"If you are prepared to fight to the death, you will live. If you avoid battles to preserve your life, you will die." - Nanjung Ilgi (War Diary of Admiral Yi Sun-shin) One of the best naval commanders Korea has ever known, a statue of Yi Sun-shin was installed at Gwanghwamun Square before King Sejong the Great to celebrate the 465 anniversary of his birth. On April 28, 2010, The Story of Admiral Yi Sun-shin was opened in the basement of Sejong Center to commemorate his life and accomplishments. Located next to The Story of King Sejong, the exhibit is divided into 8 experience zones further focused on 12 themes related to Admiral Yi's life, ranging from determination and devotion to loyalty of country and countrymen. The museum uses the latest in digital technology to bring this great hero to life. Another great attraction to the museum is the turtle war-ship made famous by Admiral Yi shrunk down to 55% of the real size. Despite the down-size, the ship is still big enough for guests to board and row the oars, with a digital display of the ocean waves playing on moniters all around for a fun 4-D experience.

Gugok Falls (구곡폭포) is located near Bonghwasan Mountain in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do. The falls twist and turn nine different times before dropping down from a huge stone wall, ending in a magnificent 50m cascade. The falls are surrounded by interesting rock formations, one of which includes the Haneulbyeokbawi Rock.Gugok Falls was designated as one of Chuncheon city’s official tourist attractions on February 13th, 1981. From the ticket office located at the entrance, it takes about 20 minutes to get to the falls on foot. In winter, the waterfalls are very popular among hikers because, when frozen, the x_height and the sheer size of the falls are perfect for ice climbing. If you hike through a nearby jae (a small mountain pass) named "Kkaldakgogae (깔닥고개)", you will come across a natural Munbae village where you can enjoy Sanchaebibimbap (mixed rice with seasoned wild vegetables) and traditional liquor.

Yungneung (융릉) is the joint tomb of King Jangjo (1735-1762) and Queen Heongyeong (1735-1815). King Jangjo was the father of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty.King Jangjo was the second son of King Yeongjo, the 21st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. He was installed as a Crown Prince in 1736. As the Crown Prince, he administered the state affairs on behalf of his father and showed great capability in various fields. However, he died in 1762 after being locked in a wooden rice chest on the orders of his father, King Yeongjo.The tomb of this ill-fated Crown Prince was originally located in Baebongsan Mountain located in Yangju-gun, Gyeonggi-do. His son, King Jeongjo moved the tomb to Hwasan Mountain in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do and changed the title of the tomb to Hyeollyungwon (현륭원). Later, he posthumously gave his father the title King Jangjo and moved the tomb to its current place, and the title of the tomb was changed again to Yungneung.Queen Heongyeong was designated as a Crown princess in 1744. In 1795 when she turned 60 and long after her husband died, she wrote Hanjungnok (한중록), the memoirs, which is mainly about the terrible fate of her husband.The Memoirs have great historical significance, and these along with the Tales of Queen Inhyeon (Inhyeon Wanghujeon, 인현왕후전), are highly valued as pieces of royal literature.Yungneung is currently located in Annyeong-dong in Hwaseong. A stone called “Byeongpungseok” surrounds the tomb. On the stone, peony and lotus flowers are engraved. Like other royal tombs, there are two separate spaces – one raised and one lower space. In the raised space, there is the mound, “Honyuseok”, which is a rectangular shaped stone sitting in front of the mound, and 'Mangjuseok,' which is a pair of stones that sit on both sides of the mound. In the lower spaces, there are several stone statues. They include “Muninseok”, a statue of a civil officer, “Muinseok”, a statue of a military officer, and “Seokma”, a statue of a horse.Geolleung (건릉) is the joint tomb of King Jeongjo (1752-1800), the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Hyoui (1753-1821).King Jeongjo’s last wish was to be buried near his father’s tomb in Yungneung. King Jeongjo was the second son of King Jangjo and Queen Heongyeong, but in 1759, when he was 8 years old, he was designated as an heir to the throne. During his 24 year-reign, King Jeongjo influenced state affairs by implementing the “Tangpyeongchaek” (탕평책, a policy to balance the power of political factions), and he also had great accomplishments in the area of academic research by creating the “Gyujanggak” (규장각, a national royal library).Queen Hyoui was a daughter of Kim Si Muk and was installed as a partner of the heir to the throne at the age of 10. In 1776, when King Jeongjo ascended the throne, she also became Queen. She is known to have led a frugal life. In 1821, she died without an heir at the age of 69 in Jagyeongjeon, Changgyeonggung Palace.Geolleung looks very similar to Yungneung, but unlike Yungneung, it does not have a “Byeongpungseok”, which is a wide and rectangular stone that surrounds the mound and protects it. Instead, it is surrounded by “Nanganseok”, stone handrails. On every handrail, lotus flowers are engraved. King Jeongjo’s tomb is simpler and less decorated than his father’s, which reflects King Jeongjo’s respect and love for his father. Both Geolleung and Yungneung are designated as Historic Site No. 206.

