Our TOUR in Korea

Jinjuseong Castle

2009-11-11T19:26:00.000-08:00

Jinjuseong Castle(area 1,760m2, stone castle) is a sacred ground of Jinju in which history and culture of Jinju are well integrated. Originally it had been a mud castle. But it was rebuilt with stones against frequent invasion of sea marauders in the 5th year of King Woo, Goryeo Dynasty(1379). During the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, the General Gim, Si-min won a victory at this castle, which was one of three great victories in the war. And the next year(1593), in the second Jinjuseong Battle, about 70,000 militia corps and government troops resisted to the last to die for their country gloriously. There are many historical relics on this site such as Jinju National Museum, Jinjuseong Imjindaecheop Gyesasunuidan Altar, Changnyeolsa Temple, and Hoguksa Temple.

Location : Bonseong-dong, Namseong-dong, Jinju-si

Jinju was an ancient city of Goryeonggaya in the Gaya Era. This city was called 'Geoyeolseong' of Baekje in the Three Kingdom Era, and was called 'Geoyeolju', 'Cheongju', and 'Gangju' in the Unified Silla Era. Name of this city was changed into 'Jinju' for the first time in the 23rd year of King Taejong of the Goryeo Dynasty(940).
It became 'Jinju-mok', one of 12 moks(local administrative units in Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty) in the 2nd year of King Seongjong(983). In the 33rd year of King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty(1896), administrative district of the nation was reorganized with 13 provinces. At that time Jinju began to belong to Gyeongsangnam-do, and became capital town of Gyeongsangnam-do. And provincial governor started to reside at Jinju. On April 1, 1925, Busan replaced Jinju as provincial capital.
On August 15, 1949, the government of the Republic of Korea was established and 'the local self-government system' was started. At that time, Jinju-bu was raised to Jinju-si(city) and started to have mayor of the city. On January 1, 1995, in accordance with 'the Law pertaining to the establishment of Urban-Rural Integrated City', Jinju-si and Jinyang-gun became extinct and were merged into one integrated Jinju-si(city).

PYOCHUNGSA - Miryang

2009-11-08T18:04:00.000-08:00

Pyochungsa is located on Jaeyaksan Mountain, which is called the ‘Alps of the Yeongnam region,’ to the southwest of Cheonhwangsan Mountain. Pyochungsa is also one of the most popular tourist spots in the Miryang area.It was originally named Jukrimsa when Great Master Wonhyo founded it.

Pyochungsa makes a deep impression by reminding us of the Korean ancestors’ love of their country and people. The temple is in a most auspicious location in terms of geomancy (Chi: Feng Shui); Gajisan, Unmunsan, and Jaeyaksan Mountains are standing in the background, while two river courses join in front of the temple and surround this location. According to a geomantic prophecy, the temple is expected to produce six more saints who will save the future of the country. On the temple grounds stands a famed stone monument called Pyochungbi (Foremost Patriotism Tablet), which was erected to extol the patriotic deeds of Great Master Song-un a.k.a. Samyeongdang. The monument has been reported to drip sweat whenever serious national affairs or disasters befall the nation, as if predicting them. For example, it shed sweat before the Gabogyeongjang Reform in 1894, the Japanese annexation of Korea in 1910, the March 1 Movement for national independence in 1919, the liberation of Korea on August 15 in 1945, the Korean War in 1950, the April 19 Movement for democracy in 1960, and the May 16 coup d’etat in 1961.

Miryang Tour

2009-11-08T17:12:00.000-08:00

Miryang, often spelled Milyang, is a city in Gyeongsangnam-do Province, South Korea. Neighboring cities include Changnyeong to the west, Cheongdo to the north, Ulsan to the east, and Yangsan, Gimhae, and Changwon to the south. The city bird is the Korean magpie, the city tree is the pine, and the city flower is the royal azalea.

