Guides

Helpful travel and culture guides for Korea.

Dorisan Observatory

Located at the top of Mt. Dorisan in Yeomi-ri of Sangjodo Island, Dorisan Observatory is the highlight of the area, and offers panoramic views of Dadohae and its many islands including Gwanmae, Byeongpung, Nabae, Daema and Soma Islands. The eco-friendly structure provides panoramic views of nearby islands that locals like to say, “appear scattered over the sea like a flock of birds over water.” Visitors can enjoy majestic sunrise and sunset views, and on days with clear visibility, can see Bogildo Island in Haenam and even as far as Hallasan Mountain and Chujado Island in Jeju. Another of Jodo’s attractions is the nature lover spots on Hajodo Island. Jodo is comprised of the Sangjodo and Hajodo Islands connected by a bridge. The entire area is filled with pine trees and has plenty of beach access. The nearby Dondaebong Peak (230m) and the Hajodo Lighthouse offer comparable views and scenic landscapes for visitors in the area to enjoy.

Hwawon Oceano Tourism Complex

Set before the beautiful Korean archipelago, Hwawon Oceano Tourism Complex offers visitors a romantic beachside camping experience with a large campground and convenience amenities such as shower stalls. The campsite is particularly beautiful at sunset and night when stars fill the sky. Currently, the complex offers a golf course in addition to the campground, with plans to add a culture & arts center and marine world zone. Particularly, Pine Beach Golf Course located inside the tourism complex is surrounded by the ocean on three sides, and is perfect for playing a round of golf toward the endless ocean. The course is regarded as Asia’s Pebble Beach, a small coastal resort destination and home to famous golf courses in California.

Gwangju Arts Center

Opened in 1991, the Gwangju Arts Center is the cornerstone of culture and arts in Gwangju. It offers high-quality performances and exhibitions across various genres, including Korean traditional music, opera, classical music, and ballet. The center boasts a range of artistic facilities, such as a main theater, a secondary theater, a traditional music hall, a sculpture garden, and an amphitheater. The main theater has a seating capacity for up to 1,500 people.

Jangheung Jeongnamjin

Jangheung-gun’s Jeongnamjin is the warmest place on the Korean mainland. The region has a diverse natural environment including stunning views of mountains, fields, the ocean, lakes, rivers and streams. It also has several cultural and tourist sites such as Cheongwansan Mountain, Bangchon Cultural Village, and Borimsa Temple, one of the three Borimsa Temples in Asia. The Jeongnamjin district has a wide variety of tourist attractions nearby such as the Samsan Embankment; a provincial park on Cheongwansan Mountain; a literature park; and Sodeungseom Island, a famous sunset attraction often used as a filming location and festival grounds. A number of festivals are held around the area to promote the region's diverse produce and beauty.