Guided in Japanese: Ja-Gal-Ch'i Market & Beomeosa Temple

Description

Be sure to read the Special Notes further down this page for important requirements and restriction.

This relaxing yet fascinating half day excursion starts with a warm welcome at the pier from your local guide, before an enjoyable drive through the city's northern suburbs, passing by the impressive Municipal Museum.

Leaving the city you will journey through magnificent countryside to the serene Beomeosa Temple, one of South Korea's largest temples, which dates back to 678 A.D.

Cross over an arched stone bridge and mountain brook as you approach the temple's three handsome entry gates, also known as the 'Gate of the Heavenly Kings'.

You will then wander the grounds, where you can view the temple's graceful 7th century three- stone pagoda, which was built during the Silla era, around 826-836 A.D.

Your guide will also show you the Beomeosa stone lamp, which sits in the temple's grounds and the colorful main temple hall, which was built in 1614.

Climbing back onto the bus you will have a brief shopping stop, then head to a lively part of town for your next stop of the day, the wonderful Ja-Gal-Ch'i fish market. This colorful explosion of local culture was established by women peddlers during the Korean War, and has become known over the years as 'Aunt's Market', in their honor.

Today, the market boasts amazing displays of seafood ranging from freshly caught whole fish such as flounder and eels, shellfish and exotic seaweeds. You will have time to wander freely, exploring this amazing slice of Korean life, before getting back on the motorcoach for the relaxing trip back to port.

Special Notes:

Visitors to Beomeosa Temple must climb a hill followed by approximately 100 steps. The floors at the Ja-Gal-Ch'i Fish Market are wet and slippery; wear non-skid, flat walking shoes.

A portion of the Ja-Gal-Ch'i Fish Market is closed on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month.

A minimum of 40 passengers is required for this tour to operate.