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Gyeongpo Area
Kim Dong-myeong Literary Museum
A literary museum dedicated to Kim Dong-myeong, a modern and contemporary poet born in Gangneung
Introduction The Kim Dong-myeong Literary Museum, located in Nodong-ri, Sacheon-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon State, was established to honor the poet Kim Dong-myeong. Previously, Gangneung lacked sufficient spaces for literary activities, which limited opportunities for writers. With the opening of this museum, it has become a valuable venue where literary figures can engage in a variety of creative and cultural activities. Tour Guide Kim Dong-myeong was a poet who expressed pastoral lyricism and national sorrow through his poetry, opening new horizons in modern literature in Gangneung. To reexamine the life of Choheo Kim Dong-myeong (1900–1968), one of Korea’s most prominent modern and contemporary literary figures born in Gangneung, and to carry on his literary spirit while contributing to the promotion of local arts and culture, the Kim Dong-myeong Literary Museum was opened on July 3, 2013.The site covers an area of 8,656㎡, with a building area of 235.39㎡, consisting of one reconstructed birthplace house and one exhibition hall. The house includes four rooms and one kitchen, while the exhibition hall contains one exhibition room and one seminar room. Travel Tips The exhibition room recreates Kim Dong-myeong’s study, centered around the books he owned. On display are his poetry collections, political commentaries, essays, a chronological record of his life, details of his literary activities, and various publications he produced.The seminar room hosts a variety of literary events such as poetry illustration exhibitions, poetry readings, writing contests, monthly meetings or presentations by writers, evenings of art songs, and small-scale cultural programs. The museum is closed every Monday.At the Kim Dong-myeong Literary Museum, regular meetings and literary events organized by various literary groups are held, including writing contests hosted by writers’ associations, book concerts, evenings of art songs, educational programs for poetry illustration, and film screenings held on the last Wednesday of each month.Born as the only son of a poor farmer, Kim Dong-myeong was deeply influenced by his mother. Before moving to Wonsan, when he visited his maternal home in Sagimak-ri (Galmi Peak), his poem won first place at a poetry gathering held at a village school. Despite the excitement throughout the village, his mother offered no praise, likely out of concern that her son might become arrogant.His mother hoped that he would one day become the county governor of Gangneung and return home with her. Although he left his hometown to study modern literature, amid life’s hardships and sorrow, the place he longed for most was his birthplace—Gangneung.At the Kim Dong-myeong Literary Museum, visitors can encounter the poet who, though poor, was never pitiable. After a long silence, Kim Dong-myeong now speaks to us once again.If you visit Sacheon, it is recommended to explore nearby attractions and enjoy local cuisine. Sacheon Port and Sacheon Beach, located nearby, are small but beautiful coastal spots popular among scuba divers. Another reason people visit Sacheon Port is for its famous and delicious dishes such as mulhoe (cold raw fish soup) and seaweed soup. Mulhoe is made with various seafood such as squid, sea squirt, sea cucumber, and sliced raw fish, mixed with vegetables and spicy vinegar chili paste, offering a refreshing sweet and tangy flavor.
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Downtown
Gangneung Chodang-dong Relics
A prehistoric and ancient relic site located in Chodang-dong, Gangneung.
Introduction This is an ancient tomb complex from around the Silla Unification War period located in Chodang-dong, Gangneung. Tourist Guide Scattered across the Chodang-dong beach area, these relics were first urgent-surveyed in 1969. Through numerous excavations, it has been confirmed as a complex site where residential areas and tombs from the Neolithic, Bronze, Iron, and Three Kingdoms periods coexist. Tourist Tips Designated as a National Heritage in 2007, this site covers 59,290㎡. Various artifacts such as gilt-bronze butterfly-shaped ornaments, silver belt decorations, and iron swords have been excavated from Silla-era stone-lined tombs. These findings prove the existence of powerful local forces and the geopolitical importance of the Gangneung region during the Three Kingdoms period. While fences protect the site, visitors can see where artifacts were found, covered by large stones. A nearby park allows for a relaxed visit. After exploring the history, trying Chodang's famous soft tofu is highly recommended.
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Gyeongpo Area
Heo Gyun Memorial Stone (Poetry Monument)
A monument honoring the artistic spirits of Gangneung’s representative writers, Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon.