The recorded history of Miryang begins in the Samhan period, when it was known as Mirimidongguk. Due to its strategic location near the Nakdong River, Miryang played an important role from the Silla period forward. It served as an important station on the Great Yeongnam Road during the later Joseon Dynasty, and in the 20th century it became a station on the Gyeongbu Line railroad that connects Busan to Seoul. Miryang remains a key stop along that line, and is now the only city between Busan and Daegu served byKTX express trains.

Miryang is known around Korea for the Miryang arirang and for the view from the Yeongnamnu pavilion, subject of numerous poems from the Joseon Dynasty. Other noted landmarks include Eoreumgol and the temple of Pyochungsa. Famous people from Miryang include 15th-century Neo-Confucian scholar Kim Jong-jik and 16th-century warrior-monk Songun Yu Jeong. The city government works actively to maintain the memory of these figures, and of other local cultural features such as the tale of Arang.( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miryang )

For more information about Miryang Culture and Tourism visit

http://eng.miryang.go.kr/03/02_01.php

10.25.2009

9th Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival

2009-11-05T04:32:00.000-08:00

A 10-minute ferry ride from Masan takes you to Dotseom Island, which attracts butterflies, bees and tourists this time of year with its wide range of chrysanthemums. Last year, the city relocated the festival location to the ocean recreation park in Dotseom and promoted not only the Chrysanthemum but a comprehensive festival that could concurrently enjoy the green ocean and islands of Namhae which win heart of the citizens.

The island is the only ocean park in the nation and is the venue for the 9th Masan Gagopa Chrysanthemum Festival, with a total of 10,000 chrysanthemum flowers with more than 200 varieties.

10.29.2009

Tongyeong-Hallyeo Waterway Observation Cable Car

2009-11-05T03:25:00.000-08:00

Tongyeong is situated in the southern tip of Goseong peninsula and its three sides are surrounded by the sea. It consists of 41 inhabited and 110 uninhabited islands. Tongyeong Port, the east gate of Hallyeo Marine National Park, is referred to as the most beautiful port in South Korea

This Hallyeo Waterway Observation Cable Car is the longest (1.975m) cable car in Korea installed on Tongyeong Mt. Mireuksan (461m above the sea), one of the 100 celebrated mountains (the Office of Forestry) in Korea.

10.31.2009

Gyeongsangnam-do - Miryang South Korea

2009-10-29T20:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Miryang....

Miryang is also the city of cultural tourist destination full of superb cultural relics and picturesque places combined with beautiful nature.

The Yeongnamnu or Yeongnamru is a pavilion on a cliff overlooking the curve of the Miryang River in central Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. It dates to the Joseon Dynasty and is one of the central cultural treasures of Miryang. The current structure was built in 1884 according to the design of then-magistrate Yi In-jae. The Yeongnamnu itself is actually one of a complex of historic buildings. Stone-carved calligraphy from the Joseon period abounds in the pavilion complex. Also near the Yeongnamnu stand the Aranggak pavilion and the Miryang City Museum

Night Scenery of Yeong-nam-nu ( MIRYANG)

2009-10-29T20:27:00.000-07:00

The Yeongnamnu or Yeongnamru is a pavilion on a cliff overlooking the curve of the Miryang River in central Miryang, Gyeongsangnam-do, South Korea. It dates to the Joseon Dynasty and is one of the central cultural treasures of Miryang. The current structure was built in 1884 according to the design of then-magistrate Yi In-jae. During the Joseon period, this was known as one of the three great pavilions of Korea, together with the Chokseongnu in Jinju and the Pubyok pavilion in Pyongyang.

The Yeongnamnu itself is actually one of a complex of historic buildings. Stone-carved calligraphy from the Joseon period abounds in the pavilion complex. Also near the Yeongnamnu stand the Aranggak pavilion and the Miryang City Museum.

The first pavilion was probably constructed on this site in the Silla period, as part of the now-vanished temple of Yeongnamsa. That pavilion was torn down in the late Goryeo period and replaced by the precursor of the current structure. It became affiliated with the Miryang guesthouse, which thanks to Miryang's location on the Great Yeongnam Road often played host to officials traveling between Hanyang (Seoul) and Busan.

