Destination
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Quick Finder
Cheorwon / Cheongyongpo / Cheongpyeongsa Temple / Chuncheon / Chuncheon Museum / Coal Museum / Eulji Observation Post / Fishing ports
Gangneung / Gangwon Land / Geomryongso / Geumgang cave / Gossi Cave / Gwongeumseong / Haesindang Park / Hwajinpo / Hwangji / Hwanseon Cave
Jeongdongjin / Jumunjin / Kim Ilsung Villa / LEGOLAND Korea Resort / Mureung Valley / Naksan
/ Nami Island / Northeastern Region / Ojukheon / Osaek / Peace Dam / Punch Bowl / Railbike / Seoraksan / Sokcho / Soyang Dam
Taebaek / Taebaeksan / The Fourth Tunnel / The Second Tunnel / Ulsan Bawi / Unification Observatory / Unification Park / World Peace Bell / Yanggu / Yangyang / Yeongwol / Yongyeon Cave
Northeastern Region
It is one of the nine provinces of the country, and is situated in the eastern middle part of the peninsula. The area is dominated by the chains of mountains with their scenic valleys and white sand beaches along the gentle coasts. There are well over 50 sandy beaches in the Gangwondo provinces. Of the popular mountains resorts and national parks are Seoraksan located close to the ocean, and Odaesan, both offering outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, trekking, climbing, white water rafting, ski and golf, etc. In summer, the beaches are crowded with the vacationers. Major cities and towns are Sokcho, Chuncheon, Cheorwon, Gangneung, Wonju, Inje, Yanggu, Yeongweol, Goseong, Donghae and Samcheok, and Yangyang. 50-minute flights from Seoul to Yangyang. Highways and local road networks are well established from Seoul and others cities of the country.
Sokcho
Sokcho is a bit off the beaten path and a rustic city squeezed in between the jagged peaks of Seoraksan National Park and the bubbling East Sea, on the North East Coast of Korea. While the natural beauty alone should be enough to attract people throughout the year. The people are friendly and the seafood is fresher than fresh. Its beautiful beaches, delicious seafood, its proximity to the impressive park, and there are many other reasons to visit Sokcho. Of the city's interesting spot is Daepohang which becomes a great attraction when this small alley lit up. Little passageways wind and coil through the buckets of live fish, octopus, squids and other fresh seafood harvested from the nearby sea and a series of tiny restaurants serving sliced raw fish.
Abaimaeul is the home of many North Koreans and those of North Korean ancestry after the Korean War, and a peaceful fishing village. It is an interesting experience to take the ferry (Gaetbae), powered by people using a rope tow, a nice bit of technology - the ferryman pulls on the cable with a special hook to move the ferry across, and since the ferrymen are getting on in years, there are spare hooks for passengers to help out with. Nearby local market is among the highlight attractions of the city.
Seoraksan
The Seoraksan Mountain, located along the eastern coast of Sokcho city, offers the visitors unsurpassed mountain beauty. It is the third highest peak in southern Korea, next to Hallasan and Jirisan. The Park is dominated by the chains of mountains with their scenic valleys, crystal clear streams and lush green forests offering outdoor enthusiasts with hiking, trekking, climbing, white water rafting, ski and golf, etc. The national park of 360㎢ is well-established to protect its nature and UNESCO Biosphere Reserve in 1982. The park is the home of 25 species of mammals, 90 species of birds, 11 kinds of reptiles, 360 insects and 939 species of plants. Only half an hour from the park there are white sand beaches along the gentle coasts. As cooler temperature come to the Korean peninsula and autumn foliage begins to turn to crimson red and golden yellow, the scenic spires guarding the valleys of Seoraksan Mountain beckon to tourists. Many trekking trails are available leading to numerous heritages and eventually the peak of Seoraksan. For the languid non-hiker there is now a modern cable car which begin on the valley floor and rises to a panoramic promontory of the entire valley. Daepohang port is a must-see attraction in Sokcho where you can buy a wide variety of fresh seafood harvested from the nearby sea.
Gwongeumseong
Located 860m above sea level, the fortress is named after two generals, Kwon and Kim who were said to have constructed the wall to block the Mongolian invasion during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). There is a path which leads to the fortress. The trekking trail from the park entrance, passing the Biryonggyo Bridge over the ravine, takes over an hour of travel through a steep, rocky path (2.5km). But, the trail is temporarily closed. The modern cable car picks visitors up at the valley floor to the top of the mountain while enjoying the panoramic view of the entire valley.
Geumgang Cave
It is a 3.6-kilometer trail from the reserve's main entrance on the east to Geumgang cave high up on the rocky face of Janggunbong Peak. Even though it skirts a rushing mountain stream, it maintains a relatively gentle slope until reaching the base of Janggunbong, where it immediately turns arduous as it heads up a very steep incline for about half a kilometer. That part of the hike, although hard, does have its advantages. One vantage point came with a stunning view of a mountain valley far below. The famous seventh-century Buddhist monk Wonhyo stayed alone to meditate upon the Four Noble Truths of suffering. This man was not only an adept in the practice of Buddhist meditation but also a great Buddhist scholar. You can scale only by carefully ascending the long, steep, metal stairs bolted onto the mountain's rocky face.
