Gyeongju Gwaereung Tomb (경주 원성왕릉)
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si) ,
The tomb of the King Wonseong, 38th king of the Silla Kingdom (785-798) in Oedong-eup, Wolseong-gun, Gyeongju is Historic Site No. 26. The tomb is 21.9m in diameter and 7.7m high and is encircled by a stone fence decorated with twelve oriental zodiac images. The area is also home to a number of stone monuments that stand facing each other: Hwapyoseok (marking the border of the tomb), Muninseok (civil servant statue), Muinseok (military officer image statue) and Dolsaja (a stone lion that protects the tomb). Muinseok in particular is a favorite among visitors because of its exotic appearance. The statue is sometimes compared to a strong and charismatic person of Arabic or Persian descendant, much like the merchants who came to Silla in ancient times. Gwaereung is styled after tombs of the Tang dynasty, but still retains all the characteristics typical of Silla tombs; namely, the stones around the tomb, the 12 oriental zodiac figures, the protective walls, and the decorative stonework.  

Joryeongsan Mountain
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si) ,
Joryeongsan Mountain divides Mungyeong (Gyeongsangbuk-do) and Goesan (Chungcheongbuk-do), and is situated at the far end of Baekdudaegan (the mountain range connecting Baekdusan and Jirisan). The mountain is picturesque with its surroundings of dense forest, steep rocky areas, strangely shaped peaks and old trees. It has a grand scale of mountain ridge and high altitude. However, as the hiking trail starts at 529m on Ihwaryeong, it is not that tough. Nearby locations include Sinseongbong Peak and Mapaebong Peak, as well as Joryeongsan Recreational Forest.

Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium: Where Sports Meet History
 
Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)
Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium, located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, South Korea, is a premier sports venue that seamlessly blends modern athletic facilities with the island's rich cultural heritage. Opened in October 2013, the gymnasium boasts a seating capacity of over 4,000, including 1,428 adjustable seats, making it an ideal location for various events. Key Features: * State-of-the-Art Facilities: Designed to host a wide array of sports and cultural events, the gymnasium is equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for both participants and spectators. * Cultural Significance: The name "Dolmens" pays homage to the nearby Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the area's ancient history and cultural importance. * Notable Events: The gymnasium gained international recognition by hosting the taekwondo and wushu events during the 2014 Asian Games, showcasing its capability to facilitate major sporting events. Popular Media Highlight: Adding to its appeal, Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium has been featured as a filming location for the popular SBS TV show "Shooting Stars" (골 때리는 그녀들). This exposure has increased its popularity among fans and tourists alike, who visit to experience the setting of their favorite show. Visiting Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium: Situated amidst the scenic landscapes of Ganghwa Island, the gymnasium offers visitors an opportunity to experience modern Korean sports culture while being in proximity to historical sites. After attending an event, visitors can explore the Ganghwa Dolmen Sites to gain insight into Korea's prehistoric era. Getting There: Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium is accessible via public transportation from Incheon and Seoul. Local buses and taxis provide convenient options for reaching the venue. For detailed directions and event schedules, it's advisable to check the official Ganghwa County website or contact local tourist information centers. Why Visit? Whether you're a sports enthusiast eager to witness local events, a fan of "Shooting Stars" looking to visit a filming location, or a traveler interested in the fusion of modern facilities with historical context, Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium offers a unique experience. Its strategic location allows visitors to enjoy contemporary Korean culture and delve into the rich tapestry of the nation's history. Incorporating a visit to Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium into your travel itinerary provides a balanced glimpse into South Korea's dynamic present and its storied past.

Anyangcheon Stream
 
Gyeonggi-do(Anyang-si) ,
Anyangcheon Stream starts to the west of Baekunsan Mountain in Uiwang-si and crosses through Gunpo-si, Anyang-si, Gwangmyeong-si in Gyeonggi-do and Gemcheon-gu, Guro-gu, Yangcheon-gu, Yeongdeungpo-gu in Seoul. After passing those areas, the stream meets the Hangang River near Seongsandaegyo Bridge. Anyangcheon Stream flows in front of Anyang City and the stream was once known as Daecheon as well as Gitan during the Joseon Dynasty period.

