With Songnisan National Park at its center, Songnisan Special Tourist Zone offers picturesque scenery and cozy resorts. 1,058 m above sea level, Songnisan Mountain is one of the 8 scenic wonders in Korea, and its steep peaks and deep valleys create a fascinating view. A variety of hiking trails that set out from Beobjusa Temple offer superb mountain scenery from every angle. A tourism complex around Songnisan National Park offers various types of accommodations, and the area's sites, such as Beobjusa Temple, Eunpok-dong Valley, Mansu Valley and Solhyang Park are not to be missed. In fact, the mountain is a habitat for rare animals and plants, including flying squirrels and Berchemia Berchemiaefolia, and is called a “treasure house of natural resources.” The convenient accessibility should be noted as well. The highway between Dangjin and Yeongdeok goes through the zone, and it takes only 30 minutes from Cheongju International Airport. This helps foreign tourists from China, Taiwan and Singapore as well as Korean visitors to easily access the zone. Ssangok information center, Hwayang information center, Beobjusa information center in Boeun-gun County, Chungcheongbuk-do Province or Hwabuk information center in Sangju-si City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province provide all the information needed to fully enjoy Songnisan National Park. A variety of events, including the Songni Festival, the Songnisan Maple Music Festival and the Songnisan Hiking Festival, are held every year, and the largest number of tourists visit in autumn to appreciate a view of the mountain tinged with red. * Current State of Songnisan Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Sangpan, Jungpan, Galmok and Sanae-ri, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 2) Area: 43,745,528㎡ * Tourist Attractions Seowon Valley, Beopjusa Temple, Mansu Valley, Hwayanggugok Valley, Songnisan Mountain Cheonwangbong Peak, Munjangdae Peak, Samnyeonsanseong Fortress, Pine Tree Perfume Park, etc.

Located about 12㎞ off the southwestern coast of Korea, Bogildo Island is accessible by ferry from both Wando-gun and Haenam-gun in Jeollanam-do Province. The island features fishing villages, hiking trails, beaches, evergreen forests as well as several historic buildings and gardens. Furthermore, nearby attractions include Nohwado Island, which is connected to Bogildo by bridge, and Suando Island. Surrounded by blue sea, Bogildo is considered the gem of all islands in this area. Island History The first people to set foot on Bogildo Island are Confucian scholars during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The relics of two such men, 17th century poet Yun Seon-do and politician Uam Song Si-yeol, still remain on the island. Yun had been on his way to Jeju Island when he stopped on Bogildo, and was so taken aback by its beauty that he ended up living on the island. He built and resided in the Buyongdong gardens, which have been well-preserved to this day. Uam Song had also been on his way to Jeju Island, when the boat stopped on Bogildo. Here, Uam Song carved a famous poem into a rock, which can still be seen today.

Byeokbong Korea Jewelry Museum is dedicated to displaying and promotiong the jewelry work by royalty during the Joseon dynasty. Visitors can learn about the various styles and the meanings behind the designs.

Sandong-myeon in the Gurye-gun region is widely known as the home of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) and is responsible for 67% of Korea’s Sansuyu fruit production. The Sangwi Village located at the foot of the southwest side of Manbokdae Mountain (1,433m) is considered the region’s most representative village of Sansuyu. The village has a beautiful natural landscape with the snow-covered Jirisan Mountain range to its back and a small valley to its right. Visitors to Sangwi Village can wind down at the hot spring complex near the village, which is famous for its germanium content and said to have numerous health benefits. The Sansuyu flowers of Sanwi Village typically are at full bloom between March 20th and March 31st, drawing throngs of visitors. * Please note that blossom dates are not exact and change slightly from year to year.

Seolbongsan Mountain (설봉산, 394 m) dominates the western portion of Icheon City. It has also been called Bugaksan Mountain and Muhaksan Mountain since the mountain resembles a crane with its wings spread open. Although the mountain is not rugged and maintains a well kept walking trail, it has many intriguing rock formations. There are as many as eight natural springs from which clear water gushes, and there are also Buddhist temples and relics scattered across the mountain. There are other attractions to see and enjoy as well, such as Seolbong Park, which was established at the opening of the World Ceramic Exhibition, as well as the municipal museum.

Nadeul-gil means a leisurely outing (nadeuri) road. Comprised of 19 courses in total, the Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail offers a variety of historical assets and cultural sites to see. Each Nadeul-gil course connects Ganghwa Fortress outposts that are located every 1.3 km on high ground along the walking paths. The trails are on the island of Ganghwa which holds many Goryeo Dynasty remains that are important to Korean history. Fortresses that stood against Mongolian invasions are still standing and many of the Goryeo Kingdom’s palaces and royal tomb sites are also found in Ganghwa region. Exploring the major cultural heritage sites dispersed throughout the town can be just as fun as exploring Ganghwa’s natural beauty. The sunset on the Seohae (West coast), expansive open mud flats, views from Marisan and Goryeosan Mountains and the peaceful farming villages are just a handful of the sights along this walking trail. The establishment of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil’s begins with the ancient scholar Go Jae-hyeong (pen name Hwanam), who left his hometown Ganghwa on a spring day in 1906 when the peach trees were in full bloom. He walked through more than 100 villages around the whole island. Back home, he composed poems about his journey and published them under the title of “Simdo Gihaeng (Simdo Travels),” Simdo being another name for Ganghwa. During his travels, he sang songs of his home Ganghwa. Thanks to his work, people can now follow in the footsteps of Hwanam and his appreciation of the beautiful scenery and great people of Ganghwa Island.

