Geumjeongsan Mountain
 
Busan(Geumjeong-gu) ,
Geumjeongsan has historically been considered as a mountain conducive to the defense of the country. For this reason, Beomeosa, a leading temple believed to defend and protect the country, was built along Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, the nation’s largest fortress, built in The Three Kingdoms period. Geumjeongsan Mountain contains Godangbong Peak, the main peak rising 801.5 meters above sea level, as well as Janggunbong Peak (727 meters) to the north, Sanggyebong Peak (638 meters) in the south, and Baegyangsan Mountain (642 meters) behind Seongjigok Valley. In between these peaks are numerous other smaller peaks like Wonhyobong, Uisangbong, Mireukbong, Daeryukbong, Paryubong, and Dongjebong. The mountain is not startlingly tall, but has a graceful shape with dense forest and clear water fountains throughout the exquisite rocky cliffs, proudly representing itself as a famous mountain in Busan. There are 14 mineral springs in Geumjeongsan Mountain. The springs are used by hikers and serve as a water source for people living nearby. With 2,300 types of trees and 600 or so types of animals, the mountain is a habitat for wild life. Nearby, there are various tourist sites, such as Dongnae Spa, Geumgang Gongwon Park, Beomeosa Temple, Gukcheongsa Temple, Geumjeongsanseong Fortress, and Sanseong Maeul Village.

Eunpa Lake Park
 
Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si) ,
Located in Gunsan, Jeollabuk-do, Eunpa Lake Park was once a reservoir built before the Joseon Dynasty that supplied water to nearby farms. The lake and its surrounding mountains were designated a national tourist site in 1985, but remain historically significant as they are featured on Daedongyeojido (Grand Map of Korea), a revered document developed by geographer Kim Jeong-ho. Known for its beauty at night, the lake was befittingly dubbed “Eunpa,” which means “silvery moonlit waves.”Eupa Lake Park is full of natural beauty. The road that runs up from the park entrance is lined with cherry trees that create a breathtaking tunnel of pink flowers each spring. This stunning cherry blossom tunnel draws crowds of families and couples each year, particularly on the weekends. Mulbit Bridge, a landmark of the Eunpa tourist site, offers an impressive view of the Music Fountain and nightscape. At the park, you’ll also find an inline skating area, a waterfront stage, and a lotus flower garden.

Seoraksan National Park (NaeSeorak; Inner Seorak)
 
Gangwon-do(Inje-gun) ,
Also referred to as Seolsan and Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Seorak ('Seol' meaning 'snow' and 'Ak' meaning 'big mountain') because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white. In November 1965, the Seorak Mountain district was designated as a Natural Monument preservation area. Afterwards in December 1973, it was designated as a park preservation area, and in August 1982, as a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO.The park is spread across 4 cities and counties: Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak is Daecheongbong; to the east is OeSeorak and to the west is NaeSeorak, which is divided again into North NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak. North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon, which flows to Ingyecheon and Baekdamcheon streams. There are numerous valleys in NaeSeorak. Follow the Baekdamcheon Valley where all the streams meet and you will reach Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for its beautiful scenery. Upstream there is Gayadong Valley and Suryeomdong Valley, and past Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae there is Madeungryeong Ridge (1,327m) that leads to Seorakdong.Follow Suryeomdong Valley and you will reach Waryong and Ssangpok waterfalls . Further up is Bongjeongam (1,224m sea level). Once you arrive at Daecheong Peak you can view the magnificent mountain range. The sunrise viewed from here is spectacular and should not be missed. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from Oknyeotang area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung Waterfall north of Jangsudae is the most beautiful site of NaeSeorak, which is 88m high. South of Yongdaeri Valley is the Twelve Fairy Bathing Spring, Oktang Falls, and Yongtang Falls, along with several other traditional relics.

Halla Ecological Forest
 
Jeju-do(Jeju-si) ,
Spanning 196 hectares, Halla Ecological (Eco) Forest on Yonggangsan Mountain is home to 288,000 trees representing 333 indigenous plant species. Having been designated as a conservation area, the forest provides plenty of great opportunities to observe and learn about Jeju's diversified ecosystem through various facilities including an observatory, plant nurseries, walking trails, etc.

Yeongneung / Nyeongneung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage]
 
Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si) ,
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.

Tangeumdae Terrace & Park
 
Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si) ,
Located in Chilgeum-dong, Chungju, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Tangeumdae Terrace is a historically significant place that was designated as Scenic Spot No. 42. The place was named Tangeumdae because it was where Ureuk, the celebrated musician of the Silla Dynasty (BC 57-AD 935), used to played the gayageum (traditional stringed instrument). During the Imjin War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598), Tangeumdae Terrace was also the battlefield where General Shin Rip and his troops fought fierce battles against the invading forces. This is why a monument for the fallen heroes was built at this site. The area is widely known as Tangeum Pak as there are various other attractions around the area such as a monument honoring the patriotic spirit of General Shin Rip, an outdoor music hall, sculptures, grass fields, etc.

