At the heart of the Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone is Muju Gucheondong Valley. The outer parts of Deogyusan National Park and the mountain’s natural recreation forest are also part of the special tourist zone.The 30-kilometer-long Muju Gucheondong Valley is located to the north of Deogyusan National Park. The calm and soothing sound of the water flowing through a lush forest make this a great summer destination. The 33 scenic points of Gucheondong include Eunguam Rock, Haksodae Falls, Waryongdam Pond, Gucheon Waterfall and Yeonhwa Waterfall. In the summer, visitors can see the rare sight of fireflies in their natural habitat. The fall foliage in autumn and the winter snowscape are also quite exquisite.Within the vicinity of Muju Gucheondong is Muju Resort. The resort complex is made up of a family hotel, resort condominium and various recreational facilities where visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Visitors can take the gondola from the resort all the way up to Deogyusan Mountain’s Seolcheonbong Peak (1,520 meters). From, there, they can easily reach the summit at Hyangjeokbong Peak (1,614 meters).Taekwondowon, located near the Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone, offers a hands-on Taekwondo experience program. Those who are interested in learning Taekwondo can take part in a 1-day program which includes a Taekwondo demonstration, a Taekwondo class (basic movements), and board breaking.[Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone]Areas Covered: Mupung-myeon (Samgoe-ri) and Seolcheon-myeon (Samgong-ri and Simgok-ri) in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-doArea size: 7,610,000 ㎡Tourist Attractions: Deogyusan National Park, 33 Scenic Views of Muju, Gucheondong Valley, Muju Resort, forest park, Taekwondowon, Muju Hyanggyo (Confucian school), Baengnyeonsa Temple, Jeoksansanseong Fortress, etc.

Auraji is a train station on the Jeongseon line located in Gangwondo. It is about 19.4 km away from Jengsoen-eup, and is the meeting place of two streams, the Songcheon stream from Gujeolli and Imgyemyeon’s Goljicheon stream, which flows down from Samcheok’s Jungbongsan. The name of the station, Auraji, comes from the verb eoureuda, meaning “be in harmony” in Korean. Auraji Station was once named after the region, Yeoryang, but was changed to Auraji, which describes the unique geographical features of the village. The area where the two streams meet and become a river became a bustling business zone in the past, where rafts were floated with lumber all the way to Seoul. It is quite a sight looking at the beautiful scenery enveloped by the crystal clear water and pebbles on the riverside surrounded by Nuchusan, Sangwonsan, Okgapsan, Goyangsan, Ballonsan, and the Wangjaesan Mountains. At the confluence of these two streams, a statue of Virgin Auraji and a newly built pavilion rest on a hill in the middle of the peaceful landscape. There are also rail bikes being operated at this station, which run 7.2 km from Gujeolli Station to Auraji Station. Notably, this is the birthplace of Jeongseon Arirang – Aejeongpyeon. Legend has it that there was a girl and a boy who were deeply in love in this village. The girl lived in Yeoryang and the boy in Gageum, with the Auraji Valley sitting in the middle. One day they were going to pick some camellia flowers in Ssarigol Valley. However, torrential downpours from the night before made the river overflow, making it impossible to use the raft to see each other. Their heart was aching for they couldn’t see each other. The lyrics of the traditional song Arirang were inspired by this story: “Rower in Auraji, listen to me, please let me cross the river.   Beautiful camellia petals in Ssarigol Valley are scattered around.   The beautiful camellia shed its petals and piled up with dead leaves. I miss my dearest one all year around and my heart aches.” The old rafts still remain in Gageum Village (also known as Gagumi) and Yeoryang village. A camp site of about 2,000 square meters is open in the months of July and August each year. Many tourist sites are nearby, such as Ojangpokpo Waterfall, Hanggolgyegok Valley, Hwaamdonggul Cave, Hwaamyaksuteo Mineral Spring and others. Intercity buses operate from Jeongseon, Yeoryang and on to Gujeolli. From April to November, trains run from Cheongnyangni Station to Jeongseon station on days ending with the number 2 and 7 (ie. 2, 7, 12, 17).

