01DORA | Restaurant Guide | K-Travel Mate

The Seomjin River meets Gokseongcheon, Geumcheoncheon, and Godalcheon to form a vast wetland called Chimsil Wetland. The area of Chimsil Wetland reaches 2.03 million square meters, where 665 species of wildlife have been confirmed, including endangered species such as the first-grade otter, second-grade leopard cat, Korean pond turtle, and white-tailed eagle. Recognizing its value, Chimsil Wetland was designated as National Wetland Protection Area No. 22. From autumn to spring, when the temperature difference between day and night is large, water mist rises creating a fantastic atmosphere, making it a famous spot for photography.

Chungui Park is located on a hill opposite Gokseong-eup, about a 10-minute walk away. At the top of the park is a shrine dedicated to the patriotic spirits of Gokseong who sacrificed their lives for the country, symbolizing 'chungui' (loyalty and righteousness). Below the shrine, large pine trees surround it protectively. There is also a walking trail through the pine forest, making it a beloved resting place for residents. At the summit, there is a large Taegeukgi flag, a memorial tower for the fallen patriots, and an observatory. Chungui Park boasts a scale comparable to other nationally renowned clusters of gujeolcho (chrysanthemum flowers). From October, when the gujeolcho bloom simultaneously, the pine forest and hill create a snowy white scenery visible from afar, gaining popularity among Gokseong locals and visitors from places including Gwangju. The bloom season coincides with the Simcheong Festival, increasing visitors to Chungui Park, which is only a 10-minute walk from Gokseong Seomjingang Train Village. Being close to the train village and surrounded by charming cafes, it is highly recommended as a notable spot in Gokseong.

Since its development in April 1999 as a part of government efforts to boost regional tourism, Seomjingang Train Village has established itself as a popular attraction in Gokseong. A replica of the region's old steam engine train runs 10 kilometers between the old Gokseong Station in Seomjingang Train Village and Gajeong Station. The train runs along the old tracks at a moderate speed, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic view along the tracks.

Since April 1999, when the Chipochipo Seomjingang outing tourist train event began as one of the county's major policies, Gojang-ri in Godal-myeon has newly emerged as a tourist attraction in Gokseong-gun. This train operates a 10 km round trip from the old Gokseong Station (Seomjingang Train Village) to Gojang Station, faithfully restored to resemble the steam locomotive that actually ran in the past. Seomjingang Train Village features the clear and clean Seomjingang River, trains running on old tracks (disused lines), two ferry crossings across the river, and the remarkable scene of three lines converging: National Road No. 17, Jeolla Line Railroad, and Seomjingang River. It is Honam's best driving course, surrounded by a lawn plaza, a gazebo, a foot-operated mill, a waterwheel, and a cosmos flower path, forming a fantastic Seomjingang riverside bicycle hiking course. You can leisurely enjoy the scenery created by the fresh green of spring along the Seomjingang and the flowers by the roadside.

Every spring, the 'Gokseong World Rose Festival' is held here, located within the Seomjingang Train Village complex. On a 40,000㎡ site, 38,000 rose bushes of 1,004 varieties are planted, boasting the largest number and variety of garden roses in the country. It especially features varieties representing each country, such as Germany's Kordes, France's Meilland, England's David Austin, and Harkness. Highlights include a maze park made of roses and a rose tunnel. It is 2.1 km from Gokseong Bus Terminal, reachable on foot in about 20 minutes.

Located on the banks of Yeonguncheon in Gokseong-eup, this place is a shrine enshrining the portrait of Dangun Wanggeom, the legendary founder of Korea. This shrine was built secretly under Japanese rule as a thatched-roof building by Baekdang Shin Taeyoon, a teacher at Gokseong Elementary School who led the March 1st Independence Movement in Gokseong after his appointment in 1909. Even during the Japanese occupation, residents gathered here on National Foundation Day (Gaecheonjeol) to hold memorial ceremonies and pray for the country's independence. The building has a front 3-kan by side 2-kan gable roof, with lotus and bud carvings on the eaves and an elaborately decorated phoenix-shaped beam head. Every year on October 3rd (Gaecheonjeol) and March 15th (Eocheonjeol), rites are held for the Dangun ancestor. It was a place where patriots united for independence from Japan, and the premises include a March 1st Movement monument and the Baekdang Memorial Hall. Baekdang Shin Taeyoon was imprisoned for 2 years in Daegu Prison after being arrested by Japanese police while shouting 'Daehan Independence Manse' with many townspeople and students during the 1919 March 1st Movement. In December 2005, it was designated as the Republic of Korea's Registered Cultural Heritage No. 228.