Ulsan Bawi
It is a magnificent and representative rock wall which placed in the outer Seorak. It is 873m high and 2km long ridge of various rock figures. Local folklore has it that the Creator of the Universe called the great rocks of the world together to make Mt. Geumgang, or Diamond Mountain, which neighbors Seoraksan in present-day North Korea. The mountain is said to be the most beautiful mountain under the sun, and rocks from all over came to be a part of it. Ulsan rock as well lifted his massive bulk and, standing up, lumbered to the site. When he arrived there wasn't any room for him. In a huff he headed south again, but after his exertions fell asleep at Seoraksan and has stayed there ever since. At the food of the rock sits Gyejoam hermitage which was built in 652 by priest Jajang and where three founders of Buddhist sects, Jajang, Dongsan, and Bongjeong practiced asceticism before this hermitage was built. In front of Gyejoam on a spacious stone slab is a huge spherical rock which is so perfectly balanced that it can be moved by a simple push of the hand.
Unification Observatory
Set on the 70m high hill by the coast, it was established to console pains of division, nostalgia and inscribe unification will in 1983. Also it was the first observatory to take a view of northern lands. The access requires application form provided at Tongilanbo Park. On a clear day, the Unification Observatory offers visitors a clear view of Mt. Geumgang and Haegeumgang to the north of the border. The demilitarized zone is still studded with land mines and surrounded by barbed wire, and the Koreas remain technically at war.
Hwajinpo
A coastal town near the heavily fortified Korean border where late North Korean founder Kim Il Sung spent his summer holidays with his family before it fell into South Korean hands following the 1950-53 Korean War. Turquoise waters and sandy beaches make it the perfect place to dip one's toes. This 1.7km pine tree-edged shoreline is the last coastal spot before anti-north fencing and barbed wire closes off the sea. The waters here are shallow and pure, lending themselves to inexperienced swimmers or paddlers. Since a natural bay hems in the beach, there is no danger of strong currents. Hwajinpo Lagoon is surrounded by evergreens and sweet briers, where the river and the sea meet. Materials drifting down the river deposited at the bottom of the river become a sandy beach that eventually block off the river from the sea, creating a lagoon. The lagoons have a circumference of about 16km and a wide reed field nearby offers an ideal habitat for migratory birds. The sweet briers by the lake add the beauty of the lagoon.
Kim Ilsung Villa
Kim Il Sung, once took ownership of the house known as "The Castle". A scratched childhood picture of Kim Jong Il, along with childhood friends and a Soviet playmate is displayed on a wall outside the villa. When the Korean War ended in 1953, the border between the Koreas was redrawn, and the villa wound up in the South. The villa displays photos of Kim Il Sung and documents chronicling his life and modern Korean history. The museum is not to glorify Kim Il Sung but to show Korea's complicated modern history.
Fishing ports
There are many small fishing ports along the northeastern coast. People are friendly and scenery is picturesquely rural. Daejin port putting you as far northeast as you could go, Hwajinpo, Geojin, Goseong, Gajin, Munam, Ajin, Cheonjin, Bongpo, Dongmyeong and Daepo are among the ports. Pollacks, cuttle fishes, octopus or sea cucumbers are caught. Visitors form their independent tour by strolling around, taking pictures and watching the people go about their daily lives.
Naksan
It is a coastal town which is famed for the Naksan beach and the Naksansa temple. The beach with its spacious white sand lined with pines is a great attraction during the summer. On the hill of the northern edge of the beach is the Naksan beach hotel. Uisangdae pavilion is one of the most scenic spot of the area and the view of sunrise from the pavilion is spectacular.
Jumunjin
Jumunjin harbor lies on the northeastern side of Gangneung. First opened in 1917, it still serves as a base for the fishing industry here. And it has another claim to fame. The fish market in Jumunjin is one of only a few places still untouched by modernization. Strolling down one of the many narrow alleys of the open market and looking at the variety of fish, one cannot help but feel refreshed. There are plenty of beaches on the eastern coast to take in. The flat bottom and clear water make it easy to gather clams and to fish at the nearby lake. Jumunjin Beach is a medium-sized beach characterized by fine sand and unusually blue water. Thanks to the clear water and the relatively low depth, it's easy to splash around or relax to your heart's content. The highlight of the beach is easily the clear waters. You could easily see the ripples in the sand at the bottom of the water, along with the shells and seaweed. The water is a refreshing cold when it's above 30 degrees Celsius. This is seriously one of the best beaches to just lie down and relax.
Osaek
It is the highest hot spa resort town in Korea. Located in the Seoraksan national park and about 20 minutes from the beach, the town has won the fame for its Alkaline springs which is effective for neuralgia, skin diseases and diabetes, and mineral water that contain iron and carbonic acid. Osaek is also famous for the natural beauty with its hiking trails, and pine mushrooms harvested in late autumn.
Yangyang
Yanyang is a seaside town on the east coast of Korea and a home to not just any plain old mushroom, but the very rare Songi pine mushroom. Like European black truffle, no one is sure why these mushrooms grow on the Taebaeksan Mountain Range. They are found growing in the shadows of older pine trees, among the fallen needles. Only certain areas of the mountain produce the mushrooms and the rights to pick and sell them are kept to a select few. An access to the pine mushroom field is limited to the public. The town comes in a festive mood when Songi festival takes place from September to October. During the harvest season that falls in the end of September through October, the Songi festival comes along and visitors are treated to the ecosystem of natural pine mushrooms, pick mushrooms and taste them.
