Yongjusa Temple is 5-minutes walk away from Yungneung (the joint tomb of King Jangjo and Queen Heongyeong) and Geolleung (the joint tomb of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Hyoui). The temple was built by King Jeongjo to protect Hyeollyungwon (현륭원), the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado.This site was originally the location of Garyangsa Temple, which was constructed in AD854, the 16th year of King Munseong of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was very famous as it was surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal clear waters. However, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Byungjahoran (the second Manchu invasion of Korea). During the Joseon Dynasty, King Jeongjo moved the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado (or posthumously designated King Jangjo), to this spot, and built Yongjusa Temple here to pray for the repose of his father’s soul. It is said that one night before the temple was completed, King Jeongjo dreamed of a dragon ascending to the sky holding a magic ball in its mouth. He therefore named the temple “Yongjusa”, which means the temple of a dragon with a magic ball in Korean.The courtyard of the temple contains Beomjong (the Sacred Bell of Yongjusa Temple, National Treasure No. 120), a stupa (stone pagoda), Daeungbojeon (the main hall) and Cheonboru Pavilion. Visitors to Yongjusa Temple can also find the “Bumoeunjunggyeong (부모은중경)” books, which were written by King Jeongjo on the subject of filial affection and respect for one’s parents. These days Yongjusa temple and the Yungneung and Geolleung tombs are highly valued for their cultural heritage.

Marado is a small island situated at the southern end of Korea. It is about 11 km away to the south from Moseulpo Harbor in Daejeong-eup. Marado Island is 4.2 km long, but only 39 m at its widest, shaped like a sweet potato, and inhabitants fish and provide Minbak (homestay) for tourists for a living.Because there is no water on Marado Island, people get their water from gathering rain water, and they use solar cells to generate what electricity they have. In 1883, three families first came to the island and began living here. At first they lived off the food growing there, but once the food became scarce, they burned the mountain thick with trees to create field for farming. It was said that all the snakes and frogs died in that fire, and thus no snakes and frogs are found in Marado Island even until now. The island is famous for sea fishing. There is a ferry to Marado Island once or twice a day from Moseulpo Harbor.

Gyeonggi-do Yangpyeong’s Saneum Recreational Forest (산음자연휴양림) is located at the base of Danwol-myeon Saneum-ri Bongmisan Mountain. The forest is very lush and the valley boasts spectacular views. The list of trees includes pine, oak, and maple.Facilities include promenades and mountain trails. For lodging there is the Forest Cabin, forest Lodge, and camping grounds. Reservations can be made through the homepage.

Sinbuk Hot Springs opened it in April 1994 amidst beautiful streams and forests. The hot spring water comes from 600m underground includes sodium bicarbonate help creating a soft and smooth texture and the water helps anti-aging and general skin care. Along with a hot springs bath, saunas were built as well as a resting area that attracts a diverse clientele. In the area around the hot springs are tourism spots like Yeoldugaeul Valley in Deokdun-ri and Samjeong-ri Mineral Spring. Trekking is also available on the walking trail at Wangbangsan Mountain, Soyosan Mountain and the hot springs as there is a trail connecting Sinbuk Hot Springs and the middle of the mountain.

Sangju Silver sand Beach is busy all year long, with professional athletes coming for physical training in the winter, students camping in the spring and fall, and vacationers visiting the beach in the summer.Sangju Silver sand Beach is extremely popular especially in the summertime, attracting up to 1 million tourists who heard about the beach’s sands, waters, and groves. Families and vacationers in the summer especially love this beach, due to its beautiful white sands that stretch for 2 km and slope lazily into the shallow waters that are perfect for children to play in.Behind the beaches lies Geumsan Mountain, a place well known for its sunrises. If you happen to arrive in the evening, it’s highly recommended that you see the sunrise at Geumsan Boriam in the morning, enjoy the beach’s water during the day, and at last, enjoy an evening of ocean fishing at either Namuseom Island or Dolseom Island(Rock Island), situated right in front of Sangju Beach. To one side of the white sands are campgrounds, and the surrounding area consists of shopping streets and accommodation. 

