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Gyeongpo Area
Ojukheon
The birthplace of historical figures 'Shin Saimdang' and 'Yulgok Yi I'.
① Gangneung Municipal Museum A place to glimpse Gangneung's history and culture at a glance Location24 Yulgok-ro 3139-beongil, Gangneung-si Inquiries+82-33-660-3301 Days OffJanuary 1st, Seollal (Lunar New Year), and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving) Operating Hours09:00~18:00 Gangneung's history and culture at a glance Gangneung Municipal Museum The Gangneung Municipal Museum is a place you shouldn't miss after touring Ojukheon. Here, you can explore the history and culture of Gangneung and the Yeongdong region in chronological order, encountering various materials from prehistoric times to the modern era. Starting with artifacts excavated from the Paleolithic sites in Simgok-ri and Naegok-dong in Gangneung, the exhibition features materials from Jigyeong-ri in Yangyang (Neolithic), Bangnae-ri (Bronze Age), and Gangmun-dong (Early Iron Age). In particular, materials excavated from Anin-ri and a restored house site provide a vivid look into the lifestyle and housing of the Proto-Three Kingdoms period. You can examine materials related to Gulsansa Temple Site and Bohyeonsa Temple, which represent Gangneung's Buddhist culture, and see the Stone Seated Bodhisattva of Hansongsa Temple Site, which is designated as a Treasure. Works by Joseon Dynasty writers from Gangneung, such as Kim Si-seup, Heo Gyun, and Heo Nanseolheon, are also on display, allowing you to feel the depth of Gangneung's culture. In addition, you can encounter rich historical and cultural materials of the Gangneung region through various themed exhibitions including the Eight Views of Gwandong, Mt. Geumgang, memorial stones, Goryeo white porcelain, Gangneung Daedohobugwana (Government Office), Munja-do (ideography painting), and the Gangneung Danoje Festival. ② Yulgok Memorial Hall A place to feel the scent of culture and art related to Yulgok Yi I and Shin Saimdang Location24 Yulgok-ro 3139-beongil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Inquiries+82-33-660-3311~3315 Days OffJanuary 1st, Seollal, and Chuseok Operating Hours09:00~18:00 Containing Joseon Dynasty culture and art Yulgok Memorial Hall As a place to view the history and culture of Ojukheon at a glance, it exhibits about 70 artifacts related to Shin Saimdang, Yulgok Yi I, Yi Mae-chang, Oksan Yi U and their descendants, and Gosan Hwang Gi-ro. The Chochung-do (paintings of plants and insects) and calligraphy that showcase Shin Saimdang's artistic world, along with the inkstone used by Yulgok Yi I and the Gyeokmong-yogyeol (a primer for the young) containing wisdom for life, will provide an opportunity to reflect on oneself today. Glimpse into the daily lives of Joseon people through the artifacts left by Oksan Yi U and his descendants, and experience the charm of the penmanship of Gosan Hwang Gi-ro, who was known as the master of the cursive script (Choseo). ③ Yulgok Character Education Center A digital traditional culture experience space for the whole family Location 24 Yulgok-ro 3139-beongil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Inquiries +82-33-660-3302, 3329 Days Off January 1st, Seollal, and Chuseok Operating Hours 09:00~18:00 A link between past and present, tradition and modernity Yulgok Character Education Center A space where the spirit of Yulgok Yi I, the master of Joseon Neo-Confucianism, and the educational philosophy of Shin Saimdang live on. The Yulgok Character Education Center conveys the values of 'Courtesy (Ye)' and 'Filial Piety (Hyo)' in a modern way. Children bowing in greeting, and a day of learning etiquette while wearing beautiful traditional Hanbok. At the Yulgok Character Education Center, you can encounter the true meaning of character and the breath of tradition. A special experience of meeting nature and emotions in Shin Saimdang's delicate canvases through high-tech immersive content video. This special experience where history and art breathe captures the heart with a deep resonance. ④ Gangneung Currency Museum Containing the value and meaning of currency Location24 Yulgok-ro 3139-beongil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Inquiries+82-33-660-3311, 3315 Days OffJanuary 1st, Seollal, and Chuseok Operating Hours09:00~18:00 Opened within the Ojukheon grounds to commemorate the world's first instance of a mother and son (Shin Saimdang and Yulgok Yi I) being featured