The Yeongnamnu shares its name with Yeongnam, the traditional region of Korea in which Miryang is located.

10.23.2009

Jinhae Seaside

2009-10-13T18:14:00.000-07:00

These are some views along Jinhae Seaside

JINHAE INLAND WATER ECO PARK

2009-10-13T17:17:00.000-07:00

WOOBANG TOWER LAND & WOOBANG TOWER

2009-10-12T23:57:00.000-07:00

Woobang Tower Land, Daegu is a beautiful amusement park in Daegu which can boast of having a beautiful landscape. Woobang Tower Land, Daegu is a European style theme park. It is very beautifully adorned by waterfalls, foundations, lightening and flowers. It hosts various events, in its exhibition hall. The Woobang Tower Land, Daegu is an ideal destination for both children as well as the adults. The kids can enjoy the great variety of rides. Another popular attraction of the Woobang Tower Land, Daegu is the Daegu Tower which stands on the top of Woobang Tower Land.

Woobang Tower (aka Daegu Tower) is the highest tower in Asia (202 meters high, 312 meters in altitude). It has a sky lounge cocktail bar and a restaurant that revolves around the tower's base, giving diners a panoramic view of the entire city. Other restaurants include a cafeteria, Korean restaurant, and Western-style barbecue.Woobang Tower Land has regularly scheduled events each season. During the winter, people enjoy a snow sleigh. During spring, visitors can observe the flower festival in the gardens. During summer and fall, the park offers many performances, concerts, and exhibitions. The Tower Skyway (cable car) travels across the entire park, allowing visitors to get a bird's eye view of all the park's rides an shows.

WOOBANG TOWER

10.10.09

Jehwangsan Park ( Jinhae Tower)

2009-10-05T18:34:00.000-07:00

Located at the central area of Jinhae, this mountain park is commonly called "TABSAN" by the locals since the park has a pagoda like tower on the top of Mt. Jehwang. Jinhae tower has 365 steps (signifying 365 days in a year). It has 9 stories and it's 28 meters high. The municipal museum is also located on the 1st and 2nd floor of the tower.

Haeyang Park - Jinhae

2009-09-21T02:37:00.000-07:00

This islet is located at Haeyang Park and it is just 5 minutes walk from Jinhae Marine Park. The islet attracts lots of families and tourist who enjoy walking through the shallow shore. During low tide people enjoy picking clams.

High Tide

LOW TIDE

Sampo Song's Monument

2009-09-21T02:35:00.000-07:00

This granite monument (3.5m in width and lenght, 5m in height) stands nearby Sampo Village. Sing- a- song writer Mr lee Hyemin wrote the popular song " Samporoganungil ( The way to Sampo)" in memory of his younger days trip to Sampo Village. The lyrics and story of the song is inscribed on both side of the monument.

Seokcho Pier - Jinhae

2009-09-20T23:57:00.000-07:00

Ferries depart at ninety-minute intervals from 7am-5.30pm (last service 6.40pm) to Geoje-do, Korea's second largest island. The ferry terminal is a 15-20 minutes walk from Jinhae Station or you can take bus number 101, 103, 106, 107 and 111, which all run past either the train station or main roundabout and terminate one street away from Seokcho at Sukchon station.

09.12.2009

Night View of Jinhaeru Pavillion - Jinhae

2009-09-20T23:46:00.000-07:00

This is a night view of Jinhaeru Pavilion at Seaside Park in Jinhae, South Gyeongsang Province. Jinhae is famous for its cherry blossoms in spring.

9.11.2009

Jinhae @ Night

2009-09-20T23:38:00.000-07:00

This spectacular view of Jinhae/Chinhae was taken from Anmin Ridge which is one of the famous scenic route of Jinhae. It is approximately 5 minutes drive from the Chinhae US Naval Base.

09.11.2009

Jinhae Energy Environment Science Park

2009-09-20T23:27:00.000-07:00

This is the newly added up must-see place of the city. Taking after the shape of Geobuksun, and sailing boat, this park boasts of grand night view by colorful illuminating lights. The Energy Hall in the park is Korea's first built to enhance energy awareness to the public.

