[Jo Yongjun's Journey] Shaking Rock... Bulguksa Temple... Black-and-White Memories Come Alive

Tourism Public Recommends Places to Visit in September - Going to the Nostalgic School Trip Destinations in Group Photos

Although it was not known at the time, a trip to discover the true charm of the top destination for school trips has been gaining interest over time. The famous Shaking Rock, a popular attraction in Seoraksan during school trips. Photo by Jo Yongjun, travel specialist.

[Asia Economy Reporter Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist] Everyone has memories of school trips from their student days. Just leaving home to sleep and play in the same room with friends was enough to make those times endlessly joyful and exciting. Memories of talent shows, campfires, and pillow fights secretly held past midnight without teachers knowing are vivid. However, memories of the tourist sites and historic places that appear as backgrounds in old group photos tend to be hazy. The word 수학 (修學) means to cultivate learning, but looking back, we only accumulated memories. Though we didn’t realize it then, as time passed, we discovered the true essence of those places in the photos and set out to visit them. The best school trip destinations may vary by era, but everyone’s top picks include Gyeongju, known as the number one school trip spot, as well as Seoraksan, Korean Folk Village, and Gongju. For those who remember taking slow local trains or rattling intercity buses to school trips, Odongdo in Yeosu is also an unforgettable place. Coincidentally, the Korea Tourism Organization has recommended nostalgic school trip destinations as places to visit in September, as autumn begins.

◇Rewriting the School Trip Story: Gyeongju Bulguksa Temple and Seokguram Grotto

Gyeongju is South Korea’s number one school trip destination. It starts with the iconic Bulguksa Temple (pictured). Centered on the towering Beomyeongru Pavilion, Cheongungyo and Baekungyo Bridges lie to the east, and Yeonhwagyo and Chilbogyo Bridges to the west. Cheongungyo and Baekungyo Bridges, where group photos were taken during school trips, remain popular photo spots for Bulguksa certification photos. In the courtyard of Daeungjeon Hall stand the national treasures Dabotap and Seokgatap Pagodas. The eastern Dabotap has a unique pagoda form, while the western Seokgatap has a more typical shape. During the Japanese colonial period, the relics and reliquaries of Dabotap disappeared, and only one of the four stone lions on the stairway remains. Artifacts excavated from Seokgatap are exhibited at the Bulguksa Museum, which opened in 2018. The Seokguram Grotto, often visited together with Bulguksa, is built of granite on the mid-slope of Tohamsan Mountain.

The National Gyeongju Museum is also a must-visit. It displays national treasure-level artifacts from the Geumgwanchong, Hwangnamdaechong, and Cheonmachong tombs. At Daereungwon, the Silla-era royal tomb complex, the accessible Cheonmachong Tomb and the massive twin tombs of Hwangnamdaechong are highlights. The Cheomseongdae Observatory, believed to have been built during Queen Seondeok’s reign, offers a mystical night view.

◇Friends, Let’s Go on a Nostalgic School Trip! Yeosu Odongdo

Odongdo is a nostalgic place for those who remember school trips from long ago. Despite the many changes over the years, the dense forest and coastline remain beautiful. After crossing the breakwater, a walking path begins, and entering the camellia forest quickly darkens the surroundings. Thin rays of sunlight, clear bird songs, and cool, sweet breezes... with every step, you discover charms you didn’t notice during your school days. At the fork leading to coastal cliffs, you encounter expansive sea views and various scenic spots. At the island’s summit stands the Odongdo Lighthouse, first lit in 1952. After visiting the observatory, enjoy camellia flower tea at the outdoor teahouse opposite. The “Couple Tree,” with its blue new leaves and trunk split into two, also catches the eye.

Opened in 2010, Yi Sun-sin Square features a majestic statue of Admiral Yi Sun-sin and a nearly circular replica of the Turtle Ship. At Dream Terrace Mall, try on old school uniforms and take commemorative photos. Below the Turtle Ship Bridge lies the Romantic Pocha Street. When night falls, the street buzzes with lively and festive energy. Sitting around with friends, the clinking of glasses is filled with romance.

◇School Trip Memories Drip Drop: Seoraksan Shaking Rock

Sokcho has always been a famous school trip destination. Nestled by Seoraksan Mountain and facing the East Sea, it’s hard to find a better place for a school trip. Among Sokcho’s spots, Seoraksan’s Shaking Rock is a perennial favorite. Decades have passed, but the excitement of heading to Shaking Rock remains. The Shaking Rock sits atop Wauam Rock in front of Gyejoam Hermitage on the slopes of Seoraksan. It’s a large rock slab, also called “Restaurant Rock” because it can seat about 100 people. The round rock ball precariously balanced on the cliff’s edge is quite impressive. The rock is famous because it seems ready to roll off with just a touch, creating a thrilling scene.

