Between Dobongsan and Suraksan mountains (northern Seoul), a special botanical garden has opened its doors to the public: Seoul Iris Garden (aka Seoul Botanical Garden). The garden (measuring 52,417㎡) boasts a wide array of irises, one of the world’s top flowers, and consists of 12 different themed zones including ‘Iris Garden,’ ‘Medicinal Plant Garden,’ and ‘Wetland Park.’At the Iris Garden, 130 species of irises (300,000 individual plants) are on display on a plot of land measuring 15,000㎡. Species include yellow iris, iris setosa, iris pallasii, and iris domestica, each boasting its own brilliant colors and delicate shape.The Medicinal Plant Garden is home to 70 different species (130,000 plants) of medicinal plants, allowing visitors to view the largest selection of medicinal herbs in the country.Wetland Park presents 70,000 wetland plants and houses an observatory deck from which visitors may view and learn about the diverse aquatic plants.Cheoni Observatory within the garden provides visitors with a place take in the beautiful scenery. The nearby forest lounge is a rest area for visitors as well as a center of operations for the park’s ecological education programs.Irises are in bloom from May to June of every year, but are even a sight to behold during the rest of the warmer months, given the delicate shape of their leaves.

During the Gihae Persecution of 1839, three French Catholic priests were sentenced to death for spreading Catholicism in Korea. Saint Laurent Joseph Marius Imbert (Bishop), Saint Pierre Philibert Maubant (Priest), and Saint Jacques Honore Chastan (Priest) were beheaded on September 21, 1839 at Saenamteo (currently Saenamteo Catholic Holy Place of the Martyrs) and their bodies were buried at Samseongsan Mountain and later transferred to the grotto of Myeondong Cathedral.

Jinjuseong Fortress, which is historically linked to the Japanese invasion in 1592, was originally named Geoyeolseong Fortress during the Three Kingdom Period, later renamed as Chokseokseong Fortress in the Goryeo Dynasty and finally settled as Jinjuseong Fortress in the Joseon Dynasty. The reinforced stonewall has a circumference of approximately 1,760m, 5m-8m in x_height and contains three wells and springs. According to Ha Ryun’s Seongmungi in Donggukyeojiseungnam Record, the castle had been frequently destroyed by the Japanese invasion and was later reinforced by Jinju’s minister, Kim Jung-gwang during the fifth year of Goryeo Woo King’s reign (1379). During this period, the circumference was 800 bo(pace), with Uijeongmun Gate to the east, Jijemun Gate to the north, and Yehwamun Gate to the south. Outside the castle, Cheongcheon River flows in the west and Namgang River in the south and a pond lies between the castle and the trench dug during the war times. As a fortress to safeguard from the Japanese attacks, it blocked the Japanese from advancing toward Honam during the 25th year of Joseon Seonjo King’s reign (1592). Within the temple lies Chokseoknu, Kim Shi-min Memorial, Uigisa Shrine, Seojangdae, Bukjangdae, Changyeolsa shrine, Jinju National Museum, Hoguksa Temple, and an outdoor stage. 

Seorak Plaza Country club, as one of the resort facilities of the Hanhwa Resort is one of the best golf clubs in Korea, and it prides over its spectacular scenery. Also, situated in the vicinity of one of Korea’s most famed tourist sites, Mt. Seoraksan, it enables customers to look over Mt. Seoraksan’s unexplored landscapes and to look over the Eastern Sea during the games. The whole 18 hole course has an interesting design, and it can seem easy and difficult at the same time.With the warm climate of an island, it is the most adequate golf club to enjoy golfing throughout the year. It includes Korea’s one and only sauna that provides 100% pure natural mineral water, and also has a unique food court selling local specialities.

Osaek Mineral Spring is situated 20 kilometers west of Yangyang and 7.5 kilometers southeast from Hangyeryeong. The water, which springs from three base rocks by a brook, is carbonated and rich in iron. Up to 1,500 liters of iron-rich water spring out on a daily basis. Osaek became well known due to the splendid landscape leading up to the mineral spring and its location on the way to the summit of Seoraksan Mountain.

The sunrise along the East Coast can be viewed earliest at Ganjeolgot Point in Daesong-ri, Seosaeng-myun, Uljin-gun. The breathtaking view of the sunrise can be seen a minute earlier than Homigot Point in Yeongilman Bay and five minutes earlier than Jeongdongjin in Gangneung. Ganjeolgot Point is in the spotlight as a new tourist attraction along with Jinha Beach and Seosaengpo Fortress. The lighthouse is located 20 minutes away from the entrance to Ulsan Nambu Ring Road. When acacias bloom along the coast from Ulsan to Haeundae Beach in Busan, the road is filled with its subtle perfume. This road is perfect as a driving course with the combination of beautiful white acacia trees in the hills and the occasional appearance of the sea. Enjoy the tremendous scenery of the invigorating sea and the misty view of the hills. Although it is only 20 minutes away from Ulsan Nambu Ring Road, the scenic beauty contributes to the exotic look.

Geumnam-ro Street used to be in the government office quarters, and is now the center of the city's finacial sphere, with many banks, insurance companies and public offices lining the street. During the May 18 Movement, the citizens gathered at Geumnam-ro Steet and marched together to express their sadness and give support for the sublimation of the nation. In modern times, the street serves as a meeting space for citizens, with an underground shopping mall and a plaza beneath a fountain, where events and performances freely take place. * Total length: 2.3㎞

Located in Naejangsan National Park, the thick-wooded Geumseon Valley provides both a refuge from the summer sun, and a wonderful view of the autumn foliage. The valley’s foliage is more colorful and lasts longer than those in other mountains. Indeed, the valley takes it names from the stunning crimson leaves, which are often compared to elegant silk embroidery.Visitors can reach Geumseon Valley on one of the park’s most popular hiking trails, which starts from Iljumun Gate and passes by Naejangsa Temple, Yonggul Cave, and Geumseon Falls, before returning to Iljumun Gate. The hike takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes.

A large number of relics were unearthed at this site due to a land development project in 1985. Work was halted and relics were excavated by the Cheongju University Museum. The time and size of Heungdeoksa Temple is unknown, but according to Jikji (Buljojikjisimcheyojeol, the world’s oldest existing book printed with movable metal type), the excavated books were printed using metal types at the temple in the third year of King Uwang’s reign (1377). The books were published 78 years earlier than Gutenberg’s invention. In 1972, the Jikji was officially recognized as the world’s oldest book printed with movable metal type during the International Book Year. The Buljojikjisimcheyojeol is currently kept at the National Library of France.