Seorae Village is located in between Banpo4-dong and Bangbaebun-dong in Seochu-gu, Seoul. Past the Banpo Bridge of Sapyeong-ro road and Palace Hotel along Seorae-ro road and you can see a cluster of luxurious villas. This was the former location of Ecole Francaise de Seoul, a French school for the France residents who resided here in 1985. There are about 1,000 French citizens residing in Korea (as of 2008 statistics) and about half of them are living in this area. Thus, Seorae Village naturally became a global village much thanks to the strong presence of French citizens in this area. Furthermore, situated geographically near Gangnam and the central business district area, along with natural sites including Yangjae stream and Hangang River Park, makes it a pleasant environment space for all. Every morning, long lines of cyclists with their bikes can be seen waiting in front of the bakery to buy the freshly baked baguettes. The traditional French bakery makes bread from ingredients that are directly imported from France and thus been a favorite to any French residents living in Korea. The shops in Seorae Village shops are modest and charming. The street is lined with shops and small restaurants, seeming to have been lifted straight out of Europe. In recent year, Seorae Village has undergone several changes. In every other street found here, a luxurious café and wine bar can be found and if you like to enjoy your meal outdoors, several cafes or restaurants with balcony seats are also available. This is currently one of the most popular areas among the locals and it has a nickname of ‘Little France’.

A small harbor town in Seocheon County on the west coast, Maryangpogu is the only place in Korea where visitors can see the sunrise and sunset on the same day. Sunrise here can only be seen for about 50 days around mid-December, which attracts many visitors around that time. There is a beautiful camellia forest alongside the sea, which has been designated as National Monument No. 169. There are about 80 camellia trees and some of them are 500-years old. The camellia flowers are in bloom from late-March to early-May and reach their peak around mid-April. Dongbaekjeong Pavilion in the forest offers a splendid view of the sunset. There are many attractions visitors can easily get to from Maryangpogu such as Chunjangdae Beach (춘장대 해수욕장), Hongwonhang Harbor (홍원항), Busa Embankment (부사방조제), Geumgang Estuary Bank (금강하구둑) and Hansan Mosi Town (한산모시타운). Hongwonhang Harbor (홍원항) is rich in marine products and the Geumgang Estuary Bank (금강하구둑) is a well-known place to watch winter migratory birds.

Aegibong Peak is located at the northern tip of Gimpo City about an hour’s drive from the downtown area. The mountain is where North and South Korea engaged in a fierce battle at the end of the Korean War; after the battle, Korea was divided into two nations. Since the peak is still a restricted area, visitors must present their passport in order to be admitted. From the peak, an open view of North Korean territory unfolds below and visitors can see South Korean territory as far as Songhaksan Mt. in Chungcheongnamdo Province. Even before the Korean War, Aegibong carried much historical significance as the setting of the sad love story between the governor of Pyeongyang and his mistress. The two lovers were separated during the Sino-Korean War in 1636 and the peak (‘Ae, 애’ means love, ‘gi, 기’ mistress in Korean) was named in honor of their love. In 1968, president Park Cheong Hee visited the peak and wrote a note by hand, saying the mistress' pain of being separated from her lover because of the war was much like those of families separated by the division of the two Koreas. The president’s writing was carved in a tablet and placed at the peak, where separated families still come every thanksgiving to perform an ancestral ritual and wish for reunification. Currently, the observatory at the peak is used for security training. Within the observatory is Mangbaedan Altar, which is where those originally from North Korea perform rites honoring ancestors in the North. Every year, there is a giant tree at Christmas and large lamps on Buddha’s birthday that are lit up here, their lights so big and bright that the even shine onto North Korean soil. The observatory also contains a naval war monument that commemorates naval personnel lost in battle. At the foot of the mountain, Han River empties into the ocean along the west coast, which is expressed by the term 'Jogang (조강)‘ (‘grandfather river’ in Korean). The scenery of the river with its boats, surrounding islands, and converging estuaries creates a unique and cozy scene that seems to be in harmony with the image of a kindly grandfather. ENTRANCE TO PEAK 1) Only those traveling by car will be admitted. **Entrance will not be granted to those traveling on foot or by bike. 2) All visitors are required to show their passport. **Korea citizens may show their government-issued ID instead of their passport. 3) Visitors must be fluent in Korean or accompanied by someone who can speak Korean fluently. 4) Fill in the tour request form and submit it to the office at the entrance. **All visitors must show ID; choose 1 person to fill out the form on behalf of your party. POINTS OF INTEREST 1) View of North Korean territory through telescope 2) Naval War Monument 3) Navy promotion video 4) Lecture on Aegibong (reservations required)

Endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea.

Geumsansa, located in Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, is home to a number of cultural assets. The temple offers a temple stay program where you can learn the traditional culture of Korean Buddhism and the way of a Buddhist practitioner while experiencing day-to-day life in the temple. Basic programs include Yebul (Buddhist service), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Barugongyang (formal monastic meal), 108 prostrations, walking in the woods and talking with a monk. On top of these basic programs, special seasonal programs are also provided.