Jeondeungsa Temple: A Tranquil Retreat Steeped in History
 
Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)
Jeondeungsa Temple, located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, South Korea, is a historic Buddhist sanctuary with a rich legacy dating back to 381 A.D. during the Goguryeo Kingdom. Surrounded by the peaceful Samnangseong Fortress and lush greenery, the temple provides a serene escape for visitors seeking cultural and spiritual enrichment. A Glimpse into History Established by the revered monk Ado-hwasang, Jeondeungsa holds an important place in Korean Buddhist history. The temple has witnessed significant historical moments and played a vital role in the spiritual life of the region. The main hall, Daeungjeon, is particularly famous for its exquisite wood carvings, showcasing the architectural excellence of the mid-Joseon period. During the temple's history, soldiers engraved their prayers for victory and protection on the walls and columns of Daeungjeon, leaving behind a tangible connection to Korea’s past conflicts. Architectural Marvels Jeondeungsa Temple is home to various structures of cultural and artistic significance, including: * Daeungjeon Hall: The temple’s central structure, admired for its intricate carvings and deep historical roots. * Beomjong Pavilion: This bell pavilion houses the ancient temple bell, which continues to be used in traditional Buddhist ceremonies. * Samseonggak Shrine: A sacred space dedicated to the Three Sages, reflecting the harmonious blend of Buddhist tradition and Korean spirituality. A Scenic and Spiritual Getaway Set amidst dense forests and gentle hills, Jeondeungsa Temple offers more than just history. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, admire the vibrant seasonal foliage, and soak in the peaceful ambiance. The temple complex is an ideal destination for those looking to reconnect with nature while exploring Korea’s cultural heritage. Why Visit Jeondeungsa Temple? Jeondeungsa Temple is more than just a historic site; it’s a place where history, culture, and nature come together in harmony. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a quiet retreat, Jeondeungsa offers a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Pyeongchang Uiyaji Wind Village
 
Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun) ,
Located on the highlands of Pyeongchang County where the 2018 Winter Olympics will be held, Uiyaji Baram Maeul (Uiyaji Wind Village) is a mountain village situated on top of Daegwallyeong. At Uiyaji Wind Village, one can enjoy various types of activities such as making cheese or ice cream as well as enjoying the beautiful sight of wind-mills standing high above the frozen plain. Also, visitors can try various food including memil-mandu (buckwheat dumpling), ongsimi-kalguksu (handmade knife-cut noodles with sweet rice dough soup), gamja-jeon (potatoes pancakes), memil-kalguksu (buckwheat knife-cue noodles), sanchae-bibimbap (seasoned wild vegetables bibimbap), and more.

Ondal Tourist Park
 
Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun) ,
Located to the west of Sobaeksan National Park and Guinsa Temple, Ondal Tourist Park spans a vast area of 97,011 square meters. The attractions and facilities in the park include an area for folk games, a sports town, inns, local restaurants, local product stores, picnic grounds, Ondalchon village, Ondalgwan museum, House of Legends, and a traditional wedding hall. Also located within the park are the 450 million-year-old Ondal Cave (760 meters), and Ondalsanseong Fortress, the place that holds the legendary love story between General Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang. The park’s highlight is the Ondal Open Film Set, a filming site of many popular Korean dramas. * Designated area: 97,011㎡ (29,245 pyeong)

The Buk Seoul Museum of Art
 
Seoul(Nowon-gu) ,
Located in Junggye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul, The Buk Seoul Museum of Art covers a total ground area of 17,113㎡. The museum has three basement levels and three above-ground levels. The museum holds permanent exhibitions and offers a variety of educational programs, and culture and art-related activities for visitors to take part in.

Waryong Park
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Situated in Myeongryun-dong (Seoul) and established in 1984, Waryong Park is located near Malbawi, one of the best overlooks from which to see the city of Seoul. The park is close to natural attractions such as Samcheong Park, Changgyeong Park, and Bukaksan (Mt. Bukak).Although it was difficult to grow trees in the park (and other parts of the country) because of the shallowness of the soil, many citizens participated in the nationwide campaign to plant over 10 million trees across the country, transforming places like Waryong into lush areas filled with flowering plants.In the park, spring blooms forth in a colorful assortment of cherry trees, ume flowers, azaleas, and forsythias, making it a popular destination for family visitors. There are also a variety of excellent amenities: badminton courts, aerobic fields, fitness facilities, and pavilions, wonderful for exercise, leisurely walks, or simply taking a break.A famous hiking trail, running between the Seoul Fortress Wall and Samcheong Park, passes right through the park. Flanked by cherry blossoms, the trail attracts droves of nature lovers throughout the year and especially in spring, when the trees are in full bloom. The trail also passes by the Fortress Wall in Bukaksan. 

