Yeongneung (영릉) is the joint tomb of the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) and his wife Queen Soheon (1395-1446). This was the first joint royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty.King Sejong was the third son of the 3rd ruler, King Taejong, and his wife Queen Wongyeong. He came to the throne at the age of 22. During his 32-year reign, he was very influential in the development of Korean culture. For example, King Sejong created the Korean alphabet, which he called Hunmin Jeongeum, and set up the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon, 집현전), an association of the kingdom’s brightest scholars. He also used Confucian principles to administer state affairs. Under the reign of King Sejong, therefore, many sectors including politics, economy, society and culture flourished. In fact, King Sejong the Great is regarded as making some of the most brilliant achievements in Korean history.Yeongneung is currently located in Neungseo-myeon in Yeoju-si in Gyeonggi-do, but the tomb was originally located in Seogang, Gwangju. When it was constructed following Queen Soheon’s death in 1446, it was decided it should be a double tomb, and the space on the right side was reserved for King Sejong. In 1450 when King Sejong died, he was buried together with the dead queen. Later, the tomb was moved to its current place, as it was thought that the original location was not an auspicious place according to geomantic traditions.Various items that were originally buried in the tomb were excavated in 1973 and now are exhibited in the King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall (세종대왕 기념관), which is located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul.Nyeongneung (녕릉/영릉) is the royal tomb of the 17th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Hyojong (1619-1659, reign 1649-1659), and of his wife Queen Inseon (1618-1674).The tomb was originally located to the west of Geonwolleung (건원릉, the tomb of King Taejo, the 1st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty), but in 1673 cracks appeared on the tomb’s “Byeongpungseok” (stone border), and it was moved to its current location, which is to the east of Yeongneung (영릉, the tomb of King Sejong).King Hyojong was the second son of King Injo, Joseon Dynasty’s 16th ruler, and Queen Illyeol. Upon ascending to the throne, he devised a plan to conquer the Northern region of Asia, including the Qing Dynasty (part of China). As part of the plan, he reformed the military system and strengthened the army and military enforcements. King Hyojong had spent time in northern China when he was taken hostage by the Manchus. During that time he became exposed to many different cultures and technological advancements. When a group of Dutch sailors were shipwrecked on the Korean shore, King Hyojong ordered them to build the Korean army’s first muskets.King Hyojong also implemented “Daedongbeop (대동법)”, a tax system under which people had to pay taxes with rice, and circulated “Sangpyeongtongbo (상평통보)”, the coinage of the Joseon Dynasty.

Anmingogae Hill is a 9 kilometer-long hill that reaches from Taebaek-dong in Jinhae to Anmin-dong in Changwon. Six of the nine kilometers are lined with cherry blossoms, making up the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel. The hill is also known for its view of Jinhaeman Bay, Ungsan Mountain (alt. 703m), Sirubong Peak (alt. 630m) and Cheonjabong Peak (502m). The hill is dotted with benches placed about 100m apart, offering visitors a comfortable way to catch their breath while enjoying the view and cherry trees.Also of note is the Anmin Saengtaegyo Bridge (Anmin Ecology Bridge), which was built as a passageway for wild animals to travel between Jangboksan and Ungsan mountains after the mountains were divided by the Anmin Tourism Road running from Jinhae and Changwon. The hiking trail to Jangboksan Mountain past the Anmin Saengtaegyo Bridge is closed in the spring as part of fire prevention measures.

Iksan Godori Standing Stone Buddha is Treasure No. 46. The two Buddha statues (each measuring 424cm) stand face-to-face at a distance of 200 meters apart and tell the story of an eternal, but unrequited love. According to legend, the two Buddhas (one male, one female) are lovers that can only meet for one night in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. After the sunset on that special day the lovers are allowed to meet, but must return to their respective positions before the rooster crows at dawn. The two statues are very representative of the Goryeo Era, which produced many stone statues with minimal expression of the physical body. True to the era, each Buddha has almost no curves and is depicted with plain clothing and barely distinguishable arms. On their heads, the Buddhas wear a crown topped with another square hat. With their square faces, small eyes, pug noses, and small lips, the Buddas are reminiscent of guardian deities typically placed at the entrance of villages.

