Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uiseong-gun)

Gounsa Temple lies on Deungunsan Mountain in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and was built by Monk Uisang in 681 during the reign of King Sinmun of the Silla Kingdom. Although the pronunciation of the name was never changed, its meaning slightly changed from “High Cloud Temple” to “Solitary Cloud Temple” after Choi Chi-won, a renowned scholar in the late Silla Period, helped to build two pavilions (Gaunru and Uhwaru) and renamed it. It is Branch Temple No.16 of the Korean Buddhist order, Jogyejong, and manages temples in Uiseong, Andong, Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Yeongyang. Befitting its meaning, the temple is surrounded by outstanding scenery on Deungunsan Mountain, meaning “Riding on the Clouds.” Quite isolated from villages, the temple is a very quiet, serene place. Gounsa Temple is home to one of the most cherished pieces of architecture, Gaunru Pavilion (“Floating over the Clouds”). This elegant pavilion is propped up by wooden columns, which are, in turn, supported by foundation stones. It looks as if the pavilion placed its feet in the water while standing. Among the many buildings comprising the temple complex, Yeonsujeon Hall is a unique building that was built to store Eocheop (the genealogical record of royal families) in 1774 (20th year of King Yeongjo). As a royal building, it shows the Confucian architectural style, different from other Buddhist buildings within the temple.


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

* Geumgang Estuary Bank, a harmonic blend of the artificial and the natural * This estuary bank was completed in 1990 as part of an agricultural development project for 6 cities and counties in Chungcheongnam-do and Jeollabuk-do. The Korea Agricultural and Rural Infrastructure Corporation invested approximately 100 billion won for the project and the construction lasted for 8 years. The estuary bank can  hold up to 130 million tons of water. The 1,840-meter long bank serves a bridge that connects Chungcheongnam-do to Jeollabuk-do.Aside from being the source of water for agricultural and industrial use in Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do, the bank also provides flood control for the area around Geumgang River. It helps keep Gunsanhang Port operational by preventing soil and sand from accumulating at the mouth of the river. It also prevents the backwash of seawater from causing damage to farmlands. Geumgang Estuary Bank has an important role as a tourist destination by connecting Gunsan and Janghang. * Plenty of attractions to see and enjoy* Geumgang Estuary Bank flows throughout many beautiful sites in Chungcheong-do. The estuary is now well-known as a bird sanctuary where the reeds and the natural habitat attract migratory birds, mallard ducks, swans, and globally rare species such as oystercatchers and Saunders's Gull during winter. An observatory was also built so people can enjoy bird watching at the estuary.Around the Geumgang Estuary Bank vicinity, nearby tourist attractions include the nation's biggest year-round sledding slope, a riverside amusement park, and the Geumgang Computer Game World equipped with about 80 kinds of computer games, making the area famous among kids and teens.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Danyang is known for its Danyang Palgyeong (eight wonders of Danyang). The scenery around Chungjuho Lake, including Dodamsambong Peak, Gudambong Peak and Oksunbong Peak, can all be enjoyed from a ferry cruise. The meandering stream and the majestic view of Sainam Rock and Sangseonam Rock create a soothing, tranquil ambience. Situated at the center of the Korean Peninsula is Sobaeksan National Park, from which one can admire the beauty of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range. The mountain’s many trails that lead to Birobong Peak and to other peaks are popular among hikers. Darian, Cheondong and Ondal are great choices for family trips. These places are known for outdoor camping sites and drama filming locations. The Danyang Special Tourist Zone holds special events that promote the county’s nature and history. The Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival is held in May, while the Ondal Culture Festival takes place in October. Plenty of accommodation options and facilities are available in the area of Dojeon-ri, Byeolgok-ri, Sangjin-ri and Gosu-ri of Danyang-eup. [Danyang Special Tourist Zone] Areas included: Areas around Danyang and Maepo-eup in Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do Area size: 4,448,737㎡ Tourist attractions: Sobaeksan National Park, Dodamsambong Peak, Sainam Rock, Gosu Cave, Buddhist Museum of the Cheontae Order, Daeseongsan Natural Recreation Forest, etc.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Goesan-gun)

The Sanmaki Yetgil (Old Road) is a 4-kilometer long old path connecting Saorang Village (located in Waesa-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do Province) to the mountain village Sanmaki. Restored by retracing the old path, Sanmaki Yetgil is a great walking trail passing by mountains, streams, and forests. Most of the path is paved with wooden deck in the eco-friendly method to minimize damages to the environment and to maintain the natural look. The surrounding beauty is recognized as the best scenic view of Goesan. The natural ecosystem around Goesan Dam has been preserved in its original state.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Bakdaljae Natural Forest is a dense forest where pine trees and bushes have harmoniously coexisted together with oddly formed rocks and strangely shaped stones for 150 years. At the top of Bakdaljae Pass, there’s a pavilion, a spring, a resting area, and a wood sculpture park. From the top of the mountain, one can admire a view of Sobaeksan Mountain, Wolaksan Mountain and Gamaksan Mountain.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