Gangneung
Located in the long narrow plain in the eastern coast and within 2 hours ride from Sokcho, Gangneung is characterized by a marine climate. The summer is refreshing, while the winter is warm. It is a home of famous Confucian scholar Yi Yulgok (1536-1584). Today, his home, Ojukheon, is the most popular landmark of Gangneung. At nearby Ojukheon municipal Museum exhibits 3,000 objects of prehistoric age, folklore life, caligraphy, and folk arts. In the diorama room shows the Dano festival. It is an annual event which lasts 5 days from the 3rd day through 7th day of the 5th month by the lunar calendar. Another landmark is the Gyeongpo lagoon. It is one of the 8 scenic spots in the region. In Gangneung one should not miss the world's unique museum of music. The Gangneung Chamsori Museum is an excellent place with more than 100,000 music disks, 80 sets of radio, 170 phonographs, 180 portables, and 35 music boxes including 12 telephone sets. Of the items are phonographs invented by Thomas A. Edison (1847-1931) and several other antique items. A song of hundred years ago can still be heard here from the original phonograph with its wax cylinder.
Ojukheon
This is one of the Korea's oldest existing houses, built in the period of King Jungjong (1506-1544), in Gangneung. Yi Yul-gok (1536-1584) was a great politician and scholar of the Joseon Period. He emphasized the primacy of 'Ki' (vital force), claiming it was the controlling agent and prime mover of' 'I' (reason). He said 'I' was generated by 'Ki' and so 'Ki' was responsible for the generation, maintenance, and purification of the values of the mind. His writings and theories continued to have a profound influence on Korea. He was born in this house and lived there with his mother Sinsaimdang, who was one of the finest artists of the Joseon period and a top scholar in her own right. The Ojukheon gets its name from the black bamboo grove that grew around. Nearby at Ojukheon is National Treasure 165 which doubles as a museum exhibiting natural history, archaeology, literature, folklore life, calligraphy and paintings, donated artifacts and outdoor exhibits. Ojukheon is significant enough to be printed on the 5,000 won bills of Korean currency.
Jeongdongjin
It became famous after a few touching scenes of a popular (at the time) Korean drama "Hourglass'' were filmed there. That is why the souvenir shops of that area are full of various modifications of hourglasses. In the middle of the small but nice park situated near the Jeongdongjin beach, there is one very special hourglass, which became probably the main attraction and symbol of the area. Opened on the first day of 2000, that hourglass is more than eight meters in diameter. It contains eight tons of sand and it takes exactly one year for the sand to move from the upper part to the lower one. So the hourglass is being turned upside down at 0:00 on the first of January attracting thousands of people to the area to celebrate the beginning of a new year. But with an opening of 2011, disappointing news fell upon it and many hope to see the hourglass work again soon. Another interesting place that makes Jeongdongjin different and special among other spots on the seashore is the railway station itself. They say that this is the railway station that is most closely situated to the seashore in the South Korea. There is even a special "sunrise train'' departing from Seoul and arriving at Jeongdongjin just before the sunrise, letting the passengers see how the sun of a new day appears over the horizon.
Unification Park
About 30 minutes ride from Gangneung to the south leads to the Unification Park . On the night of Sept. 18, 1996, a North Korean submarine on a reconnaissance mission in South Korean waters accidentally ran aground just a few meters from a coastal highway. After hours of fruitless efforts to get the submarine back underway, the crew and team of 26 North Korean commandos decided to try to sneak back to the North by land through the South Korean territory. It is presumed that only one North Korean commando managed to cross the demilitarized zone. The rest were shot dead, and it is presumed the North Korean commandos shot the submarine crew who were physically unfit to avoid the imminent chase. At the very spot where the submarine ran aground the Gangneung Unification Park was established in 2001, to promote the public awareness about the importance of the security even during the unification process. The Unification Park consists of three levels, the most interesting part being the level next to the sea. The submarine, 35 meters long, 6.7 meters high and weighing 325 tons, is put on a podium fully restored after the incident. Visitors are allowed into the submarine where all its guts and equipment have been meticulously restored. Visitors should wear a helmet while taking a tour of the inner chambers of the submarine. Placed next to the North Korean submarine is a decommissioned South Korean warship, which was built in the US in 1945. Served for the South Korean Navy until 1999 when it was decommissioned, the warship is turned into a museum. The second level of the Unification Park is a bit higher on the hill, and for the plane. Displayed here is a Skymaster C-54. It is not that big, just 29 meters long and 8 meters high, and it was originally received by the South Korean government from the US in 1966 after it served only eight years in the U.S. Air Force. After a few modifications the C-54 became the Air Force one for President Park from 1969 through 1973. The third level of the Unification Park is the Unification Security Exhibition Hall where the story of the North Korean submarine is illustrated in details. Some of the weapons, munitions and personal items recovered from the submarine are on display.