Andong Hahoe Doenjang Village is located by the crossroad of Hahoe Village and Byeongsanseowon Confucian Academy in Pungcheon-myeon, Andong-si. The village is built purely of red clay and the villagers are devoted to preserving the 600 year-long tradition of doenjang (fermented soybean paste) making. Over 3,000 large jars used for storing doenjang will greet visitors at the village entrance. Highlights of the village include a red clay storage room capable of storing around 100 tons of soybeans, a giant iron pot for boiling up to 100 kilograms of beans at once, and a large glass drying room used for hanging meju (fermented soybean blocks) to dry. Using these features, doenjang is made by boiling domestically produced soybeans and shaping them into blocks of meju, which are then left to ferment and dry for 2 to 3 months. The village facilities are comprised of an exhibition center at the entrance, a production center, and two drying rooms. The exhibition center invites visitors to sample various fermented soybean condiments and displays all the products made in this village. The drying rooms are specially designed to allow maximum sunlight and ventilation. Finally, the production center preserves the traditional methods of making doenjang such as boiling soybeans in a giant iron pot and fermenting meju in a ondolbang (a room with the Korean floor heating system).

Masan is made more beautiful by Gagopa Kkoburang-gil Mural Village, a local renovation effort made by Gyeongnam Bank. The village is one of the top exotic photo zones. Walking through the village from Chang-dong, past Burim Market, and on to Seongho-dong mountain neighborhood, the colorful murals will bright every step of the way.

The Hankuk Art Museum first opened its door to the public in May 1983 in Gahoedong and was later moved to its current location. Focusing on modern art and the promotion of Korean art, the gallery presents special displays and open-run exhibitions mainly featuring artwork such as Western and Korean paintings, pottery, sculpture, photos, and tapestries.The gallery is comprised of five exhibition halls including indoor and outdoor sculpture exhibition halls. There is also a library open to the public with art-related books, magazines, and videos.Hankuk Art Museum is a pioneering and time-honored leader in the field of arts education as well. In 2006 alone, around 800 people joined in programs at the gallery. Programs focus on helping locals better understand the arts and on nurturing the creativity of children.

Asia's largest green pasture on a plateau. This ancient and vast meadow is where milking cows feed. The view from the plateau is remarkable as well. If you go up to Daegwallyeong Observatory early in the morning, you can witness the spectacular sunrise from the East Sea beyond the peaks of Odaesan Mountain. The lake where cows drink water is called Samjeongho Lake. In order to get around this grand ranch, you should take a car or bicycle. By car, it will take about 2 hours while bicycles will take about 5~6 hours. It would be too much to try to walk the entire ranch.

The Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village is a place where 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. At the x_height of the blooming season, you can enjoy the beautiful scenery of the snowy-white fields of buckwheat flowers, and also from late August to early September. Buckwheat’s prominence in Pyeongchang comes about largely from its pristine nature. The culinary hero, buckwheat, memil in Korean, comes in different varieties, including memil-guksu (buckwheat noodles), memil-muk (buckwheat jelly), memil-buchim (seaoned buckwheat jelly), and memil-kkotsul (buckwheat flower makkolli). The natural buckwheat dishes are said to possess healing power. Since ancient times, Korea has been making and enjoying jelly and noodles made from buckwheat. It is no exaggeration to say that buckwheat jelly and noodles are one of Korea's national dishes. There is something special about buckwheat dishes in Bongpyeong. Its beautiful nature, along with its preserved literary and artistic heritage, has played a part in maintaining the good taste of its buckwheat dishes. It's a great place to find a thriving food culture.

Park Soo Keun (1914-1965) was an artist who devoted his life to drawing the lives of ordinary people with a warm gaze. The Park Soo Keum Museum, which has a floor space of 700 square meters, is built upon the artist’s birthplace in his hometown in Yanggu-gun County, Gangwon-do Province. The museum was founded with the intent to develop into a major cultural space for the region and to honor Park Soo Keun’s life and art. The collection of Park Soo Keun’s artworks exhibited at the museum include: three oil paintings including ‘Two Men Sitting’, a number of prints such as ‘The Tree and Two Ladies’ and ‘Tapdori’, the watercolor painting ‘Watercolors’, and dozens of other drawings.