Situated in Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do and at the northernmost point of the Military Demarcation Line, Dora Observatory replaced the previous Songaksan Observation Post. From the observatory, visitors can overlook North Korea and various locations including Gaeseong, Songaksan, Kim Il-Sung Statue, and Cooperation Farm (Geumamgol). The observatory offers 500 seats, VIP rooms, and abundant parking space. It was first opened to the public in January 1987. Near the observatory is the Third Underground Tunnel, built by North Korea and found in 1978. It stretches over 1.6km with a x_height and x_width of 2m, capable of mobilizing 30,000 troops in one hour. In front of the tunnel are a variety of attractions such as the DMZ Media Hall (offering the history of the divided country and flourishing ecosystem in the Demilitarized Zone), DMZ Exhibition Hall (displaying relics and documents related to the Demilitarized Zone), sculptures, and souvenir shops. Visitors can see inside the tunnel by either walking or riding the monorail. Because civilian access is restricted in this area, visitors must participate in the DMZ Peace & Security Tourist Program (implemented by Paju-si) to visit the observatory. Conducted by a shuttle bus either from Imjingak Resort or Dorasan Station, it goes through the Dora Observatory, 3rd Underground Tunnel, Dorasan Station, and Unification Village. Visitors must carry their passport, which is examined at the checkpoint just beyond Unification Bridge.

The Daecheongho Natural Ecology Center in Chu-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon highlights the natural ecosystem of the Daecheongho Lake, which was created by the damming of Geumgang River in 1980. Daecheongho Lake is the third largest lake in Korea and boasts a reservoir measuring a surface area of 72.8 square kilometers, a circumference of 80 kilometers, and a capacity of 1.5 billion tons of water.The Daecheongho Natural Ecology Center stands on a plot of land alongside Daecheongho Lake spanning 8,270 square meters; the building itself (B1-3F) measures 1,488.5 square meters. The first floor houses an event hall, a storage room, and a theater showing videos on the natural ecology of Daecheongho Lake. On the second floor, there is a folk history center and ecology center boasting specimens of fish, insects, and plants native to the lake. The third floor houses an environmental center where participants can learn about the importance of recycling and protecting the lake’s water quality. There is also an observatory from which to view Daecheongho Lake and an outdoor ecology pond, wildflower beds, a small zoo, a mushroom center, an insect center, and a forest classroom.

At Sansawon, visitors may sample food (rice cakes, Sanghwa dumplings, pickled vegetable soaked in rice wine leftovers, rice punch) and beverages made of liquor and liquor ingredients such as suljigemi (rice wine leftovers) or nureuk (yeast). The museum displays over 1,000 historical documents on traditional liquor as well as liquor brewery devices such as yakteul, nureukteul, gyeobogary, and sojugori. Moreover, the traditional brewing process, as seen in the folktale 'Mrs. Kim's Brewery' is recreated using the actual tools and devices from the traditional brewing process. The museum also features the process and culture of Gayangju (homemade liquor) with puppets and dolls. Visitors will leave the facility with a deeper appreciation of the devotion of ancient Korean brewmasters and the art of traditional Korean liquor. At the Gayangju Class, operated by Sansawon, anyone who wants to know more about traditional liquor may have a chance to learn about liquor ingredients, liquor-related folktales, and the brewing process. You can even learn first-hand how to make traditional liquor. You may either take your alcohol home with you after the class or leave it at the museum and stop by for it later. *Grand open November, 1996

Da Vinci Museum, located in Seogwipo-si on Jeju Island is the only museum that has the Da Vinci License in Korea. The museum offers visitors a chance to experience a wide variety of activities and hands-on programs. When you think of Leonardo Da Vinci, a few things that come to mind are the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. However, one of the greatest masterpieces in his life is the Codex, a collection of his writings. Over 7,000 pages of the Codex, A.K.A. a notebook of secrets, survives today, and the museum displays over 200 works created and inspired based on the writings in the Codex. The museum houses information about the life and times of Leonardo Davinci, a superb scientist, anatomist, and inventor.