Haesindang Park
Located about 30km south of Samcheok, it is a beautiful park that just happens to have a really strange focus and reason for being. The park features dozens of sculpted phalluses stand erect in defiance of an old folk curse. The collection ranges from hanging arrangements to three-meter-tall trunks of wood, sculpted by Korean artists to showcase anything from joy, spirituality, to sexuality, some taking the form of park benches, drum, or cannons. The small Folk Museum attached showcases phallic-related art throughout the ages, as well as the history of the small fishing community.
The legend behind the park is tragic in origin.
A young couple, madly in love and soon to be wed, was split by tragedy when the high tide overtook the woman in view of her fiancé on the shore, in response to this tragedy the number of fish caught dwindled. The following day, they dried up. The townspeople were said to be cursed and wondered what to do. The fishermen were very upset and were trying to figure out what to do to make the fish return. A surprise followed when one fisherman out of anger peed off in the sea. This was the moment the fish had returned to the sea near the village and the inhabitants were incredibly happy. Out of joy, they decided to build a totem to encourage the fish to continue returning. One totem penis followed another until the park was filled with penis statues.
Cheorwon
Located 100km northeast of Seoul slightly above the 38th parallel, is one of the Iron Triangle towns (Cheorwon, Gimhwa, Pyeonggang), and is another good aid in understanding the situation, the tension and the reality of the divided country. The partial remnants of a building there attest to the grim realities of war. The Seungilgyo bridge is a notable stop along the way. It represents the fruit of what turned out to be something of a collaborative construction effort between South and North Korea, as unlikely as that may sound. In August 1948, North Korea had started building the bridge using Soviet-style construction methods, but outbreak of the Korean war foced the North to abandon work with construction half-completed. Ater the war, the area changed hands, and the bridge was in what South Korean territory. Its construction was then completed by South Korean. A little further away from the bridge is Goseokjeong pavilion which is said to have been used during the Jeoseon Kingdom (1392-1910) as a den for men who were banned from becoming government officials because of low status. A visit to Cheorwon begins with the Iron Triangle Memorial Hall located in the Goseokjeong national tourist resort. The hall is a small Korean War museum with many displays showing artifacts from communist infiltrators. Down the valley from the museum is the Goseokchong Resort with its small pavilion. Here you can enjoy rafting over the tumbling Hantangang waters. The Iron Triangle Observatory is another famous battlefield in the area. It is equipped with hi-definition telescope to have a close look at the demilitarized zone. North Korea's Pyeonggang plateau and the Propaganda village, as well as Kim Il-sung Hill and Baldy Ridges are visible in the distance. About 20,000 soldiers died in the Battle of Baekmagoji, famous for the 9th Infantry Division's successful battle against the Chinese. Nearby is the Woljeongri railway station with an old South Korean train that had been bombed during the war. Visitors can walk up to the crushed train and see where the shrapnel blasted through and left the train dead in its tracks. A signboard with the words "Train wants to run" looks out over the rusted barbed wire on the DMZ (Demilitarized Zone). The place is open to visitors of all ages, but must bring an ID or passport. Near the DMZ, north of Cheorwon a large area of rice paddies with two reservoirs is the home of migratory birds. There is a Labor Party Building, a sad skeleton that was rumored to house South Korean hostages and where North Koreans allegedly tortured many. The building barely stands today with bullet holes and falling beams.
The 2nd Tunnel
The second infiltration tunnel was found 13km north of Cheorwon on March 19, 1975. Hearing sounds from beneath, an underwater developing drilling machine was introduced and it began to search for water pockets. Out of 45 holes drilled, 7 actually penetrated the tunnel. Bored through 3.5km of bedrock at a depth of 50m to 160m below ground, the tunnel extends 1.1km south of the Military Demarcation Line to a point 110km from Seoul. A spacious troop assembly area was carved out inside the tunnel, which has three exits. Measuring an average width and height of 2m, this arch-shaped tunnel is large enough to move heavy weapons such as tanks, field artillery and armored personnel carriers. More than 30,000 troops could move, three to four abreast (a division in strength) in a matter of an hour.
Peace Dam
This South Korean dam, known as the Peace Dam, was built solely as to prevent a flood attack from the North should Pyongyang deliberately collapse a dam farther upstream.
The dam is located about 125 kilometers northeast of Seoul and is intended to mitigate damages in case North Korea's Imnam or Mt. Kumgang dam collapse, either intentionally or by accident.
Although it can hold back 2.63 billion tons of water, there is no reservoir behind this dam. The dam took 18 years to be build. The dam was completed in 2005. As it stands, the dam has no reservoir, and is merely preventive.
Construction began in 1987, in reaction to a perceived threat following the construction of the Imnam Dam by North Korea. The Bukhan River is a tributary of the Han River, and catastrophic scenarios foresaw a flood engulfing the South Korean capital of Seoul in case of an attack by North Korea. Construction was halted before completion, among allegations that the threat had been grossly exaggerated. Construction resumed after satellite photographs in 2002 revealed the existence of cracks in the Imnam Dam, triggering fears that it could collapse in case of heavy rains.
In September 2005, North Korea released massive quantities of water without warning, causing serious flooding in South Korea.
The Peace Dam is 601 meters wide, 125 meters tall, and capable of holding 2.63 billion tons of water. Its construction cost $429 million.
Completed in 2003, the North Korean Imnam dam is 710 meters wide and 121.5 meters high and has a claimed capacity of 2.62 billion tons of water.
