Semiwon is a park located in Yongdam-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do that was founded on the principle of “natural purification.” The name “Semiwon” comes from an old proverb that says “one can cleanse his mind by looking at water and enlighten his spirit by looking at flowers.” To further emphasize the idea of literal and figurative cleansing, the park was designed with paths made out of washboards and is decorated with lotus-themed poetry and drawings.Semiwon is home to an army of water plants such as lotus flowers, water lilies, and irises, all of which are plants that are well-known for their natural purification properties. Not just a beautiful sight to behold, the plants also have an important function. The 180,000 square-meter park consists of six ponds through water is filtered and purified before flowing back into the Hangang River.Major facilities at Semiwon include the Environment Learning Center, Trial Cultivation Complex, and the World Water Lily Garden, which contains over 100 varieties of water lilies. Visitors to the park can also find water fountains, an observation deck, a traditional wind gauging device called Punggidae, and Monet’s Garden, which looks as if it came right out of the famous picture by French artist Claude Monet.

Located near the entrance of the Moaksan Provincial Park, Geumsansa Temple (금산사) was established by King Beop, or Beopwang, of the Baekje period (599AD). The Buddhist temple features over ten designated cultural properties including Mireukjeon, a national treasure, as well as other attached buildings. The country’s only three-story building containing a Buddha statue, Mireukjeon was built with wood and has a single-open floor inside. In spring, cherry blossom trees come into full bloom from the mountain entrance all the way to Geumsansa; and in winter Buddhist adherents come to bow before the statue of Mireuk bodhisattva inside Mireukjeon or walk in circles around the pagoda. The statue is the largest indoor standing Buddha in the world reaching 11.82 meters of x_height. The two other Buddha statues standing on right and left of the Mireuk bodhisattva are 8.8 meters tall each.* Important Cultural PropertiesMireukjeon (National Treasure No. 62)Noju (Treasure No. 22)Seogyeondae (Treasure No. 23)Hyedeogwangsa Jineungtapbi (Treasure No. 24)Geumsansa Ocheungseoktap (Treasure No. 25)Geumsansa Bangdeunggyedan (Treasure No. 26)Geumsansa Yukgak Dacheungseoktap (Treasure No. 27)Geumsansa Dangganjiju (Treasure No. 28)Simwonam Bukgang Samcheungseoktap (Treasure No. 29)Geumsansa Daejangjeon (Treausre No. 827)Geumsansa Seokdeung (Treasure No. 828)

Kkottongnae was established on November 15, 1976 by Father John (Woong-jin) Oh, the founder of religious congregation called Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. Father Oh started Kkotdongne from 1,300 won, when he purchased 5 kans (5 rooms) residence, temporarily named it as ‘Sarang House’, inspired by an old man Choi Gui-dong looking after the homeless people. Kkottongnae now has grown into internationally known institution, committed to local and overseas missionary work, charity work, and social welfare services.

Originally named Gongji Park, the park is located near Gongjicheon and has been decorated with sculptures since 1997. Twenty-nine pieces are displayed and a water clock was installed in 2001. Gongjicheon Resort is located nearby the park with an outdoor stage and fountain. Water sports such as boat-riding can be enjoyed on the lake. The lake and the fountain are great locations to enjoy spending time with family and friends. Every year diverse cultural art events such as the Spring Art Performance as well as the Soyangjae Chuncheon Poetry Recital takes place in the park and Gongjicheon. A Children’s Center and War Memorial are also located nearby.

The Korea Military Academy is famous for strict discipline, patriotism, and officer pupils. In the past this was not an open place to the public, but since 1997 it has become a new tourist site. There is now a touring course which is the main attraction for visitors. The tour starts at the School Information Center to the museum, memorial hall and the exhibition, which takes approximately an hour and thirty minutes. The Army Museum holds various military treasures and remains, and at the memorial hall you can learn more about the history of the army. However the highlight of the tour is the parade of the pupils. You can watch the students march with their flourishing formal suits. You can also see this at the “Hwarang Ceremony”.  

Along with Geumgansan Mountain (금강산) and Hallasan Mountain (한라산), Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla. On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam Province; Gurye in Jeonnam Province; and Namwon in Jeonbuk Province. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park (계룡산국립공원) and 52 times that of all of Yeouido (여의도).The Hadong (하동) part of Jirisan National Park is full of great tourist attractions such as Ssanggyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, Bulil Falls, Hwagye Valley, Cheonghak-dong Village and Doinchon Town.

Achasan (alt. 287m) stretches from Seoul to Guri City and is an extremely popular hiking spot for residents of Seoul and Guri City and the surrounding area. Towards the top of the mountain (about 40 minutes into the climb) a panoramic view of the Han River and Seoul unfolds at the mountain base.During the Joseon Dynasty, what are now Bonghwa and Yongmabong Peak and the Manguri Cemetery were considered part of Achasan Mountain. Twenty bastions were discovered along Achasan Mountain that were originally estimated to date back to the Three Kingdoms Era. Further research indicated that some of the remains were actually part of a military fortress built during the Goguryeo Era. In light of these findings, it was officially designated a Historic Site No. 455 (2004).

Wellihillipark is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Seoul in a region that often experiences heavy snow, thus making great skiing conditions. The 6.5 million square meters Wellihillipark offers state-of-the-art facilities including gondolas that are able to transport 20,000 skiers per hour, and an automatic snow-making system. The resort has all the latest ski facilities, including an intermediate level wave course and mogul course, and an enormous half-pipe and fun park for snowboarders. Those looking for an even bigger thrill can try the ‘Big Buster’ bobsledding course. There are also bobsleds and snow tubes for children. Wellihillipark not only has great ski slopes, but also provides condos, golf facilities, and more. Complimentary shuttle buses to and from the resort are also offered by the resort. Please refer to the official website or make a phone inquiry for more information.

Camellia Hill is a camellia arboretum that was created on a plot of land in Sangchang-ri, Andeok-myeon, Jeju-do that spans 172,000 square meters. The arboretum is home to 6,000 camellia trees of 500 different species including species that are known to produce the world’s largest and earliest blossoms. In addition to camellia trees, the arboretum also boasts palm trees, wildflowers, and other plants as well as a sprawling grass plaza and an ecological pond. Auxiliary facilities include a gallery exhibiting camellia-themed handicrafts and a multipurpose seminar room. Camellia Hill also offers a variety of lodging facilities ranging from thatched cottages and wooden cottages to steel houses and a condominium-type resort.