Gwangju(Nam-gu)

In Gossaum, the term 'go' originates from otgoreum (the ribbon bow on a traditional Korean jacket) and refers to a knot tied in a long string to make a loop. Therefore, gossaum, a compound of go and "ssaum," which means fight, indicate a "match or fight against two teams pulling on knotted ropes." Traditionally, Gossaum has been a competitive team sport enjoyed by men. It was often played in the Jeollanam-do area around Jeongwol Daeboreum (the 15th of January according to the lunar calendar). Gossaum, which has been enjoyed for over 800 years, was designated National Intangible Cultural Asset No.33 in 1971. The Gwangju Gossaum Festival, a gala event for gossaum, was first held in 1982. It attracts more and more visitors each year and contributes to promoting the local economy. At the Gossaum Festival, one of the longest-running folklore festivals in Korea, various folk activities originating from traditional Korean culture are performed. The folk customs have gained recognizable names and diverse events that are planned each year, including a celebration of the eve, a service to worship the god guarding the village, a village exorcism, gossaum demonstrations, folk play performances and activities for visitors to participate in, such as a Daeboreum food tasting and a plaza where one can experience traditional folk games. On the eve of the festival, a wide range of events are organized for visitors including kite flying, a traditional costume exhibition with a chance to try them on, rope walking, Daeborum food tasting (rice balls, rice mixed with vegetables and seasoned herbs), and jumping over burning straw ropes to chase away one’s bad luck. There are also many other attractive spectacles to take in including a gossaum nori photo exhibition, a traditional folklore contest, a Nanta (percussion) performance, fireworks, the burning of a very large daljip (a “moon house”), a village exorcism and saem gut (well exorcism) that goes on until dawn. A variety of programs are also lined up including a Daedong farm music performance consisting of about 300 musicians, gossaum demonstrations, Korean traditional martial art performances and a tug-of-war between two teams pulling a thick rope. The greatest highlight of the Gwangju Gossaum Festival is the burning of a 20-meter high, 15-meter wide daljip, which translates literally to “moon house.” The daljip, a pile of branches, is the largest one in Korea and its flames can rise as high as 100 meters or more, inspiring awe among all viewers. Visitors can also enjoy the traditional cultural heritage of the Gwangju area since a number of cultural relics including General Go, Gyeong-myeong sites (Pochung Shrine and Samgangmun Gate) are located within one kilometer of the venue.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Discover the Healing Tranquility of Romy Zian Garden in Gariwangsan Mountain Nestled in the heart of Gariwangsan Mountain, Romy Zian Garden is a serene, 330,000-square-meter (approximately 100 acres) mountainous retreat surrounded by lush deciduous forests and rare, exotic trees. Designed as a sanctuary for wellness and self-reflection, the garden offers visitors an opportunity to experience both physical and mental rejuvenation in a truly unique setting. A Garden Designed for Healing and Meditation Romy Zian Garden is not only a picturesque natural landscape, but it is also a carefully curated space optimized for healing and meditation. The garden features 23 themed meditation spots and 7 forest trekking routes, each thoughtfully designed to enhance well-being and encourage moments of peace and introspection. Along with its outdoor spaces, the garden also includes indoor areas that evoke the feeling of being immersed in nature, such as the meditation hall, café, and accommodations, allowing guests to relax and restore their energy. A Wellness Destination Recognized by Kangwon Province In recognition of its commitment to promoting wellness tourism, Romy Zian Garden was named one of Kangwon Province's Outstanding Wellness Tourism Destinations for the 2024-2025 period. "Wellness" is a term that combines well-being, happiness, and fitness, and wellness tourism refers to travel experiences focused on healing and recovery through natural therapies, beauty treatments, spas, meditation, and relaxation—offering a perfect escape from the stresses of modern life. A Love Story Behind the Garden The story behind Romy Zian Garden is deeply personal. In 2011, Son Jin-ik, the founder of LBest Group, created this garden for his wife, Romy, who was struggling with health issues. After discovering the pure mountain air at an altitude of 700 meters, Son decided to build the garden as a place for healing and tranquility. Over time, the garden became a symbol of their enduring love, and the name "Romy Zian" comes from the couple's affectionate nicknames. Romy Zian Garden opened to the public in 2017, inviting others to experience the healing energy that had helped the founders restore their health. Reflect and Heal in a Peaceful Setting The garden is designed around themes of life cycles, offering various spaces that reflect stages of life: * Green for Birth: Symbolizing new beginnings and growth. * Red for Youth: Representing vitality and passion. * Black for Maturity: Reflecting wisdom and life experience. Visitors can explore the 60+ meditation spots scattered throughout the garden, each with its own significance. The thoughtfully designed paths, small hills, and tranquil resting areas offer a peaceful environment for reflection and self-discovery. Key Highlights of Romy Zian Garden * Gasibeosi Castle: This iconic structure offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and is a popular photo spot. The name "Gasibeosi," meaning "husband and wife" in Korean, symbolizes the love that inspired the garden. * Sky Aura: A stunning collection of limestone formations, creating a unique and serene atmosphere perfect for meditation or photography. * Three Merge Water Viewpoint: A picturesque spot where visitors can observe the merging of three streams, symbolizing harmony and unity. * The Silent Thousand Years: A spiritually charged area known for its profound natural energy, offering visitors a chance to connect deeply with the forest. Wellness Programs for Body and Mind Romy Zian Garden offers various wellness programs aimed at helping visitors reconnect with themselves. These programs include: * Guided meditation walks through the garden's lush trails, * Yoga sessions in peaceful forest settings, * Body scans and wellness assessments at the Mountain House, a modern wellness center designed for physical and mental rejuvenation. With seven trekking routes and 23 thematic walking paths, the garden offers numerous opportunities to explore and experience nature's healing power. Whether you seek mindfulness, physical exercise, or simply a quiet place to relax, Romy Zian Garden is the perfect destination for a rejuvenating escape. A Year-Round Destination for Healing No matter the season, Romy Zian Garden offers a healing experience that changes throughout the year. From the vibrant spring greens to the warm autumn hues, each visit promises new beauty and a sense of renewal. Whether you're visiting for relaxation, wellness, or simply to enjoy the natural beauty, Romy Zian Garden offers a sanctuary that will leave you feeling restored and at peace. ​『 COPYRIGHTS © 강원특별자치도 경제진흥원 All rights reserved. https://www.kwellness.kr』


