Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Naewonsa Valley is just below Naewonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain. The valley is surrounded by Jeongsoksan Mountain to the northeast, Wonjeoksan Mountain to the south, and Cheonseongsan Mountain to the southeast. The water running through the numerous valleys between these mountains has formed streams like Yongyeoncheon and Sangricheon from Naewonsa Valley which are the source of Yangsancheon Stream. Naewonsa Valley was formerly Sogeumgang (little Geumgang), meaning that its beautiful scenery is comparable to that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also known as the “mystical valley” as crystal clear water flows all year round. The word “Sogeumgang” is distinctly engraved on one side of the cliff and large rocks stand in layers throughout the valley. Some of the rocks are called “byeongpung bawi,” literally meaning folding screen rocks, as they are stretched out much like folding screens. The valley and the surrounding mountains are a popular summer vacation spot and a well-known hiking destination during the spring, fall, and winter. Muk (acorn jelly) made with acorns gathered from this area not only tastes great, but is also very healthy. Nearby attractions include Tongdosa Temple, Hongnyong Falls, Tongdo Fantasia, Tongdo Finest Country Club, and Haewoon Youth Training Institute. *About Naewonsa Temple* Located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain, Naewonsa Temple was is one of the 89 branch temples surrounding Daedunsa Temple, which was founded by the great monk Wonhyo (617-686) during the Silla Dynasty. Originally called Naewonsaji, the temple was burned down during the Korean War. It was rebuilt by a Buddhist nun named Suok in 1958 and it became known as the prayer center for the nation’s greatest Buddhist nuns. ※ Entrance into the upper region of Naewonsa Valley is restricted.


Ulsan(Ulju-gun)

The residual mountains of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range form ten tall peaks in the Yeongnam region. Dubbed the ‘Yeongnam Alps,’ these peaks include Chwiseosan (1,092 meters, also called Yeongchwisan), Sinbulsan (1,209 meters), Cheonhwangsan (1,189 meters), Unmunsan (1,188 meters), Goheonsan (1,033 meters), Munboksan (1,013 meters), and Gajisan mountains. This group of mountains is uniquely covered with reeds. Gajisan Mountain is the tallest of this group, rising above mountains almost 1,000 meters high. An attraction of hiking in Gajisan Mountain is that various large, oddly shaped rock peaks can be seen from the mountain trail. To the east of the mountain is Seongnamsa Temple built during the Silla Kingdom. Today, only Buddhist nuns remain, but there are relics like the budo stupa of National Master Doui (Treasure 369) and a three-story stone pagoda.


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

Soyangho Lake (소양호) is a man-made lake that was created when Soyang Dam, the biggest rock-filled dam in Asia, was built in 1973. The lake is a hotspot for marine tourism and the lakeside road is an important route that connects Chuncheon and Yanggu. You can travel overland for an hour to get to the dam or take the Kwaeryongho Boat (쾌룡호), a hovercraft that operates regularly on Soyang Lake, and get there in 30 minutes. The hovercraft travels by ejecting air against the surface below, sending up a spray of water on either side of the boat to the delight of passengers. Once you are in the valley, you can see fish farms floating among the islets. When the water level is high, you can travel on the lake all the way to Inje and Sinnam enjoying the beautiful scenery of Naeseorak. Both tourists and locals regularly make use of the ferry service.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Jirisan National Park spans from Daeseong-ri, Hwagae-myeon, Hadong-gun to Byeoksoryeong (벽소령), where the Jirisan History Museum is. A guide map of North Korean red guerrilla routes on Jirisan Mountain can be seen in front of the museum and the museum explains the history of North Korean fighters in the area. The North Korean partisans didn’t surrender even after the Korean War ended. The Jirisan History Museum shows the guns used at the time and visitors can also get to know the life of slash-and-burn farmers living in the area of Jirisan Mountain. Specialty regional products from Hadong are on displays as well. * Size - Site area: 4,806㎡ - Building area: 149.4㎡ - Floor: 1 story - Main facility: Exhibition hall


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

Dongho Beach (동호해수욕장) is located south of Gomsoman Bay, between the Byeonsan Peninsula of Buan and Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. Skirting the 1km-long white sandy beach lies a green forest with pine trees hundreds of years old. The sunset viewed from the forest is particularly eye-catching as the soft pink from the falling sun covers the sky. The water just offshore is relatively shallow, varying in depth between 0.5 and 1.5 m. The high salt content in the seawater makes it an ideal place for sea and sand bathing. On the hill above the Haesong forest is Suseongdang, a temple honoring the God of the Sea, where the local fishermen gather each year to pray for big catches.  