Introduction Five poetry monuments honoring the artistic spirit of the five great writers of the Heo family, including Heo Gyun and Heo Nanseolheon, are erected around the site of Heo Gyun's birthplace. This area is part of a literature trail. Heo Gyun is famous as the author of the first Korean novel, 'The Tale of Hong Gildong'. Born in 1569 at Aildang in Sacheon, he had two brothers and a sister, Heo Nanseolheon. The siblings and their father are known as the "Five Great Writers of the Heo Family," leaving behind over 5,000 poems and writings. Tourist Guide The mountain was called Gyosan because its shape resembled a prostrate dragon (Imugi), and it is said that Heo Gyun took his pen name 'Gyosan' from it. The pine and bamboo forests surrounding the monument seem to have witnessed Heo Gyun’s turbulent life. Standing before the monument, the rustling bamboo forest feels as if it is whispering Heo Gyun’s stories, creating a solemn atmosphere. Tourist Tips The exact location of Heo Gyun’s birthplace at Aildang is unknown, so the monument stands at the presumed site. From Gyeongpo Beach, pass through the Sacheon pine forest and go straight toward Sacheon Harbor to find the sign. Turning left up a shallow hill leads to a parking area, and descending the hill reveals the monument. Nearby at Sacheon Beach is Gyomunam Rock, where Heo Gyun played as a child. To learn more, visit the Heo Gyun & Heo Nanseolheon Memorial Park in Chodang-dong.
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Gyeongpo Area
Maewoldang Kim Si-seup Memorial Hall
The author of Korea’s first classical Chinese novel, Geumo Sinhwa
Introduction Maewoldang Kim Si-seup Memorial Hall is dedicated to preserving the spirit of Kim Si-seup, the author of Korea’s first classical Chinese novel Geumo Sinhwa and one of the six loyal retainers (Saengyuksin). The hall celebrates his elevated spirit expressed through poetry and novels. Tourist Guide Kim Si-seup is known for writing Geumo Sinhwa, Korea’s first classical Chinese novel, which consists of five works blending imaginative fantasy with social criticism. He was also one of the loyal retainers who opposed King Danjong’s dethronement. To honor his literary and philosophical contributions, the memorial hall opened on June 15, 2007. The site covers 3,117㎡ with a building area of 358㎡, consisting of a single exhibition hall. The exhibition spaces include one display room, one traditional “Jeopo” play experience room, one animation room, and one photo zone room. Tourist Tips Gangneung is Kim Si-seup’s ancestral hometown and the place where his mother lived at her late husband’s grave. During his wandering years, it served as a base for his travels. Kim was a poet and writer with a free, unconventional style, a philosopher blending Buddhist and Confucian ideals, a practitioner of physical and spiritual cultivation, a humanitarian sympathetic to common people, and a traveler who admired the natural beauty and traditional aesthetics of Korea. Despite conflicts with his era, his integrity and steadfastness earned lasting respect. Visitors can view video materials of his representative classical poems, watch the Geumo Sinhwa animation, and learn the traditional folk game “Jeopo” featured in Manboksa Jeopo-gi, one of his works.
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Daegwallyeong
Daegwallyeong Sansingak (Mountain Spirit Shrine)
A shrine dedicated to the Guksa Seonghwang (Guardian Spirit) of Daegwallyeong.
Introduction Located about 30m east of the Daegwallyeong Seonghwangdang, this shrine is designated as Gangwon-do Monument No. 54. Inside the small tiled building, a portrait of the Guksa Seonghwang is enshrined. The image depicts the deity on a white horse carrying a bow and arrows, accompanied by an attendant holding the reins and guarded by tigers. The inscription reads "Great Spirit Guksa Seonghwang of Daegwallyeong." Tourist Guide In front of the shrine stands a stone statue called Subidang or Sugudang, dedicated to the "Subi," subordinate spirits who serve as messengers. While the current structure was rebuilt in 1944, its history is deeply linked to the Gangneung Danoje Festival, which dates back over a thousand years. Historical records suggest the mountain spirit enshrined here is Kim Yu-sin, the famous Silla general, a belief widely held by local residents today. Tourist Tips The spirits of Daegwallyeong are central to the Danoje Festival. During the festival, the spirits are moved to the Namdaecheon Danoje grounds. After the final "Soje" ritual (burning of sacred items), the Guksa Seonghwang spirit returns here to Daegwallyeong, while the female deity returns to her respective shrine.
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Downtown
Daegongsanseong Fortress
Said to have been built by Onjo, the founder of Baekje, to train his troops.
