On December 29, 1967 Jirisan Mountain (지리산) was designated Korea’s top national park. Jirisan is the largest mountain national park in the nation. You can get a full view of the Seomjingang River (섬진강), which runs alongside the mountain and into the Namhae Sea. If you’re lucky you can also spot some various plants and animals, including the Asiatic Black Bear, making Jirisan Mountain an even more interesting and inviting place to visit. As Jirisan Mountain changes with the different seasons, hikers can enjoy various aspects of the mountain’s terrain. However, there can be heavy rain and snow in the summer and winter, so some areas will be closed off in case of drastic changes in the weather and temperature. In the spring and fall, you can explore the mountain relatively freely. However, access may be limited to some areas for fear of forest fires in the dry season. If you want to hike up Jirisan Mountain it is recommended that you visit the homepage of the Korea National Park Service or contact the Jirisan Mountain Management Office before planning your trip.

Founded in 2007, the Seoul Arts and Culture Tour Project is a cultural experience program operated by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. Tours are held Thursday to Saturday on the second and fourth weeks of the month from April to October.   Participants meet at the square in front of Seoul City Hall around 10:30 am to ride the bus provided by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture and begin their tour of Seoul. The program has a variety of excursions, which are divided up by theme: art, theater, literature, architecture, and design. During the weekdays, the tour is popular among housewives who may have a little extra time while their children are at school; during the weekends, it becomes the perfect opportunity for families, couples, and international to tour Seoul. Through this free program, participants will be able to visit some of the sites in Seoul and discover what makes each place one of Seoul’s crown jewels. Interested parties are asked to make reservations by calling the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture or by visiting the website.  

Jade Garden, created under the theme of ‘Small Europe in the Forest,’ is located near Jade Palace Golf Club on a plot of land measuring 160,000 square meters. The 24 distinctively-themed areas in the garden boast a total of 3,000 plant species including rhododendron, maple trees, irises, and blueberry bushes as well as patches of thick, natural forests. The arboretum makes the most out of its natural valley topography and presents visitors with a mix of tidy gardens, graceful flowers, and an array of European-style architecture.For the convenience of its guests, Jade Garden operates a Tuscan-style visitor’s center where patrons can enjoy a simple snack or beverage and purchase souvenirs. Visitors may choose from three different walking courses (each 2 hours in length) around the arboretum and there a gardening program is also available for aspiring gardeners.

Discover the enchantment of the Sochang Experience Hall - Immerse in the history and tradition of Ganghwa Island's textile industry, journey through the life of a cotton flower, and relish the joy of crafting your own Sochang fabric. Ganghwa Sochang Experience Hall - Experience timeless elegance of the 1938 Hanok, savor the unique flavor of the specialty turnip tea, and explore the deep roots of Korean textile art. Sochang Experience Hall, a living testament to Korean history - Delve into the textile journey from Hwamunseok to Sochang, engage in traditional stamping techniques, appreciate beautiful interior design, and indulge in a feast of culture and art. Discover the legacy of Incheon's Ganghwa Island textile industry at the enchanting Sochang Experience Hall. A treasure trove of history and tradition, it immerses visitors in the fascinating journey of Sochang fabric - from cotton flower to your fingertips. Our hall stands as a testament to the significance of the Sochang textile industry, having been remodeled in 2017 from the original Pyeonghwa Textile mill, which opened in 1956 and served as a cornerstone of the Ganghwa textile sector.         Sochang is an authentic 23-count cotton fabric, traditionally handcrafted from threads derived from the fluff of cotton. Before the advent of disposable diapers, it was widely used for cloth diapers, demonstrating its remarkable softness and absorbency. At the Sochang Experience Hall, we offer the extraordinary opportunity to create your very own hand towel by using traditional stamping techniques. This hands-on activity is free of charge but highly popular, so reservations are recommended. Amidst the timeless elegance of a Hanok, constructed in 1938 and fondly known as the '1938 Hanok,' guests can immerse themselves in a unique tea experience. We primarily serve tea made from roasted turnip, a specialty of Ganghwa Island. Visitors are welcomed to unwind in our serene setting, savoring the rich and refreshing flavors of our turnip tea.   Our doors are open from 10 am to 6 pm, providing a welcoming haven for guests seeking a deeper understanding of Korea's textile heritage. However, please note that we are closed on Mondays. Reimagined in 2016, the Sochang Experience Hall is a beautiful blend of a Hanok built in 1938 and the former Pyeonghwa Textile mill, exuding charm and history in every corner. As a celebration of Ganghwa County's traditional industry, it offers not only an insight into the textile industry's journey from Hwamunseok to Sochang, but also provides interactive experiences such as Sochang hand towel stamping, tea ceremonies, and Sochang weaving demonstrations. This allows you to engage with Sochang on a multi-sensory level. Planning a trip to Korea? Make sure to include the Sochang Experience Hall on your itinerary! As a hub of Korean history and a stunning architectural gem, it offers an experience like no other. From its alluring interior design to its intriguing narratives of the past, it's a feast for the eyes and the mind. Embark on a journey through time and tradition, experiencing the true essence of Sochang - right here at the Sochang Experience Hall.  

