Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si)

Seolbongsan Mountain (설봉산, 394 m) dominates the western portion of Icheon City. It has also been called Bugaksan Mountain and Muhaksan Mountain since the mountain resembles a crane with its wings spread open. Although the mountain is not rugged and maintains a well kept walking trail, it has many intriguing rock formations. There are as many as eight natural springs from which clear water gushes, and there are also Buddhist temples and relics scattered across the mountain. There are other attractions to see and enjoy as well, such as Seolbong Park, which was established at the opening of the World Ceramic Exhibition, as well as the municipal museum.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium, located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, South Korea, is a premier sports venue that seamlessly blends modern athletic facilities with the island's rich cultural heritage. Opened in October 2013, the gymnasium boasts a seating capacity of over 4,000, including 1,428 adjustable seats, making it an ideal location for various events. Key Features: * State-of-the-Art Facilities: Designed to host a wide array of sports and cultural events, the gymnasium is equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for both participants and spectators. * Cultural Significance: The name "Dolmens" pays homage to the nearby Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the area's ancient history and cultural importance. * Notable Events: The gymnasium gained international recognition by hosting the taekwondo and wushu events during the 2014 Asian Games, showcasing its capability to facilitate major sporting events. Popular Media Highlight: Adding to its appeal, Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium has been featured as a filming location for the popular SBS TV show "Shooting Stars" (골 때리는 그녀들). This exposure has increased its popularity among fans and tourists alike, who visit to experience the setting of their favorite show. Visiting Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium: Situated amidst the scenic landscapes of Ganghwa Island, the gymnasium offers visitors an opportunity to experience modern Korean sports culture while being in proximity to historical sites. After attending an event, visitors can explore the Ganghwa Dolmen Sites to gain insight into Korea's prehistoric era. Getting There: Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium is accessible via public transportation from Incheon and Seoul. Local buses and taxis provide convenient options for reaching the venue. For detailed directions and event schedules, it's advisable to check the official Ganghwa County website or contact local tourist information centers. Why Visit? Whether you're a sports enthusiast eager to witness local events, a fan of "Shooting Stars" looking to visit a filming location, or a traveler interested in the fusion of modern facilities with historical context, Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium offers a unique experience. Its strategic location allows visitors to enjoy contemporary Korean culture and delve into the rich tapestry of the nation's history. Incorporating a visit to Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium into your travel itinerary provides a balanced glimpse into South Korea's dynamic present and its storied past.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

The Invention Education Center offers an experience room, experience hall, lecture rooms, and various other facilities throughout four floors. Visitors can learn about top inventors and their inventions in each area. The education programs are conducted by researchers from Daedeok Innopolis, members of the board of examiners of the Korea Industrial Property Office, professors from top universities and more. With their vast knowledge and experience, the lecturers help to cultivate students' ingenuity and competitive spirit. The Invention Education Center aims to help students understand inventions better through the use of fun and playful experiences. The experiences are divided into four themes, including "Click, Imagination Icon," "View Imagination's Strength," "The Fruit of Imagination," and "Imagination is Reality."


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)

Nadeul-gil means a leisurely outing (nadeuri) road. Comprised of 19 courses in total, the Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail offers a variety of historical assets and cultural sites to see. Each Nadeul-gil course connects Ganghwa Fortress outposts that are located every 1.3 km on high ground along the walking paths. The trails are on the island of Ganghwa which holds many Goryeo Dynasty remains that are important to Korean history. Fortresses that stood against Mongolian invasions are still standing and many of the Goryeo Kingdom’s palaces and royal tomb sites are also found in Ganghwa region. Exploring the major cultural heritage sites dispersed throughout the town can be just as fun as exploring Ganghwa’s natural beauty. The sunset on the Seohae (West coast), expansive open mud flats, views from Marisan and Goryeosan Mountains and the peaceful farming villages are just a handful of the sights along this walking trail. The establishment of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil’s begins with the ancient scholar Go Jae-hyeong (pen name Hwanam), who left his hometown Ganghwa on a spring day in 1906 when the peach trees were in full bloom. He walked through more than 100 villages around the whole island. Back home, he composed poems about his journey and published them under the title of “Simdo Gihaeng (Simdo Travels),” Simdo being another name for Ganghwa. During his travels, he sang songs of his home Ganghwa. Thanks to his work, people can now follow in the footsteps of Hwanam and his appreciation of the beautiful scenery and great people of Ganghwa Island.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Chilgok-gun)

