TRAVEL IN KOREA
Korea Places to Visit
Find attractions, culture, festivals, stays, restaurants, shopping and travel courses for a clear Korea trip plan.
Jinpo Maritime Theme Park (진포해양테마공원)
32 Naehang 2-gil, Gunsan-si, Jeonbuk-do (Jangmi-dong)
The Jinpo Maritime Theme Park opened in 2008 to commemorate the sweeping victory at the Battle of Jinpo, the naval combat against the Japanese forces led by General Choi Mu-seon in 1380. Constructed with a scenic backdrop of the local port and the vast sea, the park houses 16 retired military crafts of 13 models. On display at the park are vintage tanks, historical artillery, combat planes, and warships including the Wibongham Ship, a vessel that was used in combat during the Vietnam War. Visitors can also explore the interior of decommissioned warships. The exhibition hall inside the Wibongham Ship showcases weapons used during the Battle of Jinpo, artillery made by General Choi Mu-seon, and the typical life inside the warship.
Jinseon (진선)
43 Seonsojungang-gil, Jinwol-myeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do
In a quiet village in Gwangyang, this restaurant has built a loyal following around a single dish, 'Jaecheophoe' (raw freshwater marsh clam). Fresh vegetables, pear and blanched marsh clams are mixed together and served with chojang, sesame oil or even over rice like 'Jaecheophoedeopbap'.
Jinyangho Park (진양호 공원 (진양호 전망대, 동물원))
96-6 Namgang-ro 1beon-gil, Jinju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do
Jinyangho Park is situated around Jinyangho Lake, the only manmade lake in Gyeongsangnam-do. The park is complete with a range of facilities and amenities, including a zoo that is home to tigers, lions, bears, eagles, giraffes, and many more animals. Another popular attraction within the park is the observatory, a modern three-story building that offers views of the surrounding landscape. The park has been used as a filming site, and is a common date location for locals.
Jiri Beach (지리해수욕장)
1462-58, Cheongsan-ro, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do
Jiri Beach offers a beautiful view of the sunset and is regarded as one of the best beaches on Cheongsando Island. With its clean, shallow waters and fine white sand, it is a great vacation spot for families. The beach stretches for 1 kilometer, is 100 meters in x_width, and is bordered by over 500 ancient pine trees that provide natural shade from the sun. The waters of Cheongsando Island teem with fish, earning the island a reputation as one of Korea’s major sea fishing sites.
Jirisan Cheese Land (지리산치즈랜드)
1590-62 , Saneop-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Chowon Ranch, which started milking with two cows in 1979, built Jirisan Cheese Land, an experience ranch, in 2012 to introduce the dairy industry and milk to more people based on its 30 years of experience. Jirisan Cheese Land distributes homemade cheese and yogurt, and at the experience center, you can experience making mozzarella cheese, feeding calves, and riding a grass sleigh. Over 130 dairy cows are grazing in the green meadow pasture, and the lake is adjacent to it, creating beautiful scenery. The specialty of Jirisan Cheese Land is nature. The dazzling greenery and fragrance of scenery, flowers, and grass are the special features.
Jirisan Cheonwangbong Peak (지리산 천왕봉)
Jirisan-daero, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Along with Geumgangsan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. On December 29, 1967 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation's first and biggest national park. Its 440.517-square kilometer area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongsangnam-do; Gurye in Jeollanam-do ; and Namwon in Jeollabuk-do region. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido Island in Seoul. At 1,915.4 meters high, Cheonwangbong Peak is the second highest peak in Jirisan National Park. Countless valleys and waterfalls surround the peak, as well as trails connecting to other peaks within the park.
Jirisan Chilseongyegok Valley (칠선계곡(지리산))
Chuseong-ri, Hamnyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Chilseongyegok Valley is the most beautiful valley in Jirisan Mountain, and is one of the top three valleys in the nation, along with Cheonbuldonggyegok Valley in Seoraksan Mountain and Tamnagyegok Valley in Hallasan Mountain. The 16-kilometer valley stretching from Uitan of Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak is characterized by very tough topography but beautiful scenery and is the only remaining primeval forest of Jirisan Mountain. It is also dotted with seven waterfalls and 33 ponds. The hike becomes more difficult as the trail enters the valley. Because the valley has taken many lives, some people call it "The Valley of Death." For that reason, visitors must apply in advance and hike with a guide. The trail in Chilseon Valley is a 9.4-kilometer course from Chuseong Village in Macheon-myeon to Cheonwangbong Peak, which does not follow the natural valley, due to the valley's steep and dangerous features. Starting from Chuseong Village, the trail passes Yongso Pond, Jujiteo Site, Chuseongmang Rock, Seonnyeotang Pond, Ongnyeotang Pond, Biseondam, Chilseonpokpo Falls, Daeryukpokpo Falls, Samcheungpokpo Falls and Mapokpo Falls, all before reaching Cheonwangbong Peak.
Jirisan Hanok Village (지리산한옥마을)
43 , Daejeongbangcheon-gil, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
Jirisan Hanok Village, in Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do, is a famous old house at the foot of Jirisan National Park’s Cheonwangbong and Nogodan Peaks. Just 20 minutes by car away from Nogodan and Baemsagol Valley Trail, the place is popular with walkers especially in the summer. Businessmen, poets and writers come here for the beautiful scenery; in particular, a candidate for the 2008 Nobel Prize in Literature stayed and worked here for a while.
