Namsadang (남사당) is a renowned troupe that combines regional traditional arts such as acrobatics, singing, dancing and circus performances, originating from the Anseong area. The troupe was formed in honor of Baudeogi (바우덕이), a celebrated artist of the Joseon Dynasty and Korea's first entertainer. Namsadang performs on an ongoing basis and also focuses on developing and promoting various hands on Namsadang programs. Through their world tour, Namsadang plays a big role in spreading Korea's culture worldwide. The annual Baudeogi Festival is also a great opportunity for visitors take in various performances and take part in activities.

Yanguidae Wetland Protected Area located between Peace’s Dam and Ojak-gyo is home to a variety of critical species deemed to have a significant value that is worthy to protect. Left untouched for 50 years due to the conflicts between North and South Korea, the area has a well preserved ecosystems. Efforts to conserve this ecosystem and guarding otter nests are needed.

Located at the foot of Mt. Hamwol, Gulgulsa is the only temple cave in Korea. The temple was built out of solid rock during the 6th century by Saint Gwang Yoo and some accompanying monks, and was designed according to the architectural structure of India.On the top of the temple stands a sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and surrounding the sculpture are twelve rock caves used as a prayer sanctuary. Seven of the twelve rock cave sanctuaries are still standing today. Golgulsa’s main attractions are the sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and the Gwaneum Cave.The Buddha sculpture displays the characteristics of the Shilla Buddha, and is 4 meters high. The Buddha has his hair in a topknot, has a calm smile, narrow eyes, small lips, and a long narrow nose. To protect the sculpture of any damage from the wind or rain, a glass ceiling has been installed in the Gwaneum Cave, which is the largest sanctuary of the seven still existing caves.The main Buddha of this cave is the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and the cave walls are dedicated to the 108 meditations of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The Gwaneum Cave has a wall with tiles in front of it, which makes it look like an ordinary sanctuary. But once inside, the entire interior from ceiling to walls is carved all from stone. Golgulsa is unlike any other temple. The road to the temple offers an exciting thrill similar to that of rock climbing. Safety ropes and railings surround Golgulsa. A risky climb up a long set of stairs finally leads up to the caves, including Gwaneum Cave, Jijang Cave, and Yaksa Cave.The Maya Tathagata Buddha can only be seen after climbing the rock walls and holding on tightly to the safety ropes, but only past the cave-like rock that juts out.

A memorial park for the world-renowned composer Isang Yun was created in Docheon-dong, Tongyeong-si where the great composer was born. The Isang Yun Memorial Park consists of several sections including an exhibition hall displaying the composer’s legacy; a multi-purpose lounge, serving coffee and selling souvenirs; a Memorial Hall, where all kinds of performances and seminars take place; and Gyeongsa Square, an outdoor event venue.

Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, Seochulji Pond dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period. There are two, three-storied stone pagodas in the heart of Namsan Village and a small, elegant pond to the east. The pond is famous thanks to a Korean legend, written below: In the 10th year of King Soji (488) of Silla, a crow and a mouse approached the king as he was on his way to Namsan Mountain. The mouse told the King to “follow after the crow” for an easy journey. So, the King and his servant (who was traveling with him) followed the crow, but became distracted and lost their way. As they were wandering about a pond (now known as Seochulji), an old man appeared from the waters’ depths and presented an envelope to the King. Based on the message in the envelope, the King instructed his servant to fire an arrow at the Geomungo (Korean musical instrument) case nearby. The shot killed the queen and a monk who had been hiding there, both of whom had been hatching a plot against the King. The name of the pond, “Seochulji” (literally meaning “writing from the pond”) originates from this legend. It is said that a man named Imjeok built a building by the pond in the 5th year of King Hyeonjong (1664) to enjoy the scenery. The simple, yet elegant building still remains at the northwest of the pond.