Gasansanseong Fortress (가산산성) in Chilgok-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do is located in the middle of Chilgok-gun, between Daegu Metropolitan City and Gumi. Mt. Gasan (901m in elevation) is 10km west of Mt. Palgongsan. Because it boasts seven peaks, the mountain was called, ‘Chilbongsan.’ After enduring large wars including the Imjinwaeran (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592) and the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636), the Joseon rulers built a fortress over the course of 100 years in the mid Joseon period to aid in Korea’s defense. It is Korea’s only three-layered fortress, consisting of inner, outer and central walls. The flat Gasanbawi Rock (가산바위) at the mountain’s peak, which is large enough to accommodate 100 people at a time, offers a great view of Daegu Metropolitan City. * Structure – Stone fortress encircling a valley, strategic fortress * Size and date - Inner wall: 4.0km (17-18th (1640) and 26th (1648) year of King Injo’s reign) - Outer wall: 3.0km (26-27th (1701) year of King Sukjong’s reign) - Central wall: 0.6km (17th (1741) year of King Yeongjo’s reign)  


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)


Daejeon(Daedeok-gu)

Daecheongho Obaengni (500-ri) Road is a 220km walking path passing through the Daejong (Dong-gu, Daedeok-gu) and Chungcheongbuk-do (Cheongwon, Okcheon, Boeun) areas. The road passes Daecheongho Lake, small streams, trekking roads, a forest trail, an old path, and much more. The "obaengni" (500-ri) from the name of the road comes from the distance from Seoul or Busan to Daecheongho Lake, which is 500-ri. Several mountains at an altitude of 200-300m and lots of greenery surround Daecheongho Lake. The area also has a date course, a meditation course, a trekking course, a family trip course to experience rural culture and cultural exploration, a bike course and other themed courses. The road was awarded an Asian Townscape Award by the UN-Habitat Program. Near the road are tourism attractions like the Daecheong Dam Water Culture Center, Daecheongho Sculture Park, Daecheongho Art Museum, Daecheongho Natural Ecology Center and others. In addition, there are historic cultural tourism spots like Cheongwon Cheongnamdae, Munui Cultural Properities Site, Boeun Songnisan Mountain, Okcheon Dujunbong Peak, and the birthplace of Jeong Jiyong and Yuk Yeongsu.


Seoul(Gangdong-gu)

Iljasan Mountain is the tallest peak in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, providing the western boundary between Gangdong-gu and Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Iljasan Mountain is one of the best spots in Seoul to watch the sunrise. Located on the mountain is the house of Master Lee Jip (pen-name Dunchon), providing a good getaway spot for local residents. Lee jip was a loyal government official during the reign of King Gongmin during the late Goryeo Dynasty. He was forced to move to a underground tunnel in the southwest side of Iljasan Mountain to avoid entrapment by Shin Don, a person of influence at the time. While living in hiding, he took the pen-name Dunchon (meaning drawing back to the countryside) to symbolize the hardships he was going through. The nearby area was named after him, being called Dunchon-dong.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

One of the magnificent sights here is the breathtaking combination of bizarre rocks and the stratified bluffs of Deungdaeseom (Lighthouse Island) and Somaemuldo Island. At low tide, one can walk from one island the other. Yong Bawi (Dragon Rock), Buchudae Bawi (Buddha Rock), Geobuk Bawi (Turtle Rock), Chotdae Bawi (Candlestick Rock) and Geulssingi Cave are absolute masterpieces created by Mother Nature. Another must-see is the view of Somaemuldo Island from Deungdaeseom Island. From there, the rock formations look like a sitting dinosaur. Nammae Bawi (brother and sister rock) is made up of two rocks, one at the top and the other at the bottom. The name of the rock was inspired by a folk tale of a twin brother and sister. The upper rock is also known as Sut Bawi (charcoal rock) as it is bigger and darker than the other, while the bottom one is called Am Bawi. Maemuldo Island's name originated from the fact that the area was one of the largest producers of maemul (buckwheat). Somaemuldo Island was named as such since it is a small island sitting right next to Maemuldo Island. In 1904, The Kims from Gimhae moved to the island from the mainland as they heard that the island was so abundant in food that no one would starve. The Kims settled here and established a whole village. A growing number of visitors come to the island every year to enjoy the picturesque view of the island. * Composition: 1 main island, 2 islets * Area: 330,000㎡ (including islets)