Yeongneung / Nyeongneung Royal Tomb [UNESCO World Heritage]
 
Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si) ,
Yeongneung (영릉) is the joint tomb of the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) and his wife Queen Soheon (1395-1446). This was the first joint royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty.King Sejong was the third son of the 3rd ruler, King Taejong, and his wife Queen Wongyeong. He came to the throne at the age of 22. During his 32-year reign, he was very influential in the development of Korean culture. For example, King Sejong created the Korean alphabet, which he called Hunmin Jeongeum, and set up the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon, 집현전), an association of the kingdom’s brightest scholars. He also used Confucian principles to administer state affairs. Under the reign of King Sejong, therefore, many sectors including politics, economy, society and culture flourished. In fact, King Sejong the Great is regarded as making some of the most brilliant achievements in Korean history.Yeongneung is currently located in Neungseo-myeon in Yeoju-si in Gyeonggi-do, but the tomb was originally located in Seogang, Gwangju. When it was constructed following Queen Soheon’s death in 1446, it was decided it should be a double tomb, and the space on the right side was reserved for King Sejong. In 1450 when King Sejong died, he was buried together with the dead queen. Later, the tomb was moved to its current place, as it was thought that the original location was not an auspicious place according to geomantic traditions.Various items that were originally buried in the tomb were excavated in 1973 and now are exhibited in the King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall (세종대왕 기념관), which is located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul.Nyeongneung (녕릉/영릉) is the royal tomb of the 17th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Hyojong (1619-1659, reign 1649-1659), and of his wife Queen Inseon (1618-1674).The tomb was originally located to the west of Geonwolleung (건원릉, the tomb of King Taejo, the 1st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty), but in 1673 cracks appeared on the tomb’s “Byeongpungseok” (stone border), and it was moved to its current location, which is to the east of Yeongneung (영릉, the tomb of King Sejong).King Hyojong was the second son of King Injo, Joseon Dynasty’s 16th ruler, and Queen Illyeol. Upon ascending to the throne, he devised a plan to conquer the Northern region of Asia, including the Qing Dynasty (part of China). As part of the plan, he reformed the military system and strengthened the army and military enforcements. King Hyojong had spent time in northern China when he was taken hostage by the Manchus. During that time he became exposed to many different cultures and technological advancements. When a group of Dutch sailors were shipwrecked on the Korean shore, King Hyojong ordered them to build the Korean army’s first muskets.King Hyojong also implemented “Daedongbeop (대동법)”, a tax system under which people had to pay taxes with rice, and circulated “Sangpyeongtongbo (상평통보)”, the coinage of the Joseon Dynasty.

The Botanical Garden BCJ
 
Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si)
The Botanical Garden BCJ was established in 1965 on the belief that nature brings great joy into people's lives. Located in a suburb of the Seoul Metropolitan area, it is a perfect natural getaway for urban residents, as well as an important habitat for preservation of diverse plant species from home and abroad. Moreover, the BCJ offers exciting hands-on experience programs, and also serves food and drinks made with herbs at its restaurant and cafe.

Korea National Arboretum and Forest Museum(Gwangneung Forest)
 
Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si)
The Korea National Arboretum (KNA) is situated in Gwangneung forest and contains the Forest Museum where all the information on forestry is exhibited. The construction of the arboretum and museum took place on October 25, 1985 and opened on April 5, 1987. In order to preserve the forests, weekends and holiday entrance were restricted, reservations were required 5 days in advance, and no more than 5,000 visitors were accepted per day. As diverse plants are gaining recognition worldwide, the research department formed the Office of Forestry on May 24, 1999.Korea National Arboretum covers an area of 1,157㏊ and contains 15 specialized forests, including Conifer Garden, the Garden of Ornamental Trees, and the Aroma and Touch Garden. The Forest Museum is the largest in Asia, covering 4628 sq.m² with a traditional Korean design, and the interior and exterior are both constructed of wood and stone. The arboretum facilities consist of 5 exhibition halls (Living Forest, Forest and Man, Forestry of the World, Forestry of Korea, Nature of Korea), a Herbarium, a Special Exhibition Room, and an Audio Visual Hall.