Narodo Wuju Beach
 
Jeollanam-do(Goheung-gun) ,
Narodo (나로도) consists of Oe-narodo and Nae-narodo, located 25kms southeast of Goheung-eup. Oe-narodo, is a part of Dadohae National Marine Park (다도해해상국립공원). Fresh seafood at a low price is readily available at Narodo Port (Chukjeong Port) in Oe-narodo. All of Narodo is famous for its’ fishing places. Every season a variety of fish can be caught. The beaches in Narodo have a gentle decline and are skirted by a forest of evergreen trees aged hundreds of years, which offer great shade from the summer heat. Haban Village, the most remote village in Oe-narodo, is the best place for a family summer retreat since it has a small forest and a beach. It also has Korea’s first space center.  

[Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Course 2] Hoguk Dondae-gil ([강화 나들길 제2코스] 호국돈대길)
 
Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) ,
Nadeul-gil means a leisurely outing (nadeuri) road. Comprised of 19 courses in total, the Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail offers a variety of historical assets and cultural sites to see. Each Nadeul-gil course connects Ganghwa Fortress outposts that are located every 1.3 km on high ground along the walking paths. The trails are on the island of Ganghwa which holds many Goryeo Dynasty remains that are important to Korean history. Fortresses that stood against Mongolian invasions are still standing and many of the Goryeo Kingdom’s palaces and royal tomb sites are also found in Ganghwa region. Exploring the major cultural heritage sites dispersed throughout the town can be just as fun as exploring Ganghwa’s natural beauty. The sunset on the Seohae (West coast), expansive open mud flats, views from Marisan and Goryeosan Mountains and the peaceful farming villages are just a handful of the sights along this walking trail. The establishment of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil’s begins with the ancient scholar Go Jae-hyeong (pen name Hwanam), who left his hometown Ganghwa on a spring day in 1906 when the peach trees were in full bloom. He walked through more than 100 villages around the whole island. Back home, he composed poems about his journey and published them under the title of “Simdo Gihaeng (Simdo Travels),” Simdo being another name for Ganghwa. During his travels, he sang songs of his home Ganghwa. Thanks to his work, people can now follow in the footsteps of Hwanam and his appreciation of the beautiful scenery and great people of Ganghwa Island.

Cheonsuman Bay - Bird Sanctuary
 
Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si) ,
Cheonsuman Bay emerged as a habitat for migratory birds as a result of a reclamation project that was undertaken in 1984. A breakwater was built around this area, which created Ganwolho Lake and Bunamho Lake. Moreover, a vast agricultural land spanning 6,400 hectares was formed on what used to be a mud flat. The monthly average temperature of Cheonsuman Bay area between October and March is about 1.2 degree Celsius higher than inland areas with same latitude because of its oceanic climate. Such geographical conditions have made Cheonsuman Bay an ideal wintering site for migratory birds. Cheonsuman Bay is located midway along the migration route of birds migrating from northern Siberia or Manchuria to Southeast Asia. As a result, Cheonsuman Bay has become home to nearly 200 different species of migratory birds that can be watched all year round. In the winter, the area becomes a wintering site for over 300 thousand ducks and wild geese, as well as a wide variety of endangered species like storks, spoonbills, mute swans, and white-naped cranes. Lucky birdwatchers might be able to witness the great spectacle created by tens of thousands of migratory birds flying in a flock over the Cheonsuman Bay area. The annual Cheonsuman International Bird Watching Fair is held between mid-October and late-November.

Sido Island
 
Incheon(Ongjin-gun) ,
Sido Island is located 5km south of Ganghwado Island, 3km to the east of Jangbongdo Island, and is neighbored by Sindo and Ttiseom islands to the east and west respectively. It is connected to Sindo Island via Yeondogyo, a 579 meter-long bridge that was constructed in 1992. Sido is also known as ‘Salseom Island’ and ‘Hwasalseom,’ which means ‘arrow’ in Korean. It is said that during the late years of the Goryeo Dynasty, the military (then led by famous generals Choi Yeong and Yi Seong-Gye) practiced archery at the foot of Mt. Manisan while using the island as the main target. Since many earthenware and shell instruments were excavated from Sido, it is believed that the island has been inhabited ever since the Neolithic era. The island has unique topographical features. Wide tidelands can be found on all sides and to the north and south, there are rocky coasts and low hills. The central area is comprised of flat fields filled with oak trees bearing acorns and the more mountainous areas are dotted with pines and oak saplings. Residents here work primarily as a fishermen and farmers. The island is famous for its high-quality grapes and octopus and shellfish that are caught from the islands wide tidal flats.