Busan

2009-09-16T01:29:00.000-07:00

Busan, a bustling city of approximately 3.6 million residents, is located on the southeastern tip of the Korean peninsula. The size of Busan is 765.64km² which is 0.8% of the whole land of the Korean Peninsula. Busan is the second largest city in Korea.

Jinheungsa Temple - JINHAE

2009-09-16T00:10:00.000-07:00

Jinheungsa Temple is located at Mt. Jangboksan Recreational Forest and just 5 minutes walk from Jinhae Citizen's Hall and Parkland Theme Park.

HAEUNDAE BEACH - Busan

2009-08-31T16:09:00.000-07:00

Haeundae Beach is probably the most famous beach in Korea. Haeundae is 1.5 km long, 30~50m wide, and spans an area of 58,400㎡. The white sand is rough and sticks easily to your skin. Haeundae Beach is also famous for the various cultural events and festivals held throughout the year.

Local Transportation

●Busan→Haeundae Beach
1. Subway
- From exit 3 or 5 of Haeundae station (Busan Subway Line 2), walk 10 min toward the beach.

2. Bus
- From the airport, take KAL Limousine Bus and get off at Haeundae Beach (50 min / first bus at 07:05, last bus at 21:50, 20 minutes intervals).
- From Busan Station, take city express bus No. 302 in front of Samsung Building and get off at Haeundae Beach(about 70 min).

3. Taxi
- Takes 40 min from Busan Station.

08.09.2009

GWANGALLI BEACH - Busan Korea

2009-08-30T14:59:00.000-07:00

Gwangalli Beach is famous for its fine sand. The seabed slopes away at a gradient of 15 degrees, the average water depth is 1.5 meters, and the average water temperature is 21 degrees Celsius. A variety of convenience facilities are available and nearby tourist spots are easily accessible. During summer, visitors can enjoy various festivals and performances, including the Busan Sea Festival. Gwangalli Beach is a popular beach in Busan, South Korea. It is located in Gwangan 2(i)-dong, Suyeong-gu, Busan Metropolitan City, west of the more popular Haeundae Beach.

How to Get to Gwangalli Beach from Busan Station
1. From Busan Station, take city bus No. 41, 42, 140, 239, 240, 139 and get off at Gwanganlli Beach (runs frequently)
2. From Express Bus Terminal, take city bus No. 131, 131-1

3. Take subway line no. 1 from Busan Subway Station and transfer from subway line no. 1 to no. 1 at Seomyeon Station. Get off at Gwangan Station(subway line no. 2, exit 3 or 5) and walk 5 minutes.

08.09.2009

Shinsegae- BUSAN (World's Largest Store)

2009-08-22T22:16:00.000-07:00

08.15.2009

Relics of Goryeodong

2009-08-18T19:54:00.000-07:00

Gyeongsangnam-do Cultural Treasure No. 56

(Address: Gyeongsangnum-do, Haman-gun, Samin-myeon, Mogok-si)

Yi O(dates unknown), a scholar from the Natonal Confusian Academy(Seongyungwan) at the end of Goryeo Dynasty(918-1392), decided at the collapse of the dynasty and the beginning of the Joseon dynasty that as a migrant person he would adhere to his priciples and choosing this place where the crape myrtle blooms, he put up walls and set up his residence here. In addition he raised a stone marker with the word Goryeodonghak meaning " the valley of Goryeo Village". It is here that the village namens such as daman (within the walls).

Until his death, Yi did not hold an official post and requested his son as well not to take an official post, nor to move their ancestral tablets. Furthermore, by placing the residences, well and fields inside the walls, he made a self sufficient place for his descendents. Today about 30 families, descendents of the Jeoryeong Yi Clan at this village is paying tribute to the intentions of their founding ancestor.

08.09.2009

Ipkok County Park - Haman

2009-08-18T18:59:00.000-07:00

Haman County (Haman-gun) is a county inSouth Gyeongsang Province, South Korea. The local government is seated in Gaya-eup. The county magistrate is Seok Gyu Jin.