Star Hill Resort
 
Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si)
The Star Hill Resort (formerly "Mt.Cheonmasan Ski Resort") is located deep in the beautiful and mysterious Cheonmasan Mountains. Amazingly it is only 32km away from Seoul, so access to this picturesque and well-equipped leisure resort is extremely easy. As well as great skiing, visitors can enjoy a ‘experience’ programs at the tourist attractions located near the Cheonmasan Mountains.

Gwacheon National Science Museum
 
Gyeonggi-do(Gwacheon-si)
As a landmark facility representing Korea’s advanced science and technology capabilities, Gwacheon Sciencetorium shares with the public scientific principles that govern daily lives and shape the future of the nation.The main building of Gwacheon Sciencetorium (which is shaped like an aircraft taking off) has five open-run exhibition centers: Basic Science Center, High-tech Center, Children’s Experience Center, Natural History Center, and Traditional Science Center. Nearby are the planetarium, observatory, outdoor exhibition venue, and insect ecosystem center. In the front yard are the Science Plaza, Science & Culture Square and Sculpture Park where visitors can take a rest and enjoy the great outdoors.Over 50% of the exhibition items on display at the Sciencetorium are interactive, allowing visitors to jump in and experience science first-hand using both their minds and their imaginations. The museum is one of the leading institutions of its kind worldwide.

Janganmun Gate
 
Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si)
Janganmun Gate is the northern gate of Hwaseong Fortress and also serves as the main entrance. "Jangan" means capital, and Hwaseong Fortress carries the meaning of being a secondary capital. Janganmun Gate is considered the main gate because this is the direction that the king would come from when arriving from Hanyang, the capital city, now modern-day Seoul. It is interesting to note that this gate is larger than Sungryemun Gate in Seoul.

Hwahongmun Gate
 
Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si)
Suwon River cuts across Hwaseong Fortress from the north to the south. Water gates were installed on the north and south walls to allow the river to flow through. Hwahongmun Gate is the north water gate of the fortress, containing seven arches, constructed in varying sizes, to let the water through. The central opening is larger than those toward the outside, making it easier to control the flow of water.

Cheongpyeong Lake
 
Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)
Cheongpyeong Lake is an artificial lake that formed with the construction of Cheongpyeong Dam in the Bukhangang River. Surrounding mountains and lake landscapes blend together harmoniously creating breathtaking views and is fast becoming a choice destination in Korea.Near Cheongpyeong Lake there is an amusement park as well as numerous summer homes. On the nearby lake, one can enjoy water skiing and a host of other recreations. In addition, accommodation is also available making this destination a famous vacation spot all-year-round. Around Cheongpyeong Lake, there are a total of 30 boating areas for water skiing, motor boats, jet skis, banana boats, and various other water activities. All instrument rentals and lessons are also available.

Ho-Am Art Museum
 
Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si)
The Ho-Am Art Museum is located in Yongin inside the grounds of the huge Everland Amusement Park, making it a popular destination for tourists.The museum displays over 15,000 works of art that come from all periods of Korea’s history and date all the way back to the pre-historic age. Around 100 of Korea’s national treasures are on display here, along with Buddhist art, calligraphy, folk paintings, and an excellent collection of ceramics. The exhibitions is spread over two floors and located in a building constructed in the traditional Hanok style.Ho-Am Art Museum also includes a re-creation of a Korean traditional garden, called the Hee Won Garden, which should not be missed. Stonewalls, pavilions, traditional Hanok buildings, and Buddhist statues are scattered amongst glorious flowers and reflected in the lotus pond. After exploring the museum, visitors can relax with a cup of tea in Hee Won Garden’s teahouse. Visitors holding one-day admission passes to Everland, can visit Ho-Am Art Museum and Hee Won garden for free.

Yeonmudae Post
 
Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si)
Yeonmudae Post is located inside Suwon's Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Situated on a relatively high hill between Changryongmun (the east gate of the fortress) and Hwahongmun (a north floodgate), Yeonmudae is an excellent military observation post with sweeping views of the inside of the fortress. After the fortress was completed in 1796, Yeonmudae was used as a training ground for troops for over two centuries, where they learned fighting skills involving swords, spears and arrows.At Yeonmudae, visitors can learn archery while wearing traditional military attire; the fortress also offers a wide array of performances for visitors to appreciate traditional Korean culture. Yeomudae is included in the Suwon City Tour course.