Jeongneung Royal Tomb  [UNESCO World Heritage]
 
Seoul(Seongbuk-gu)
"Neglected for Royal Ascendance"Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉) is the tomb of Queen Consort Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (1392-1398), founder of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, this tomb was not well-maintained compared to other royal tombs because of a power struggle. The queen consort had many children, which naturally induced a battle for the throne. Usually the son of the first wife is the successor of the throne, but Queen Consort Sindeok was determined to have one of her sons ascend the throne instead. However, the successor, King Taejong, killed all her sons and developed an extreme abhorrence towards the queen consort. When she died, King Taejong issued an order to not maintain and preserve her tomb. Therefore, the tomb is rather unkempt and the layout and composition is different from other royal tombs.Upon entering the red gate, the sacrificial building can be seen in front of the tomb along with a pavilion and tombstone. Stone sculptures of sheep and tigers watch over the tomb. A major difference between this tomb and other royal tombs is exhibited in the path from the red gate to the sacrificial building. Usually the path is a straight line, but at Jeongneung Royal Tomb, it is crooked and bent. Furthermore, the color of the sacrificial building is dull and faded.Even though the tomb symbolizes the turmoil and wrath of political struggles, many couples and families come to Jeongneung Royal Tomb for a stroll because of its peacefulness and natural surroundings.

Jeju Oriental Hotel Casino
 
Jeju-do(Jeju-si)
The Oriental Hotel is situated by the seashore of Tapdong Beach, just 10 minutes from the airport, and boasts great views of the ocean. The beach theater, famous for summer evening trail walks, the Jeju Bulwark, and seafood village are all near the hotel. The foreigners only casino is located in the basement of the hotel, and offers games such as Black Jack, Roulette, Tai sai, Baccarat along with several others.

Sangumburi Crater
 
Jeju-do(Jeju-si)
Sangumburi (산굼부리) is a crater with a circumference of over 2 km, and has been designated as a Natural Monument. It is located on the southeast side of Jeju-si, and is a flat crater, about 650 meters wide, 100 meters deep, and 2,070 meters in circumference. If you look at the crater from above up, it looks like a man-made circular stadium. There is a variety of plant-life in the crater. On the north side, Nandaeseong vegetation such as red-thorn trees, and magnolia trees grow, along with the rare winter strawberries. On the south side of the crater, Ondaerim vegetation such as evergreens, maples, and mountain strawberry trees cover the area. Because so many different kinds of trees and plants grow in such a limited space, it attracts the attention of researchers as well.

Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park
 
Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si) ,
Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park stretches over 20,952㎡ with beautiful coastal vistas. This park has become well known for its incredible scenery of the sunrise from the East Sea. Especially, views of the sun rising between the pine trees are famous.Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park has long been called 'naemulchi,' which dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The scholar named Song Si-yeol stopped off this area on his way to Geojedo Island for an exile and named the area 'naemulchi' as a village was sunk under water by heavy rain.Inside the park are Jamboree Memorial Tower, an outdoor theater, a tourist information center, and many great places to take a walk along the seashore. Additionally, there are around 30 pieces of sculpture lining the view the of ocean for all to enjoy.

Daeseongdong Ancient Tombs
 
Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si) ,
The tumuli in Daeseong-dong, located to the east of the royal tomb of Kim Su-ro, reflect the formation and development of the Gaya Era. The Daeseong-dong Tumuli are located in the center of the shell mounds of Hoehyeon-ri, setting of the founding of the Gaya Kingdom (according to local legend). The tumuli relics were excavated by researchers from the Kyungsung University Museum from 1990 to 1992 and were found to be the common burial ground of the dominant class of the Gaya Kingdom. On the hilltops, which were viewed as prime burial places, are the tombs of kings and rulers; on the slopes are the tombs of the lower classes. Historical Significance of Daeseong-dong Tumuli A total of 136 tumuli were found in the Daesong-dong area. Further investigation of the tumuli revealed several important and interesting facts. First, from the end of the third century, men and horses were buried alive along with the dead. Also, weapons were bent and buried as well, with many of these artifacts being unearthed among the tumuli. Other materials found in the tumuli such as cylindrical bronze items, pinwheel-shaped bronze items, and jasper items showed that Gaya was involved in trade with Japan. The Daeseong-dong Tumuli is significant in that it gives a glimpse into the political and social structure of the Gaya Kingdom, and the cultural exchange between Korea, China, and Japan.

