Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si)

Sujongsa Temple is visited heavily by both the believers of the religion as well as average people who enjoy hiking, owing to its mild condition of trekking route reaching about a little over 600 meters, and its convenient location from Seoul. Nestled in Joan-myeon of Namyangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, the temple has a commending view over Bukhangang River, which is rated to have one of the top magnificent views. Thanks to this geological reason, visitors here can hear clearer sounds of bell ringing from the temple, and the soothing water streaming down the mountain peaks and valley. It is no coincident that the place was named after this define sound-effect, thus called sujong, which directly translates into 'water-bell.' There is another folklore that has been passed down for generations, with regards to the origin of the temple's name. When King Sejo (1417-1468) was returning from the Geumgangsan Mountain trip, he stayed a night in the current Yangsu-ri region, and had heard the bell ring from afar. On the next day, he had his courtiers to look for the bell-ringing source but only ended up finding a cave, where water falling from the cave's ceiling has been making the the supposed 'bell-ringing' sound. Besides the discovery of the cave, King Sejo also found 18 small Buddha statues. To commemorate the excavation, the king ordered to construct a temple at the very site. Visitors will not be able to see these valuables on-site currently, but still be able to enjoy beautiful sights of Ungilsan Mountain and learn some historical facts. The artifacts from the temple site are now managed by and exhibited at the National Museum of Korea. Although the exact date of the temple's foundation has not been proven yet, experts estimated the period to be during the early Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910).


Gangwon-do(Hwacheon-gun)

Peace Dam was built over the period of 15 months from February 1988 to May 1988 with funds donated by the general public in response to North Korea’s construction of Geumgangsan Dam and a potential flooding attack. The flood control dam has proved its worth during the floods of 1995, 1996, and 1999 and it has become a major tourist destination over the years. Located In the vicinity of Peace Dam is Bimok Park, which is the origin of the famous national song “Bimok.” In addition to the war monuments inside the park, there are around a dozen wooden crosses with rusty iron helmets placed on top within the barbed wire entanglements around the hill, thereby reminding visitors of the national tragedy of the Korean War. The county of Hwancheon hosts the Bimok Cultural Festival from June 3 to June 6 every year at Bimok Park, Bungeoseom Island by the town’s riverside, and the surrounding areas. The four-day festival offers a variety of events such as song contest, memorial ceremony of poetry reading, bimok tree cutting contest, rice ball eating contest, army life experience, military music parade, and more. Crossing over to Yanggu County from Peace Dam, there is a national security education place comprised of attractions like the 4th Underground Tunnel and Eulji Observatory. Paroho Lake Battlefield Tourist Park is also worth a visit after looking around Peace Dam. Also known as the “ocean within mountains,” Paroho is a manmade lake created as a result of Hwacheon Dam constructed in 1944. The lake is home to over 70 different species of freshwater fish such as mandarin fish and carp. It also holds a sorrowful history of burying at sea a whole three divisions of the Chinese Forces in defending the lake during the Korean War. The name Paroho, meaning “enemy breaking lake,” was given after the late president of Korea Rhee Syngman visited the place and designated a plaque in his own handwriting in memory of obtaining victory in fierce battle. There is an observatory, a security hall, and a stone monument engraved with the poetry of Wolha Rhee Taegeuk (1913-2003).


Jeollanam-do(Yeonggwang-gun)

Beopseongpo (법성포) is where an Indian Monk Mirananta first set foot on Korean territory in A.D 384 to spread Buddhism, having made his journey via Dongjin in China. This area then is being developed as a tourist destination as the originating place of Buddhism in Korea. Note: the word ‘Beop’ in ‘Beop-seong-po’ means Buddhism while ‘Seong’ means a saint, referring to the Indian Monk Marananta. The origins of Buddhism in Korea are clear for Goguryeo and the Silla Kingdoms, but regarding the Kingdom of Baekje it is a little more obscure. It has been claimed by word of mouth in this region that the Indian Monk Marananta came to Beopseongpo of Yeonggwang to deliver his message of Buddhism and built the Bulgapsa Temple (불갑사) which hence became the first monument of Buddhism in the Baekje Kingdom.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Chilbosan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest is located near mountains and the sea. The observatory offers a great place to watch the sunrise over the East Sea and is particularly packed during New Year’s Day. Two trekking courses on Chilbosan Mountain and Deungunsan Mountain are opened for hiking lovers and a water park site which utilizes water from valley. Its regional festivals held in the area of Chilbosan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest are Yeongdeok Sunrise Festival, Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival and more.