Ganwolsan Mountain is a popular destination for hikers in the Ulsan and Busan area as well as other regions of Gyengsangnam-do Province. In early August, the reeds and lilies near the summit create a splendid view. To the west, the deep Naerijeong and Wangbonggol valleys channel clean water to Baenaegol Valley. From the Ganwol Gogae Ridge, follow the Singallo Path to Wanbonggol towards Paraeso Falls. There you will find a cave called Jungnimgul, which is sacred Catholic ground often visited by the Catholic faithful. The first church built by Catholics in the Yeongnam region to escape persecution is found in Buldanggol (Ganwolgol) Valley in Ganwolsan Mountain area. The tomb of Kim Agatha who died in persecution is also in the Ganwolgol Valley.

Discover the Rich History and Culture at Incheon Jung-gu Life History Museum If you're planning a trip to Incheon, the Incheon Jung-gu Life History Museum is a must-visit destination that offers a fascinating journey through Korea's past and present. This museum uniquely showcases the coexistence of history and culture in Incheon. Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall The Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall is dedicated to the history of Korea's first Western-style hotel, the Daebul Hotel. Opened in 2018, this hall presents a comprehensive look at the hotel's exterior and its glory days, along with its decline. It features artifacts found at the hotel's site and materials related to hotels and inns in the area during the Japanese colonial period.       Jung-gu Life History Exhibition Hall The Jung-gu Life History Exhibition Hall takes visitors through the life and transformations of Incheon Jung-gu from the 1960s to the 1970s. Opened in 2018, this hall is spread across three floors, each offering a rich array of exhibits: * Basement Level: The entrance features a timeline showcasing the history of Jung-gu since its establishment in 1968. Visitors are greeted by a subway model and other period-specific displays. * First Floor: This floor is dedicated to the clothing, food, and housing cultures of the 1960s and 1970s. It includes a rental service for retro outfits like school uniforms and dresses, where visitors can take memorable photos. The recreated barber shops, coal briquettes, classic cameras, and public telephones evoke nostalgia. Additionally, there are streets replicating the markets and living spaces from that era. * Second Floor: Here, you can explore the culture of the 1960s and 1970s through recreated pubs, theaters, and tea houses. The walls are adorned with record albums, and the theater displays popular movie posters from the 1970s, complete with a ticket booth. You can even watch films from that period if you time your visit right. Unique Experience at Keulaedeul Inside the Jung-gu Life History Exhibition Hall, Keulaedeul offers a unique experience where you can rent traditional Korean hanbok or historical costumes and take photos around the Incheon open port area. This is a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the charm of Korean culture and history. Practical Information Address: 101 Sinpo-ro 23beon-gil, Jungang-dong 1(il)-ga, Jung-gu, Incheon Contact: +82-32-766-2202 Website: Jung-gu Culture and Tourism / Incheon Jung-gu Cultural Foundation Closed: Every Monday (If Monday is a public holiday, the museum is closed on the following Tuesday) Opening Hours: 09:00 - 18:00 (Last admission at 17:30) Admission Fees: Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall & Life History Exhibition Hall: Adults (19+): 1,000 KRW (Individual) / 800 KRW (Group) Youth (13-18): 700 KRW (Individual) / 500 KRW (Group) Military/Police: 500 KRW (Individual) / 400 KRW (Group) Unified Ticket for 5 Museums: Adults (19+): 3,400 KRW (Individual) / 2,800 KRW (Group) Youth (13-18): 2,300 KRW (Individual) / 1,700 KRW (Group) Military/Police: 2,100 KRW (Individual) / 1,400 KRW (Group) Children (12 and under): Free *Group rates apply to 20 or more paying visitors. *Museums included in the unified ticket: Incheon Open Port Modern Architecture Museum, Incheon Open Port Museum, Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall (Life History Exhibition Hall), Korean-Chinese Cultural Center, and Jajangmyeon Museum. The Incheon Jung-gu Life History Museum offers a unique opportunity to experience Incheon’s past and present in one visit. It’s an educational and enjoyable destination for all ages, where you can deeply understand the historical and cultural evolution of the region. Make sure to add this museum to your itinerary for a memorable trip to Incheon.

‘Honbul’ is an epic novel written about three generations of women from the Namwon Lee clan living under the rule of the Japanese in the 1930s. The word ‘Honbul’ literally means ‘a torch of the soul’ and refers to the indomitable spirits of the women that persevered through hard times. The novel was written by the late Choi Myeong-hee over the period of 17 years and remains a much celebrated novel. Sangsin Village and Nobong Village in Namwon-si were the author’s hometown and served as the background of the novel ‘Honbul’. Located inside the village is a traditional Korean house that is an example of yangban (noble class) architecture and the Honbul Literary House, where visitors have an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the novel ‘Hobul’. At the entrance of Nobong Village stands a pair of jangseungs (Korean traditional totem poles), welcoming visitors inside.