Deoksan Hot Spa is conveniently in Sadong-ri, Deoksan-myeon, Yesan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, only one and a half hours away from Seoul. The spa resort’s hot springs have been known for their efficacy ever since the Joseon Dynasty (1932-1910) and the 45℃ germanium water is widely known for its health benefits. The region has been home to major spa resorts since 1917.Nearby tourist attractions include Chunguisa Temple, which enshrines the spirit of Patriot Yun Bong-Gil, and Sudeoksa Temple, a training site for Buddhist nuns. Within the spa district are 9 major spa facilities, approximately 50 hotels, and numerous restaurants.

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.

In Boryeong-si, Chungcheongnam-do, Boryeong Eunhaeng (Ginkgo) Village is filled with ginkgo trees. It is also called “Cheongna Eunghaeng Maeul” (청라 은행 마을) and “Green Rural Tourism Village” (녹색농촌체험마을). Upon entering the village, murals can be seen, which are enhanced by ginkgo trees throughout the village, particularly in autumn when they change a dazzling yellow. The village uses Janghyeon Elementary School, which closed in 1991, as a market place and local experience venue. Permanent hands-on programs and seasonal countryside activities, making a mosaic with ginkgo leaves, and shaking and gathering ginkgo leaves are also available. ​

Deogyusan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest (덕유산자연휴양림) is located south of Muju district. Within this recreation forest, there is small valley full of pine trees that extend toward the sky, creating a cool ambiance.Within recreation forest there are wildflowers, promenades, summerhouses, an observatory, a therapeutic forest walk, and various other facilities. Lodging facilities include a forest cabin, a forest lodge, row houses, and camping grounds. Reservations can be made through the homepage.

The Energy Exhibition Hall in the Energy Environment Science Park is in the shape of a sailboat to complement the oceanic scenery surrounding the museum. The exhibition hall consists of a showroom and an observation room that introduce the principles and usage of alternative energy. The exhibition center demonstrates how wind and photovoltaic power plants work, and in what ways clean renewable energy is being used. The center is also used as a solar power plant, and visitors can observe devices and facilities powered by future energies.

Songgwangsa Temple in Soyang-myeon (Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province) has a unique history that spans a period of over a thousand years. For many years the temple lay incomplete until Monk Bojo Chejing began reconstruction in the 7th year of King Gyeongmun of Silla (867 AD). The temple was destroyed at one point in time, but Master Monk Jinul prayed that it be rebuilt. In accordance with his fervent hopes, in the 1600s the monk’s followers rebuilt a number of the temple’s halls and buildings, many of which can still be seen today. The temple is also remembered as the temple that King Injo helped rebuild with the hope that his two sons, who had been taken hostage by the Qing Dynasty during the Byeongjahoran War (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636), would be returned safely and that Buddha would heal the nation.One of the Korea’s four major temples, Songgwangsa is home to Jijangbosal and Siwangsang statues (found in Jijangjeon Hall), a Seokgayeorae statue, and 500 Nahansang statues (found in Nahanjeon Hall). The temple is also home to eight Tangible Cultural Assets and four Treasured Cultural Assets: Daeungjeon Hall, the Samsebulsang statues, the bell-tower, and the Sacheonwangsang statue.Beloved for its historical significance as well as its beauty, the temple draws throngs of worshipers throughout the year. In spring, many tourists flock to the area to explore the temple and walk through the nearby cherry blossom tunnels. A worthwhile attraction for visitors of all ages, the temple is particularly well-suited for those with mobility problems since it is located on ground level.

At the heart of the Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone is Muju Gucheondong Valley. The outer parts of Deogyusan National Park and the mountain’s natural recreation forest are also part of the special tourist zone.The 30-kilometer-long Muju Gucheondong Valley is located to the north of Deogyusan National Park. The calm and soothing sound of the water flowing through a lush forest make this a great summer destination. The 33 scenic points of Gucheondong include Eunguam Rock, Haksodae Falls, Waryongdam Pond, Gucheon Waterfall and Yeonhwa Waterfall. In the summer, visitors can see the rare sight of fireflies in their natural habitat. The fall foliage in autumn and the winter snowscape are also quite exquisite.Within the vicinity of Muju Gucheondong is Muju Resort. The resort complex is made up of a family hotel, resort condominium and various recreational facilities where visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Visitors can take the gondola from the resort all the way up to Deogyusan Mountain’s Seolcheonbong Peak (1,520 meters). From, there, they can easily reach the summit at Hyangjeokbong Peak (1,614 meters).Taekwondowon, located near the Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone, offers a hands-on Taekwondo experience program. Those who are interested in learning Taekwondo can take part in a 1-day program which includes a Taekwondo demonstration, a Taekwondo class (basic movements), and board breaking.[Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone]Areas Covered: Mupung-myeon (Samgoe-ri) and Seolcheon-myeon (Samgong-ri and Simgok-ri) in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-doArea size: 7,610,000 ㎡Tourist Attractions: Deogyusan National Park, 33 Scenic Views of Muju, Gucheondong Valley, Muju Resort, forest park, Taekwondowon, Muju Hyanggyo (Confucian school), Baengnyeonsa Temple, Jeoksansanseong Fortress, etc.

The Iron Triangle Battlefield is the area that connects Gimhwa, Pyeonggang and Cheorwon. This area had the highest number of casualties during the Korean War with the Baekmagoji Battle and Oseongsan Battle. The Iron Triangle Battlefield was prohibited to the public after 1953 when the war ended in a ceasefire. Yet the reality of the war only began surfacing from November 1989.The Iron Triangle Battlefield was the headquarters and frontline of the North Korean Army. This area had the unique natural advantage of being a difficult target for Allied forces to attack, but remained an easy area for North Koreans to defend. At the old battlefields are the labor headquarters, the 2nd tunnel and the remains of a train with a sign that reads 'The iron horse wants to run'. The Labor Headquarters, a Russian-style 3-story building, was built by compulsory fund raising and labor mobilization. Many people who were here during the anticommunist movement were later tortured and killed. Behind the building remains of people, bullets and iron chains can still be found even to this day.This is also the area where the 2nd tunnel, 108km north from Seoul, was made by North Koreans who were planning to invade South Korea. It is also known as the gathering area of seasonal birds and is a popular bird-watching spot. 

Soswaewon Garden is a private garden from the Joseon Period where the beauty of traditional Korea is preserved. It was built by Yang San-Bo (1503-1557) after he gave up his success when his mentor Jo Gwang-Jo (1482-1519) was killed during a political strife. Soswaewon Garden presents itself as a clean and transparent garden where the righteous enjoy the life of anbinnakdo (being comfortable amid poverty and taking pleasure in and honest life style) surrounded by a bamboo grove. Including peach trees, various kinds of trees and grass are planted on both sides of the stream while clear water flows down the foot of the garden walls. The log bridge above the valley adds to the charm of the scenery. The harmony between nature and the artificial waterfall is a sight to behold. Soswaewon Garden is 150m away from the main road. Passing through the thick bamboo forest, you will find the small valley and Soswaewon Garden on your left.

Ulsan Museum is an archive of the history, present, and future of Ulsan City. The museum facilities include a history hall giving a general outline of the city from the prehistoric to the modern times, an industry hall showing Ulsan as the industrial capital of Korea, and a children’s experience hall for educational purposes. This eco-friendly museum equipped with advanced exhibition and education facilities is a model cultural space to help establish the visitors understand Ulsan’s identity.