In the early Common Era, Haman was the seat ofAra Gaya, a leading state of the Gaya confederacy. Many relics from this period are still preserved in the county. After the fall of Gaya, Haman was absorbed into Silla as Asirang-gun; in 757 its name was changed to Haman-gun, which it bears today.

08.09.2009

Mt. Jangbok Park - Jinhae

2009-08-10T18:37:00.000-07:00

The Mt. Jangbok Park is quiet and peaceful. It is located along the way of Changwon City to Majin Tunnel. the park promenade is planted with cherry blossom trees, pine trees and cypress trees. there's also a youth center, Palgak pavillion, Rope Bridge, Sculture Park, Watefalls and Temple (Sammil-Sa).

08.08.2009

Sammil-sa Temple - Jinhae

2009-08-10T17:26:00.001-07:00

Sammil-sa Temple is located at Mt. Jangbok Sculpture Park. It is about 5 minutes drives from Chinhae US Naval Base. The view of Jinhae at the peak is spectacular. The small and large islands scattered in the misty sea add its beauty.

08.01.2009

Jeodo ( Island ) Land Bridge - Masan

2009-08-04T23:13:00.000-07:00

A beautiful new Jeodo Land Bridge, resembling a blacked-tailed gull, the progenitor of Masan, has launched its service on December 16, 2004. It was reconstructed as a unique landmark that would symbolize Masan, harmonizing with Gusan-myeon's graceful natural scenery. 15.8 billion won were invested on the newly built bridge that is constructed right beside the previous land bridge, taking total 2 years to construct since it start on July 2002. The new bridge is comprised with two-way round road and a pedestrian road ( 182m length and 13m. width). While it symbolizes Masan by portraying black-tailed gull, the progenitor, it harmonizes with the great surrounding geographical areas and beaches, mountains of Gusan-myeon area. To emphasize the beauty of arch curve, the bridge is installed with optical cable lights around the center of the black-tailed gull attempting to produce night scenery in various colors by time and by each season.

08.01.2009

TAEJONGDAE PARK - Busan

2009-07-27T23:39:00.000-07:00

Taejongdae (Busan Monument #28) is a park of dense evergreen trees with several recreational facilities. Facilities include a seaside saltwater pool, shops for snacks and souvenirs, and sightseeing boats to view the fantastic rocky cliffs. At the entrance is a monument to the five neutral nations that contributed medical support during the Korean War (1950-1953). According to tradition, the park was named for King Taejong Muyul (654-661) of the Silla Dynasty who practiced archery here after unifying the Three Kingdoms.

Taejongdae is one of the famous tourist attractions in Pusan, with its white lighthouse overlooking the green sea. Many people enjoy eating fresh raw fish on the rocky shore, taking a boat around the Olyuk Islets, and seeing the famous Sinseon Rock(Suicide Rock). When the weather is nice, Daema Island (Tsushima in Japanese) can be seen in the distance, 56 km away. The scene from the observation deck is beautiful and the white lighthouse together with the green sea looks very exotic.

The walk from the entrance to the lighthouse is quite long. If you don't want to walk you can ride the shuttle bus .

Bus Fare: Adult 1,500 won
Kids 1,000 won

Observation Deck

The Lighthouse

The overlapping of and blue circles shows the traces of the circle moving forward as the blue one pushes the red. The blue circle connote the sky and the sea while the red one symblizes the sun, camilla flower, universe, five oceans and six continents. The bar from the middle symbolizes the light from the lighthouse, showing everlasting movement towards the universe by splitting the sky and the sea. The bar also vividly express an ascending marine nation. Overall this artwork represent, in the shape of a circle breaking through from the inside of the cliff, the totality of the relationship nature and the model. It signifies the concept of a gateway in which peaple can progress together in the spirit of harmony and friendship.