on currency, the Gangneung Currency Museum has emerged as a representative hot spot of Ojukheon with various sights and experience facilities. It exhibits 776 pieces of historical currency and commemorative coins across 340 types, as well as 152 pieces of foreign currency donated by embassies across 51 types. Upon entering the exhibition hall, an automata model that operates automatically and a video of the story of Shin Saimdang and Yulgok Yi I warmly welcome visitors. In the 'Make Your Own Currency' and 'Coin Press' corners, you can experience the process of making currency yourself. In the 'Spirit of Art' corner, the representative main program of the Currency Museum, visitors can take photos through kinetic media art and become the main character on the currency. ⑤ Hanbok Experience Center Stroll through the Ojukheon grounds wearing Hanbok Location24 Yulgok-ro 3139-beongil, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Inquiries+82-33-660-3307, 4578 Days OffJanuary 1st, Seollal, Chuseok, and during rain or snow Operating Hours10:00~12:00 / 13:00~16:00 At the Hanbok Experience Center next to the Yulgok Character Education Center building, you can rent Hanbok for 10,000 KRW for 2 hours. We recommend strolling through the Ojukheon grounds peacefully and harmoniously, befriending the beautiful and elegant lines of the Hanbok that softly wrap around your body, creating unforgettable memories.
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Downtown
Samojung Park
Samojung Park was established to emphasize filial piety and love as the fundamental values of humanity.
Introduction Samojung Park was established to emphasize filial piety and love as the fundamental values of humanity. Samojung and the Filial Piety Park embody sentiments that honor mothers and the nostalgia of old hometown villages. The Samojung Pavilion is elegantly and traditionally designed, exuding a refined and dignified appearance, while the Filial Piety Park serves as a cultural space of high prestige. Notably, the park highlights the scholarship, artistic achievements, and filial devotion of prominent figures from the Gangneung region, such as Shin Saimdang and Yi Yulgok, solidifying its status as a birthplace for promoting the globalization of filial piety. Tour guide In the southern area of Filial Piety Park, Samojung Pavilion, poetry monuments, and sculptures are arranged, while along the northern edge, stone engravings and poetry monuments honoring the filial deeds of the "Filial Spirit of Gangneung" residents are set up like a folding screen. Notably, stone inscriptions provide information commemorating the virtuous deeds of local figures Shin Saimdang and Yi Yulgok. Along the western edge of the park, two Motherly Love Towers have been erected.
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Jumunjin Area
Choe Seon-pyeong Gaok (Traditional House of Choe Seon-pyeong)
A traditional "ㅁ"-shaped house featuring a harmony of hip-and-gable and gable roofs.
Introduction Located in Jangdeok 1-ri, Jumunjin, this house was designated as a Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage on January 17, 1985. While the exact construction date is unknown, it features a traditional courtyard layout. The main house (Anchae) and guest house (Sarangchae) have hip-and-gable roofs, while the other sections have gable roofs. It stands on natural stone foundations with trapezoidal granite plinths. Although modernized with an indoor kitchen and expanded rooms, it preserves its historical value. Tourist Guide The main house is 4 units wide and 2 units deep. On the right, there is a kitchen with a warehouse and stable built at a slightly lower level. The guest house features a wooden-floored hall (Daecheong) with a specialized ceiling (Nunseop-cheonjang) and paneled walls. The windows and doors are intricately designed with traditional lattices and ventilation hatches that can be opened and closed. Tourist Tips The house uses double doors (sliding and lattice) between rooms for better insulation. To protect the exposed wooden structures from wind and rain, windboards (Pungpan) are attached to the sides. Pay attention to the decorative panels (Gungpan) and the structural supports (Boaji) on the guest house pillars, which add a unique aesthetic touch to the sturdy architecture.
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Jumunjin Area
Bangnae-ri Three-story Stone Pagoda
A three-story stone pagoda featuring upper stories that decrease sharply in size.