Introduction Daegongsanseong Fortress is located in Bogwang-ri, Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung, with a perimeter of about 3,000 meters. Currently, the sites of the East, West, and North gates remain along with parts of the fortress walls. It is also known as Bohyansanseong or Daegungsanseong, though the exact date of construction is unknown. While some say King Onjo of Baekje built it for military training, others claim it was named after the Dae clan of Balhae who supposedly constructed it. Tourist Guide Designated as a Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage on May 30, 1979, the fortress was built using natural stones. Although much of it has collapsed, stone wall traces of about 2 meters and gate sites still exist. It is also famous as a fierce battlefield where righteous armies led by Min Yong-ho fought against Japanese forces during the Eulmi Righteous Army movement in 1894. Tourist Tips Follow the mountain path on the right before reaching the entrance of Bohyeonsa Temple to find the fortress. It is a stone fortress spanning about 4km. Records refer to this place as Bohyansanseong. The northern wall utilized steep cliffs and is mostly ruined, while the southern part retains walls made of unrefined stones. Inside the fortress, there is a well site said to have been built 1,000 years ago.
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Downtown
Gulsansa Temple Site Flagpole Supports
Flagpole supports from the Unified Silla period made of granite.
Introduction This is the largest flagpole support in Korea, carved from a single massive stone. Currently, the lower part is buried, making it impossible to identify the base structure that once supported the flagpole. The four sides are plain without decoration, and the lower section still bears the rough lines from the initial stone-carving process. The inner and outer faces are vertical, while the top of the pillars curves gracefully into a pointed peak, although the southern tip is slightly damaged. Tourist Guide Designated as Treasure No. 86 in 1963, these supports are relics of Gulsansa Temple, founded by National Preceptor Beomil. Standing at 5.4 meters tall, they feature two holes (upper and lower) to secure the flagpole. The massive scale and simple yet powerful carving technique showcase the grand sculptural beauty characteristic of the Unified Silla period. Tourist Tips The supports are located on flat ground surrounded by rice paddies near Haksan-ri village. You might wonder if you are in the right place while following the navigation, but you will soon find the sign for the site. Once you arrive, you will be overwhelmed by the sheer scale. It is not just the height but the thickness of the stones that creates a sense of awe-inspiring grandeur.
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Downtown
Bogwang-ri Seated Stone Buddha (Stone Seated Sakyamuni Tathagata)
A stone seated Buddha from the late Unified Silla period, complete with a pedestal and aureole.
Introduction Standing 1.7m tall in Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung, this statue was designated as a Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage on June 10, 1992. It is located at an unnamed old temple site, though local tradition suggests a temple named Bogwangsa once stood here. It is estimated to date back to the late Unified Silla period. Tourist Guide The statue is noted for its overall exquisite details and excellent patterns. While the top of the aureole (nimbus) is slightly damaged, the granite form is well-preserved. It features a large usnisa (protuberance on the head) and long ears. The Buddha is seated in the lotus position, wearing a robe with clear folds over one shoulder. It is historically significant as a rare example of a statue with a full three-tier pedestal in the Gangwon East Coast region. Tourist Tips The jewel-shaped aureole is decorated with floral (Bosanghwa) and flame patterns. While there are traces of inscriptions on the back, they are too worn to read. The octagonal middle stone of the pedestal and the upper/lower sections decorated with lotus petals showcase the sophisticated artistic sense of the period.
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Downtown
Gusan Seonangdang Shrine
A tangible heritage facility where the State Preceptor City Deity (Guksa Seonghwangsin) was first enshrined.
Introduction Gusan Seonangdang Shrine is a historical site located in Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung-si, Gangwon-do. Every year on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month, after the Daegwallyeong Guksa Seonghwangje (State Preceptor City Deity Ritual) is completed, the ritual procession stops here briefly to perform an exorcism (gut) and ancestral rites before proceeding to the Daegwallyeong Guksa Yeoseonghwangsa Shrine. Tourist Guide It is said that Gusan Seonangdang has existed for about 300 years. The current shrine building was newly constructed about 10 years ago and is surrounded by a stone wall. A unique feature of Gusan Seonangdang is that it enshrines the Yeongsan Jisin (Deity of the Sacred Mountain) in addition to the Seonghwang Jisin, Toji Sisin, and Yeoyeok Jisin found in other shrines. The reason Yeongsan Jisin is present is that the deity's original home on the nearby Yeongsindae hill was lost due to development, leading the deity to be enshrined here together. Tourist Tips Gusan Seonangdang previously faced significant inconvenience during the Gusan Seonangje ritual due to cramped surroundings and a lack of access roads. Consequently, the city of Gangneung purchased 1,213㎡ of land around the shrine to create a park and parking spaces, establishing a foundation for the transmission of the Danoje festival. This initiative also allows tourists to enjoy the Dano heritage year-round, contributing to the revitalization of local tourism. As a result, visitors can now conveniently explore Gusan Seonangdang in all seasons.