World Peace Bell
Set by the Peace Dam, it was made from empty cartridge cases gathered from the world’s conflict zones in that the World Peace Bell carries a significant meaning of peace, life and hope.
The bell weights 37.5 ton but is incomplete. On the day unification of Korea, a broken pigeon wing will be added, bringing the bell to its intended weight of 37.5 ton, to complete the bell.
Yanggu
Yangu is a small town, located 170km northeast of Seoul and in the heart of the exuberant natural setting of unspoiled beauty, features a rich cultural and historic heritage including numerous prehistoric relics. Crystalline waterway along the Soyang reservoir leading into Yanggu is surely an unexpected delight to the visitors. It is also a military town. Here you will encounter many battlefields and war memorials of the Korean War (1950-1953). Eulji Observatory is set one of the bitterest battlegrounds fought in the Korean War. Perched on a peak rising 1049m above sea level near the Military Demarcation Line, it is now one of the most informative relics dating back to the Korean Conflict. From the Eulji Observation Platform, North Korea soldiers on guard are visible.
Punch Bowl
It was the site of some of the bloodiest battles of the Korean War because of its strategic location. It is a natural geologic bowl several kilometers across, ringed by steep mountains on four sides. The bowl creates the richest farmland, and the area is starkly beautiful. The Battle of Bloody Ridge took place here from August to September 1951 and this was followed by the Battle of Heartbreak Ridge from September to October 1951, meanwhile the 1st Marine Division reinforced by the Korean Marine Corps Regiment captured the line of hills in the Battle of the Punchbowl from 31 August to 20 September 1951. The area includes 'Blood Hill,' 'Heartbreak Hill,' and 'Mao Tae-tung Hill' and 'Stalin Hill' which face each other north of the Military Demarcation Line. Nestled in the bowl is Haean, a very small village surrounded mostly by farms. There is a little museum and guests to the area can book a tour with the local municipal office to see the 4th Infiltration Tunnel and the Eulji Observation Post.
Eulji Observation Post
Located 27km northeast of Yanggu, the Eulji Observation post stands 1,049 meters above sea level on Gachil-bong. About 1 km south of the Military Demarcation Line, it gives a view of Biro-bong and other peaks of Geumgang-san and a stunning 360 degree panorama of the Punch Bowl, including an ominous view of North Korea.
The 4th Tunnel
It was found 26km northeast from Yanggu on March 3, 1990. It is constructed 145m underground. The tunnel extends 2,052m southward and 1,028m of which are found across the Military Demarcation Line. It has an average width and height of 1.7m. The tunnel is dug through the solid granite base in the depth of 145 meters underground. The North Korean portion of the tunnel is tall enough for their troops to run completely upright. It's also said that they could move almost 2,000 troops through the tunnel in an hour. About 340 meters walk through interception tunnel leads you to hit the North Korean tunnel, a vivid hint for the surprise attack and to carry out future military operations against the South. Unlike three other tunnels, a short tunnel tour is made on a monorail.
Chuncheon
It is a charming town surrounded by mountains and scenic lakes. The city has several dams and lakes with scenic resort isles. Tucked away in a basin with Lake Uiam to the west, Lake Chuncheon and Lake Soyang to the north, and the Sinyong River to the south, the city is virtually surrounded by water which adds much to its appeal. From mountains to climb, idyllic surroundings to enjoy, and Buddhist temples, museums, ancient prehistoric sites, waterfalls and Asia's largest sand/gravel-filled dam to visit. Chuncheon has pretty much something for everyone. The lakes provide visitors with such experiences as water sports, fishing, sailing and mountain biking along the scenic lakes. The Jade Mine is the city's special attraction. It gained a growing fame from the early 1990s that the jade recovers and keeps health. The mine offers an excellent opportunity to purchase some of the jade products like ring, necklace, belt, bracelet, cushion, tableware, bedclothes and cosmetics etc. Besides, you can try spring water that lifted from 500 meters in depth under the ground. West of Chuncheon is Gangchon, a beautiful resort town with waterfalls, well arranged hiking trails, mountain bike trails and water sport facilities. No visit to Chuncheon would be complete without trying the city's most famous dish, "Dakgalbi'' a stir-frying marinated chunk of chicken in a red pepper paste sauce with sliced cabbage, sweet potato, onion and long, thin rice cake on a hot plate. The sizzling sound and spicy aroma stimulate your appetite. Visitors can enjoy Dakgalbi anywhere in the city, but the most famous place is the Dakgalbi Street in Myeong-dong. Another famous dish is Makguksu, the noodles made from buckwheat which are served in a Kimchi-stock soup and seasoned with a spicy sauce. The numerous lakes in the region cause many foggy days. Close proximity to Seoul makes this a popular daytrip destination.
Chuncheon Museum
The Chuncheon National Museum houses a treasure trove of cultural relics from Gangwon Province. The museum, which opened in 2002, is divided into four regular exhibit halls and two special exhibit halls, displaying over 1,000 relics including one national treasure, the seated marble Bodhisattva statue from the Hansongsa Temple as well as four other treasures. In addition to the National Museum there is the Animation Museum and the Chuncheon Puppet Theater which is quite popular with younger visitors as well as families to the city. Located in Hyeonam-ri, Seo-myeon on a vast site near the picturesque Lake Uiam, the Animation Museum is filled with numerous exhibits that show the origins and development of animation, different types of animations and their production process, as well as the history of animation in Korea, the United States and Japan. Not just a static display of animation, the sights and sounds of animation are a delightful sensory experience for visitors of all ages. Along the same lines, the Chuncheon Puppet Theater is another great place for families to visit. The Theater was established with the goal to make the city the center of global puppet shows and the center of culture and arts for children. Each year the Chuncheon Puppet Festival is held here and it has become one of the country's more popular international events.