Opened on May 4, 2001, Midongsan Arboretum in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do is a provincial arboretum, built to develop and propagate forestry techniques and found ecological education environments. Covering an area of 3,114,049.60㎡ (942,000 pyeong), the arboretum houses almost 873 species of plants and 652,000 plants in 11 exhibition halls including an Oak tree hall, a Maple tree hall, and a genetics hall, which presents plant genetic resources like Jeongipumsong hugyemok (succession of pine tree). In addition to the 11 themed arboretum halls, Midongsan Arboretum also has a forestry educational hall, plant seed bank, research center for wild plants, nature experience camp, and more.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

At an altitude of 1,577 m above sea level, Gyebangsan Mountain, which faces Odaesan Mountain on the eastern part of the Taebaeksan Mountain Range, is the fifth tallest mountain in South Korea, after Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain, Seoraksan Mountain, and Deogyusan Mountain. On the west side of Gyebangsan Mountain is Unduryeong (1,089 m), of which has vehicle accessible road. Asiatic black beers are said to habitate in the deep valleys on the north side, and there is Bangadari mineral water and other mineral water sources on the south side. With many varieties of herbs and wild flowers growing naturally in the area, it is also well known as a place to dig for wild ginseng. It's rare Japanese yew trees and royal azalea combined with it's similar terrain to Seoraksan Mountain's Daecheongbong Peak has caused the mountain to be a highly protected ecological environment.Gyebangsan Mountain is particularly popular for winter hikers, who can get beautiful views of the snowy landscapes of the mountain even until March. On top of that, since the difference in evelation from Unduryeong to the top of Gyebangsan is only 488 m, it welcomes even novice hikers as well. From the summit, one can see the backboone of Baekdudaegan Mountain, and with its panoramic views of Seoraksan Mountain to the north, Odaesan Mountain and Daegwallyeong to the east, and Taegisan and Hoegisan Mountains to the west, it is one of the best views in the area.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Hotel Kenny Yeosu is a large hotel located a 7-minute drive from Yeosu Expo Station and a 7-minute walk from Yeosu Ferry Terminal. There are various facilities in the hotel, and the top among them is the Share Lounge. It has coin washing machines and dryers deep inside, and low bookshelves and bean bags inside the space. Travelers can have a quiet time of contemplation while reading. Lounge K is a resting area where you can eat takeout foods from good restaurants in Yeosu or converse with your companions. There are as many as 11 types of rooms: Standard Single, Family Twin Ocean, Suite Room and more. All rooms are equipped with the Ace bed, goose down bedding and pillows, which makes guests have a tight sleep in an unfamiliar environment. Standard Single and Standard Single City for one guest are popular among those who travel along or are on a business trip. Outside the window of Standard Twin Ocean and Family Twin Ocean, the lively landscape of Yeosu Port is seen.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu)

The Blue Dragon Film Awards draws all Korean stars to the red carpet. Hosted by Korea's Sports Chosun newspaper, the Blue Dragon Film Awards Show started in 1963 with the goal of raising the quality of Korean movies and further developing Korea's movie industry. The Blue Dragon has now established itself as the Grand Prix of Korean movie cinema and is the undisputed authority in the field.The selection among the movies released in the previous year is made based on the number of votes cast by Netizens and the opinions of movie experts. Then the final winner is selected by a nine-member jury recommended by the Executive Committee. Awards Program: The Blue Dragon Film Awards considers only blockbusters and popular movies of high artistic value released during the previous year. During the award period, about 40 movies that have made to the final list are screened to the public for free.After the screening of each selection, the awards ceremony opens in full swing. The categories are Best Film, Best Director, Best New Director, Best Leading Actor, Best Leading Actress, Best Supporting Actor, Best Supporting Actress, Best New Actor, Best New Actress, Best Cinematography, Best Music, Best Art Direction, Technical Award, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Lighting, each recognizing those who have contributed to the development of Korean movies.Other interesting categories are the Most Popular awarded to the star that received the most Netizen votes and the Most Popular Film awarded to the movie with the highest viewership throughout the previous year. A week prior to the award ceremony, the previous year's award recipients gather for a handprint event to immortalize their Blue Dragon award. Festival Highlights: Since this is an awards ceremony, guessing which movie will be the winner and comparing your guess with the official results is one way to enjoy the ceremony. This is also a chance to see all of Korea's most popular stars in one place, so a camera is a must. The shows by popular artists during the award ceremony also add to the entertainment.