The Southwest: experience it all — from drumming to temple life.

In Buyeo we will get acquainted with the treasures of Baekje, including those included in the register of the State Treasures of the Republic of Korea (Buyo National Museum), we will visit the place where the Buddhist temple of Jeongnimsa was located, with a unique 5-step pagoda.

The majestic fortress, perched high above the Geumgang River, has witnessed both times of great prosperity—when it was the heart of the Baekje capital—and more modest days. We’ll walk along its mighty walls and talk about kings, fortresses, and the city of Gongju.

The only burial of Pek rulers that has survived to this day.

A small town located on the shores of the Western (Yellow) Sea, experienced ups and downs: once the majority of the population in it were not Koreans, but rich Japanese!

In the city, you can feel the atmosphere of the first half of the 20th century, the rapid, uneven growth of the country, the development of colonial capitalism, and the elusive charm of a provincial Korean town, with a touch of Japanese style in architecture.

The unique Buddhist temple Donggunsa has been preserved in the city: it is the only Japanese-style Buddhist temple in Korea. Founded in 1913 by the Japanese monk Uchida under the name "Diamond Temple", it was renamed after liberation (August 15, 1945) as Tonguksa ("Temple of the East Country"; "East Country" is one of the names of Korea).

During the time of the state of Goryeo (910 - 1392), not far from Kunsan in the battle of Jinpo, the first victory of the Koreans over Japan with the use of firearms was won, which is dedicated to the theme park with a collection of tanks, infantry fighting vehicles, aircraft, etc., the joy of the boys.

Itinerary (subject to slight changes): Gunsan Museum of Modern History - former customs building, with a small customs museum - Chinpo Naval Theme Park - Donggungsa Temple - Walk through the old quarters of Gunsan.

A unique temple in Korea in Japanses style.

Hidden deep in the Jirisan Mountains, among the pines and rocks, is one of the most striking waterfalls in the south — 수락폭포 (Surak). In the summer, it doesn’t just make noise — it roars. Even in drought, it doesn’t dry up and falls with force from a height of 15 meters into a natural pool. And what happens in the rainy season!?

Since ancient times, local farmers have come here after hard field work — to put their backs under the stream, relieve pain, cool down and rest their body and spirit.

In the misty silence at the foot of the sacred Jirisan Mountains lies the ancient Hwaeomsa Temple, the "Flower Garland Temple," one of Korea's most significant Buddhist sites. Founded by an Indian monk in the 5th century, the temple has become the custodian of not only the teachings of Buddha, but also centuries of culture, philosophy, and art.

Thanks to Korean road builders, we have a unique opportunity to take a car to a viewing platform with stunning views of the mountains and valleys of Jirisan.

The name Nogodan is associated with ancient beliefs: according to legend, Halmi, the mother spirit and protector of the earth, was worshipped here. Even in the Silla era, priests made sacrifices to her on the highest peaks of Jirisan. Later, during the Koryo era, the sanctuary was moved here - and the mountain received the name "Nogodan", which literally means "Altar of the Old Lady".

A shrine that houses a portrait of the founder of the Joseon Dynasty, King Taejo (Lee Songye). An extensive complex of buildings, including the sanctuary itself, the state sago archive, a museum, the burial place of the placenta of King Yechzhon, and a complex of auxiliary buildings.

Why and who made portraits of kings, what is a historical archive, why bury the royal placenta - we will try to find answers to these questions in Gyeonggijeong.

Imokte is in a small area called Chaman Graffiti Village; the walls of the houses here are painted by professionals and amateurs: the world of Japanese manga and Korean manhwa; korean alphabet, fantastic, disney cartoon characters, traditional korean stories.

In the very historical center of Jeonju, you will find yourself in a fabulous atmosphere. Traditional Korean hanok houses with tiled roofs line the romantic narrow streets. Here, each house is a unique masterpiece of architecture, reflecting the richness and depth of Korean history.

Walking along these streets, you will notice how each house merges with the surrounding nature and creates a harmonious image. You will see small gardens with flowers, well-kept courtyards, as well as traditional decor elements that recreate the atmosphere of antiquity, and sometimes, on the contrary, remind us of modern design trends.

Recently, it has become fashionable for Koreans and guests of the Land of the Morning Calm to rent stylized costumes - traditional hanbok, or European costumes of the era of the first half of the 20th century, which is closer to us. In Jeonju, you will see many such couples or families looking exotic against the backdrop of historical buildings and traditional hanok houses...

Omokdae-Imokdae

Unfortunately, the Confucians were not very tolerant of Catholicism. We are reminded of this by the Jeonju Catholic Cathedral (built in 1908-1931), located on the site of the executions of Catholics.

Literally "Horse Ears". The two main peaks of the complex really do look like horse ears. The peaks represent the feminine (higher - 673 m) and masculine (lower - 667 m) principles - yin and yang.

The park is famous for its many man-made pagodas, collected in one place by a zealous monk. The pagodas are also "paired", also carrying the feminine and masculine principles.

The road to the park goes under the shade of majestic cherry trees - some of the latest to bloom in Korea!

Nestled in the woods within Chunhyang Theme Park, this charming museum offers us a short but refreshing stop: a cup of coffee, a few photos against the backdrop of its architecture and the works of Kim Byung-jong, and a moment of quiet inspiration. Not a guided tour, but a chance to rest, reflect, and enjoy where art, literature, and nature meet.

The Gwanghallu Pavilion in Namwon is truly magical.
Quite literally — it appears in one of Korea’s most beloved folktales, “The Tale of Chunhyang.”

And yet, you can still climb the steps into the pavilion and take in the very same views once admired by the legendary lovers of this Korean story of love and loyalty.
And perhaps… listen to the tale yourself.

600-year-old village surrounded by a stone wall

Ecopark is famous for its thickets of reeds, reaching heights higher than human height. This is the densest reed thickets in all of Korea. In addition, this place is known for the fact that cranes, storks, spoonbills and other rare birds fly here. There are about 140 different species of birds throughout the park.

The garden, which hosted the 2013 World Gardens Exhibition, impresses with its variety of landscapes, abundance of plant species and modern garden design.

The zones of the countries participating in Expo 2014 have been preserved, as well as separate zones created by excellent Korean gardeners.

From April to October 2023, the World Garden Expo 2023 will be held again at the Suncheon National Garden!