Must-Visit Tourist Spot in Incheon: Wolmi Culture Street and Moonlight Music Fountain Wolmi Culture Street & Moonlight Music Fountain If you're planning a trip to Incheon, one of South Korea's major cities, Wolmido Island should be on your list of must-see attractions. This island is home to several popular spots, including Wolmi Culture Street, Wolmi Park, and Wolmi Theme Park. Wolmi Culture Street is a pedestrian-only street, making it a relaxing place to stroll. The street is adorned with benches where visitors can rest and often features artists drawing portraits. This charming street provides a small oasis for visitors, offering a tranquil spot amid the hustle and bustle. At Wolmi Park, you'll find the Wolmi Observatory, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Incheon Port and the surrounding area. It's an ideal place to stop by and take in the scenery, especially if you're already visiting Wolmido. Wolmi Theme Park is another highlight, known for its variety of amusement rides that cater to both couples and families. It has become a favorite destination for a fun day out, providing an array of attractions for all ages. A unique feature of Wolmi Culture Street is the Moonlight Music Fountain. Though not large, this fountain is a delightful attraction, particularly in the evening. The fountain operates from May 1st to October 31st, with regular maintenance on Mondays. It features water jets that dance to music, creating a captivating display of light and sound. The evening shows, with their vibrant light effects, are particularly spectacular and offer a memorable experience. Additional Activities on Wolmido Island Wolmi Sea Train The Wolmi Sea Train is a monorail that loops around Wolmido Island. Covering a total distance of 6.1 km in about 42 minutes, this train offers elevated views of the island, Incheon Inner Harbor, and the West Sea, providing a unique perspective of the area. Wolmido Cruise For those who love the sea, the Wolmido Cruise is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the West Sea. The cruise offers views of Incheon Port, Yeongjong Bridge, and stunning sunsets. You can even feed the seagulls from the deck, making for a fun and interactive experience. Culinary Delights Wolmido is known for its seafood restaurants, with over 50 establishments offering fresh seafood dishes. A must-try is "Kalguksu," a handmade noodle soup that's popular on the island. Additionally, there are numerous cafes where you can enjoy a coffee while taking in the sea breeze, making for a perfect relaxation spot. Wolmido Island is a hidden gem in Korea, offering beautiful scenery, delicious food, and exciting activities. It's the perfect destination for a day trip, providing a chance to explore and enjoy without venturing too far from the city. So, when visiting Incheon, make sure to experience the charm and attractions of Wolmido Island.

Yeongneung (영릉) is the joint tomb of the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) and his wife Queen Soheon (1395-1446). This was the first joint royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty.King Sejong was the third son of the 3rd ruler, King Taejong, and his wife Queen Wongyeong. He came to the throne at the age of 22. During his 32-year reign, he was very influential in the development of Korean culture. For example, King Sejong created the Korean alphabet, which he called Hunmin Jeongeum, and set up the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon, 집현전), an association of the kingdom’s brightest scholars. He also used Confucian principles to administer state affairs. Under the reign of King Sejong, therefore, many sectors including politics, economy, society and culture flourished. In fact, King Sejong the Great is regarded as making some of the most brilliant achievements in Korean history.Yeongneung is currently located in Neungseo-myeon in Yeoju-si in Gyeonggi-do, but the tomb was originally located in Seogang, Gwangju. When it was constructed following Queen Soheon’s death in 1446, it was decided it should be a double tomb, and the space on the right side was reserved for King Sejong. In 1450 when King Sejong died, he was buried together with the dead queen. Later, the tomb was moved to its current place, as it was thought that the original location was not an auspicious place according to geomantic traditions.Various items that were originally buried in the tomb were excavated in 1973 and now are exhibited in the King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall (세종대왕 기념관), which is located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul.Nyeongneung (녕릉/영릉) is the royal tomb of the 17th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Hyojong (1619-1659, reign 1649-1659), and of his wife Queen Inseon (1618-1674).The tomb was originally located to the west of Geonwolleung (건원릉, the tomb of King Taejo, the 1st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty), but in 1673 cracks appeared on the tomb’s “Byeongpungseok” (stone border), and it was moved to its current location, which is to the east of Yeongneung (영릉, the tomb of King Sejong).King Hyojong was the second son of King Injo, Joseon Dynasty’s 16th ruler, and Queen Illyeol. Upon ascending to the throne, he devised a plan to conquer the Northern region of Asia, including the Qing Dynasty (part of China). As part of the plan, he reformed the military system and strengthened the army and military enforcements. King Hyojong had spent time in northern China when he was taken hostage by the Manchus. During that time he became exposed to many different cultures and technological advancements. When a group of Dutch sailors were shipwrecked on the Korean shore, King Hyojong ordered them to build the Korean army’s first muskets.King Hyojong also implemented “Daedongbeop (대동법)”, a tax system under which people had to pay taxes with rice, and circulated “Sangpyeongtongbo (상평통보)”, the coinage of the Joseon Dynasty.