Jirisan National Park (Namwon) (지리산국립공원(남원))
255 Jeongnyeongchi-ro, Jucheon-myeon, Namwon-si, Jeonbuk-do
Jirisan National Park is the second-highest mountain in South Korea, standing at an elevation of 1,915 meters, spanning across the provinces of Gyeongsang-do and Jeolla-do. Revered as a sacred mountain alongside North Korea's Baekdusan Mountain, it is home to the Asiatic Black Bear and features numerous peaks, including Cheonwangbong Peak. In spring, various flowers such as Royal Azalea bloom, while lush forests thrive in summer, vibrant foliage adorns the landscape in autumn, and the winter scenery boasts snow-covered peaks and icy landscapes.
Jirisan National Park (Nogodan Peak Section) (지리산국립공원 (지리산 노고단))
356, Hwaeomsa-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Jirisan National Park covers a vast amount of land in three provinces, including one city and three counties. The countless mountain peaks both large and small blend harmoniously, giving off a comforting ambiance. The valleys feature streams, waterfalls, and more natural attractions beautiful all year round. The mountain is the starting point for the Seomjingang River, which flows into the southern sea. The park is home to many plants and animals, including the Asiatic black bear. There are many hiking paths crossing the park; it is recommended to make a plan for the courses in advance, checking the lengths and time required. As Jirisan Mountain changes with the different seasons, hikers can enjoy various aspects of the mountain’s terrain. However, some areas will be closed off for hikers' safety in the case of incliment weather or to prevent forest fires in the dry season.
Jirisan National Park (Sancheong) (지리산국립공원(산청))
376 Nammyeong-ro, Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Jirisan National Park is the first national park established in South Korea, featuring peaks like Cheonwangbong Peak (1,915 m), Banyabong Peak, and Nogodan Peak, which rank as the next highest after Hallasan Mountain. It's a popular destination for mountain enthusiasts, offering beautiful natural landscapes such as Naewonsagyegok Valley. The park also provides convenient facilities like Jirisan Recreational Forest, Naewonsa Temple, mountain lodges, campgrounds, and pensions.
Jirisan Recreational Forest (국립 지리산자연휴양림)
152 Eumjeong-gil, Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Jirisan Recreational Forest safeguards the splendid natural beauty of Jirisan Mountain. Positioned 600 to 700 meters above sea level, the region surpassing 700 meters is designated as a national park. The forest features a range of amenities including accommodations, a forest student camp, various trails, a forest park, and a suspension bridge. The significant temperature variation in the area contributes to the breathtaking display of autumn foliage.
Jirisan Taegojae (Jeongilpum Farm) (지리산태고재 (정일품농원))
39-2 Gaepyeong-gil, Jigok-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do
Located on a hill overlooking Gaepyeong Hanok Village, this place is popular as it serves as a filming location for many movies and dramas, including "Mr. Sunshine (2018)." It is a unique traditional hanok (traditional Korean house) complex with tile-roofed houses and thatched houses, presenting guests with a quiet night stay at hanok. It consists of Jeongilpum, Traditional Room, Hakseondang, and Chwiundang, with a total of 10 rooms. In particular, thatched houses are a traditional architectural form that is difficult to find elsewhere, so staying over at least once is recommended. It is also famous for its Korean table d’hote restaurant. The traditional Korean food made with seasonal ingredients is served only to in-house guests.
Jirisanhosu resort / 지리산호수리조트
610 , Gumanje-ro, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do
Jirisan Lake Resort in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, accomodates travellers in glamping-style lodges arranged in terraces on a sloping hill - from where guests can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Gumanje Lake and Jirisan Mountain. The lodges have tables and barbecues outside. Starting at the entrance to the resort is a pedestrian bridge across the lake where guests can stroll; and on the other side is a free-range farm where visitors can have a go at cheese-making. Pets are allowed.
Jirye Arts Village (지례예술촌)
427 Jiryeyesulchon-gil, Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do
Located in Andong, Jirye Arts Village first formed as a result of the construction of Imha Dam. When a small neighborhood in Jirye-ri, Imdong-myeon was at the risk of flood due to the dam, Kim Won-gil, the village leader at the time, relocated and rebuilt ten houses to the current location in 1986. This neighborhood, now known as Jirye Arts Village, was designated as an art village in 1990 and since then, many artists settled in the neighborhood and formed a community of culture and art. Today, Jirye Arts Village offers a variety of opportunities to experience Korean culture through hands-on arts and crafts as well as diverse cultural activities.
Jisan Forest Ski Resort (지산 포레스트 리조트 스키장)
267, Jisan-ro, Icheon-si, Gyeonggi-do
Jisan Forest Resort, which opened in December 1996, makes for the perfect one-day trip from Seoul. It is located only forty minutes from the capital and is covered with beautiful white pines. The ski slopes were developed to be environmentally-friendly, making it a popular attraction for the locals. With the latest snow removal machine, the drive from Seoul is safer, letting more people come to the resort at night to enjoy night skiing. For those visiting with family, the beginner courses makes it easy to learn how to ski and snowboard. Furthermore, Icheon ceramics complex is a mere 15 minutes away, offering a variety of sights to see and ceramicware experience programs to enjoy. Everland Amusement park and a hot springs complex are also located very close by.
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Source: Korea Tourism Organization, official website (https://knto.or.kr).