Gwandong Palgyeong

Gwandong Palgyeong (관동팔경) are eight Korean landscapes that have been famous for their beauty since the Joseon Dynasty.

Understanding
Gwandong Palgyeong is composed of eight spots along eastern seacoast of Korea: Chongseojoeng, Samilpo, Cheongganjeong, Naksansa, Gyeongpodea, Jukseoru, Mangyangjeong, and Weolsongjeong. Now, two of them are in North Korea. Chongseojoeng, Cheongganjeong, Mangyangjeong, Weolsongjeong are pavilions to enjoy the landscapes. After visiting these spots, Jeong Cheol (1536-1594), a Korean poet and politician, wrote an epic titled Gwandong Byeolgok, which is considered one of the most beautiful poems in the history of Korean literature.

Prepare
Korean traditional religion has been influenced by Taoism as well as Buddhism and Confucianism. For scholars in the Joseon Dynasty, enjoying nature was not only traveling or sightseeing but also religious training. For example, Jeong Cheol's Gwandong Byeolgok starts with "I missed rivers and lakes, then I lay in the bamboo forest...", and the protagonist meets a xian in his dream in the final chapter. You should know this background before departure.

Get in
If you want to try this itinerary, then car is the most suitable transport and you can visit the spots in South Korea along National Route 7.

Some of the stops are serviced by train, and the ones that are not can largely be reached by express bus.

Stay safe
The border area can not be crossed, so the full itinerary cannot be experienced end to end.