The Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest is located at the foot of Gibansan Mountain (464.7m). The forest is filled with wild flora and fauna and is a habitat for many different wild animals like hare and roe deer. “House in the Forest,” the Songjeong Natural Recreation Forest’s accommodation for visitors, is made of all natural, eco-friendly materials such as red clay and logs. Within easy access from urban areas, it is the perfect weekend getaway for those who want a refreshing break in the woods.

Yun Seondo, a non-military civil administrator and poet in the mid Joseon Dynasty (1587~1671), could hardly contain his anger after hearing the news that the king had surrendered to the invaders during the Byeongjahoran War (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636). Following the events, he decided to live in seclusion by moving to Jeju Island. However, on the way to Jeju, he came across Bogildo Island and he was so inspired by its beauty that he ended up settling down on Bogildo instead. For 13 years since he was 51 years old during the 15th year of King Injo's reign 1631, he composed great poems such as 'Eobusasisa' (Fisherman's Song for Four Seasons) on Bogildo Island. Some of the mountain peaks and rocks named by him still remain on the island. Seyeonjeong Pavilion was built by Yun Seondo and this is the birthplace of his literary works. On clear days, he would come to the pavilion with his family and let singers sing his verses. Bogildo Island embraces both the Eastern outlook on nature and Neo-Confucianism ideology. While going around the island, visitors will get some semblance of how Yun Seondo harmonized man and nature through the combination of the island's natural and the man-made features.

GS Caltex Yeosu Complex allows visitors an opportunity to learn about how to refine petrolem and how to make a final product of it at the production site. Visitors can explore the real manufacturing facility while visiting the GS Caltex Yeosu Plant which is a world class crude oil refining facility.

Astro-Space Center in Yecheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do is the first public facility in Korea to be dedicated to the theme of stars and space. At the center, visitors can study the celestial bodies at the Yecheon Star Observatory, undergo astronaut training simulations at the Yecheon Space Experience Center, and learn about the history of astronomy and the heavens at the Astronomy Park. At the Yecheon Star Observatory, you can observe the sun by day or by night and view planets, nebula, star clusters, and galaxies through a high-powered telescope. At the planetarium, you can also enjoy films about the constellations projected on the observatory’s dome-shaped ceiling. At the Yecheon Space Experience Center, take the ride of your life on the G-force Simulator, bounce around in the Moon Walk Chair, experience the vertigo of zero-gravity on the Multi-Axis Trainer, or float in space using the MMU (Manned Maneuvering Unit). For a calmer experience, check out the center’s 4D movies. On the second floor of the Star Observatory and Space Experience Center is an accommodation facility where you can extend your stay for the ultimate outer space experience. An overnight stay gives you the chance to take full advantage of space observations, telescope assembly and operations, astronomy lectures, and more! In addition to its range of indoor space-related experiences, the space center also provides the rare opportunity to fly in a helicopter. There are as many as four helicopters in operation for this ongoing program. The Astro-Space Center also plans to unveil a private space travel program in 2014: the second private space travel program worldwide! Coinciding with this exciting new program, the center will be introducing Lynx, a two-person Suborbital Spaceship produced by the U.S. company Xcor.

Founded by Suncheon City, Ppurigipeunnamu Museum displays the collections of Han Chang-gi, the founder of two renowned magazines in Korea. The collections range from the relics of the Bronze Age to those of modern times. Through the museum, visitors can catch a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of Korea’s ancestors.

The water at Angseong Carbonate Hot Springs comes from 700 meters underground. This water contains about 2.800㎎/L of carbonic acid and is beneficial in many ways. It is known to be effective in preventing high and low blood pressures, diabetes, arthritis, neuralgia, depression, lifestlye diseases, obesity caused by lack of exercise, stiff shoulder, back pain, colds, constipation, and hemorrhoids. Carbonic acid hot springs are also good for stress relief, increasing metabolism, stimulating blood circulation, and for the treatment of hypersensitive skin, cosmetics allergies, freckles, age spots, athelete’s foot and eczema. The water temperature at the hot spring stays between 25-38 degrees Celcius. A separate pool is available for people who prefer a warmer temperature than that. Known for promoting physical and psycological health, a carbonic acid hot spring bath also softens the skin and helps fatigue recovery. For added benefits, Angseong Carbonate Hot Springs also uses oak wood for heating its jjimjilbang (Korean sauna) and the water.