Gyeonggi-do(Seongnam-si)

Manggyeongam’s name derives from the hermitage's view of Bokjeong-dong in Seoul, and is located in Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Manggyeongam Temple is said to be the place where the kings of the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods prayed for peace for their subjects. In addition, Prince Pyeongwon, the 7th son of King Sejong, and Grand Prince Jean built a dais at Mangyeongam Temple and Chilseongdae and pledged filial piety. The temple is more widely known for its connection to the Chilseong faith, in which believers worship Chilseong (the Seven Stars). It is easily recognized by the written records inscribed into the rock wall. Located at the temple is Maaeyeoraejwasang (Seated Maitreya Buddha), an original work of the temple that is also designated Gyeonggi-do’s Tangible Cultural Asset No. 102. The Buddha is embossed inside a deep hole in the rock. In the words inscribed near the statue, there is also a legend that says Lee Gu-seung carved Gwaneum Statue near the Maaeyeoraejwasang and built the temple in 1897. Next to the temple is a pond called “Bokumul,” which means “blessed sugared water.” The neighborhood of Bojeong-dong takes its name from this pond. At the temple, Daeungjeon Hall (the main temple) and Samseonggak Shrine (shrine for three spirits), Mireukjeon Hall were all established fairly recently. The temple site also includes a huge Mireuk Daebul statue (Great State of Maitreya Buddha) and a five-storied pagoda.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sacheon-si)

Jeodo Island derives its name from the abundance of paper mulberry (a fiber crop largely used for papermaking) growing on the island. The Sino-Korean character "楮" (jeo) refers to paper mulberry, while "島" (do) refers to island. The native Korean word for paper mulberry is “daknamu”. Hence, the island is also called Dakseom. Hanji, a Korean handcrafter paper, is made from the inner back of paper mulberry. On Jeodo Island, one can get a glimpse of what daily life in a small fishing village is like. The island can also be seen just behind the bamboo weirs from Siran Dock. The view is a combination of a lighthouse, fishing site, lush meadows, and lodgings with the ocean in the background. * Area: 38,216㎡


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jincheon-gun)

This gray heron habitat is located behind the Nogok Village in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. The Migratory birds roost on a 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree from March to October. In November, they fly back to their southern homes, such as Taiwan. Gray herons have migrated to this area for hundreds of years and the villagers from Nogok began tending to them roughly 100 years ago.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Micheongol Valley starts from the Yangyang area and ends right before Guryongnyeong Pass. With not many visitors here, the valley is left in a pristine condition. The area is famous for its rich forest, clean water, uniquely shaped rocks, wild flora and fauna, underground mineral water tap, cultural heritages of the ancient kingdom Silla, locally produced honey and other forest products. The Micheongol Valley Recreational Forest is 5,652,000㎡ in size filled with broadleaf trees. At the entrance of the valley is the Seollimwon temple site, which was originally established under the reign of King Beopheung of Silla Kingdom and then closed off at the end of Goryeo Dynasty. Other relics include a stone lamp, 3-story pagoda, Honggakseonsa Monk Pagoda, and a Stupa. With Donghaean Beach and Seoraksan National Park located nearby, Micheongol Valley makes a perfect destination for tourists.


Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si)

Youngeun Museum was established in November, 2000 in the natural forests of Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. The museum is largely composed of two sections: an art museum and a studio. Youngeun Museum is considered a museum of contemporary art as it focuses on the research, preservation, and exhibition of modern art works. It is the first museum of its kind to also operate studio space for artists and has consequently received praise in the art world as a forward-thinking museum. Thanks to the museum’s focus on creating new works of art, the museum has become a gathering place where artists, writers, critics, and the general public can interact with one another and appreciate the art-making process. Visitors can engage in various forms of art at the Youngeun Museum, ranging from plastic arts to performing arts. There are also educational programs that allow guests to watch or even experience how art is made. By providing these innovative programs, Youngeun Museum aims to spread art among the masses.