During the 1950's three leaders, Kim Ilsung, Rhee Syngman and Lee Ki-poong had summer houses built around the lake of Hwajinpo. The villa of Rhee Syngman, Korea's first president, was built in 1954 but fell into a state of disuse by 1961. It was not repaired until July of 1997 by the army, and was fully restored in 1999, opening as an exhibition hall.

Namsa Yedamchon, along with Hahoe Village in Andong, is the representative ancient Hanok (Korean traditional house) village in Korea. Located at the foothills of Nigusan Mountain, tucked into a bend of the crystal clear Sasucheon Stream, the village looks like it came right out of a dream. Although no one knows the exact date the town was first founded, it is assumed that the town was created before the Goryeo Dynasty since one of the queens of the Goryeo Era was believed to have been born here. Inside the village by the ancient house of the Ha family clan, there used to be a 670-year old apricot that was well known by nature and apricot flower enthusiasts everywhere. Unfortunately, the tree died a few years ago and a seedling from the original tree is growing in its place. Although historical records verify that the house was built in 1377, the house was burnt down during the Donghak Peasant Revolution and has since been restored. The Ha family clan’s house, though famous, is only one of the numerous traditional houses in the village. The oldest house in the village is the ancient house of the Yi family clan that was built sometime in the 1700s. The house is famous for the 300-year-old trees that stand on the road leading up to the house. The two trees cross trunks to form the letter “X,” and are so unusual that many photographers come here just to take pictures of them. Namsa Yedamchon in Korean means ‘lovely walls village’ in Korean and is exactly the right name for this beautiful town. Stone walls measuring 5.7km long line the road from the village’s entrance and the 3.2km-long traditional stone wall in another part of town was even designated a Cultural Heritage in 2006. In Namsa Yedamchon Village, tourists can not only visit and stay in traditional houses, but can also participate in a variety of hands-on programs. At the end of a long day of touring visitors can even use the nearby charcoal sauna that uses charcoal made from the oak woods of Jirisan Mountain. * Famers’ life experience – Traditional Water Mill Experience, ‘Honeybee Keeping’, ‘One-day Famers’ Life Experience * Traditional game-playing – Samgot, Nori, and Pungmul (folk music) performances & campfire * Educational Programs- Ancient houses, cultural heritages, Sancheong’s Eight Scenic Views, ‘Seodang (Traditional Schoolhouse) Experience’, natural dyeing with Pagoda Trees

Experience the Palmi-do Cruise in Incheon Looking for a memorable maritime adventure just outside Seoul? The Palmi-do Cruise offers the perfect mix of scenic ocean views, fascinating history, and a glimpse into Korean coastal culture. Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip: 1. Convenient Location * Short Trip from Seoul: Incheon is located just west of Seoul, making it an ideal day trip for travelers staying in the capital. * Easy Access: Most Palmi-do cruises depart from Incheon Port, which you can reach by public transportation or taxi. 2. Stunning Ocean Views * Panoramic Coastline: Enjoy sweeping views of Korea’s western coast as you sail, dotted with smaller islands and the open sea. * Unforgettable Sunsets: If you can, choose a late-afternoon or evening cruise. You’ll be treated to a spectacular sunset—truly a photographer’s dream! 3. Historical Highlights * Palmi-do Lighthouse: One of Korea’s earliest lighthouses, it has guided ships for more than a century. Though you might not always be able to go inside, seeing it up close is a real treat. * Maritime Heritage: Incheon is a major port city with a pivotal role in Korea’s modern history. Many tours include stories about its growth and significance. 4. Exploring the Island * Island Stopovers: Depending on your cruise, you may have the chance to disembark briefly and explore Palmi-do on foot. * Lighthouse Trails: If you can set foot on the island, follow trails leading to the lighthouse and enjoy gorgeous viewpoints of the surrounding sea. 5. Local Delicacies * Fresh Seafood: Take the opportunity to sample Incheon’s renowned seafood before or after your cruise. * Street Food: Near the port, you’ll find a variety of local snacks to enjoy—perfect for a quick bite before setting sail. 6. Traveler Tips * Book Ahead: Cruises can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. Secure your spot in advance. * Check the Weather: Coastal weather can change suddenly, so bring a light jacket or windbreaker. * Mind the Tides: Cruise schedules sometimes depend on tidal conditions, so confirm departure and return times ahead of your trip. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply in search of an off-the-beaten-path excursion, the Palmi-do Cruise offers an unforgettable voyage along Korea’s western coastline. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll want to capture every moment of this scenic journey! We hope you enjoy exploring Palmi-do and discovering all that Incheon has to offer. Safe travels!

