The Ecological Culture Exploration Site on Oido Island (오이도) in Siheung City is abundant in natural resources and historic relics dating back to the prehistoric era. Shell mounds are scatted across the island, the scale of the shell mounds is the largest along the west coast and they are the only relics that give any information about exchanges between Korea’s neolithic populations. They show evidence of exchanges between the northern and southern populations that inhabited the peninsula and continent, and how the coastal environment along the west coast changed during the Neolithic Age.

Surisan Mountain (수리산), a provincial park of Gyeonggi Province, surrounds Gunpo City and is easily accessible as it can be reached in about one hour from anywhere in the Seoul metropolitan area. Grand old trees that range from 100 to 300 years old make for picturesque scenery. The mountain is also an important ecological zone, inhabited by many species of flowers and butterflies that are only found in Korea, along with many endangered species of animals and plants. Meanwhile, the value of areas such as Bat Ridge along Taeeul Peak, Seulgi Peak, Surisa Temple, or Wind Hill in Sokdal-dong are all immeasurable for their natural scenery.

The Ansan Botanical Garden (안산식물원) has three pavilions: The first pavilion (382.81㎡) is a tropical garden, while the second pavilion in the middle (846㎡) and the third to the south (846㎡), feature marsh plants. Outside are four rose gardens, a fruit tree garden, a wild plant garden, a plant succession garden, and a pond (featuring a total of 46 plants including red momo botan lotus). The botanical park has a pyramid-shaped, modern greenhouse that is a source of pride for Ansan City. The park is also connected to Seongho Park.

The Hotel Miranda is known as the greatest landmark in the Icheon province, presenting over 8,000 pyeongs (approx. 26,400 ㎡) of hotel luxury consisting of a basement floor, 10-story building for its main complex, and a 3-story annex, along with an astonishing 10,000-pyeong (approx. 33,000 ㎡) SpaPlus spa complex. This enormous spa facility consists of an indoor swimming pool, a kiddie pool, event spas, a tube ride, and more for the entire family to enjoy. Other forms of family fun also include a variety of wave pools and Korea’s longest water slide to indulge visitors in thrills and chills.

The word ‘Mirinae,’ from the Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지) in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, is a pure Korean word for the Milky Way. The site holds the graves of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic Saint; his mother Ursula; Bishop Ferréol, the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim; and Vincentius Lee Minsik who buried Saint Kim’s body. To be sure, this holy site is a serene and peaceful sanctum. The reason it came to be called ‘Mirinae’ is that Korean Catholics came to this place in secret to avoid persecution during the late Joseon Dynasty, and the lamplight coming from their homes in the village where they settled resembled the starlight of the Milky Way. Father Kim was executed at the age of 26 and was not permitted a funeral. But, 40 days after the execution, Vincentius Lee Minsik was able to steal away Kim’s body with great difficulty; he carried it on his back eventually burying it in Mirinae – dismissing all advisement and council that urged him against this. At the center of the site stands a grand memorial church and the Way of the Cross behind it has 15 bronze sculptures depicting the passion of Jesus being captured by Roman soldiers, crucified, suffering, passing away, and being interred. Kim Daegeon (1822~1846) Korea’s first Catholic priest and saint. He was chosen as a scholarship recipient by a French priest, and joined the priesthood at the young age of 24. Kim returned to Korea, but was captured, and executed, dying a martyr. He was blessed by the Roman Pope Pius XI on July 5, 1925, and became a Catholic saint at the canonization ceremony conducted by Pope John Paul II himself in South Korea on May 6, 1984.

This park was built in Bongseo-ri, Paju-eup, in June 1973 to pay tribute to the soldiers who fought in the defense of the South during the Korean War, as well as to pray for unification. It is situated near Munsan station where the UN War Correspondent Center was located during the armistice talks. A monument rests within the park that pays tribute to the 18 Korean and foreign war correspondents who died trying to share their, often tragic, stories of the war. They include Han Gyu-ho of the Seoul Shinmun as well as journalists from the U.S. (10 people), Britain (4 people), France (2 people) and the Philippines (1 person). There is also a tower built to commemorate the loyalty and courage of 10 brave soldiers who sacrificed themselves in a bomb attack after a bloody struggle, a memorial tower dedicated to anticommunist guerilla units from the Gaema Plateau, and a statue of Colonel Lee Yu-jung and Second Lieutenant Kim Man-sul.  

Yuldong Park is a large urban neighborhood park located in the new section of Bundang in the city of Seongnam. Since its opening in September 1999, the park has become a favorite weekend hangout, frequented by residents of Seongnam and Seoul. This well-equipped park has a 45-meter bungee jumping site, a large fountain and a 33-acre reservoir encircled by a 2.5km promenade/bike path. Other facilities include a 13 meter-high artificial rock climbing wall, badminton center, children’s playground, foot acupressure path, grass plaza, year-round flower garden, field of reeds and theater. The park is also a popular date course for couples at nighttime as there are many quiet cafes located near the reservoir.

Located at the foot of the Cheonggyesan Mountain, the Natural Camp Site offers a unique camping experience in nature. A stream flows through the valley where the campsite is located, providing a relaxing atmosphere for campers. Facilities at the campground include basketball and volleyball courts, shower rooms, a convenience store, and a playground. Campers may also visit nearby educational and recreational attractions such as Seoul Grand Park, the National Museum of Contemporary Art, and Seoul Land, all of which are accessible on foot or by tram.

In order to preserve it, Olleung (온릉) tomb is not open to the public. This is the royal tomb of Queen Dangyeong (1487-1557), consort of King Jungjong, the 11th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. Queen Dangyeong got married to King Jungjong when she was 13 years old. In 1506, when King Jungjong ascended to the throne, she became a queen as well, but she was deposed after only 7 days. Therefore, her grave at first was not regarded as a royal tomb. However, in 1739, the tomb was designated as a royal tomb.