Naju, South Korea
Naju is located in the southwest of South Jeolla Province, South Korea. It borders Gwangju Metropolitan City to the north, Hwasun County to the east, Yeongam County to the south, and Muan and Hampyeong Counties to the west. It is situated on the Naju Plain in the Yeongsan River basin.
Naju has many attractions worth visiting. Here are some of the main tourist spots:
Historical and Cultural Sites
- Naju Walled City: Built in the early Joseon Dynasty, it is the largest walled city in South Korea, with a perimeter of about 3.7 km. The four gates have been completely restored. Inside the city, Geumseonggwan was a guesthouse for the governor of Naju, and Geumhakheon, where governors used to live, now serves as traditional Korean accommodation.
- Naju Hyanggyo: Similar to a Confucian temple or village school in China, it was built in the early Joseon Dynasty and has been well preserved, never having experienced a fire. The architectural layout is that of a temple in the front and a school in the back. Behind the Daeseongjeon Hall is the Myeongnyundang Hall, and there are many stone inscriptions outside the buildings.
- Naju National Museum: The museum houses a large collection of cultural relics and artworks related to the history and culture of the Naju area. Through various exhibits, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of Naju's historical changes, cultural heritage, and folk customs. It is an important place for learning and researching local history and culture.
Natural Scenery
- Yeongsan River: The Yeongsan River basin is famous for preserving 5th-century Japanese keyhole-shaped tombs. The river has the only freshwater bathing beach in South Jeolla Province, and the surrounding scenery is beautiful, varying with the seasons.
- Naju Lake: A paradise for fishing enthusiasts, it is home to various fish species such as crucian carp, common carp, and ayu. The surrounding natural scenery is beautiful, allowing visitors to enjoy the fun of fishing while admiring the beautiful lake and mountain views.
Themed Activities
- Natural Dyeing Cultural Center: Naju is the home of natural dyeing culture. At the Natural Dyeing Cultural Center, a natural dyeing festival is held every year. Visitors can learn about natural dyeing and experience the fun of natural dyeing.
- Naju Outdoor Filming Site: This outdoor filming location was built for the TV drama "Jumong." Here, you can see the scenes and buildings that appeared in the drama, experience the filming atmosphere, and learn about the drama's production process.