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Jirisan Pension, located in Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do, offers guests a soothing break from fatigue and the stress of their daily routine amid beautiful and relaxing nature. Guests can enjoy the clean, cool water of the valley and take a walk along Jirisan Dulle-gil Trail, breathing in the pure air of the deep forests of Jirisan Mountain. The area around the hotel is the confluence of water from Piagol Valley and the upper reaches of the Seomjingang River. Visitors to Jirisan Mountain can create memorable moments by enjoying various activities such as BBQs, rafting, banana boating, and mountain biking.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Joryeongsan Mountain divides Mungyeong (Gyeongsangbuk-do) and Goesan (Chungcheongbuk-do), and is situated at the far end of Baekdudaegan (the mountain range connecting Baekdusan and Jirisan). The mountain is picturesque with its surroundings of dense forest, steep rocky areas, strangely shaped peaks and old trees. It has a grand scale of mountain ridge and high altitude. However, as the hiking trail starts at 529m on Ihwaryeong, it is not that tough. Nearby locations include Sinseongbong Peak and Mapaebong Peak, as well as Joryeongsan Recreational Forest.


Gyeonggi-do(Gimpo-si)

Hotel 5.0, located in the Yagam Hot Spa Zone in Gimpo, Gyeonggi-do, boasts refined and elegant interiors, a spa facility with an open ceiling, and a wide range of excellent services, including simple snacks, guaranteeing tourists’ relaxation and comfort. All its entire guest rooms feature a whirlpool bathtub and beautiful views of the sunset over the West Sea, while the VVIP rooms are equipped with a mezzanine, party room, open-air bath, and BBQ grill. The surrounding tourist attractions include Jangneung Royal Tomb, Munsusanseong Fortress, Deokpojin Fort, Munsusa Temple, Ganghwa Chojijin Fort, and Daemyeong Port, where tourists can enjoy sampling fresh raw fish, blue crab, and webfoot octopus.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Buyeo Baekje Rest Area (Seocheon) is operated by Hanwha Hotel & Resort Co., Ltd., a mecca centered on the restaurant business, and is also working with the local economy to create various food suitable for the current times, as well as reflect customer needs and the local economy.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