Located in Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gayasan Wildflower Botanical Garden is Korea’s first wildflower garden. It is a home to nearly 630 different plant species, including wildflowers and trees that are worth preserving, and the wildflower garden serves as a valuable space for botanical research. Outdoor Garden The outdoor garden offers the magnificent scenic landscape of Mt. Gayasan, organized into the following five themes. 1) Shrubbery Nearly 30 different species of shrubs and wild flowers have been planted here. You can enjoy these beautiful plants from early spring to winter. 2) Chrysanthemum Garden Nearly 15 different species of chrysanthemums and wild flowers are in bloom until late fall. 3) Rhizocarp Garden Nearly 50 different species of wild flowers including Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), German Iris (Iris nertschinskia), daylilies (Hemerocallis thunbergii) and hostas (Hosta longipes) bloom from spring to fall. 4) Gayasan Native Plant Garden Nearly 120 indigenous species of wild flowers have been planted here. 5) Wildflower Educational Garden Nearly 50 different species of short wildflowers are planted on the roof of the museum, where visitors can view and compare a variety of wildflowers. Greenhouse The greenhouse features warm-temperate trees and wildflowers. Enjoy the sweet fragrance of flowers regardless of the season. 1) Edible Plant Garden Nearly 20 different species of edible plants including tangerine trees and loquats are available. 2) Medicinal Herb Garden Nearly 25 different species of plants that provide medicinal herbs are available. 3) Fragrant Flower Garden Nearly 30 different species of sweet fragrant flowers such as laurel (daphne), Indian oleander (Nerium indicum) and the Gaya or Japanese nutmeg-yew (Torreya nucifera) are planted here. 4) Ornamental Plant Garden Nearly 30 different species of beautiful ornamental plants including coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata), pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), Japanese ardisia (Ardisia japonica), poison bulb (Crinum asiatica) and Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata) are found in this garden. 5) Aquatic Botanical Garden Nearly 20 different species of aquatic plants, consisting of shallow water plants, free-floating plants, and floating-leaved plants, including water lily, bishop’s weed (Houttuynia cordata) and water snowflake (Nymphoides indica) are found in this garden. 6) Fern Garden Ferns are spore-propagated plants that have no blooming flowers. Nearly 40 different species of fern plants including western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum) and groundpine (Lycopodium clavatum var. nipponicum) and warm-temperate native plants such as Leveille (Dendropanax morbifera) and Machilus chunbergii make up this garden.

Experience the Palmi-do Cruise in Incheon Looking for a memorable maritime adventure just outside Seoul? The Palmi-do Cruise offers the perfect mix of scenic ocean views, fascinating history, and a glimpse into Korean coastal culture. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip: 1. Convenient Location * Short Trip from Seoul: Incheon is located just west of Seoul, making it an ideal day trip for travelers staying in the capital. * Easy Access: Most Palmi-do cruises depart from Incheon Port, which you can reach by public transportation or taxi. 2. Stunning Ocean Views * Panoramic Coastline: Enjoy sweeping views of Korea’s western coast as you sail, dotted with smaller islands and the open sea. * Unforgettable Sunsets: If you can, choose a late-afternoon or evening cruise. You’ll be treated to a spectacular sunset—truly a photographer’s dream! 3. Historical Highlights * Palmi-do Lighthouse: One of Korea’s earliest lighthouses, it has guided ships for more than a century. Though you might not always be able to go inside, seeing it up close is a real treat. * Maritime Heritage: Incheon is a major port city with a pivotal role in Korea’s modern history. Many tours include stories about its growth and significance. 4. Exploring the Island * Island Stopovers: Depending on your cruise, you may have the chance to disembark briefly and explore Palmi-do on foot. * Lighthouse Trails: If you can set foot on the island, follow trails leading to the lighthouse and enjoy gorgeous viewpoints of the surrounding sea. 5. Local Delicacies * Fresh Seafood: Take the opportunity to sample Incheon’s renowned seafood before or after your cruise. * Street Food: Near the port, you’ll find a variety of local snacks to enjoy—perfect for a quick bite before setting sail. 6. Traveler Tips * Book Ahead: Cruises can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Secure your spot in advance. * Check the Weather: Coastal weather can change suddenly, so bring a light jacket or windbreaker. * Mind the Tides: Cruise schedules sometimes depend on tidal conditions, so confirm departure and return times ahead of your trip. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply in search of an off-the-beaten-path excursion, the Palmi-do Cruise offers an unforgettable voyage along Korea’s western coastline. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture every moment of this scenic journey! We hope you enjoy exploring Palmi-do and discovering all that Incheon has to offer. Safe travels!