Introduction The Bangnae-ri Three-story Stone Pagoda is a 3.5-meter-tall structure located in Yeongok-myeon, Gangneung. Designated as a Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage on December 16, 1971, it features a single-tier base and a three-story body. The first-story body is decorated with carvings of the "Buddhas of the Four Directions." While the site is said to be the former location of Mujinsa Temple founded by Monk Jajang of Silla, the temple has since disappeared due to village development. Tourist Guide The pagoda stands on a small rock bed, with the base not clearly defined. Each story's body and roof stone are carved from a single piece of stone. A notable feature is the sharp reduction in the size of the body stones from the second story upward. Although legends say Monk Jajang left this pagoda here while moving Buddhist statues to Woljeongsa Temple, its architectural style suggests it was built in the early Goryeo Dynasty. Tourist Tips If traveling by highway, exit at the North Gangneung (Bukgangneung) Interchange. Follow National Road 7 toward Goseong (North) for about 3km until you reach the Yeongok-myeon Office. From there, take Road 6 toward the inland area to find the site.
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Downtown
Bogwang-ri Buncheong Ware Kiln Site
The only Buncheong ware kiln site found in Gangwon-do.
Introduction Designated as a Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage on September 23, 1994, this is the only Buncheong ware kiln site discovered in the region. Located about 1 km northwest of the Tomb of the King of Myeongju-gun, the soil in the area where the kiln is presumed to be buried is noticeably redder than the surrounding earth. The kiln's dimensions are estimated to be approximately 1.4 by 20 meters. Tourist Guide The lower southeastern slope, where the kiln site is believed to be, has mostly eroded, exposing the structural layers. Numerous fragments of celadon, Buncheong ware, and "dochim" (pottery supports used during firing) are scattered around the area. Most of the recovered fragments are from bowls and plates. Tourist Tips Fragments found at the site include bowls with black inlaid lotus and vine patterns, as well as plates with stamped chrysanthemum designs. Based on these patterns, the site is identified as a kiln active from the 13th to the early 15th century. A small number of white porcelain fragments have also been recovered.
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Downtown
Sumun-ri Dangganjiju (Flagpole Supports)
Flagpole supports with elegant lines and a simple, sturdy impression.
Introduction Designated as a National Heritage on January 21, 1963. These two 3.7m-tall pillars stand 1m apart, facing each other from east to west. While the surfaces lack intricate carvings, the tops are carved into elegant quarter-circle curves when viewed from the front and back, giving them a very fluid silhouette. The pillars taper slightly toward the top. Tourist Guide The supports feature a rectangular groove (ganggu) at the inner top to secure the flagpole. While the stone-working technique is not overly sophisticated, the semi-circular pillar heads perfectly represent the architectural style of the Unified Silla period. An inscription in regular script (haeseo) on the south side of the eastern pillar indicates that it was re-erected in 1817. Tourist Tips Actual "danggan" (flagpoles) are rare because they were mostly made of wood, which decays over time. However, the stone supports (dangganjiju) remain in many places. In Gangneung alone, you can find them in three locations: Daechang-ri, Sumun-ri, and Gulsansaji.
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Gyeongpo Area
Gyeongpodae Pavilion
On the side is an arm shaped the gambrel roof house
Introduction 'Gyeongpodae Pavilion' represents one of Gangneung's scenic spots where it is located at Gyeongpo-ro, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do, and it has been designated as the sixth Gangwon-do cultural asset. 'Gyeongpodae Pavilion' shows the Goryeo Dynasty's culture that mainly consists of 6 spaces in front, 5 spaces on the side, and 32 pillars. Tourist guide Near 'Gyeongpodae Pavilion' is the 'Gyeongpo Beach' and 'Gyeongpoho Lake', during new years at 'Gyeongpo Beach' there are many tourists who visit to see the sunrise, so it is highly recommended to reserve accommodations beforehand. Also, 'Gyeongpoho Lake' is close to 'Chodang-dong' where the 'Chodang Sundubu' is famous which is one of delicacy's of this area and is recommended for tourists to visit. Tourist Tips It is considered that King Chungsuk of Goryeo in year 13 founded 'Bakseuk' which is known as 'Banghaejeong' in the Anreumsa Temple of Gangwon-do and 'Inwolsa Temple' that was located in the back of the mountains, yet later the location has been said to have been moved but there is still no detailed evidence. At the 'Gyeongpodae Pavilion' it is known that Yulgok Yi I at age 10 built the 'Gyeongpo Daebu' which are letters of nouns such as the 'uhsaeji' of 'sukjong' and 'sangryangmun' of johamang. Here you can see 'Gyeongpo 8 gyeong' and 'Gyeongpo wolsam' that has been handed down to the great spectacle of a strong man.