The Deokgu Spaworld, located in Uljin-gun, has naturally flowing hot springs water of the finest quality. There are also many sights to see in the area including Eungbongsan Mountain, Deokgu Valley, the Hyeongje Falls, Okryudae, Seonnyeotang, and more.The Deokgu Hot Springs were first discovered around 600 years ago, and are known to be beneficial for people with neuralgia, rheumatism, muscle aches, and skin disorders.The Deokgu Hot Springs are a great getaway for the entire family. Not only can you enjoy bathing in the hot springs water, but there are plenty of plants and animals to see at the nearby mountains and valleys. The hot springs resort has been continuously upgraded since 1983.

The town of Goryeong is four hours outside of Seoul, and features many relic sites of Daegaya around the whole district of Goryeong-gun. Around the first century, Daegaya was formed in the Nakdonggang River’s downstream area in the lower Korean peninsula, flourished independently for 520 years (AD 42~562), and declined after the 6th century. After its decline, part of it was annexed by Silla (57 BC ~ AD 935), and the rest annexed by Baekjae (18 BC~AD 60), and became a forgotten tribal kingdom.On King Jinheung’s (reign 540~576) 23rd year of reign it became the district of Daegaya, and the name was changed to the district of Goryeong on King Gyeongdeok’s (reign 742~765) 16th year of reign.This is the place where you can view the country’s first Sunjangmyo (tomb where many dead people were buried together), called Jisandong Gobungun, Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, and Treasure No. 605, the pre-eminent relics site of the Prehistoric Period called Yangjeondong Amgakhwa, and other various cultural assets.There is a large, ancient tomb with a diameter of 20m, built on the ridgeline of the mountain, and as you go down the mountain, there are 159 other tombs of smaller scale. The largest tomb in the south side is called the Geumrim Royal Tomb, and the other large tombs near it are presumed to be tombs of royalty or aristocrats.At the Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, site of the restored No. 44 tomb, you can see the ancient custom of burying the living with the dead (Royalty buried with their retainers). The dome-style exhibit hall displays Sunjangseokgwak, ironware, pottery and other various excavated relics.

The Uijeongbu Arts Center (의정부 예술의전당) is a multipurpose cultural space that maintains a large theater, a small theater, an international conference hall, and an exhibition hall. The large theater is a spacious performance hall that can support 300 on-stage performers and accommodate an audience of 1,057 persons. The theater has a multifunctional, three-dimensional, moving stage and state-of-the-art stage-lighting and sound facilities, making it a suitable venue for all genres, including orchestras, plays, dance performances, operas, and musicals. Despite its size, the small theater’s lighting and sound facilities match those of the large theater, and the facility can easily support a wide array of lively performances, including plays, chamber music, recitals, choral concerts, and other types of concerts, as well as experimental works. The exhibition hall is comprised of a large, round exhibition hall and two general exhibition halls, and its facilities are able to support any type of exhibition, irrespective of the field or size, such as drawings, calligraphy, sculptures, crafts, or photography. At the international conference hall, various symposiums, workshops, and academic seminars can be easily held, maintaining 109 seats for conference attendees, 68 seats for audience members, simultaneous interpretation facilities for up to five languages, and an audio-video control room. 

