Pungsuwon was the first catholic village in which over 40 faithful from Yongin (Gyeonggi-do), led by Sin Tae-bo (or St. Peter), settled to escape the wrath of Sinyubakhae (religious persecution of Catholics) of 1801. Over a period of 80 years, the settlers had led their religious lives without a priest until Father Le Merre (a French priest) came to the village in 1888. Succeeding Le Merre in 1896, Father Jeong Gyu-ha (or Augustino), along with Chinese engineers, began to build Pungsuwon Cathedral. Completed in 1907 by the faithful, the cathedral still remains a beautiful building; it is a popular spot for visitors, having frequently appeared in Korean dramas and films. It is the first cathedral built by a Korean priest as well as in Gangwon-do; it is the fourth cathedral built in Korea. Pungsuwon Cathedral was designated as Gangwon-do Local Cultural Property No.69 in 1982.

Chorakdang (초락당), a resort that specializes in Oriental medicine treatments, is located in a mountain village next to Ulsan Metropolitan City. Guests can stay in hanoks (traditional Korean-style houses) with front yards that serve as a perfect setting for rest, relaxation, and medical treatments. Chorakdang offers Hanbang Tours (Oriental medicine tours) designed especially for foreigners, that last for one-night and two-days. Guests will receive health consultations, hwangto face packs (made from yellow earth), medicinal herb baths, as well as meals and teas made from various medicinal herbs. In addition, there is a 2-night/3-day course where guests will be taken on a tour of Gyeongju with the Oriental medicine experience. Reservations for all tours must be made by phone at least 3 to 4 days in advance (please note the resort is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays).

Embracing the former downtown of Incheon, Wolmi Special Tourist Zone is deeply involved in Korea’s modern history and culture. Since modern Western culture and institutions were introduced through the port off the coast of Incheon, the zone has become rich in modern architecture and cultural heritage that tell the stories of the Open Port Period. Visitors can experience the foreign cultures of old when walking on the road along the foot of Wolmisan Mountain, which overlooks the port. The small amusement park in Wolmi Special Tourist Zone is popular with young people for leisure activities and dates. Along the coastline, always busy with travelers, are sashimi restaurants and fancy cafes. Visitors can see a panoramic view of the port and downtown from Wolmi Observation Platform. They can also experience the charm of the fish market and the unique atmosphere of Yeonan Pier where ferries go back and forth near the port. Sea fishing, eating fresh seafood or walking on Open Port Nuri-gil, which is adjacent to the sea, are worth the experience. Chinatown in Wolmi Special Tourist Zone shows the past and the present of Chinese immigrants. There you can find Chinese restaurants, the Incheon Open Port Museum and the Modern Architecture Museum. The Incheon Modern Open Port Street Festival and the Wolmi Special Tourist Zone Culture Festival are held every year. Travelers can learn about Korea’s emigration and open port history at the Museum of Korea Emigration History. * Current State of Wolmi Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Yeonan, Shinheung, Bukseong, Dongincheon and Sinpo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon 2) Area: 3,000,898㎡ * Tourist Attractions Incheon Port, Wolmi Park, Wolmi Observation Platform, The Museum of Korea Emigration History, Art Museum, Chinatown, Modern Open Port and Sinpo Culture Street, Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village, etc.

Maegoe Museum is located on the grounds of Gamgok Maegoe Virgin Mary Catholic Cathedral and showcases the Catholic history of the area over a span of more than 100 years. The museum displays items important to the early Church in Korea, as well as items used by the first priest. The museum serves as a complete education center for visitors to Gamgok Maegoe Virgin Mary Catholic Cathedral.

Kohwun Garden opened on April 28, 2003, following the collection, planting, and cultivation of a wide range of plants and trees. The garden is about 200,000㎡, and the half of the area is used for educational purposes. It is home to at least 15 rare or endangered plant species including Miseonnamu (Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai) and Euryale ferox Salisbury, in addition to nearly 4,500 species of plant genetic resources. The garden also runs education programs and hands-on activities for professionals and non-professionals alike.

Opened in August 1966, the Yeongi Folk Museum showcases relics found in the old site of Sejong Special Self-Governing City. Over 1,000 relics, including Buddhist statues, weapons, pagodas, earthenware, porcelain, bronze ware, roof tiles, paintings, letters, houseware, kitchenware, farming tools, and others are arranged by era.

Bongsudae Beach is located north of Sampo Beach and the white-sand coastline stretches along the side of National Road No.7. The campsite for motor homes attracts many motor-tourists. Since the beach was not accessible to the public before 1997, it is still rather new and clean, and many visitors comment on its cleanliness upon their first impression. Sampo Koresco Resort is located along the seashore, and visitors can easily enjoy the 800-meter stretch of pristine beach at Bongsudae.

Gongjaksan Mountain (887m), home to Sutasa Temple, gives visitors a bird’s-eye view of Hongcheon, named for its resemblance to a peacock proudly displaying its tail feathers. From the bottom, Gongjaksan Mountain looks like a giant laying on his back, looking up to the sky. The mountain offers elegant azaleas in spring, beautiful fall foliage, majestic cliffs with unusual rocks, colonies of pine trees, and a serene snowscape in winter.Sutasa Valley, stretching over 12km between Sutasa Temple and Nocheon-ri, is full of large ponds and broad bedrocks and is flanked by rocky cliffs and pine groves.Located among the foothills, Sutasa Temple is an ancient temple built by Monk Wonhyo in 708 A.D. The temple boasts numerous cultural properties including the gabled roof of Daejeokgwangjeon, a bronze bell (circa 1364), a three-tiered pagoda, and Wolinseokbo (a biography of Buddha, National Treasure No.745).