Selected by CNN as one of the 50 beautiful places to visit in South Korea, Seryangji Reservoir offers amazing scenery not to be missed. The best time to visit is during spring when the cherry blossoms bloom along the lakeside. The reservoir on misty mornings and when the waters mirror the cherry blossoms are the most popular views. The site is especially popular among photographers.

Musangsa Temple (est. March 2000) is an international Zen Temple created by Monk Sungsan exclusively for foreigners. The temple aims at promoting Korean Zen Buddhism among foreign monks and nuns while encouraging non-Buddhist priests and religious leaders to experience Zen. Located at the foot of Gyeryong Mountain, the temple is surrounded by a forest of pine trees, giving visiting Zen practitioners a chance to experience the genuine natural beauty of Korea. To date, over 600 foreigners from 30 different countries have visited the temple to learn more about Zen meditation. Twice a year (once in the summer and once in the winter) a 3-month program is held for foreign monks and nuns to come and practice Ganhwaseon, a type of Zen Buddhism. Travelers and other foreigners are also welcome to participate in shortened versions of the program, which are typically one week in length. During meditation/program periods, public visits are limited. Buddhist services are held every week. Services presided over by monk Musim are open to the general public and are held in English.

With the slogan “Yeongsangang River, where Nature and Life Coexist,” Yeongsangang River Culture Pavilion consists of an open space that blends well with the surrounding natural environment. The center provides a variety of educational programs and hands-on events, through which visitors can increase their understanding of the Yeongsangang River restoration project, the history of Namdo region, and the cultural and ecological environment of the area.

Opened in 2007, the Bongsusan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest offers a variety of forest recreation facilities. The area is home to various wild birds. The forest also offers various hiking trails, which take between one and three hours to complete. The slopes are relatively gentle. Various rest and forest bathing sites are setup throughout the forest. The Yedang Reservoir is nearby, which is the nation’s top fishing ground. Also in the area is the Hyeongje (Brother) Park, Daeheung Dongheon, Daeryeonsa Temple, Imjonseong Fortress, Deoksan Hot Spring, Sudeoksa Temple, Chunguisa Temple, the residence of Chusa Kim Jung-hee, and the Korea Traditional Architecture Museum.

Sangsoo Herb Land is an arboretum which houses 1,000 species of herbs throughout its 82,645㎡ (25,000 pyeong) area. The glass greenhouse, spanning over 9,917㎡ (3,000 pyeong), keeps herbs fresh and green, even in the winter season. Herb Land is well-known for their flowers that bloom year-round, as well their diverse events including the Herb Land Festival held in May each year, wedding ceremonys, banquets, hands-on program classes, and more. Sangsoo Herb Land provides a wide array of programs for visitors. The major event is the Herb Land Festival, aiming to spread knowledge on the use of diverse herbs, including introducing the aromatic value of herb plants in landscaping and as a natural insecticide, as well as the health benefits of herbal foods. Participants can take part in seminars and hands-on activities to learn more about herbs. The banquet room on the second floor can accommodate large groups for events, serving excellent herb dishes at reasonable prices. An outdoor wedding service surrounded by beautiful gardens is also available.

Jwagusan Natural Recreation Forest is located at the foot of Jwagusan Mountain (alt. 657m). The name of mountain “Jwagusan” comes from the Chinese characters “jwa” meaning sitting down and “gu” referring to a turtle, because the shape of the mountain resembles a turtle sitting down. The lush forest along the hiking trail offers a refreshing stroll through the woods and the nearby Samgi Reservoir adds to the picturesque beauty of the mountain on misty days. The recreation forest offers easy access to many recreational facilities in the area including a resort village, Samgi Reservoir, a woodland park, and a mountain bike course. Because of its natural beauty and recreational facilities, it is becoming more popular as a tourist spot.

Located in both Seungju-eup and Songgwang-myeon of Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, Jogyesan Mountain (조계산, 884.3m) has two famous Buddhist temples on it, Seonamsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple. This is a relatively low mountain with rounded corners and a soft tranquility. Around Seonamsa Temple you’ll find several peaks such as Wolchulbong Peak, Janggunbong Peak and Gitdaebong Peak as well as the Ilweolseok boulder. This area is always crowded with visitors all year round due to the famous temples of Songgwangsa Temple and Seonamsa Temple. There are hikers as well coming purely to walk up Jogyesan Mountain which has gentle paths with short hills and flat paths, making it great even a picnic.

Cheongansa Temple was first built in 1960, and was re-built in 2009. It has many pagodas and monuments: a pagoda filled with sari relics of Buddha; Budotap Pagoda, which is a shrine to the monk who found the temple and his sacred relics; and a monument honoring the late first lady Yuk yeong-su. The re-built temple was awarded the Hanok Prize in the Hanok Competition 2011. Located along the Bukhansan Mt. Dulaegil Trail, the temple provide visitors with the chance to enjoy fresh air and a rest from hiking along the trail.

Balios Country Club Balan is an all-weather golf course set against the backdrop of the west coast’s magnificent natural landscape. It is the first and only golf club in the southwestern region of Seoul. The golf course was created with minimal damage to the environment, so that golf players may appreciate nature’s beauty during the games. Behind the Club, along the West Coast Highway, lie such big cities as Incheon, Ilsan and Suwon. Nearby attractions include Wolmun Hot Spring, Hwaseong Hot Spring, Yongjusa Temple, Yungneung and Geolleung Royal Tombs, Jeam-ri Historic Site, Asanman Bay and Namyangman Bay. The area is growing into a tourist complex offering numerous leisure activities.

Opened in December 2007, Gwanaksan Mountain Ecological Park is divided into two sections: Eco Forest, a forest of broad-leaved trees, and Eco Pond, a habitat of aquatic animals. There is also an arboretum that provides space for relaxation and ecology experience.