Soyang Dam
Located in the northeast of Chuncheon, Soyang Dam with its length of 530 meters and height of 123m, was completed in 1973 after nearly 6 years of construction. Soyang Dam is known as Asia's largest sand/gravel-filled dam and the lake that was formed as its aftermath is the largest man-made lake in Korea. The lake, nicknamed as "the sea inside the land", commands a stunning view from the top. With the completion of this multipurpose dam, the Soyang River provides a good inland waterway to Yanggu, a city known for such sites as the Yanggu Prehistoric Museum, the 4th Infiltration Tunnel, Eulji Observatory and the Palrang Waterfall. The reservoir, holding nearly 3 billion cubic meters of water, extends as long as 66km, and covers the area of 2,700㎢. The annual energy output reaches 353 million Kw with two sets of 100,000kw generators. Well-kept road leads to the dam and it can be reached in 15 minutes from the city. The 60km-long Soyang lake is the largest in the country. Speed boat serves tourists along the scenic route to Inje or Yanggu from where tourist can reach to the Seoraksan national park and finally eastern coast.
LEGOLAND Korea Resort
LEGOLAND® Korea Resort is an outdoor theme park, offering a number of indoor attractions, such as 4D Cinema and many of rides, rides, and attractions built of LEGO® bricks, shows, and building experiences in the area of 70 acres. LEGOLAND® Korea Resort have more than 15,000 LEGO® models, made of more than 30 million LEGO® bricks. You simply can’t miss LEGOLAND® Lookout – it is 43 meters high and offers the FANTASIC view over LEGOLAND Park & the beautiful lake around you. Climb to the sky and enjoy the view of the BRICKTOPIA before you drop into a fun "free-fall" to the ground from the Monkey Tree.
Robotic Play Centre is exactly where that happens, a robot that obeys your commands. It will be the perfect destination for your family offering ultimate LEGO® experience - a day at LEGOLAND® Korea and a night at LEGOLAND® Hotel equipped with an immersive 154-room LEGO® sleepover experience just steps away from the theme park.
Cheongpyeongsa temple
Cradled on the southern ridge of the majestic Mt. Obong (779 meters), the Cheongpyeongsa Temple, which became more widely known to tourists with the opening of the Soyang Dam and Waterway in 1973, has a history that dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty. Built in 973, the temple, like most temples in Korea, has survived both the ravages of time and war, but only just. Many of the temple's buildings were destroyed during the 1950-53 Korean War, but many interesting structures remain, including Hoejonmun or the temple's middle gate as well as one of Korea's oldest ponds, a waterfall and a stone pagoda perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the peaceful Cheongpyeong Valley. The temple is located at the end of the Cheongpyeong Valley noted for its clean water. Before reaching the temple there are three landmarks worth visiting. The first, which is located to the right of the pretty walkway leading to the temple, is Gusong Waterfall. Reportedly, the water cascading down from the 9m-high waterfall is said to make nine different sounds. You might have to listen very carefully to hear those sounds, but it is a great place to for a photo op. Across from the waterfall, another of the Cheongpyeong-sa Temple's must-see treasures is a 3m-high 3-story stone pagoda overlooking the valley. Built on a large rock on the Hwanhuiryong mountain pass, which was the old route to the temple, this pagoda resembles those of the Silla Dynasty. Surrounded by pines, the pagoda harmonizes nicely with the surrounding valley.
Nami Island
Nami Island or Namiseom is small, but quite pretty, perfect to relax for a while and an idyllic and romantic place for nature walks, biking tour and relaxation.
The island has an area of 480,000㎡ and a circumference of 5km. Nami Island was named after General Nami, a notable figure in Korean history who died at age of 28 in 1468 after being falsely accused of treason during the reign of King Sejo, the seventh ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. There were a pile of stones where his body was supposed to be buried.
Nami Island declared its cultural independence on 01 March 2006 and re-named itself the Naminara Republic. It has invented its own passport, currency, stamp and telephone card, and has promoted the establishment of Naminara in other countries. A "passport" issued from Naminara is required to enter the island.
After a five-minute ferry ride, guests meet a forest of verdant trees holding up the sky and open grassy areas where ostriches, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, ducks and peacocks warmly welcome visitors in the midst of wild flowers. The island, especially the Metasequoia path, was one of the main filming locations of drama series Winter Sonata.
Rail bike
Rail biking is an extra fun you can have in Jeongseon. You will have one hour long biking from Gujeolri to the Auraji station on a rail which was once functioning until the late 90s. With declining coal mining industry, the rail was unattended since then. Today, with the new rail bike, it attracts a crowd of visitors to the remote highland for a unique experience. It is a 5km long rail by scenic streams and through a couple of tunnels of fancy lights. You can enjoy a short break for refreshment en route. Overall the biking will bring you an added pleasure for your visit. The rail is slightly downhill and you can easily bike over the scenic rail all the way to the Auraji station.