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Jeong Dong Jin, Okgye
Sangye-ri Three-story Stone Pagoda
A Goryeo-era three-story stone pagoda reconstructed from scattered fragments found at an ancient temple site.
Introduction The Sangye-ri Three-story Stone Pagoda is a reconstruction of collapsed pagoda fragments found at a temple site in Okgye-myeon. Based on its style, it is estimated to date back to the Goryeo Dynasty. The site was identified as an ancient temple due to the large amount of ash found nearby. Most of the original base has been lost, but the upper stories remain relatively well-preserved despite significant weathering. Tourist Guide Located where the paved valley road ends and the mountain trail begins in Sangye-ri, this pagoda greets visitors with its uniquely dark and rugged silhouette. Although worn by time and modified through reconstruction, the pagoda evokes a deep sense of history and the endurance of past eras. Tourist Tips Reaching Sangye-ri requires a long drive up mountain roads toward Daegwallyeong from Okgye. To make the most of your trip, it is recommended to visit nearby attractions such as Waryong Valley, Swingil Waterfall, Okgye Cave, and Okgye Beach.
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Gyeongpo Area
Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park
Gangwon-do cultural property materials No. 59
Introduction The Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park, located at Chodang-dong, Gangneung-si, is a literature park to commemorate the brother and sister; Heo Gyun, who wrote "Tale of Hong Gil-dong," the first novel written in Korean language in the Joseon Dynasty, and Heo Nanseolheon, who is recognized as one of the best female writers then. It includes facilities including the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall, the Traditional Tea Experience Center and a green park. Tourist guide This park consists of the Site of Birthplace of Heo Nanseolheon, the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall and the Traditional Tea Experience Center. In the Site of Birthplace of Heo Nanseolheon, upon entering through a toll gate, there is a wide men's yard, inside which there is a square-shaped main building. Then, the main building is also divided into a main house and a detached house with a storeroom in between. The Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall is a single-story wooden building made of Korean roof tiles. Upon entering through a square-shaped passage, there is an information desk, and then a main exhibition room and a sub-exhibition room. Tourist Tips The Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park is designed to support the innovative spirits politically or socially during the Joseon Dynasty, enhance the innovative ideas of Heo Gyun, who wrote "Tale of Hong Gil-dong," the first novel written in Korean language, and commemorate his sister Nanseolheon, Heo Cho-hui, who was a famous female poet then. In the park, there are the memorial hall, a status, a poetry monument, etc. including the Site of Birthplace of Heo Nanseolheon. Behind the birthplace site, there is a resting place with fantastic pine tree forests. This is the perfect place for families to come and have a healing time. Because it has less tourists, it may serve as a better resting place than Gyeongpodae Pavilion or other Gangneung tourist attractions. The Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Hall holds events like the Gyosan Cultural Festival and the Nanseolheon Cultural Festival in every Spring and Fall. In particular, the Nanseolheon Cultural Festival has gained popularity among many people by holding the Nanseolheon Tea Ceremony under the supervision of the Gangneung Council of Women. As one of the famous places in Gangneung-si, it is the perfect place for paying a visit among many people. It is also recommended to bring a cup of hot tea and walk into the pine tree forest of the Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park.
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Downtown
Gangneung Daedohobu
One of the oldest front gates of Gaeksa with great value
Introduction It is a building site where government officials used to stay temporarily when visiting Gangneung during the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty. According to the records from the Joseon dynasty, it was built in the 19th year of King Taejo of the Goryeo Period (936) and had 83 rooms inside. However, only the front gate of Gaeksa (national treasure no. 51) remains, which is one of the oldest building from the Goryo period. It also houses the tablet written by King Gongmin. Tourist guide According to the excavation investigation on the site for the construction of Gangneung City Hall building, it turned out that the site is a reservoir of data for research on building site of the government offices during the Goryeo and Joseon Dynasty. Also, Gangneung's local history book, Imyeongji deems it as a crucial area with historical significance that tells us history and culture of old Gangneungbu. Tourist Tips It was designated as the national historic site no. 388 on 11th July 1994, under the name of Site of Imyeonggwan Guesthouse, and then changed into Gangneung daedohobu Government Office on 27th November 2014. To the south, there is Gangneung Imyeonggwan Sammun (National treasure no. 51). Currently, the restoring construction of Jeondaecheong and Jungdaecheong is underway for excavation and autoradiographic investigation.