Muju Gucheondong Valley
 
Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun) ,
Muju Gucheondong Valley is located within Deogyusan in Jeollabuk-do, and is often referred to as Mujugucheon-dong, meaning the 25km stretch of land and water from Najetongmun to Deogyusan Mountain's Baengnyeonsa Temple. Muju Gucheondong Valley is not a deep valley. However, the valley flows through a lush forest that's quite beautiful. The calm and soothing sounds of the river are very refreshing.The 33 scenic points of Gucheondong are what make it so famous. Of the 33, the most famous are Najetongmun and Sushimdae. Najetongmun, the first scenic point is a huge boulder with a hole through it like a tunnel. During the Samguk era, this spot once served as the border between the Silla and Baekje nations. Because it was the dividing line between the two nations, even to this day, the east and west side's speech and customs are different. No one knows how the hole got there, but the experience of walking through it is quite interesting. Sushimdae, the 12th scenic point, is a valley approximately 400m in length. It is surrounded with mountain cliffs, which makes the area resemble Geumgangsan Mountain, and so it is often referred to as Sogeumgangsan, or little Geumgangsan. The clear water and beautiful scenery makes this spot a must-see.Many people come to Muju Gucheondong Valley for trekking. The trails go from Deogyusan National Park to Baengnyeonsa Temple. It's a 3-hour roundtrip hike for this 6km trail. Though it's a mountain trail, it's not that steep, making it ideal for trekking.

Sancheong Oriental Medicine Theme Park
 
Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun) ,
Opened in May 2010, the Sancheong Oriental Medicine Theme Park is Korea's first hanbang (traditional oriental medicine) themed park. It is divided into five distinct sections, each representing one of five elements of the universe: wood, fire, earth, metal and water. As an environment-friendly facility, the theme park uses eco-friendly materials in its statues of mascots, memorials, as well as other subsidiary facilities. Also, it features natural hiking trails through the surrounding forest and valley, a wooden promenade, and a medicinal herb garden with ample rest areas. Moreover, visitors may check out the Oriental Medicine Museum located adjacent to the theme park.

Ulsan Petroglyph Museum
 
Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun) ,
Ulsan Petroglyph Museum was established on May 30, 2008 at the entrance to Petroglyphs of Bangudae Terrace, National Treasure No. 285 in Ulju-gun. The museum is comprised of 311 exhibit materials, an exhibition hall (1,249㎡), a storage room (45.42㎡), an office room (72.96㎡), a research room (30.36㎡), and an audiovisual room (79.52㎡). The exhibition hall presents models for the petroglyphs of Bangudae and petroglyphs of Cheonjeon-ri (National Treasure No. 147), video facilities for petroglyphs, a children’s hall, and family experience facilities. Visitors can also take a look at models of petroglyphs famous from Korea and overseas in an outdoor space.

Hwaam Cave
 
Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun) ,
Hwaam Cave (화암동굴) used to be a gold mine that was commercially operated from 1922 to 1945. The nation’s 5th largest goldmine was, however, found to have natural stalactites, and later the cave was developed as the only theme-based cave that combined gold and nature. The stalactite area is an open space of 2,800㎡ and the length of the path open to visitors is 1,803 meters. The entire area consists of 5 chapters, which in turn constitute 41 zones; it takes about an hour and a half to see all of the zones. You can travel to the entrance of Hwaam Cave on Korea’s first cave monorail listening to the soft pipe-in music of Jeongseon Arirang. Hwaam Cave is not only a tourist attraction but also an educational venue where you can learn a lot about the subterranean ecology of a stalactite-lined cave and the process of gold mining/refining.* Five ChaptersChapter 1. History: The processes used in the development of the Cheonpo Goldmine are demonstrated. Also, actual gold veins, excavating facilities and other mining traces have been preserved for tourists.Chapter 2. 365 Steps to Gold: The 90-meter high natural cave that connects the upper and lower shafts is now connected by 365 steps, and you can enjoy cave flowers and wall craters/holes while walking down the steps.Chapter 3. Golden Fantasy: The process of gold mining and the value of gold are explained by animated characters.Chapter 4. More About Gold: You can see an 18.5kg gold bar, educational videos, dioramas, and learn even more about gold.Chapter 5. Mysterious Mother Nature: The natural stalactite cave offers unembellished yet magnificent scenery with Asia’s largest stalactite cascade, huge stalagmites/stone pillars, a statue of the Virgin Mary, a statue of the Buddha, cave flowers and helictites.