Sinseon Rock

Observation Deck

Views from the Observation Deck

07.19.2009

MT. NAMMANGSAN PARK - Tongyeong

2009-07-12T16:18:00.000-07:00

In Mt. Nammangsan, there is a citizens’ park where you can view Tongyeong. At the top of the mountain stands a bronze statue of General Lee Sun-Shin (Chungmugong) built by the citizens in 1953, and Suhyangjeong Pavilion. Under the Suhyangjeong Pavilion, there is Citizens’ Cultural Center. Right under this center is Nammangsan Outdoor Sculptural Park. Nammangsan Sculpture Park was established to display the persistent works of 15 famous sculptors from 10 countries (Japan, China, France, Israel, Venezuela, etc.) who participated in the Tongyeong International Sculpture Symposium.

CITIZEN'S CULTURAL CENTER

BRONZE STATUE OF GENERAL LEE SUN-SHIN

SUHYANGJEONG PAVILION

VIEW OF TONGYEONG SHIPYARD FROM THE PAVILION

VIEWS OF TONGYEONG FROM THE PAVILION & PARK

OVERLOOKING MT. NAMMANGSAN PARK

07.05.2009

EUEUN-DONG

2009-07-06T20:36:00.000-07:00

Masan @ Nite

2009-07-06T20:26:00.000-07:00

JINHAE MARINE PARK @ NIGHT

2009-06-23T04:56:00.000-07:00

Located at the Eumji Islet this marine park provides various facilities for hands-on experiences through the Naval Battle hall, Warship Display Hall and Sea life Theme Park. Spectacularly illuminating Eumji Bridge which is 250 metes long has a spectacular view at night.

06.17.2009

ROYAL TOMB OF QUEEN HEO HWANGOK

2009-06-15T18:32:00.000-07:00

This is the royal tomb of the queen of King Suro whose name was Heo Hwangok, Queen Heo Hwangok was a princess of Ayutah in India. At the age of 16, she came across the sea following her father's order. And became a queen in the 7th year of King Suro(48 A.D.). She died 10 years earlier than King Suro on Mar. 1, 189 at the age of 157. She had 12 sons. And right before she died, she asked two of her sons to take her last name, Heo. And they became the ancestors of Heo family of Gimhae. Therefore, a marriage between Kim family of Gimhae and Heo family of Gimhae has been forbidden.

Pasa Stone Pagoda

06.07.2009

ROYAL TOMB OF KING SURO - Gimhae

2009-06-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

This is the Royal tomb of King Suro, the founder of Garak Kingdom. It was designated as National Historic Site No. 73 on January 21, 1963. It is located at 312 Seosang-dong, Gimhae and also called Napneung. King Suro came down to Gujibong Peak on March 3rd, 42 in the lunar calendar and founded Garak Kingdom and became a king on Mar. 15th of the same year. He died on Mar. 20, 199 at age 158 and was buried here. The burial mound is round. It is 22m long, 21m wide, and 5m high. The Royal tomb area has buildings such as Sungseonjeon and Anhyanggak where the ancestral tablet is kept, Jeonsacheong, Sungjae, Dongjae, Seojae, Hongsalmun, and Sunghwamun and stone structures, such as Sindobi(monument for the dead), Miyanghoseok, Literati Stone Statue and Military Official Stone Statue, and Merit Monument. At the Sungseonjeon, where the ancestral tablet of King Suro is kept, memorial rites are held in spring and autumn. And the memorial rite at Sungseonjeon is designated as Local Intangible Cultural Asset No.11.

The foundation legend of Garakguk says that king Suro was incarnated from an egg. So he is named "Suro". King Suro founded Garakguk in Gimhae in 42A.D, and established culture. The old record (Samguktusa) says he was a virtuous king. He worried people's living before he built a palace. He escaped the busy season of farmers when he built castles against foreign invasion.