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Downtown
Gwaneum-ri Five-story Stone Pagoda
A stone pagoda from a temple called Anguksa during the Goryeo Dynasty.
Introduction Located in Seongsan-myeon, Gangneung, this pagoda was designated as a Gangwon-do Cultural Heritage on June 10, 1992. It is a Goryeo Dynasty granite pagoda featuring a five-story square body on a double-tier base. Although some corners of the roof stones (okgae) are damaged, the original form is relatively well-preserved. The foundation stone (jidaeseok) is made of several long stones, and the lower base is carved from a single stone. Each side of the lower middle stone features three "ansang" (elephant-eye shaped) carvings. The upper base supports the first-story body with two-tier supports. Tourist Guide Visitors to Gwaneum-ri can find this 3.3-meter-tall pagoda at an old temple site. As the original name of the temple is not confirmed, it is named after the village. However, based on records mentioning "Anguksa," the area is presumed to be the site of Anguksa Temple. Remaining embankments, foundation stones, and long stones clearly indicate that this was once a temple site. It offers a chance to travel back in time with a pagoda that has stood in the same spot for centuries. Tourist Tips Reaching the pagoda is not easy. Due to the unmanaged surroundings and unclear location, it is especially difficult to find in summer when the grass is thick. It is located behind a small temple building that looks like a private house. Since it sits in the middle of a forest, it is best to ask local residents for directions as they know the exact location.
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Downtown
Daechang-ri Dangganjiju (Flagpole Supports)
Unified Silla flagpole supports made of granite with a simple design featuring beveled edges.
Introduction Designated as a National Heritage on January 21, 1963. Standing 5.1m tall and made of granite, the two pillars face each other north to south with a 1m gap in their original positions. While roof tile fragments found nearby suggest this was a temple site, no historical records remain. The pillars are simple with no carvings on the inner or outer faces, except for slightly beveled edges on the outside. Tourist Guide Since the original base stones are missing, the exact structure is unknown, but the rectangular foundation stones suggest the base was also rectangular. Its simple style and sturdy execution are very similar to the flagpole supports at Mangdeoksaji (Treasure No. 69), leading experts to estimate its construction around the 8th century. Tourist Tips Located in the heart of the city, the two pillars stand facing each other. It may be difficult to imagine the original appearance as the base that supported the flagpole is gone. However, its simple and unadorned form reflects the aesthetic of its time. Its central location makes it an easy stop during a city tour.
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Downtown
Sinboksaji Temple Site
The site of Sinboksa Temple, believed to have been founded by Master Beomil.
Introduction Located in Naegok-dong, Gangneung, Sinboksaji is the site of Sinboksa Temple, founded by Master Beomil. Based on the layout of the building sites and the style of the remaining Buddhist statues, it is estimated to date back to the early Goryeo Dynasty. It is a historically significant site showing stylistic changes prevalent in the Yeongdong region at that time. The site preserves the Three-story Stone Pagoda and the Seated Stone Bodhisattva, both designated as National Heritages. Tourist Guide Within a small temple site surrounded on three sides by tall pine forests, there are a three-story stone pagoda and a bodhisattva statue that relatively well-preserve their ancient forms. Looking at the bodhisattva statue, which has remained in one spot for a thousand years while the temple itself disappeared, evokes a sense of reverence and nostalgia. We recommend taking a mental time-travel to when these masterpieces were first created. Tourist Tips To reach Sinboksaji, head from Gangneung city center toward Kwandong University in Naegok-dong and enter a small path on the left before reaching the Gangneung Public Health Center. Unlike many other temple sites, the pagoda and bodhisattva here are in remarkably complete condition. Studying the styles of pagodas and statues by era beforehand will make your appreciation of our ancestors' artistic sense even more meaningful.