The Gimhae Bonghwangdong was designated a historic site, where it includes an important shell mound from the Gaya period, which is located in Hoehyeon-ri. In 1920, it was the first archeological site to be excavated in Korea. The site also contains the Bonghwangdae tomb (Former Data for Cultural Properties No. 87), which was the largest tomb of Geumgwan Gaya area. On top of the hill remain Yeoui Pavilion and Hwangse Rock, which are part of the legend about General Hwangse and Yeoui. This is also where the remains of raised houses and a residential site of the Gaya period were excavated.

Songjeong Station (Gwangju Songjeong Station) is located in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju-si. The station serves the KTX train from Yongsan Station and the Honamseon Line from Mokpo Station. It also operates an intercity bus stop, allowing tourists to move to other areas easily.

 

The Jangsaengpo Whale Cultural District located in Nam-gu, Ulsan-si, is the nation's only facility that has a whale watching infrastructure in place. The whale cultural district is famous for the whale-themed tour program featuring a whale watching cruise, a whale museum and the whale ecology familiarization tour. The whale watching cruise was first launched in July 2009. In April 2013, the ship was upgraded to a 550-ton cruise liner with 399 crew members, therefore offering an even more enjoyable whale watching tour. During the day, the cruise ship is mainly used for whale observation. After a minke whale sighting in May 2013, around 3000-4000 common dolphins were observed shortly after. At night, one can experience a glamorous night view of Ulsan Industrial Complex while enjoying diverse performances and buffet dining aboard the ship. The ship also accommodates various events and programs such as school trips, company workshops, seminars, parties, weddings, beer parties and anniversary events. A trip aboard the whale watching cruise with friends, family, or loved ones will surely make for one memorable experience.

Honinji is home to a myth that agriculture and farming started on Jeju Island when the Samsinin (three founding demi-gods) who lived in Jeju married the Samgongju (three princesses) and started raising cattle and ponies and planted the seeds of five grains. There is a pond here called Honinji Pond (pond of marriage) where, according to the legend, the wedding ceremony was held and three caves which served as bridal rooms. Together with Samseonghyeol (three large holes on the ground where the three demigods emerged from), Honinji is a great place for tracing the origin of the founders of Jeju Island. In the summer, the area is in full bloom with red lotus flowers.  

Located within Woljeongsa Temple in Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, Woljeongsa Museum was founded in October 1999, and began displaying treasures and artifacts from some 60 plus temples in the southern part of Gangwon region. Currently, the museum houses Sangwonsa Temple’s Jungchanggwonseonmun (National Treasure No. 292) and Woljinseokbo (Treasure No. 745), the remains of Octagonal nine-story pagoda (National Treasure No 48), and many other treasures.

The Gangseo Marsh Ecological Park is an eco-park located on the southern side of the Hangang River between Bangwha Bridge and Hangju Bridge. Established in July 2007, the park is partly comprised of low wetlands, freshwater lakes, and various aquatic plants. Eco-trails wind around the park through reeded areas, around willow trees, and past the migratory bird observation. At the park visitors can watch and learn about a variety of migratory birds during the summer and winter or join one of the park’s organized eco-education programs.