Address: 312, Seosang-dong Gimhae-si Gyeongsangnam-do

06.07.2009

CHEONGHAKDONG TRADITIONAL VILLAGE - Hadong-gun, Gyeongnam

2009-06-02T17:46:00.000-07:00

Jirisan(san meaning mountain) is also known as Duryusan, because of its large peak which lies at the southern end of the large Baekdu Mountain range. Duryusan has been considered a "divine mountain" with its great mass unfolding like a screen with Cheonwangbong(bong meaning peak) to the east, Banyabong to the west, and Yeongshindae in its center. A smaller range sprouts south from this Yeongshindae creating Samshinbong(trinity peak) which in turn spreads its veins east and west creating the peaks of Shinseondae, Samsungbong, Samseonbong, Mireubong, and Shiribong. These six peaks span an area of 16 kilometers creating the village of the sacred blue crane, Cheonghakdong.

Master Choi Chi-Won of Shilla Dynasty and Doseon Guksa(court appointed Buddhist priest) of Goryeo dynasty were among some of the great Seon Master( those who have been enlightened to the true self ) who called Cheonghakdong "one of the great places of the East".

Features of Cheonghakdong Village in South Korea:

- Located on the southern foot of Samsanbong Peak on Mt. Jirisan, the village preserves the traditional spirit of Korean life.

- The term 'Cheonghak' means a crane of blue feathers lives. This area had no role to play in the tumultuous history of the country.

- Electricity was introduced in this village only 20years ago.

- About 200 residents belonging to this community uphold the custom of tying hair in a knot, wearing Korean traditional clothing, and doing farm work in the traditional way.

- This is the sacred site of worshipping Hwanin, Hwanwung, Dangun and a monastery known as Samseong-gung.

- It houses about 1,500 types of stone towers which were made over 15 years. The towers are undergoing refurbishment in order to gather stones on the scared site of Sodo, the place where various ceremonies took place during the Three Kingdoms Era.

The main attraction aside from the central village is Samseonggung , a palace where villagers and other Koreans generate the country's three mytho-historical founders: Hwanin, Hwanwung, Dangun. This site is only accessible from two points: one is a gate at the end of a winding, one-kilometer-long forest trail; the other is at the end of a creekside trail that leads to a hillside cave. At both entrances, there is either a gong or a drum that must be struck by a member of the party in order to announce visitors' arrival.

At the gate in the forest, visitors will have to wait until a village resident open the doors and gives permission to enter. Follow this villager through the darkened passageway and then emerge into the wide, circular courtyard south of the palace. At the hillside cave gate, a villager will guide visitors through the cave, cautioning about turns and slight drops in the passageways. The cave route leads visitors to a large, conical shrine to either one of the historical founders or a Taoist master. Another half-kilometer walk up a ridge leads to a path above Samseonggung.

The entrance is graced by a waterfall, and upon passing the waterfall, one must pass through an outer stone door and then another inner stone door, then walk along a 4km cave-like ravine which on its end opens up into 16km of prairie like grassland and farmland, a unique special place where the Shinseon ( saint-like and immoral beings who have found the quality of true self beyond one's body and ego ) live.

This is a restaurant and gift shop in the large visitors' building that sits at the end of the bridge opposite the entrance. Basic side dishes and panjeon (onion pancakes) are offered in the courtyard next to visitors' building. Herbs, teas, candles, incense, ceramics, textiles and other household items can be purchased at the main building.

Panjeon ( onion pancake )

Admission prices for the village range from 1000 KRW for children to 3000 KRW for adults. The KNTO site says that the village is open 24 hours, while Samseonggung is open from 0830-1930 (Mar-Oct), 0830-1830 (Nov-Feb).

For more information, contact the Cheonghakdong Village Management Office of Mt. Jirisan National Park, +82-55-883-2609 (Korean only), or call the KNTO Travel Phone, +82-55-1330 (English, Korean, Japanese and Chinese )

05.31.2009

HAEUNDAE SAND FESTIVAL

2009-05-31T23:35:00.000-07:00

This festival takes place at Busan's beautiful Haeundae Beach, where everyone wishes to go for their summer holidays. The festival's program is full of events inspired by the beach's beautiful white sand. Other events include a beach volleyball competition, an exhibition of different types of sand from around the world, and a marathon race.

http://sandfestival.haeundae.go.kr/english/e-festival/e_02_festival.html