Geumpung Brewery: A Taste of Tradition on Ganghwa Island 1. Overview Geumpung Brewery is a traditional Korean brewery (often referred to as a “양조장”) located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon. Renowned for its production of artisanal alcoholic beverages—particularly traditional Korean rice wines or soju—it has grown into a popular destination for travelers looking to experience Korea’s deep-rooted craft brewing culture. Surrounded by Ganghwa’s serene countryside, Geumpung Brewery combines heritage, taste, and hands-on learning, making it a must-visit for anyone looking to delve into local traditions and flavors. 2. History & Significance * Roots in Korean Brewing Culture Ganghwa Island has long been known for its agricultural heritage, and local breweries have historically relied on nearby farms for high-quality rice and grains. Geumpung Brewery carries on this legacy by using carefully sourced ingredients and time-tested methods handed down through generations. * Revitalizing Traditional Techniques In an era of large-scale industrial production, Geumpung stands out by preserving age-old recipes and natural fermentation processes. By doing so, it offers visitors a glimpse into the classic Korean brewing style that has shaped the nation’s beverage culture for centuries. 3. What to See & Do * Brewery Tours & Tastings Many visitors come to sample makgeolli (unfiltered rice wine), soju, or other craft liquors produced on-site. Brewery tours typically explain the fermentation process, ingredient selection, and cultural significance of each beverage. On some occasions, guests may enjoy guided tastings where they can learn to discern subtle flavor variations or pair them with local dishes. * Hands-On Workshops Depending on the brewery’s schedule, Geumpung Brewery may host short classes or workshops where visitors can try their hand at basic fermentation or bottling. These sessions often include interactive discussions with brewmasters, offering insight into the artistry behind Korea’s traditional liquors. * Traditional Ambience & Architecture The brewery itself may feature rustic wooden structures or courtyard areas reminiscent of rural Korean architecture. Strolling around the premises allows visitors to soak in the calm Ganghwa Island atmosphere, as well as snap memorable photos showcasing a blend of history and modern craft. 4. Practical Information * Location Situated on Ganghwa Island, Incheon, Geumpung Brewery benefits from the region’s peaceful environment—just a short drive or bus ride away from other notable attractions such as temples, coastal walks, and historical sites. * Hours & Admission Operating hours, tour times, and workshop availability can change due to seasonal or production considerations. It’s best to check Geumpung Brewery’s official website or social media channels for the latest updates, reservation details, or special promotions. * Transportation By Car/Taxi: Travel times from central Incheon or Seoul range from one to two hours, depending on traffic. Enter “Geumpung Brewery” or “금풍양조장” in your GPS/map app for directions. By Public Transit: Take an intercity bus to Ganghwa Bus Terminal, then use local bus routes or a short taxi ride to the brewery’s vicinity. * Visitor Tips While some staff may speak basic English, bringing a translation app or knowing a few Korean phrases can enhance your experience, especially if you want to ask in-depth questions about the brewing process. For travelers on a tight schedule, pairing a short brewery tour and tasting with other Ganghwa highlights—like Ganghwa dolmens (a UNESCO World Heritage site) or scenic coastal areas—makes an ideal day trip itinerary. 5. Why Include Geumpung Brewery in Your Incheon Trip * Authentic Cultural Experience Observing how rice wine and soju are still made using traditional methods is a window into Korea’s culinary heritage and the island’s agrarian roots. * Tasting Local Flavors You’ll get to savor freshly brewed rice wines or spirits—often showcasing a more nuanced taste than mass-produced versions. * Hands-On Learning If you join a workshop, you can gain firsthand knowledge about Korea’s unique approach to fermentation—a cornerstone of its food and drink culture. * Ganghwa Island Exploration Ganghwa-do boasts numerous temples, old fortresses, and picturesque landscapes. Adding Geumpung Brewery to your travel route enhances the overall cultural depth of your journey. Conclusion Geumpung Brewery stands as a testament to Korea’s vibrant brewing heritage on Ganghwa Island. Its commitment to preserving age-old techniques, along with offering tours, tastings, and occasional workshops, makes it a standout attraction for foreign visitors. Whether you’re on a day trip from Incheon or planning an extended stay to explore the island’s historical and natural sites, Geumpung Brewery provides an authentic, palate-pleasing introduction to the rich tapestry of Korean traditional alcohol. Enjoy the relaxed pace, savor local flavors, and leave with a deeper appreciation for a centuries-old craft that continues to thrive in modern times.

Hello Kitty Island is a special exhibition hall, themed around Hello Kitty, beloved by many people all over the world. Visitors can enjoy the many various exhibits, comprised of a gift shop, Kitty History Hall, Art Education Hall, Music Education Hall, Art Gallery, World Gallery Hall, Trip around the World Gallery Hall, Constellation Education Hall, Planned Gallery, Hello Kitty Café, 3D Theater, Outdoor Modeling Gallery, and more. At Hello Kitty Café, hot coffee is served along with sweet deserts.