of Korean glass art over the past several years through constant research and innovation. The museum opened on March 1, 2008 and has state-of-the-art facilities including a glass art exhibition hall, studio with a…
Maisan Provincial Park is located in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do and has a vareity of names depending on the season. In the spring, it is called Dotdaebong, in the summer, Yonggakbong, in the fall, Maibong, and in the winter, Munpilbong. There are two main pathways leading up Maisan Mountain, located on the southern side and the northern…
Visitors to Jeju Glass Castle will be entranced by its magical atmosphere. ‘Jeju Glass Castle’ is a glass art theme park featuring an exhibition hall, garden and models all made entirely out of glass. There are six themed model parks, in which over two hundred and fifty models are exhibited. These include the world’s very…
Songgwangsa Temple is located on the west side of Jogyesan Mountain, and is a famous sambosachal in Korea.Sambo means “three treasures” in Korean, and in Buddhism there is bulbo, beopbo, and seungbo. Songgwangsa Temple qualifies as a seungbo temple, which refers to the disciples and practicioners of Buddhism at the temple. The reason Songgwangsa Temple became a seungbo temple is because…
Gochujang (고추장) is the famous traditional sauce/garnish used in almost every dish in Korea. The one prepared in the Sunchang region, is well-known in Korea for being especially tasty. The Sunchang Gochujang Village (순창 고추장마을) is located at the foot of Mt. Amisan in Sunchang City, Jeollabuk-do. The village has a population of just 149…
Jeju’s King Cherry Tree blossoms can be seen all over the island. The petals of Jeju’s King Cherry Tree blossoms are the largest and most luxurious among all cherry blossoms. Jeju Cherry Blossom Festival will be held in the area of Jeonnong-ro and the entrance of Jeju National University. The peak of the King Cherry…
Naejangsan is a famous mountain in the Jeolla-do province, and the best mountain in Korea for viewing autumn’s crimson leaves. The park is 76,032 sq. km. in size and became a National Park along with Baekyangsa District on Nov. 17th, 1971. The name Naejang means ‘many secrets’ in the mountain. Because of the bright crimson…
Byeonsanbando National Park is a 35km stretch encompassing five townships along the coast. Designated as a national park in 1988, it is the only national park in the country that has both a seashore and mountainside. The park is divided into two large sections: the shore area, called Oebyeonsan (Outer Mt. Byeonsan), and an inland…
Hyeopjaegul Cave (협재굴) is one example of the lava tubes of Jeju Island, along with Hwanggeumgul, Socheongul, Ssangyonggul and Manjanggul Caves. The cave is approximately 200m in length, 10m in width and 5m in height. It is thought to have been created by the lava that erupted from Hallasan Mountain some 25 million years ago.…
Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power 600-641 AD) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At…
Historic Site No. 339, Gyeonggijeon Shrine was erected in 1410 and holds the portrait of King Tae-jo, the founder of the Joseon Dynasty. The King and his wife’s mortuary tablets are enshrined here at Jogyeong Shrine. The structure was partially destroyed during the Imjin War (1592-1598), and the existing structure was remodeled in 1614. Inside…
Jeonju Traditional Market opened as a regular public market in 1905. Currently the market is comprised of about 800 stores with 1,200 workers selling vegetables, fruits, food, dried fish, furniture, silk goods, and general goods. Popular nearby, compatible sites for a private tour in Jeollabukdo: Jeondong Catholic Cathedral Gyeonggijeon Shrine Pungnammun Gate Address…
Jeonju Hanok Village is located in the city of Jeonju and overlaps Pungnam-dong and Gyo-dong. There are over 800 traditional Korean hanok houses. While the rest of city has been industrialized, Hanok Village retains its historical charms and traditions. Jeonju Hanok Village is especially beautiful for its unique roof edges, which are slightly raised to…
This granite pagoda from the late Baekje period in Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do has been designated National Treasure No. 9. It is generally known as the ‘Baekje 5-story Pagoda.’ In the past, it would have been called ‘Pyeongjetap.’ As one of two extant Baekje pagodas, this stone pagoda itself is a precious artifact and very important…
