The Ye-an branch of the Gwangsan Kim clan’s founder, Sir Hyo-ro Kim created this village Descendents of the family have resided in the village ever since. In 1974, when the Andong Dam was constructed, the village was moved from Ye-an Myeon, Andong to Waryong Myeon, Andong in its original form. Located between these two points are the designated national cultural heritage sites of Takcheongjeong Pavilion and Hujodang Annexed House. On display at the Sungwongak Pavilion Exhibition Hall are rare archives from the family’s history. Some of these documents on display include family records, estate documents and servant records. Among these writings, there are 7 varieties of ancient writings showing up in 429 pieces. There are also 13 varieties showing up in 61 records that are designated treasures. Takcheongjeong Pavilion The pavilion was constructed in 1541 by the Ye-an branch of the head of Gwangsan Kim clan. The pavilion is unique from others in that it is rather stately. It remains a highly treasured and important cultural landmark. During the Joseon Dynasty, noted calligrapher Ho Han named the pavilion 'Takcheongjeong.' Hujodang Annexed living quarters This house belongs to the head residence of the Ye-an branch of the Gwangsan Kim clan. The exact age of the house in unknown but it was built by Bupil Kim who lived from 1516~1577. This structure was built separately from the main house. The annexed living quarters were divided into interior and exterior areas. The exterior quarters were used for the male head of the household as a place for relaxation or social gatherings. The interior quarters were used as a place for elderly women or girls of marriage age to stay. Hujodang Annexed living quarters were exterior quarters.

On the bus from Gyeongju to Bonggil-ri, the sight of the vast blue sea spread before your eyes will leave you breathless. As you gaze at the glittering blue sea, a small but particularly beautiful islet catches your eye. This little rocky islet is the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.), who unified the three kingdoms and became the 30th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. The king gave specific instructions to be buried in the East Sea after his death so that he would become a dragon and protect Silla from Japanese intruders. The rocky island, about 200m in circumference, is divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forming a pool at the center, at the bottom of which is a granite 3.6 meters long, 2.9 meters wide and 0.9 meters thick. Legend has it that the remains of King Munmu’s cremated body are buried under this rock. Historians still debate whether the ashes of the King Munmu were scattered or stored in an urn and placed under the granite. The beauty of the landscape of the underwater tomb reaches its peak in autumn.

Hantaek Botanical Garden, located in Oksan-ri, Baekam-myeon, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, is divided into an East Garden and West Garden. The East Garden is comprised of 25 uniquely-themed gardens that together measure 70,000 pyeong (about 231,420 square meters). The West Garden is a natural habitat for research and conservation purposes and is not open to the public.Hantaek Botanical Garden holds a wide range of festivals, events, educational training programs and other activities while nurturing 9,000 different species of flowers in a clean, natural environment. Inside the garden are Korean restaurants, a souvenir shop, and a plant shop.

Haemieupseong Fortress (해미읍성), built during the Joseon period, has been preserved almost fully intact. It is one of Korea’s most renowned cultural heritages.This fortress is a historic site in which a supreme commander of the army in Chungcheong-do stayed, and from which the great Admiral Yi Sun-shin worked. Furthermore, as Korea’s largest sacred ground, the site at which nearly 1,000 Roman Catholics were martyred, it was grounds for the Donghak Peasant Revolution and the Catholic Persecution during more modern times. However, a variety of fun and exciting events such as a Barracks Experience Festival and the National Ssireum Championship are held here as well. 

Jinha Beach is located 242km southeast of Ulsan and is a little slice of summer paradise measuring 1km in length and 300m in x_width. Like most beaches along Namhae (the South Sea) the waters of Jinha are shallow, warm, and calm, making it a perfect place to go swimming. The deep scent of the surrounding pine trees mixes with the ocean sea breeze and gives the beach an intimate atmosphere despite its relatively large size. Camping is allowed in the pine woods and is free of charge. Simple shower booths and changing rooms are available for the convenience of the visitors. You may also enjoy freshwater river bathing as the water from Hoiyagagn River from Munsusan Mt. flows into the beach area. Near the beach is Ideokdo Island, which consists of two mid-ocean rocks, and Myeongseungdo Island, which can be reached on foot. The latter, in particular, is popular for its beautiful sunset and is famous as a great fishing spot for Dorimi, flatfish, and Ureog. Around 10km away is Ganjeolgot Lighthouse, which is in operation 24/7.

Samcheok Hot Spring Hotel is located in Samcheok-si, where it is famous for the mystery cave along the Donghae (East Sea). With alkaline hot spring available all year long, this is the perfect recreation area for anyone who wants to have a healthy and relaxing stay. Samcheok Hot Spring has various hot spring sites, featuring the largest hot spring facilities with hot spring water from Eastern and Southern areas of Gwangwon-do. Spacious parking facilities and a seaside driving course are available, and the newly extended expressway has granted easier access to this city. The hotel tries to fulfill their slogan “Kindness, Cleanliness, and Service” to help their guests to enjoy a more comfortable and exciting stay.

Junam Reservoir features a large migratory bird sanctuary spread throughout three reservoirs (Sannam, Junam, and Dongpan), and is one of Korea’s top nature-watching areas for visitors. It operates Ramsar Culture Center, ecology educational hall, bird-watching site and Junam Environment School free of charge and a guide tour is available to explore the reservoir with ecological explanations. In addition, a lotus field and flower road can be visited in the reservoir.

Textbook Museum, the only one of its kind in the world, was established by the textbook publishing company Nirae-N with an aim to offer a historical overview of the Korean education system. It showcases Korean textbooks from the 19th century Enlightenment period to the contemporary time, and also carries a collection of foreign textbooks as well as North Korean textbooks. Located inside the publishing factory, the museum enables viewing of the textbook publishing process.

Bogwangsa Temple is a traditional temple located on Goryeongsan Mountain in Paju-si. It was built by the great monk Doseonguksa during the Silla Kingdom under the order of Queen Jinseong in the eight year of her reign (AD 894). Bogwangsa Temple offers a temple stay program through which participants can learn about temple etiquette and experience temple life. Activities include attending Buddhist services, participating in prayers of repentance, engaging in Zen meditation, and eating temple meals and learning about the temple tea ceremony. The temple is set against a naturally scenic site and the sounds of the water flowing in the valley mixed with the Buddhist chants result in a calmness difficult to find anywhere else!