"Neglected for Royal Ascendance"Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉) is the tomb of Queen Consort Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (1392-1398), founder of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, this tomb was not well-maintained compared to other royal tombs because of a power struggle. The queen consort had many children, which naturally induced a battle for the throne. Usually the son of the first wife is the successor of the throne, but Queen Consort Sindeok was determined to have one of her sons ascend the throne instead. However, the successor, King Taejong, killed all her sons and developed an extreme abhorrence towards the queen consort. When she died, King Taejong issued an order to not maintain and preserve her tomb. Therefore, the tomb is rather unkempt and the layout and composition is different from other royal tombs.Upon entering the red gate, the sacrificial building can be seen in front of the tomb along with a pavilion and tombstone. Stone sculptures of sheep and tigers watch over the tomb. A major difference between this tomb and other royal tombs is exhibited in the path from the red gate to the sacrificial building. Usually the path is a straight line, but at Jeongneung Royal Tomb, it is crooked and bent. Furthermore, the color of the sacrificial building is dull and faded.Even though the tomb symbolizes the turmoil and wrath of political struggles, many couples and families come to Jeongneung Royal Tomb for a stroll because of its peacefulness and natural surroundings.

Along with the other great mountains near Seoul, Suraksan Mountain has its own unique beauty throughout the year. Its cluster of small peaks is reminiscent of Seorak or Wolchul mountains and among its valleys and peaks, a number of treasures unfold. As you explore the mountain and the surrounding area, you’ll discover Geunnyu, Eunnyu, and Ongnyu waterfalls, Heungguksa Temple (Silla Kingdom), Seongnimsa Temples (Joseon Dynasty), and Gwesanjeong Pavillion.One of the most popular hiking courses on Suraksan Mt. is the one that starts from Danggogae Station (Subway Line 4) and passes Hangnimsa Temple and Yongguram. In the springtime, the ridge between Suraksan Mt. and Buramsan Mt. is covered with gorgeous royal azalea blossoms.Suraksan Mountain is located on the border of Seoul, Eujeongbu-si and Byeolnae-myeon, Namyangju-si. Buramsan Mountain is located to the south of Suraksan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain rises up to the west. Suraksan Mountain is easily accessible via public transportation and is a popular daytrip for residents of Seoul.

The city of Jeonju prides itself on its rich local culture and history of tradition. Residents are passionate about their heritage, especially when it comes to the arts. The Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do exemplifies and celebrates these community values by regularly offering a full program of visual arts shows. An excellent venue for leisure activities, events, and gatherings, the building itself boasts a stunning architectural style that underscores the institution’s desire to increase art appreciation worldwide. * Foundation: September 21, 2001

Yangji Pine Resort is an all-season recreational complex located in the magnificent Dokjosan Mountain in Gyeonggi-do. The Resort offers offers numerous ski runs. The Avec Course is particularly popular with experienced skiers, while the Snow Park Course offers various obstacle courses (for both skiers and snowboarders). Yangji Pine Resort’s top rated run is the Challenger Course, where the yearly ‘National Alpine Ski Competition’ takes place. Many diverse events are held at the Resort involving skiers and snowboarders, such as training courses, snowboarding competitions, and snowboarding shows featuring professional snowboarders. Recently, the main route to the resort, Yeongdong Highway, has been expanded, and the resort’s main facilities and condominiums have all been remodeled as well to better accommodate the guests.

Sarabong Park is a 143-meter hill located just east of Dongmun Rotary in Jeju. The park is best known for its spectacular sunset views, which is often regarded as a perfect complement to Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak's view of the sunrise.To the north of Sarabong Park is a spectacular view of the expansive blue waters and to the south is Hallasan Mountain. Along the way to the park is Mochungsa Temple and to the east lies Byeoldobong Peak, where a paragliding runway is located. At the foot of Sarabong is Udang Library. The road from the library, passing behind Sarabong Peak to Jeju Harbor and to Tapdong provides a very scenic driving route.