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Downtown
Imyeonggwan Sammun
National Treasure No. 51
Introduction Imyeonggwan Sammun is one of the gates located in Yonggang-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do Province. It is a pride and a popular tourist attraction of Gangneung that was designated as National Treasure No. 51 in 1962. Its former name is Gangneung Gaeksamun Gate, and it began to be called Imyeonggwan Sammun in April 2010. Although the year of its construction is not known exactly, it is speculated to have been built in the early Joseon dynasty, based on the architectural style. It may be small in size, but it is considered a beautiful part of our heritage passed on by our ancestors that demonstrates the beauty and excellent structural characteristics of wooden buildings of Korea. Tourist guide The term, “gaeksa,” refers to a guesthouse where very important guests or visiting officials from the central government stayed in the past. Imyeonggwan Sammun is the name of the gate to such facility. The guesthouse in Gangneung where Imyeonggwan Sammun is found is a wooden building erected during the reign of King Taejo of Goryeo, and in recognition of its beautiful and elaborate architectural elements that are characteristic of the architectural style in the Goryeo dynasty, it was designated as National Treasure No. 51. The signboard seen today was actually handwritten by King Gongmin during his trip to Naksansa Temple. The gate is in jusimpo style, and such classical beauty and elaborate structure are not seen commonly in Korea. The entasis of the pillars are especially extreme, and it gives off an antique appearance overall. It is characterized by the less severe decorative characteristics. It is speculated that it was built earlier than the main hall (Daeungjeon) of Sudeoksa Temple. Only the gate remains today, and it is the oldest extant wooden building in Korea, excluding Buddhist temples and halls. Tourist Tips Imyeonggwan Sammun located in Imyeonggwan Guesthouse located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do Province was where important guests visiting Gangneung were wined and dined. Located close to the city center, it is a great place to visit for tourists coming to Gangneung. It is next to Gangneung Daedohobu (government office), which we also suggest that you visit. It is a building site where central government officials stayed during their visit to Gangneung from the Goryeo dynasty until the Joseon dynasty, and it used to be the administrative center of Gangneung. Unfortunately, however, most of it was damaged, except for Imyeonggwan Sammun and Chilsadang. Only the site remains today, but it is worth exploring as it retains the traces of the prosperous and brilliant history of Gangneung.
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Downtown
Seongyojang House
Important Folklore Material No. 5
Introduction "Seongyojang House" is located at Unjeong-dong, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. It is a house where Lee Nae-beon, known as a noble family of Gangneung, lived first and his descendants also resided from generation to generation and designated as Important Folklore Material No. 5 now. "Seongyojang House" consists of "Yeolhwadang," "Main Building," "Dongbyeoldang," "Hwallaejeong," etc. Tourist guide "Seongyojang House" is a typical 99-part house of noble family. As a private upper-class house, it has been designated as national cultural property, continuing its reputation from generation to generation. This traditional house has been preserved well for about 300 years. This serves as a famous tourist attraction showing the house culture of the Joseon Dynasty in harmony with surrounding nature. Tourist Tips "Seongyojang House" serves as an important material not only for studying a building but also the residential life and culture of the Late Joseon Dynasty. In particular, its detached house "Yeolhwadang" is a tower-style building constructed on the three-storied rectangular stones, holding thousands of books and pictures such as "Yongbieocheonga Song" and "Goryeosa Record" and commanding a scenic landscape. "Hwallaejeong Pavilion" was built over an artificial pond inside "Seongyojang House" garden after "Yeolhwadang." Its entire walls consist of sliding doors with a lattice pattern. There is a tearoom for receiving guests, at a corridor connecting rooms and floors.