Jeondeungsa Temple: A Tranquil Retreat Steeped in History
 
Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)
Jeondeungsa Temple, located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, South Korea, is a historic Buddhist sanctuary with a rich legacy dating back to 381 A.D. during the Goguryeo Kingdom. Surrounded by the peaceful Samnangseong Fortress and lush greenery, the temple provides a serene escape for visitors seeking cultural and spiritual enrichment. A Glimpse into History Established by the revered monk Ado-hwasang, Jeondeungsa holds an important place in Korean Buddhist history. The temple has witnessed significant historical moments and played a vital role in the spiritual life of the region. The main hall, Daeungjeon, is particularly famous for its exquisite wood carvings, showcasing the architectural excellence of the mid-Joseon period. During the temple's history, soldiers engraved their prayers for victory and protection on the walls and columns of Daeungjeon, leaving behind a tangible connection to Korea’s past conflicts. Architectural Marvels Jeondeungsa Temple is home to various structures of cultural and artistic significance, including: * Daeungjeon Hall: The temple’s central structure, admired for its intricate carvings and deep historical roots. * Beomjong Pavilion: This bell pavilion houses the ancient temple bell, which continues to be used in traditional Buddhist ceremonies. * Samseonggak Shrine: A sacred space dedicated to the Three Sages, reflecting the harmonious blend of Buddhist tradition and Korean spirituality. A Scenic and Spiritual Getaway Set amidst dense forests and gentle hills, Jeondeungsa Temple offers more than just history. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, admire the vibrant seasonal foliage, and soak in the peaceful ambiance. The temple complex is an ideal destination for those looking to reconnect with nature while exploring Korea’s cultural heritage. Why Visit Jeondeungsa Temple? Jeondeungsa Temple is more than just a historic site; it’s a place where history, culture, and nature come together in harmony. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a quiet retreat, Jeondeungsa offers a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Museum of Musical Instruments of the World
 
Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si)
Museum of Musical Instruments of the World is the first Korean museum that collects musical instruments from all over the world. At present, it houses about 500 musical instruments from about 70 countries including African percussions (made with rocks, trees, animal’s bone such as balafon, jembe, didgeridoo, angklung, and others), musical instruments from the Middle East, Islamic northeast Asia, and an island country in the Pacific Ocean. Visitors can attempt to play the instrument in person at the designated hands-on activity area, and try on traditional costume, as well as, other entertainment activity like pungmul (traditional Korean percussions). Visitors who don’t get enough by just playing and touching the instrument can also take part in the folk music lectures to learn more about their favorite musical instrument that features a cultural artistic hands-on activity space. In addition, to provide more knowledge on the regional culture, the museum showcases musical instrument with dolls of respective region's traditional costume, pungmul, and painting.

Sammok Quay
 
Incheon(Jung-gu)
Sammok Quay is located in the north of Yeongjongdo (Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon). Boats typically operate between Sammok and other islands in its vicinity (Jangbongdo, Modo, Sindo, and Sido). Its name originates from Sammokdo, where the quay belonged. Sindo is an island near Sammok Quay. It is also called Jinyeom, which means true salt because salt is produced there. Visitors can enjoy the breath-taking view of Yeongjongdo and the West Sea from the peak of Mt. Gubong in Sindo. Two bridges connect Sindo, Sido, and Modo. Sido’s natural beauty is still preserved due to its isolation and has appeared in the Korean soap operas, “Full House” and “Winter Sonata,” attracting tourists increasingly. Around March 15 on the lunar calendar, the sea route between Modo and Hoedong-ri (Gogun-myeon) is said to open for two hours over the x_width of 18 meters. It is often considered the Mysterious Sea Route or Moses Miracle in Korea. Many tourists visit Modo around that time to witness the mystery of nature. Visitors can take a boat from Sindo to Jangbongdo, whose name originates from having many peaks and a long-shaped island. It boasts many coastal wonders. Surrounded by wide tidal land, these four islands are home to rare, precious birds such as Swinhoe’s Egret (Natural Monument No.360) and Black-Tailed Gull (Natural Monument No. 361). Famous local produce includes grapes, dried laver, shrimp, razor clams, and octopus. Modo got itself name after Chinese character ‘Tti’ meaning lines of fish nets because when fishing, no fish were caught hanging in Tti. The story of the Royal Investigator Lee Geon-chang came down from generation to generation with a monument. Trout fishing is formed around the island; mangdungeo, rockfish, conger eel and other are caught as well. Specialties includes grapes with high sugar content and wild oysters.