Geumgwanchong Tomb
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si) ,
Geumgwanchong, located in Noseo-dong, Gyeongju, is a tomb from the Silla Kingdom (B.C. 57∼A.D. 935). It is one of the three tombs that belong to the Noseo-dong Tombs in downtown Gyeongju.Geumgwanchong Tomb is regarded as the tomb of a king before or after the reign of King Ji-Jeung during the early 6th century (500~514). It is not known exactly to whom this tomb belongs.It was found in September 1921, when the fief was chopped while a civilian was leveling the ground to widen his building land. The first relic found in this tomb was a gold crown, geumgwan, and so the tomb took its name. Ornaments such as gold belts, earings, bracelets, saddlers and crockery of the Three Kingdoms Era (when Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla were separated, later unified by Silla in 676 AD) were dug up from the tomb. There were numerous relics, with beaded relics alone numbering over 30,000.The original structure of Geumgwanchong was 13m high with a 50m diameter. The relics from this tomb were moved and are now preserved at the Gyeongju National Museum. 

Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village
 
Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun) ,
The Lee Hyo-Seok Culture Village is the place where the author Lee Hyo-Seok (penname “Gasan”) was born and raised. The village is also the setting of the author’s story "When the Buckwheat Blossoms,” one of the most celebrated Korean short stories to date. In 1990, the village place was designated ‘the first national cultural village,’ by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism. The village is comprised of the author's birth house, a water mill, Chungjujip, Gasan Park, Lee Hyo-Seok Memorial Hall, and the buckwheat museum. At the x_height of the blossoming season, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of snowy-white fields of buckwheat flowers and from late August to early September, the annual Lee Hyo-Seok Cultural Festival takes place. The Lee Hyo-Seok Cultural Festival commemorates the modern Korean writer and features buckwheat-themed programs. Events include a Hyo-seok essay contest, traditional performances, a costume parade, a photo contest, and "When the Buckwheat Blossoms" films and performances. During the festival, visitors can enjoy makguksu (buckwheat noodles) and buchim (buckwheat pancakes) and tour the locations that appear in the famous short story.

Yangcheonhyanggyo Confucian School
 
Seoul(Gangseo-gu)
Hyanggyo refers to the educational institutions of the Joseon Dynasty. Much like the national junior and high schools of today, a hyanggyo is where the children of local officials were educated and where ritual services were held in memory of Confucius. The Yangcheon Hyanggyo Confucian School is the only such school in Seoul. Built in the 12th year of King Taejong of Joseon (1411), the school was entirely renovated in 1981. There are eight buildings in the premise, including the Daeseongjeon, Myeongryundang, Jeonsacheong, Dongjae, Seojae, Naesammun, and Waesammun. Today, a national ritual service for Confucius is held here twice a year: one in the spring and one in the fall. Also, various programs are offered to teach Chinese characters, calligraphy, or Oriental painting to regular citizens, as well as elementary, junior, and high school students. This way, the institution is educating the youth and preserving tradition at the same time.Size of facilities: Daeseongjeon 54㎡, Myeongryundang 77.91㎡, Jeonsacheong 11.52㎡, Naesammun 11.97㎡, Oesammun 18.63㎡, Dongjae 29.52㎡, Seojae 29.52㎡Construction period: 12th year of King Taejong’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty (1411)

Gunsan Modern History Museum
 
Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si) ,
First opened on September 30, 2011, the Gunsan Modern History Museum covers the history of Gunsan's transformative role as an international trading port. The museum exhibits past images of Gunsan showing its rise and importance as a West Sea maritime distribution port.  

Changnyongmun Gate
 
Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si)
Changnyeongmun Gate, the eastern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, is similar in shape and size to Hwaseomun Gate to the east. The main item of interest on this gate is the nameplate attached to the left of the gate. While the names carved into the polished granite at the other three main gates have become obscure over time, the nameplate at Changnyeongmun Gate is still clearly visable.