Gwongeumseong Fortress, reachable by a 5-minute cable car ride, is also full of memories. Also called Seoraksan Fortress, Gwongeumseong sits near the summit of Hwacha Ridge at about 800 meters elevation, extending north from Daecheongbong Peak. Nearby are Abai Village, formed by refugees from Hamgyeong Province during the Korean War, and Sokcho Beach, home to Korea’s first seaside Ferris wheel, Sokcho Eye.

◇The True Essence of School Trip Sites You Didn’t Know Then: Gongju Muryeongwon Tomb and Royal Tomb Complex

Gongju was the second capital of Baekje after Hanseong was lost to Goguryeo; its old name is Ungjin. You can see splendid traces of Baekje culture in many places around Gongju, with the Muryeongwon Tomb and Royal Tomb Complex being representative. The Muryeongwon Tomb was discovered intact in the summer of 1971 during drainage work between Song-san-ri Tombs No. 5 and 6, astonishing the world. It is the only royal tomb from the Three Kingdoms period whose owner is precisely known. Due to the Cultural Heritage Administration’s permanent closure decision, visitors can view the tomb structure and artifact models at the exhibition hall. Visiting hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (closed on major holidays), and admission is temporarily free due to COVID-19. Actual artifacts are housed at the nearby National Gongju Museum.

After visiting Muryeongwon Tomb, the Royal Tomb Complex, and the National Gongju Museum, take a leisurely walk along Gongju Gongsanseong Fortress, overlooking the gently flowing Geum River and Gongju city. Muryeongwon Tomb, the Royal Tomb Complex, and Gongsanseong Fortress, along with six other sites in Buyeo and Iksan, are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Baekje Historic Areas. Exploring the retro vibe of Jemincheon Stream and the old downtown is also enjoyable.

◇Following Memories and Bringing Back New Generation Sensibilities: Korean Folk Village and Everland

The Korean Folk Village and Everland in Yongin have long been popular school trip destinations, leaving many with fond memories. They present tradition with a modern sensibility, making old spaces feel fresh. The Korean Folk Village (pictured) enlivens the space with Joseon Dynasty characters who interact directly with visitors. They have also added the folk parade “Eolssigu Jeolssiguya.” Night openings feature the multimedia performance “Yeonbun.” Admission to the Korean Folk Village is 32,000 KRW for adults and teenagers, and 26,000 KRW for children (including rides).

Everland also blends nostalgia with new generation sensibilities. The American Adventure’s Rocksville, inspired by the 1950s-60s USA, is popular. BTS filmed their hit song “Dynamite” music video here, making it a place enjoyed by multiple generations. Everland’s signature garden, Four Seasons Garden, and the Royal Jubilee Carousel are famous photo spots. When the dazzling night parade begins, cheers naturally erupt.

Yongin is also home to the Nam June Paik Art Center. The special exhibition “Baroque Nam June Paik,” celebrating the 90th anniversary of the media art pioneer’s birth, runs until January 24, 2023.

◇Palace of Memories: Gyeongbokgung Palace

Gyeongbokgung Palace is intertwined with memories. The roofs of the pavilions carry heartfelt stories, and the laughter of girls wearing hanbok instead of school uniforms fills the courtyard. The palace was a regular stop for students on school trips to Seoul. Gyeongbokgung was the first of the five grand palaces built during the Joseon Dynasty. Standing in the courtyard of Geunjeongjeon Hall (a national treasure) paved with stone slabs, you can see Inwangsan and Bugaksan Mountains at a glance. Gyeonghoeru Pavilion, where royal banquets were held, was used as an ice-skating rink in the 1960s. Sujeongjeon Hall, in front of the pond, stands on the site of Jiphyeonjeon, where the Hunminjeongeum was promulgated. The chimneys of Gyotaejeon, the queen’s residence, and Jagyeongjeon, the queen dowager’s quarters, are also treasured. Beyond Hyangwonjeong Pavilion lies Geoncheonggung, where Emperor Gojong stayed; it was the first building in Korea to have electricity. Gyeongbokgung was burned during the Imjin War, rebuilt under Heungseon Daewongun’s leadership, but suffered damage again during the Japanese colonial period.

Passing through Sinmumun Gate of Gyeongbokgung leads to the main gate of Cheongwadae (Blue House). Visitors can tour the Blue House main building, former presidential residence, and Nokjiwon garden. The southern trail of Bugaksan Mountain opened this spring, and the Hanyangdoseong Fortress Baekak section connects Baekakmaru and Cheongundae to Sukjeongmun and Hyehwamun Gates.

Yongjun Cho, Travel Specialist jun21@

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.