Gyeongsangbuk-do

Birthplace of Nongae (논개생가) – Tel +82-63-350-1636 Nongae was born in Juchon Village in the 7th year of King Seonjo (September 3, 1575). A clever and beautiful young lady, Nongae voluntarily registered as a gisaeng (female entertainer) at the age of 19 when the nation was at risk of invasion during the Imjin War. While…

Nongae Shrine (Uiamsa Shrine) (논개사당(의암사)) – Homepage www.cha.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) – Tel +82-63-350-2326 Uiamsa Shrine was built to the memory of Chu Nongae, who sacrificed her life during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasion of Korea). In 1846, the Nongae-saeng-jang-hyang-su-myeong-bi monument was put up in praise of Nongae’s patriotism. In 1955, a shrine was…

Bandi Land (무주 반디랜드) – Homepage tour.muju.go.kr/ – Tel +82-63-324-1155 Geared mainly towards children, Bandi Land is an excellent place to learn about and experience fireflies and other insects. It is comprised of Insect Museum, Firefly Research Center, Youth Campground, Log Cabin, and Firefly Habitat. Located inside of Bandi Land, Muju Bandibyeol Astronomical Science Museum…

Gochang Seonunsa Temple (선운사 (고창)) – Homepage www.seonunsa.org www.templestay.com – Tel +82-63-561-1422 Seonunsa Temple is known to have been built in 577, the 24th year of King Wideok of the Baekje dynasty. It is the second head temple of Jogye Order in Jeollabuk-do. According to the temple’s historical records, it was originally a very large…

Jeoksangsanseong Fortress (무주 적상산성) – Homepage tour.muju.go.kr (Korean only)www.cha.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) – Tel +82-63-322-2905 Jeoksangsan Mountain (elevation 1,034m) in Muju, Jeollabuk-do, is surrounded by precipitous walls of stratified rocks. The basin on the mountain top there is a lake called ‘Jeoksangho’; and along the ridge enclosing the lake stands Jeoksangsanseong Fortress extending over…

Baemsagolgyegok Valley (뱀사골 계곡) – Homepage jiri.knps.or.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) – Tel +82-63-630-8900 Located in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, Baemsagolgyegok is a 9-km grand valley, situated at the northern foot of Jirisan Mountain. Stretching from Banyabong Peak and Tokkibong Peak toward Sannae-myeon of Namwon-si, the valley is renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage. Baemsagolgyegok Valley is…

Archaeological Site in Wanggung-ri [UNESCO World Heritage] (익산 왕궁리유적 [유네스코 세계문화유산]) – Homepage www.iksan.go.krwww.cha.go.kr – Tel +82-63-859-4631 Archaeological Site in Wanggung-ri, designated as Historic Site No. 408 on September 17, 1998, has a surface area of 216,862 square meters. The site has various structures and artifacts from Baekje dynasty to unified Silla period. Artifacts were…

Sunchang Gochujang Village (순창고추장민속마을) – Homepage tour.sunchang.go.kr Sunchang Gochujang Village is home to expert gochujang (Korean chili paste) crafters using the traditional methods. Visitors can learn how to make gochujang and enjoy dishes using it, such as tteokbokki (rice cakes cooked with gochujang) and wild vegetables bibimbap. The village is fully equipped with accommodations, restaurants,…

Jeonju Jeondong Catholic Cathedral (전주전동성당) – Homepage www.jeondong.or.kr Jeondong Catholic Cathedral in Jeonju was built in honor of Roman Catholic martyrs of the Joseon dynasty on the very same spot the martyrs lost their lives. The land was purchased by French Priest Baudenet in 1891 (28th year of King Gojong), but construction of the church…

Jeonju Pungnammun Gate (전주 풍남문) – Homepage tour.jb.go.kr – Tel +82-63-287-6008 Pungnammun Gate was built during the Joseon dynasty in 1734 and is a designated Treasure. Pungnammun Gate was the southernmost gate among the four city gates of Jeonju. The structure was severely damaged by fire in 1767, followed by the restoration of the gate…