Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Hantaek Botanical Garden, located in Oksan-ri, Baekam-myeon, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, is divided into an East Garden and West Garden. The East Garden is comprised of 25 uniquely-themed gardens that together measure 70,000 pyeong (about 231,420 square meters). The West Garden is a natural habitat for research and conservation purposes and is not open to the public.Hantaek Botanical Garden holds a wide range of festivals, events, educational training programs and other activities while nurturing 9,000 different species of flowers in a clean, natural environment. Inside the garden are Korean restaurants, a souvenir shop, and a plant shop.


Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Geumjeongsanseong Fortress (금정산성) is located on the peak of Mt. Geumjeongsan (801.5m) in Busan. Its original name was Dongrae Mountain Fortress, but it was changed because of its location.Its length is 17,377m, and 1.5m~3m high; it is the largest fortress in Korea. But now there is only a 4 km section remaining from the original. The exact time of the fortification is not recorded, but in reference to the location and size, it is presumed to have been built during the Three Kingdoms Era (when Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, the three dynasties, were fighting against each other). The present fortress was built in 1703, during the reign of Suk-Jong. It was built after Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of Korea from 1592~1598) to prepare for any further invasions from Japan. It was first built with stones and was renovated in 1707. During the dark years under Japanese sovereignty it was damaged and devastated.In 1971, it was designated as private property. The West, East and South Gates have been reintegrated, and it is still undergoing the restoration process. On the fortress barbican there is Munru (watch tower). There is another watch tower called Mangru to watch for enemies. Different from other mountains, it is easy to find spring water here, and because it is a granite area, you can easily see rock caves and small and big rock peaks at Mt. Geumjeongsan.


Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si) , suwon

Yongjusa Temple is 5-minutes walk away from Yungneung (the joint tomb of King Jangjo and Queen Heongyeong) and Geolleung (the joint tomb of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Hyoui). The temple was built by King Jeongjo to protect Hyeollyungwon (현륭원), the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado.This site was originally the location of Garyangsa Temple, which was constructed in AD854, the 16th year of King Munseong of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was very famous as it was surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal clear waters. However, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Byungjahoran (the second Manchu invasion of Korea). During the Joseon Dynasty, King Jeongjo moved the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado (or posthumously designated King Jangjo), to this spot, and built Yongjusa Temple here to pray for the repose of his father’s soul. It is said that one night before the temple was completed, King Jeongjo dreamed of a dragon ascending to the sky holding a magic ball in its mouth. He therefore named the temple “Yongjusa”, which means the temple of a dragon with a magic ball in Korean.The courtyard of the temple contains Beomjong (the Sacred Bell of Yongjusa Temple, National Treasure No. 120), a stupa (stone pagoda), Daeungbojeon (the main hall) and Cheonboru Pavilion. Visitors to Yongjusa Temple can also find the “Bumoeunjunggyeong (부모은중경)” books, which were written by King Jeongjo on the subject of filial affection and respect for one’s parents. These days Yongjusa temple and the Yungneung and Geolleung tombs are highly valued for their cultural heritage.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Sinbuk Hot Springs opened it in April 1994 amidst beautiful streams and forests. The hot spring water comes from 600m underground includes sodium bicarbonate help creating a soft and smooth texture and the water helps anti-aging and general skin care. Along with a hot springs bath, saunas were built as well as a resting area that attracts a diverse clientele. In the area around the hot springs are tourism spots like Yeoldugaeul Valley in Deokdun-ri and Samjeong-ri Mineral Spring. Trekking is also available on the walking trail at Wangbangsan Mountain, Soyosan Mountain and the hot springs as there is a trail connecting Sinbuk Hot Springs and the middle of the mountain.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Haegasa is a site named after the tale of 'Haega' in "The Heritage of the Three States." While the original Haegasa is assumed to be on Wausan Mountain at the northern end of Samcheok Beach, it has been restored on Jeusandong Beach against the backdrop of beautiful scenery. Located near Haegasa are Chuam Beach and Surobuin Park, which hosues the Dragon Ball, upon which people make their wishes.


Chungcheongnam-do(Dangjin-si)

Sapgyoho Tourist Park is located in Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do, near Sapgyoho Lake, a man-made artificial lake that was completed in October 26, 1979. The lake also connects with the sea and therefore has abundant maritime resources. Popular tourist sites like Anyang Hot Springs and Dogo Hot Springs also neighbor the tourist park. For its extensive views, both lake and ocean, the Ministry of Transportation appointed Sapgyoho a must visit tourist site in October 1983. The ministry is continuing to build the Sapgyoho embankment, which stretches out to 3,350m in total and is expected to create a more enjoyable area for visitors as it will have a lot to offer. Due to its growing popularity, buses depart every 10 minutes at the Seoul Gangnam Bus Terminal. Sapgyo Lake connects Asan-si and Dangjin-gun, and visitors going to the lake need to get off at Sapgyo Lake Resort Bus Stop.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Seongryugul Cave is located where Wangpicheon Stream intersects with Seonyusan (Mt. Seonyu). Surrounded by arborvitae and designated as Natural Monument No. 155, it is a limestone cave that stretches over 472m; it is adorned with a beautiful array of stalactites and stalagmites. Connected to Wangpicheon Stream, the cave consists of five ponds and twelve squares. It is also the habitat for abundant fish. The cave was initially called Seonyugul because it was a beautiful site for mountain gods to stay and rest. Its current name originated during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598). During the war, Buddhist statues housed in the nearby temple were relocated to the cave; hence the name, Seongryugul (Cave Where Buddha Stays). The cave is shaped in a linear, horizontal form, and a variety of squares within it—Yeonmudong Seoksil, Eumhacheon Ojakgyo, Yongsinji, and Yongsinji—showcase exquisite beauty. The most famous attraction in the cave, though, belongs to Sambulsang (Three Buddhist Statues) which looks like three Buddhas standing side by side.  


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Taekwondowon located in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, serves as a Mecca for the 70 million taekwondo practitioners in 186 countries worldwide. Covering an area of 2.31 million square meters, the park includes training grounds, hands-on program facilities, accommodations, and more.The Taekwondowon Observatory (522 square meters) is a three-story building located on a hill near the Taekwondo Strong Kick Statue. Go to the top of the observatory for a dramatic bird’s-eye-view of the crystal clear Muju area.


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

Punch Bowl in Yanggu-gun Gangwon-do is a highland basin situated 400-500 meters above sea level. The name "Punch Bowl" comes from the basin's resemblance to a large punch bowl. The town has around 1,700 residents, and is the only town that is located inside the Civilian Access Control Line. Along with the nearby Daeamsan Mountain, Punch Bowl was once a ferocious battlefield during the Korean War. Several monuments were erected in memory of the deceased souls, while some remnants of the War still remain in the basin. Since the War, civilian access has been limited to Punchbowl and Daeamsan Mountain, allowing the natural environment in the area virtually unscathed. Rare flora and fauna reside in the area, and on top of the Daeamsan Mountain is Yongneup Swamp (Natural Monument No.246), Korea's one and only high moor and time-honored treasure trove for the ecosystem. Also, there is the 4th Infiltration Tunnel that was unearthed in March 1990. Unlike the rest of the tunnels (1st, 2nd and 3rd Tunnels), visitors can go into the tunnel riding in a cable car. From the Eulji Observatory nearby, visitors may enjoy the view of the four peaks of Naegeumgang area including the Birobong of Geumgangsan Mountain. To enter the tunnel and the observatory, visitors must fill out an entry application at the Yanggu Unification Center.