The Sunchon Bay Echo Village youth hostel faces Suncheon Bay National Garden with Suncheon Dongcheon in between. Surrounded by nature, it is the first traditional Korean-style youth hostel in the country. It feels like a folk village as there are many hanoks in the area, all built properly according to the traditional Korean style of architecture. At night, you can see the night sky full of stars. The guest room consists of Echo 1dong with three rooms and three bathrooms; Echo 2dong with a room, a bathroom, and an open veranda; Echo 3dong, a type of a house with four rooms and a large floor and 3 bathrooms; and Echo4dong with seven rooms, a floor, a bathroom, a yard and a pavilion in a large hanok house. In addition, there are 2 eco-buildings, one which is used as a group restaurant, and the other which serves as a lecture room. Suncheon Bay Echo Village youth hostel can accommodate travelers of various sizes from 2 people and families, to those taking small group and school trips. Compared to its size and the facilities it provides, it offers a very good value on money. In fact, the accommodation rates are so low that it is difficult to make reservations on weekends or peak seasons. It operates a variety of programs such as the Hyodo massage program, sightseeing spot experience program, health tour, city tour, and folk play experience. It takes about 5 minutes to Suncheon Bay National Garden East Gate, 7 minutes to Sunchon Station, and 10 minutes to Sunchon General Bus Terminal.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Park Roche Resort & Wellness: A Wellness Sanctuary in the Pristine Nature of Jeongseon Set at the foot of Gariwangsan Mountain in Jeongseon, Gangwon Province, Park Roche Resort & Wellness is a luxurious retreat that offers the perfect escape into nature. Known for its pure, unspoiled environment, Jeongseon provides an ideal backdrop for relaxation, reflection, and rejuvenation. A Premier Wellness Destination Designated as one of the top wellness destinations in Gangwon Province for 2024-2025, Park Roche embodies the concept of wellness—combining physical health, emotional happiness, and overall well-being. The resort’s offerings include natural healing, meditation, spa therapies, and more, all designed to help guests unwind and recharge. Surrounded by the stunning Baekdudaegan Mountain Range, the resort provides a peaceful setting for guests to disconnect from daily stresses and focus on their well-being. Holistic Wellness Programs Park Roche offers a range of wellness activities, including yoga, meditation, Pilates, and foam roller therapy, to promote physical and mental health. The resort’s signature 'Sookam Meditation' program, inspired by the local village’s tradition of rest and rejuvenation, helps guests prepare for deep, restorative sleep. Healthy Dining for the Body and Soul The resort’s dining options feature nutritious meals made from locally sourced ingredients. Each dish is designed to nourish the body and enhance the wellness experience, providing guests with energy and balance. A Restorative Retreat Designed for ultimate comfort, Park Roche’s accommodations feature sleep-focused rooms with premium mattresses and adjustable lighting to ensure restful sleep. The resort’s peaceful atmosphere and wellness facilities provide the perfect environment for relaxation and rejuvenation. Commitment to Safety and Wellness Park Roche follows strict health protocols, including daily sanitation, temperature checks, and mask mandates, to ensure a safe and secure stay for all guests. With a focus on wellness and safety, Park Roche offers a tranquil environment for a fully restorative experience. ​『 COPYRIGHTS © 강원특별자치도 경제진흥원 All rights reserved. https://www.kwellness.kr』


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

"Jain Hoetjip" is a restaurant that has been serving raw fish for over 30 years. Along with the natural raw fish menu, the restaurant also offers , hard-boiled food, and more. Fresh seafood is delivered from the Donghaean Blue Belt area everyday including Daejin, Gajin, Namae, Geumjin, and Jukbyeon Port , for great tasting raw fish.