Football Faentasium
 
Seoul(Mapo-gu) ,
Football Faentasium is the first soccer-themed experience museum in Korea, founded by the Korea Football Association. The museum uses the lastest in IT for exciting displays, experiences, educational lessons, and more for a facility more like a theme park than a museum. The name comes from a mix of the words fan, fantasy, museum, and stadium.

Tium Hangeul Museum
 
Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si)
The ‘Tium Hangeul Museum’, located in Paju’s Heyri Art Valley (where every structure is a work of art) is the first cultural space dedicated to the Hangeul language. The complex is designed entirely to promote the value of Hangeul to children and young guests. The building houses the Hangeul Experience Center, Studio, and Cultural Space which provide unique facts and information on Hangeul as well as hands-on experiences. At Ggomjirak/Jomulrak Studio, visitors can enjoy the beauty of Hangeul by participating in many of the hands-on cultural experiences. These include making Hangeul glass arts & crafts, designing their own Hangeul t-shirts and enjoying an old-fashioned typewriter on display. Also within the building is the Udangtang Hangeul Factory where kids can learn the history behind the creation of Hangeul while enjoying a variety of animated programs and other fun features. Snacks, seasonal beverages and a range of Hangeul-related products are also available inside the cultural space.  

Seokbinggo
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si) ,
Seokbinggo means a freezer made of rocks. It is an ancient refrigerator only in Korea. It is located in Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Era (BC57-AD935). The appearance of this wonderful vestige is humble and simple. But you will not be disappointed at the entrance of the freezer. You can feel the cold from inside the structure. Half of Seokbinggo is underground while the other half is above ground, signifying the scientific propensity of Korea. The floor, walls, and ceiling are made of granite and have an airway. The walls are covered with limestone to keep off moisture and water. The floor is slanted to allow melted ice to funnel out. Frozen ice was popular for the upper class. From historical annals, it is assumed that Seokbinggo was made at least 1,500 years ago. Seokbbingo has been designated as National Treasure No. 66.

Busan Station
 
Busan(Dong-gu)
Busan Station opened on April 1, 1908 and expanded to include Korea Trail Express (KTX) services in 2004. With the opening of the 2nd Gyeongbu express railway, the station waiting room was expanded and a parking lot was added on the 2nd floor. The station is a major stop on all Gyeongbu line express trains (KTX) and general trains.

National Hangeul Museum (국립한글박물관)
 
Seoul(Yongsan-gu)
The National Hangeul Museum showcases the history and value of Korean orthography, Korean’s most-valued cultural asset, through exhibitions, activities, and education. Occupying over 11,322㎡, the museum has one basement level and three ground levels, along with an outdoor grass field and resting area perfect for cultural events, exhibits, and education. The museum is comprised of the Hangeulnuri (library) on the first floor, a permanent exhibition hall and Areumnuri (Korean cultural item store/tea house) on the second floor, and then a planned exhibition hall and a Hangeul playground for children and foreigners on the third floor. * Opening date: October 9, 2014

Suwon Gwanggyo Museum
 
Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) ,
Suwon Gwanggyo Museum features a variety of relics that were discovered during the construction of Gywanggyo New Town Project. The exhibitions focus on the history and culture of Gwanggyo based on artifacts along with materials related to Korea’s modern history, Dokdo Island, and Admiral Yi Sun-sin. Suwon Gwanggyo Museum is located in Gywanggyo History Park near the burial site of Sim On and Hyeryeong-gun, providing a great opportunity for visitors to learn about Korea’s history as well as enjoy a relaxing stroll around the park.  

Wooyang Art Museum
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si) ,
Wooyang Art Museum, located in the Bomun Tourist Complex, is a private gallery of modern art established in 1991. The collections of major modern and contemporary artists are on display. The museum targets famous modern art collections and retrospective exhibitions of artists in the middle of their careers. Nearly 450 pieces of European and American sculptures, paintings, and photographs from the 1960s, along with leading collections of Korean modernist art from the 1970s, are displayed in Wooyang Art Museum. In particular, modern Eastern European art and decorative art collections, a rarity in Korea, are on display here. The place has also beeb showcasing modern and contemporary art from a historical perspective through a large-scale international exhibition, and plans to hold a special exhibition for renowned domestic and foreign artists in the middle of their careers who have suggested art trends ahead of their time. Furthermore, various lecture and exhibitions have been held to meet the diverse needs of local citizens, making Wooyang Art Museum a major cultural center in the community.