The word ‘Mirinae,’ from the Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지) in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, is a pure Korean word for the Milky Way. The site holds the graves of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic Saint; his mother Ursula; Bishop Ferréol, the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim; and Vincentius Lee Minsik who buried Saint Kim’s body. To be sure, this holy site is a serene and peaceful sanctum. The reason it came to be called ‘Mirinae’ is that Korean Catholics came to this place in secret to avoid persecution during the late Joseon Dynasty, and the lamplight coming from their homes in the village where they settled resembled the starlight of the Milky Way. Father Kim was executed at the age of 26 and was not permitted a funeral. But, 40 days after the execution, Vincentius Lee Minsik was able to steal away Kim’s body with great difficulty; he carried it on his back eventually burying it in Mirinae – dismissing all advisement and council that urged him against this. At the center of the site stands a grand memorial church and the Way of the Cross behind it has 15 bronze sculptures depicting the passion of Jesus being captured by Roman soldiers, crucified, suffering, passing away, and being interred. Kim Daegeon (1822~1846) Korea’s first Catholic priest and saint. He was chosen as a scholarship recipient by a French priest, and joined the priesthood at the young age of 24. Kim returned to Korea, but was captured, and executed, dying a martyr. He was blessed by the Roman Pope Pius XI on July 5, 1925, and became a Catholic saint at the canonization ceremony conducted by Pope John Paul II himself in South Korea on May 6, 1984.

The Gimhae Arts and Sports Center is a performance hall featuring  high-class arts and staged performances. Maru Hall (1,464 seats) is a multi-purpose theater that also contains a moving orchestra shell (sound reflection board) that looks like another concert hall inside the theater. Performances of various genres are staged at the theater. Nuri Hall (540 seats) is an experimental theater for various thematic performances. This modernized square black box theater can also host performances like theater performances, recitals, and madang plays. The center also features outdoor theater Aedureum Madang, Yunseul Art Gallery, Media Center, Sports Center, and Aram Learning Center, as well as a café and restaurants.

The Haengjusanseong Fortress (행주산성, historic site no. 56) atop Deogyangsan Mountain was the site of a major Korean victory against the enemy during the Japanese invasion 400 years ago. Women also participated in the dramatic battle, carrying stones in their aprons (haengju in Korean). The original date and purpose of the fortress’ construction remains a mystery, but it is believed the construction dates back to the ancient Baekje period, as many relics from that era have been excavated by archeological surveys. Inside the fortress is Chungjangsa, a shrine paying tribute to General Gwon Yul who led the victorious effort. Transportation to the fortress has become much more convenient with the opening of the Jayuro road and the completion of the Haengju Bridge, making the fortress a popular destination on holidays.* Haengju Great Victory FestivalReligious ceremonies and many other cultural events are held on March 14 every year in memory of General Gwon who won the battle and saved the nation.

The Sorae Ecology Park was once a facility used to produce salt until 1996. It wasn’t until 2009 that it became a park, restoring the mud flat, tidal channel, and making the closed salt field a ecological habitat for various marine life and migratory birds. The Sorae Ecology Park also provides a history to the facility and houses a Nature Learning Center, where visitors can experience sea salt production and learn more about the various wildlife and plants living in the marsh.

Andong Dam is a multipurpose dam on the Nakdonggang River. The dam was constructed to prevent flood damage to the downstream region and to procure water for agricultural, industrial, and residential purposes. Construction of the dam was started in April 1971 and completed in October 1976.

Two hundred meters upstream from Dodamsambong Peaks is a large rainbow-shaped stone gate on the left side of the river. This oddly-shaped stone arch is called Seongmun. With its fascinating scenery, Seongmun is the second of Danyang’s Eight Scenic Wonders. To the left of the stone gate is a small cave. Inside the cave is Okdap (Stone Field), which is believed to have been cultivated by an old enchantress. The legend of Okdap says that an old enchantress who lived in heaven once came to the earth to get water and then dropped her hairpin, just near the stone gate. She looked for the hairpin but was extremely impressed by the beautiful views. She gave up heaven and lived near the Stone Gate as an ordinary peasant for the rest of her life.

Situated in north of the river in Chuncheon and also known as 'The City of Lakes', Gangwon-do Provincial Flower Garden is a gift of nature with its wonderful harmony of lakes and mountains. Gangwon-do Provincial Flower Garden was formed with intention to create and display Gangwon-do's local flower as well as to preserve nature, distribute and experiment. Gangwon-do's local flower exhibition and arboretum lasted from February 1996 to October 1998. It was opened to the public on May 20, 1999 where it has been used as nature observation for kids as well as a place to relax.Main facilities include Gangwon-do Forest Park, Gangwon-do Flower Museum, forest-product shop, information center and octagonal pavilion warehouse for farming utensils. An area covering 537,020 sq. ft. is filled with gardens, fountains, ponds, a stone bridge and many more.* Flower Garden ¬- 120,476㎡ (1,804 species / about 85,000 pieces)

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.

If the Korean peninsula is seen as a tiger shape, Homigot in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do forms the tail. As the venue for Homigot Sunrise Festival, the Sunrise Square in Homigot features various facilities including monuments, a flame holder, and a performance stage. The brilliant yellow and golden garden at the entrance blooms in April and May. Hand-shaped bronze sculptures have been installed at the waterfront and the beachfront. The palms of the hands face each other, symbolizing harmony and coexistence. The flame originating from the sunlight at Byeonsan Peninsula was used in various international sporting events. Homigot Lighthouse and Lighthouse Museum are located near Homigot Sunrise Square.

Known as one of Korea’s leading short story novelists, Kim Yu-jeong (1908~1937) was born in Sille Village in Sindong-myeong, Chuncheon. A restoration of his birth house, the Kim Yu-jeong House of Literature is part of an effort to turn the whole village into a literature village, commemorating the novelist. The house has an exhibition hall, a walking path, and a hiking trail.Kim Yu-jeong spent a great deal of his life in Seoul and returned to his hometown in 1931 at the age of 23. He published his first novel 'Sangol Nageune (The Wanderer)' followed by numerous rural-based novels such as 'Dongbaekkkot (The Camellias)' and 'Bom bom (Spring)'.Inside the exhibition hall, his birth home and even a treadmill are reproduced in their original form. A variety of programs reproducing his works are on display.