Jeongnimsaji
 
Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun) ,
This granite pagoda from the late Baekje period in Buyeo-eup, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do has been designated as National Treasures No. 9. It is generally known as the ‘Baekje 5-story Pagoda.’In the past, it would have been called ‘Pyeongjetap.’ As one of two extant Baekje pagodas, this stone pagoda itself is a precious artifact and very important in establishing the lineage of Korean stone pagoda patterns. With refined and creative features, this pagoda exemplifies the beauty and elegance that were imitated in pagodas built in later periods.

Gyeryongsan National Park
 
Chungcheongnam-do(Gongju-si) ,
Gyeryongsan National Park stretches across Daejeon, Gongju, and Nonsan. This spectacular mountain is 845.1m above sea level and was made a national park in 1968. The origin of the word Gyeryong ('Gye' meaning 'chicken,' and 'Yong' meaning 'dragon') comes from the fact that the ridgeline looks like a dragon wearing a chicken's crest on its head. The topographical features are what make this mountain stand out and its mysterious folklore is what makes it so interesting. There are 15 summits on this mountain, of which Cheonhwangbong (845.1m) is the main. Several others include the peaks of Sambulbong, Sinseongbong, and Gwaneumbong. This mountain is famous for its many interesting sites, with its fantastic rock structures, on the west side the Yongmun Waterfall, to the east Eunseon Waterfall, and to the south Amyongchu and Sutyongchu Waterfalls.In the spring, cherry blossoms bloom on Donghaksa Mountain trail, and during the summer the lush green of the Donghaksa Valley is very beautiful. During the fall, the maple trees reveal their crimson colored leaves around Gapsa Temple and Yongmun Waterfall. And the snowcapped peaks of Sambulbong in the winter are simply breathtaking.Gyeryongsan is full of rare animals and plants, beautiful waterfalls and a rich history with mysterious legends and cultural treasures. To the east is Donghaksa Temple; northwest, Gapsa Temple; southwest, Sinwonsa Temple; and southeast, Yonghwasa Temple. Its valleys are full of ponds and falls that blend together perfectly with the surroundings.

Sanbangsan Mountain
 
Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)
Sanbangsan Mountain is the result of violent volcanic activity some 700,000 to 800,000 years ago and is in fact a huge body of lava. The cliffs on the southern side of the lava dome are marked with a rich variety of curious formations such as weathering pits and talus scree slopes, some of which are as high as 200m. As its name ‘sanbang’ – literally meaning ‘a cave inside a mountain’ – suggests, this mountain contains a cave, which is located about 150m above sea level and has a spectacular view out over the ocean. Due to its close location to the sea and its high elevation, the peak is often ringed with clouds. The upper slopes of the mountain have their own distinct climatic conditions and are protected for their value for botanical research.The Sanbangsa Temple and also the Bomunsa Temple, which holds the relics of Buddha, are also located on the mountain. Walk along the stone-steps between the two temples and you will find the Sanbanggulsa Grotto. A signal beacon called ‘Yeondae’ in Korean stands at the roadside in front of the mountain, which, in the past, used to fire and smoke to relay urgent messages. Regarding function, it is similar to the more well-known ‘Bongsudae’ signal beacons; but ‘Yeondae’ beacons were built around hilly or coastal areas while ‘Bongsudae’ beacons were built on mountain tops. During the daytime, smoke was used to send warning signals, while fire was used at night.*x_height above sea level: 395.2m/ x_height above ground-level: 345m/ Circumference: 3,780m / Area: 988,332㎡/ Diameter 1,314m

Jeju National Museum
 
Jeju-do(Jeju-si)
Opened on June 15, 2001 Jeju National Museum is a historical museum that displays, preserves and studies Jeju Island’s historical and cultural assets. Jeju National Museum houses various remains excavated from ruins, including meaningful relics from the prehistoric age through to the Joseon Dynasty. It boasts unique traditional culture and holds special exhibitions each year.

Uamsajeok Park
 
Daejeon(Dong-gu) ,
Uamsajeok Park is widely known as the ancient meditation site of the renowned Confucian scholar, “Uam (pen name) Song Si-yeol” (1607-1689). As such, it houses several buildings used by and dedicated to the scholar, including: Namganjeongsa (academy of Uam Song Si-yeol), Gigukjeong Pavilion, and Songjadaejeonpan (a collection of the written works of Uam Song Si-yeol).