Seosamneung (서삼릉) is the name of the three royal tombs of Huireung (희릉), Hyoreung (효릉) and Yereung (예릉). It is located in Deokyang-gu in Goyang, Gyeonggi-do province.Huireung (희릉) is the tomb of Queen Janggyeong, the second wife of King Jungjong, the 11th ruler. The tomb is simple, surrounded only by “Nanganseok”, stone railings, but the lotus flowers engraved on the railings make it very pleasant.Hyoreung (효릉) is the name of the tombs of King Injong, the 12th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Inseong. The two graves are linked by a railing. The mounds are surrounded by “Byeongpungseok”, which is a wide and rectangular stone border that protects the tomb. The tombstones are engraved with clouds and the twelve animals of the Eastern zodiac.Yereung (예릉) is the name of the tombs of King Cheoljong, the 25th ruler of the Joseon dynasty, and Queen Cheorin. The two graves are linked by a railing.

Gujibong Peak in Gusan-dong, Gimhae in Gyeongsangnam-do is believed to be the birthplace of King Suro, the founder of the Gaya kingdom. The peak was originally named Gusubong (“gu” meaning “turtle,” “su” meaning “head”) after its resemblance to the head of a turtle. The flat part of the peak (the turtle’s “head”) is home to the Tomb of King Suro. On the summit is a southern-style dolmen dating back to the 4th century BC that consists of 5 or 6 support stones and a large cover stone measuring 2.5m in diameter. The cover stone bears the inscription “Gujibongseok,” said to be written by Han Ho.Gujibong Peak is considered a sacred place by the local people because, according to legend, it is the place where the creation of the Gaya Kingdom took place. During the Japanese colonial rule, the “neck” of the turtle was destroyed by the construction of a mountain road. Years later, a pedestrian road was built to rejoin the neck and restore the feng shui of the mountain.

Must-Visit Tourist Spot in Incheon: Wolmi Culture Street and Moonlight Music Fountain Wolmi Culture Street & Moonlight Music Fountain If you're planning a trip to Incheon, one of South Korea's major cities, Wolmido Island should be on your list of must-see attractions. This island is home to several popular spots, including Wolmi Culture Street, Wolmi Park, and Wolmi Theme Park. Wolmi Culture Street is a pedestrian-only street, making it a relaxing place to stroll. The street is adorned with benches where visitors can rest and often features artists drawing portraits. This charming street provides a small oasis for visitors, offering a tranquil spot amid the hustle and bustle. At Wolmi Park, you'll find the Wolmi Observatory, which offers breathtaking panoramic views of Incheon Port and the surrounding area. It's an ideal place to stop by and take in the scenery, especially if you're already visiting Wolmido. Wolmi Theme Park is another highlight, known for its variety of amusement rides that cater to both couples and families. It has become a favorite destination for a fun day out, providing an array of attractions for all ages. A unique feature of Wolmi Culture Street is the Moonlight Music Fountain. Though not large, this fountain is a delightful attraction, particularly in the evening. The fountain operates from May 1st to October 31st, with regular maintenance on Mondays. It features water jets that dance to music, creating a captivating display of light and sound. The evening shows, with their vibrant light effects, are particularly spectacular and offer a memorable experience. Additional Activities on Wolmido Island Wolmi Sea Train The Wolmi Sea Train is a monorail that loops around Wolmido Island. Covering a total distance of 6.1 km in about 42 minutes, this train offers elevated views of the island, Incheon Inner Harbor, and the West Sea, providing a unique perspective of the area. Wolmido Cruise For those who love the sea, the Wolmido Cruise is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the West Sea. The cruise offers views of Incheon Port, Yeongjong Bridge, and stunning sunsets. You can even feed the seagulls from the deck, making for a fun and interactive experience. Culinary Delights Wolmido is known for its seafood restaurants, with over 50 establishments offering fresh seafood dishes. A must-try is "Kalguksu," a handmade noodle soup that's popular on the island. Additionally, there are numerous cafes where you can enjoy a coffee while taking in the sea breeze, making for a perfect relaxation spot. Wolmido Island is a hidden gem in Korea, offering beautiful scenery, delicious food, and exciting activities. It's the perfect destination for a day trip, providing a chance to explore and enjoy without venturing too far from the city. So, when visiting Incheon, make sure to experience the charm and attractions of Wolmido Island.