The Traditional Food Town around Namhansanseong Fortress has nearly 70 restaurants offering rice, dotori-muk (acorn jelly), tojong-dak (chicken), and other traditional dishes. The place embraces almost 300 years of Korean history and the restaurants were built in traditional hanok-style around Namhansanseong Fortress, a military stronghold built during the period of the Three Kingdoms (57 BCE-668 CE).

Located at the foot of Gyeongju Namsan Mountain, Gyeongsangbuk-do Forest Research Institute is a popular spot for field trips and relaxation due to the institute's rare and rural forestry along with well-preserved endangered plants and wild flowers.

Located on the coast of Yonghae-dong in Mokpo, Gatbawi is a natural sandstone and tafoni formation near the mouth of the Yeongsangang River, where freshwater runs into the sea. Gatbawi is named after its shape, which is said to look like a man wearing a traditional Korean hat called a “gat” (“bawi” meaning “rock”). The rock is actually made of two individual formations: one measuring 8m high and one 6m high. Valued not only for its aesthetics, Gatbawi Rock is of high geological value as a “natural sculpture” that was formed as a result of years of weathering. The rock formation was officially recognized as Natural Monument No. 500 on April 27, 2009.

Nestled at the hillside of Chusan-dong where one can see the entire view of Changwon-si, Moonshin Art Museum houses Moon Shin’s art pieces and keeps his spirit intact. The artist resided in France for many years, returning to his hometown in 1980, and worked hard to establish the museum throughout 15 years. The museum finally opened in 1994 after his endless effort. Unfortunately, Moon Shin died one year after opening the museum, donating the museum to his loving hometown in his will. Following his will, the Moonshin Art Museum was donated to Changwon-si in 2003 and has since been operating as a city gallery. Changwon-si also established Moonshin Round Museum in October 2010, exhibiting 116 Moonshin plaster circle art pieces. Moonshin Art Museum is comprised of Exhibition Hall 1 & 2, outdoor exhibition hall and Moonshin Round Museum, showcasing a total of 3,900 pieces, including plaster round pieces, sculptures, drawing, tools, paintings, oil-paintings and keepsakes.

Surrounded by Mt. Noja (565m) and Mt. Gara (580m), Hakdong Mongdol Beach provides a cozy atmosphere. Hakdong was named so because its shape was said to be like a crane (in Korean "Hak") flying up to the sky. Compared to other beaches, it has small pebbles, "Mongdol" in Korean, spans a distance of about 1.2 km, is 50m wide and covers a 30,000 ㎢ area starting from Yongbawi Rock. The feeling one gets when walking on these pebbles is soothing and the sound of the waves are refreshing. You can also soothe your feet when you walk on the rocks and activate acupressure points on the soles of your feet. The wild camellia forest, which blooms along the seashore in February and March, creates a beautiful landscape. You can also see the Parlsaek (8 color) birds that come here. These colorful birds can be seen from June to September.Hakdong Mongdol Beach has a lot of summer visitors and is the perfect place for vacationing families. The water is clear and clean, and setting up tents on the beach is possible.Near the beach, there are not only great restaurants specializing in sliced raw fish, but also restrooms and homestays which are well-equipped. There is also a beach festival every summer. An excursion ship starts at Hakdong and cruises towards Haegeumgang and Oedo Paridise Island. It would be romantic to take this ship through the crimson Haegeumgang at sunset. 

Gujibong Peak in Gusan-dong, Gimhae in Gyeongsangnam-do is believed to be the birthplace of King Suro, the founder of the Gaya kingdom. The peak was originally named Gusubong (“gu” meaning “turtle,” “su” meaning “head”) after its resemblance to the head of a turtle. The flat part of the peak (the turtle’s “head”) is home to the Tomb of King Suro. On the summit is a southern-style dolmen dating back to the 4th century BC that consists of 5 or 6 support stones and a large cover stone measuring 2.5m in diameter. The cover stone bears the inscription “Gujibongseok,” said to be written by Han Ho.Gujibong Peak is considered a sacred place by the local people because, according to legend, it is the place where the creation of the Gaya Kingdom took place. During the Japanese colonial rule, the “neck” of the turtle was destroyed by the construction of a mountain road. Years later, a pedestrian road was built to rejoin the neck and restore the feng shui of the mountain.