Located in Sinpung-ri, Yulchon-myeon, Yeosu-si, Jeollanam-do, Aeyangwon Church (Reverend Son Yangwon Martyr Memorial Hall) commemorates Reverend Son Yangwon. He began his religious activities and relief efforts at a group home for patients suffering from Hansen's Disease located in Aeyangwon Church, but he was later detained at Yeosu Police Office because he refused to honor Japanese Shinto shrines in 1940. The Memorial Hall's construction was completed on March 27, 1994 in order to commemorate Son Yangwon, who was shot and killed by the North Korean army during the Korean War. The exhibition hall on the first floor displays photos of Son, photos related to Christianity, keepsakes and calligraphy artwork, and the exhibition hall on the second hall displays his prison writings and old books.

Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest (계명산자연휴양림) of Chungju is located east of Chungju Lake and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. In addition, Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest’s nearby roads are good for driving and the area is very popular among tourists and even Koreans. Within this recreational forest, there are pine trees, and various animals and plants. In addition to a host of therapeutic benefits, a walk through these woods is memorably tranquil. The list of recreational facilities includes mountain passes, sporting facilities, a community kitchen, and campfires. As for lodging facilities there are Forest Cabins and family hotels available. Reservations can be made directly through the Homepage. (Korean)

Osaek Hot Springs is in Osaekjigu, a part of Namseorak, and is reputed to have been discovered by a Buddhist monk of Seongguk temple from the Joseon Period (1392~1910). It is 20Km west of Yangyang, 5Km Southeast of Hangyeryeong, and 30km to the south of it is the Osaek mineral spring resort. From three base rocks at the resort come rivulets flowing with water high in iron and carbonic acid, which is good for stomach-ailments, anemia, and neuralgia. The water temperature is relatively low at 30 ℃, and is high in sulfur as well. The water at Osaek Hot Springs gushes from a high ground (650m above sea level), and there is a legend that long ago, nymphs came here to bathe and returned to the heavens. The water temperature here is 42 degrees Celsius, and high in chloric acid, sulfur, manganese, and iron. It feels slippery and soft, and has a slight fishy smell, but it is so great for skincare that Osaek Hot springs is also called Miinoncheon (beauty hot springs). After the geological examination by Gangwon-do in 1982, it was officially designated as Osaekoncheonjigu (Osaek Hot Springs Area).

Gurim Village features a natural village, famous for its huge size and is home to various historical tales, persons and natural cultural tourism resources, making the village attractive to tourists.

Established in 1918, Jumunjin Lighthouse is the first light house in Gangwon-do region. The lighthouse is 3m in max diameter and 10m in x_height with white mortar covered the exterior wall. The building shows the early structure of the country’s lighthouse architecture, which is a great value in terms of the nation’s architectural history. The light signal blinks at 15-second interval and can be identified from 37km away. The lighthouse was once destroyed during Korean War and restored in 1951. Jumunjinhang Harbor, where the lighthouse is located, is 210,000㎡ in size. After becoming a half-way station of Busan-Wonsan Route in 1917, both passenger and freight vessels made an entrance to the harbor.

Sinsido Island is the largest of the 24 islands in the Gogunsan Island Cluster 50 kilometers to the southwest of Gunsan. The cluster of islands (Sinsido, Seonyudo, Jangjado, Munyeodo, etc.) makes for such a breathtaking scene that it is affectionately known as the ‘Star Above the Lake.’ Sinsido, one of the most beautiful islands in the cluster, is located at the center of the Saemangeum Sea Wall connecting Gunsan and Buan. The sea wall itself is also a point of interest as it is the longest of its kind worldwide. To make the island of Sinsido even more tourist-friendly, the island government has systematically begun opening and supporting island “minbaks” (lodging facilities at private residences). While staying at one of these minbaks, guests can explore the island, visit the island’s mid-sized beach or go fishing. Although it’s possible to fish right off the rocks on the shores, travelers are encouraged to a rent a fishing boat in order to see more of the beautiful island scenery.