Gangwon Land
Located on the high clear plateau, in harmony with the beautiful nature of Jeongseon about an hour ride from Gangneung, with the mountains at its back and the East Sea at its front- Kangwon Land has become a major tourist destination for its scenic splendor, world-class casino, and one of the most modern ski facilities in Asia. The ski resort has runs for beginners and advanced skiers with 18 slopes to accommodate all levels. Additionally, the resort has modern carpet lifts, while the gondolas arrive at a revolving restaurant at 1340 meters above sea level. Being the third largest ski resort in Korea after the Yongpyeong and Muju resorts, it has a total of 21km of slopes with two ski houses, a restaurant at the top of the mountain, two lounges, five ski-lifts and three cable cars. Slopes are 40m wide on average and provide each person with the largest personal space. One of the beginner slopes is 4.9km long. Visitors can use a train specially run for the ski resort by the Korea Railroad Corporation (Korail) from December to the end of March. The train operates between the Seoul Station and the Gohan Station in Jeongseon near the resort, and between the Busan Station and Gohan.
Taebaek
It is one of the highland cities in Korea, located at the altitude of 650 meters in a steep mountain pass. Various inclinations exist due to the vertical ground altitude. A dense forest and topographical undulation make the altitude differ greatly and the scenery more fantastic. Taebaek is the origin of the potable water for Korean people. The Gumryeong swamp, the origin of the Han River, which becomes the main potable water supply of Seoul , and the Whanggi Pond, the fountainhead of the Nakdong River, which forms the life-giving water of the south eastern part of the country. Taebaek was once the center of coal mining industry in Korea . The Coal Museum and the Yongyeun Cave which is located in the highest place in Korea , and the Fossil Museum are among Taebaek's attractions.
Taebaeksan
Mt. Taebaek, 1,568 meters above sea level, comprised of several towering peaks. Though, the mountain with fewer cliffs and smooth slopes enables all ages easy to climb. The water originating from this mountain forms the Nakdong River, the life spring of the Yeongnam plain. It also forms the Han River and the Osip Stream, and thus serves as the nation's spiritual mountain, and a root for all mountains. A variety of wild edible vegetables grows at the top, and in spring full blossomed azaleas greet the climber. In summer, dense stands of green trees and cool clean water in valleys provide visitors with cool escape far away from the summer heat. In autumn, maple trees unveil their palate of colors, and in winter yew trees grace the snow-clad landscape. All in all, Mt. Taebaek is regarded as the nation's mother mountain, a place of beauty and tolerance. The sunrise and sunset as viewed from the summit is grandiose, making us to feel as if we were near to the heaven.
Coal museum
Opened in 1997, the museum shows the history of coal mining in Korea with 8 exhibition rooms and mine simulation hall. This first exhibition room features the crust of the earth in a multi-faceted way: distribution of rocks, structures wrinkled or cut and other geological characteristics. Here, you can browse the structure of the earth's crust through various fossils, rocks and minerals displayed by geological age and formation. You will see though birth of the earth, changes of its crust, formation of minerals and explosion of volcanoes.
The second room introduces the relationship between fire and men, a ground for the development of the civilization, by featuring the origin and discovery of the coal which represents underground resources. In addition to coal's origin and discovery, you can have a comparative review of the past development and current conditions of the nation's largest coal mine as well as the distribution of coal mines in Korea. You sure will be awakened at the importance of the coal which has been the nation's sole energy resources.
In the third room, you will be impressed with the wisdom of the mankind; discovering, mining and using the coal, developing the mining techniques and the civilization thereof. All these processes are projected well through the development of various excavating, mining, processing and exploiting methods and equipment. In particular, you shall be re-awakened of the diverse benefits enjoyed by humans thanks to coal as well as its importance in our lives.
In the fourth room displays the safety of mining. Various difficulties and dangers accompany the mining of the coal which is buried deep underground. On this backdrop, this room briefs you on causes and types of mining accidents as well as rescue activities and particularly those industrial force's devotion and sacrifice. Furthermore, you will get better understanding of the accident prevention efforts featured through various safety devices and facilities. As the mines started to get developed on a full scale, miners' village became something like a concentration camp. In this course, the unique conditions of miner's life produced a new housing style, living instruments, native shamanism, art, traditional entertainment culture and the like. In this room, you may have been more sympathetic to the unique life styles of miners' village and their life itself. Finally, the room introduces you to Taebaek, the center of nation's coal industry, where the coal museum is located. Before coal mines were developed, Taebaek had been typical remote mountains region surrounded by the high rise rugged mountains. In this room, you can browse the traditional cultural setting and life styles of Taebaek through its natural conditions, history, cultural assets and native religions. Underground is equipped with simulation mine modeled closely after a real one. You can have a close experience of the mining work in this simulated mine, while being let through the realistic setting of mining work simulated with various types of mines and equipments as per age.
The miners' taboo
No whistling in a mine.
No woman should cross in front of a miner on his way to work.
Do not go to work after an ominous dream.
Do not catch or kill a rat in a mine.
Only use red or blue colors for lunchbox.
Do not put 4 scoops of rice.
High security measure is taken when a crow cries.