Sanbangsan Mountain is the result of violent volcanic activity some 700,000 to 800,000 years ago and is in fact a huge body of lava. The cliffs on the southern side of the lava dome are marked with a rich variety of curious formations such as weathering pits and talus scree slopes, some of which are as high as 200m. As its name ‘sanbang’ – literally meaning ‘a cave inside a mountain’ – suggests, this mountain contains a cave, which is located about 150m above sea level and has a spectacular view out over the ocean. Due to its close location to the sea and its high elevation, the peak is often ringed with clouds. The upper slopes of the mountain have their own distinct climatic conditions and are protected for their value for botanical research.The Sanbangsa Temple and also the Bomunsa Temple, which holds the relics of Buddha, are also located on the mountain. Walk along the stone-steps between the two temples and you will find the Sanbanggulsa Grotto. A signal beacon called ‘Yeondae’ in Korean stands at the roadside in front of the mountain, which, in the past, used to fire and smoke to relay urgent messages. Regarding function, it is similar to the more well-known ‘Bongsudae’ signal beacons; but ‘Yeondae’ beacons were built around hilly or coastal areas while ‘Bongsudae’ beacons were built on mountain tops. During the daytime, smoke was used to send warning signals, while fire was used at night.*x_height above sea level: 395.2m/ x_height above ground-level: 345m/ Circumference: 3,780m / Area: 988,332㎡/ Diameter 1,314m

Located to the west of Sobaeksan National Park and Guinsa Temple, Ondal Tourist Park spans a vast area of 97,011 square meters. The attractions and facilities in the park include an area for folk games, a sports town, inns, local restaurants, local product stores, picnic grounds, Ondalchon village, Ondalgwan museum, House of Legends, and a traditional wedding hall. Also located within the park are the 450 million-year-old Ondal Cave (760 meters), and Ondalsanseong Fortress, the place that holds the legendary love story between General Ondal and Princess Pyeonggang. The park’s highlight is the Ondal Open Film Set, a filming site of many popular Korean dramas. * Designated area: 97,011㎡ (29,245 pyeong)

Located in Junggye-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul, The Buk Seoul Museum of Art covers a total ground area of 17,113㎡. The museum has three basement levels and three above-ground levels. The museum holds permanent exhibitions and offers a variety of educational programs, and culture and art-related activities for visitors to take part in.

Taking over 5 years to complete, Jeju Mini Mini Land is a spacious park featuring miniature versions of famous attractions from around the world. Over 116 architectural wonders and UNESCO World Heritage sites from 50 different countries are represented in the park. To name a few, the park offers miniature Bulguksa Temple, the Statue of Liberty, the Great Wall of China, the Forbidden City, the Leaning Tower of Pisa and so on. The original works are reproduced at 1/15 or 1/30 of their original size. As the first miniature park in Korea, it has become one of the most popular attractions on Jeju Island.Some great attractions are located nearby the park, such as Manjanggul Cave, Bijarim Forest, Jeju Stone Museum, Sangumburi Crater, Myeongdoam Tourist Ranch, Brazil Folk Performance Hall, Jeolmul Natural Recreation Forest, and the Seongeup Folk Village. 

Geumgwanchong, located in Noseo-dong, Gyeongju, is a tomb from the Silla Kingdom (B.C. 57∼A.D. 935). It is one of the three tombs that belong to the Noseo-dong Tombs in downtown Gyeongju.Geumgwanchong Tomb is regarded as the tomb of a king before or after the reign of King Ji-Jeung during the early 6th century (500~514). It is not known exactly to whom this tomb belongs.It was found in September 1921, when the fief was chopped while a civilian was leveling the ground to widen his building land. The first relic found in this tomb was a gold crown, geumgwan, and so the tomb took its name. Ornaments such as gold belts, earings, bracelets, saddlers and crockery of the Three Kingdoms Era (when Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla were separated, later unified by Silla in 676 AD) were dug up from the tomb. There were numerous relics, with beaded relics alone numbering over 30,000.The original structure of Geumgwanchong was 13m high with a 50m diameter. The relics from this tomb were moved and are now preserved at the Gyeongju National Museum.