Chungcheongnam-do(Geumsan-gun)

The Great Monk Wonhyo (617-686) once acclaimed that four days was not enough to appreciate the beauty of Daedunsan Mountain in full. The mountain is divided into three areas Geumsan, Nonsan, and Wanju and each has distinct characteristics and charms. The Geumsan area is home to a battlefield from the Imjin Waeran War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598) and the historic Taegosa Temple. The Nonsan area is noted for its scenic forests, valleys, and brooks, while the Wanju area is defined by grandiose rock peaks. Daedunsan is especially beautiful in the fall when its rock peaks are surrounded by the autumnal tints of turning leaves.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

High 1 Country Club is located 1,100m above the sea level, making it the highest golf course in Korea. Due to the lower air pressure, golfers may enjoy longer and farther-reaching golf drives. In addition, the temperature never goes over 25 degrees Celsius even in the middle of summer, offering a cool and pleasant condition for summer golfers. Taking nature conservation into account, most of the area was formed using recycled rocks and debris from an abandoned mine, preventing acidic wastewater leaking from abandoned mines or dumps from contaminating the environment with heavy metals. At the same time, plants and wildflowers are planted around the surrounding areas to promote sustainable ecological stability. Golfers who want to stay for more than just a day can experience warm hospitality with a lovely ambiance at the High 1 Country Club which has 197 rooms in total and also offers a great view of the 18-hole golf course.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Birosa is a temple located at the southern foot of Birobong, the highest peak of Sobaeksan Mountain. It was founded by revered Buddhist monk Uisang Daesa in the 20th year of King Munmu’s reign (680 A.D.) during the Silla Kingdom. The temple’s Buddha statue and the flagpole supports reveal the long history of this ancient temple. To the left of the entrance to Birosa Temple stand a pair of flagpole supports that are official called Yeongju Samgadong Dangganjiju. The 4.8 meter-high flagpole supports facing each other have a meticulous structure. Inside the temple precincts is Jingongdaesa Bobeoptapbi, a stele with a stone turtle base erected in honor of the great monk Jingong Daesa. The temple enshrines the Amitabha and Vairocana Buddha statues, which were created during the Silla Kingdom in the late 9th century. Both of these Buddha statues realistically depict the human form, and show similar characteristics, which reveal that they were crafted by the same artisan. Preserving such valuable cultural heritages, Birosa Temple also has a serene view of Birobong Peak on Sobaeksan Mountain. * Major cultural properties: Yeongpung Birosa Amitabha and Vairocana Buddha Statues (Treasure No. 997), Yeongju Samgadong Dangganjiju (Provincial Tangible Cultural Property No. 7)


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

The entire town of Haean-myeon is contained in Haean Basin. Also known as Punch Bowl, Haean Basin is surrounded by high peaks and one of these peaks is Gachilbong. The nature of the terrain in the Gachilbong area made it difficult to conduct military operations during the Korean War. The North Korean military utilized these natural features to build a solid defense position and launch counterattacks, while the South Korean soldiers in the lowland were in a disadvantageous position. South Korean soldiers were under the command of 5th Division Commander Brigadier General Min Gi-sik and 24th Regiment Commander Colonel Yu Ui-jun. On the North Korean side, the 7th, 14th, and 32nd Regiments of the 27th Division and the 23rd Regiment of the 12th Division under the 2nd Corps fought back. By sending a military deployment and conducting search operations, the South Korean military completed a reconnaissance of the area on August 30 and advanced to counterattack. On August 31, after defending their position for two days, the South Korean soldiers were able to break the North Korean resistance. Each unit secured a strongly fortified position to draw the North Korean soldiers out. Thereafter, South Korea launched an all-out attack and captured Hill 1241. However, North Korea attacked again and South Korea retreated. After several attacks and counterattacks, South Korea was able to take back Gachilbong and the surrounding areas. Although it resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, this battle ultimately gave South Korea possession of Haean Basin.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Najeong Beach is situated on the shores of the East Sea. The beach offers many facilities as well as a seawater hot spring. The parking lot and pine tree forest by the hot spring are open to the public. Various water sports are also available in the area.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

The vast region of the Gurye Special Tourist Zone comprises Toji-myeon, Gwangui-myeon and Sandong-myeon, which has a river and an open field surrounding the mountainous area. Every part of Gurye deserves the title of Special Tourist Zone for offering many things to see. Well-known for its rich soil, the most outstanding natural resources of Gurye is Jirisan National Park, the first to be designated as a national park, and Seomjingang River. Every year, many hikers visit Jirisan National Park, also called the “bosom of a mother.” The park is cherished for its unpolluted scenery, such as its deep and wide geographical features and crystal clear valleys. The park offers diverse hiking trails and has mountain retreats for backpackers. Jirisan Dulegil Trail that runs along the periphery of Jirisan Mountain is where one could enjoy the experience of mountain glens, different from mountaineering. On their way hikers and trekkers can see groups of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) in spring as well as the autumnal tints of the mountain and valley in autumn. Another strength is that the park has different types of accommodations including Hanok (Korean traditional house) homestay and a guest house, apart from leisure facilities including hot springs in Jirisan. The park is a great place for historical inquiries as it is filled with historic temples, including Hwaeomsa Temple and Yeongoksa Temple, and historic relics. Flowing from Gokseong to Hadong, Seomjingang River creates a tranquil ambience. The cleanest ever in Korea, a large number of marsh snails and sweetfish live in this river. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic view from the riverside road and various festivals which are held all year round, such as the Sansuyu Festival, the Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival and the Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival. * Current State of Gurye Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered / Areas around Toji, Masan, Gwangui and Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do 2) Area / 78,024,000㎡ * Tourist Attractions Jirisan Mountain, Seomjingang River, Jirisan Spa Land, Piagol Valley, Sansuyu Theme Park, Hwaeomsa, Cheoneunsa and Yeongoksa Temple, Hanok Village, etc.