Geomryongso
Located on the Gumdaebong peak, Geomryongso is a source of the 514km-long Han River. Water springing from Jedanggumsam and Gomoknamusam ponds at the foot of the Gumdaebong peak; and Mulgunyeong, Seokgansu and Yetteogum in the valley below, penetrate underground, and disperse from Geomryongso to become the source of the 514 km-long Han River. An average of between 2,000 and 3,000 tons of water are dispersed daily from Geomryongso, which is 20 meter wide and of unknown depth. Millennia of pounding water have carved a 1 meter-deep and 1.5 meter-wide hole in the stone, creating the impression of a writhing dragon. According to local legend, a boa living in the West Sea went up the Han River to find the pond, located at the head of the river's uppermost stream. Confirming that this was the pond, he tried to enter it to become a dragon. At that moment, he left traces here. Water springing out from Geomryongso is 9 degrees Celsius. Green water mosses thrive on the stone, further enhancing the mystery of the place. This water flows to Goljiseon, Jeongseon; the Joyang River; the Dong River in Yeongwol; even to Danyang; Chungju and Yeoju; and joins at Yangsuri, and then joins with the Imjin River. From there it completes its journey to the West Sea. The Taebaek Cultural Center organizes the Han River Festival annually here.
Hwangji
Located at the center of the Taebaek city is the source of the 525km-long Nakdong River. Water springing from this pond flows across the huge Yeongnam Plain. This pond is divided into an upper pond, middle pond and lower pond, from which 5,000 tons of water flows daily.
Mureung Valley
Located near Samcheok and Donghae, the valley is beautiful in any season but always beautiful in its own way. The valley with its rocky cliffs and beautiful waterfalls of crystal-clear water provides three types of trekking trails of different levels of physical strength. The first route follows the river offering a pleasant walk. The trail is only about 3 kilometers long, but it is enough to see most of the scenic points of the valley. At the beginning of the route in front of the Buddhist monastery on the rocky bed of a small river, there are many Chinese characters engraved on stones. After that, there is a Buddhist temple standing in harmony with the surrounding mountains. Farther along the route, there are many rocks in tricky shapes, the most prominent of which are named for their resemblance to one thing or another: the general rock, the tortoise rock, the dragon rock. The so-called Fairies' Bath meets you at the end of the first route, where there are two waterfalls. One of the waterfalls - Twins Waterfalls - consists of two small almost identical waterfalls that look especially beautiful in the winter. The other, a waterfall with three levels, can be best seen from an iron suspension bridge - the favorite point of photographers. The second route starts not far from the Fairies' Bath. After a steeply rising iron staircase, it rewards you with a breathtaking view of the valley. The third route includes Mt. Duta and Mt. Cheongok, which needs at least seven hours to finish the route. On the way to the top of Mt. Duta, one can find the area's main historical point of interest, the ruins of an ancient fortress. It was built in A.D. 102. The path goes to the top of Mt. Duta, then to Mt. Cheongok and down to the starting point of the first route.
Yongyeon cave
Located at the pivot of the Taebaek Mountain ridge at 930 meters above sea level, it has a total length of 843 meters. This limestone cave is full of a variety of stalagmites, stalactites, stone pillars, cave pearls, cave corals and others. There is also a spacious plaza of 50m in width and 130m in length, and a rhythm pond, all creating a mystic sight. Twelve kinds of animals live inside the cave, including bats and blind shrimps, adding its mystic beauty.
Yeongwol
Located at the southern tip of Gangwondo province and about 250km south of Seoul, Yeongwol is a lime stone mining town of 60,000 inhabitants. Yeongwol is more famous for the exile of 12-year old king Danjong. He ascended to the throne in 1452 at the age of 12, but was overthrown by his uncle Sejo, who became the king by usurping the throne from his 14-years-old nephew. Danjong was demoted to prince and put to an exile to Chongnyongpo in Yeongwol in 1457. Finally he was forced to drink a poison in October of the same year and died here at the age of 17. Jangneung is the tomb of Danjong.
Cheongyongpo
About 2km southwest of Youngwol, it is the place to which Danjong was banished. Surrounded on three sides by waters and on the fourth by a steep cliff, Danjong spent three lonely months here until a flood forced his removal to in the town of Yeongwol.
Gossi cave
It is a cave formed about 400 million years ago. The cave boasts of its natural wonders with its waterfalls and spectacular rock formations such as Dream Palace, Lotus garden, and Mammae including 4 squares. It is open to the visitors only open up to 800 meters from the entrance out of total 6.3km in length. The cave was named after Ko Jongwon, a Korean general, whose family sought refuge here during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592.
Hwanseon cave
It is surrounded by scenic mountains in a rugged Karst range at about 800m in elevation and one of the largest limestone caverns in Asia. The walls spout water from innumerable cracks and seeps, which join to make good-sized streams, waterfalls and pools. Only 1.6km open to the public; yet that section alone will provide unforgettable memories. It was mapped in 1967 and is reported to be about 6.2km long, but many cavers still believe that the cave may will be longer than 10km. It has 10 pools, 6 waterfalls, a huge main chamber, and dozens of amazing sights. It is loaded with fantastic formations including stalactite cascades.
About 30 minute uphill hike from the ticket office is the main entrance of overwhelming size in the middle of the mountain.
