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.

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.

‘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.

The Invention Education Center offers an experience room, experience hall, lecture rooms, and various other facilities throughout four floors. Visitors can learn about top inventors and their inventions in each area. The education programs are conducted by researchers from Daedeok Innopolis, members of the board of examiners of the Korea Industrial Property Office, professors from top universities and more. With their vast knowledge and experience, the lecturers help to cultivate students' ingenuity and competitive spirit. The Invention Education Center aims to help students understand inventions better through the use of fun and playful experiences. The experiences are divided into four themes, including "Click, Imagination Icon," "View Imagination's Strength," "The Fruit of Imagination," and "Imagination is Reality."

Beopseongpo (법성포) is where an Indian Monk Mirananta first set foot on Korean territory in A.D 384 to spread Buddhism, having made his journey via Dongjin in China. This area then is being developed as a tourist destination as the originating place of Buddhism in Korea. Note: the word ‘Beop’ in ‘Beop-seong-po’ means Buddhism while ‘Seong’ means a saint, referring to the Indian Monk Marananta. The origins of Buddhism in Korea are clear for Goguryeo and the Silla Kingdoms, but regarding the Kingdom of Baekje it is a little more obscure. It has been claimed by word of mouth in this region that the Indian Monk Marananta came to Beopseongpo of Yeonggwang to deliver his message of Buddhism and built the Bulgapsa Temple (불갑사) which hence became the first monument of Buddhism in the Baekje Kingdom.

Iljasan Mountain is the tallest peak in Gangdong-gu, Seoul, providing the western boundary between Gangdong-gu and Hanam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Iljasan Mountain is one of the best spots in Seoul to watch the sunrise. Located on the mountain is the house of Master Lee Jip (pen-name Dunchon), providing a good getaway spot for local residents. Lee jip was a loyal government official during the reign of King Gongmin during the late Goryeo Dynasty. He was forced to move to a underground tunnel in the southwest side of Iljasan Mountain to avoid entrapment by Shin Don, a person of influence at the time. While living in hiding, he took the pen-name Dunchon (meaning drawing back to the countryside) to symbolize the hardships he was going through. The nearby area was named after him, being called Dunchon-dong.

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.

The Women’s History Exhibition Hall is a cultural space and exhibition area that covers the history of women Korea, and is the first of its kind in Korea. Continuously exploring and unfolding information and items related to the history of Korean women, and situating the material in a balanced historical context, the Exhibition Hall aims to give women their rightful place in Korean history. In addition, the Women’s History Exhibition Hall intends to enhance women’s sense of pride and expand gender equality through its various activities, including public education programs and special exhibitions.

Daecheongho Obaengni (500-ri) Road is a 220km walking path passing through the Daejong (Dong-gu, Daedeok-gu) and Chungcheongbuk-do (Cheongwon, Okcheon, Boeun) areas. The road passes Daecheongho Lake, small streams, trekking roads, a forest trail, an old path, and much more. The "obaengni" (500-ri) from the name of the road comes from the distance from Seoul or Busan to Daecheongho Lake, which is 500-ri. Several mountains at an altitude of 200-300m and lots of greenery surround Daecheongho Lake. The area also has a date course, a meditation course, a trekking course, a family trip course to experience rural culture and cultural exploration, a bike course and other themed courses. The road was awarded an Asian Townscape Award by the UN-Habitat Program. Near the road are tourism attractions like the Daecheong Dam Water Culture Center, Daecheongho Sculture Park, Daecheongho Art Museum, Daecheongho Natural Ecology Center and others. In addition, there are historic cultural tourism spots like Cheongwon Cheongnamdae, Munui Cultural Properities Site, Boeun Songnisan Mountain, Okcheon Dujunbong Peak, and the birthplace of Jeong Jiyong and Yuk Yeongsu.

Escape to Korea’s Premier Wellness Retreat: Pinocchio Forest Nestled in the lush foothills of Chiaksan Mountain, Pinocchio Forest is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking wellness and relaxation in Korea. Recently designated as one of Gangwon’s Outstanding Wellness Tourism Destinations for 2024-2025, this serene haven offers the perfect setting to rejuvenate your body and mind while exploring Korea. The term "wellness" combines well-being, happiness, and fitness, reflecting a holistic approach to health. Wellness tourism provides opportunities for modern travelers to heal and recover from the stresses of daily life through nature therapy, beauty treatments, spa services, meditation, and relaxation. Pinocchio Forest perfectly embodies this concept, offering programs and facilities that cater to all ages and interests. Experience Nature Like Never Before From eco-friendly lodges and caravans to family-friendly glamping, Pinocchio Forest ensures a comfortable and immersive experience. Wake up to the scent of fresh pine trees and explore activities that blend adventure and tranquility. * Adrenaline Adventures: Zip-line through towering treetops or conquer the forest’s Eco Adventure Challenge. * Family Fun: Lose yourself in a giant cypress maze or relax in the whimsical Kids Café. * Peaceful Strolls: Discover the beauty of local flora in the botanical garden.         Wellness Redefined Escape the stresses of modern life with Pinocchio Forest’s signature wellness programs: * Forest therapy sessions for holistic healing. * Guided meditation to calm the mind. * Mountain hikes to refresh the spirit. A Top Recommendation for Your Korea Journey Pinocchio Forest is more than a destination—it’s an experience that combines nature, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're planning a solo retreat or a family getaway, this top wellness destination in Gangwon promises unforgettable memories during your visit to Korea. Discover why Pinocchio Forest is one of Korea’s best recommendations for travelers seeking a unique and rejuvenating journey. ​『 COPYRIGHTS © 강원특별자치도 경제진흥원 All rights reserved. https://www.kwellness.kr』