Travel/Culture List

Yongheunggung Palace is where King Cheoljong (a Joseon Dynasty ruler who reigned from 1849 to 1863) used to live before his ascension to throne. The chief of Ganghwa County, Jeong Gi-se, enlarged the original residence and named it Yongheunggung (meaning palace of the rising dragon) in the 4th year of King Cheoljong’s reign. Its architectural features include a paljak (Korean traditional half-hipped roof) and supporting columns rendered in Jusimpo style, the column brackets placed only on top of the columns. The palace was built in the tradition of dwelling houses such as the Yeongyeongdang and Nakseonjae houses in Changdeokgung Palace, so the palace buildings give off a simple and plain atmosphere. Within the precincts of the palace are a memorial stone and a monument house indicating that the palace used to be the old home of King Cheoljong.

Gapyeong Sledding Hills are open throughout the year. It normally operates from the beginning of December to early March. Unlike other sledding Hills using artificial snow, Gapyeong has artificial grass under its snow as well as the characteristic of having the sun behind the hill so that the snow does not melt. Thus, operating hours are prolonged by 1 month until the end of winter on natural snow.Gapyeong Sledding Hills features two slopes for adults and two for children. With the set up of the ‘horizontal baby-walker (moving walker)', going up the hill is easy just by standing on the sled. Next to the children’s slope, there is a separate snow house and a place for snowball fights.In addition, visitors can experience the unique fun of summer sleighing with the operation of the Water Sledding Hills in summer from the middle of July to October.Gapyeong Sledding Hills also operate the ‘Ice Sledding Hills’ during winter, and it is available with no extra fee.When coming from Seoul, take the bus to Hyeon-ri from the Seoul Sangbong Bus Terminal and get off at Deokhyon-ri Gapyeong Sledding Hills.

Maeng Sa-seong is a major figure in Cheonbaek-ri and was a prime minister during the early years of the Joseon Dynasty. His house is the oldest private residence in Korea, and was originally General Choi Yeong’s home, before he turned it over to his grand son-in-law, Maeng Sa-seong. The simple residence houses two 600-year-old gingko trees in the yard. Therefore it has been named ‘Haengdan’, meaning that Confucius taught on top of the gingko tree symbolizing a place of learning. For that reason it is inferred that Maeng Sa-seong intentionally planted gingko trees in the yard and taught junior scholars. The two gingko trees provide a cool shade and give out five sacks of gingko nuts each year. 

Korean Tea and Sori (traditional narrative song) Cultural Park was established in honor of Boseong's specialty drink and musical heritage. It is part of the famous Boseong green tea fields, which draw over 3 million visitors ever year. Also, the park features Korean Team Museum, and hosts a wide range of performances throughout the year at its soricheong (sori performance venue) and outdoor stage. ​

A large number of relics were unearthed at this site due to a land development project in 1985. Work was halted and relics were excavated by the Cheongju University Museum. The time and size of Heungdeoksa Temple is unknown, but according to Jikji (Buljojikjisimcheyojeol, the world’s oldest existing book printed with movable metal type), the excavated books were printed using metal types at the temple in the third year of King Uwang’s reign (1377). The books were published 78 years earlier than Gutenberg’s invention. In 1972, the Jikji was officially recognized as the world’s oldest book printed with movable metal type during the International Book Year. The Buljojikjisimcheyojeol is currently kept at the National Library of France.

Shaped like a cow lying down, Udo Island with its clean green fields, stonewalls, and striking lighthouse presents some of the best scenery in the Jeju area. Udo is the largest of the 62 islands that surround Jeju, and with seas that are the color of indigo throughout the year, this is a walking course where you can feast your eyes on beautiful views. This course takes you past Soemultong Hill and along the dried embankments of fields of barley and rye. The original walking path leading up to Udobong Peak goes up to the observatory directly but the Olle course follows the trail beside Udo Reservoir to get to the peak. This road has a view of the expansive fields covered with crimson clovers and red poppies.

Discover Incheon's Must-Visit Gem: Songdo Hanok Village If you're planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, one destination you absolutely must visit is Songdo Hanok Village. This unique village, located in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, isn't an assembly of old traditional houses but a newly constructed hanok complex built in 2013. The stunning contrast between the high-rise buildings of Songdo International City and the traditional Korean architecture of the hanok creates a fascinating blend of East meets West. Originally intended to serve as a space for experiencing traditional Korean culture, Songdo Hanok Village has now evolved into a vibrant commercial area. The entire site is leased to various businesses and features a hanok-style hotel, restaurants, and cafes, offering visitors a taste of Korean culture with modern amenities. Moreover, this picturesque village has become a popular filming location for several famous Korean dramas, including "Goblin," "Queen of Ambition," and "Bluebird's House." Its scenic beauty and unique charm attract numerous visitors who come to walk the same paths as their favorite TV characters.

Located about 140㎞ southwest of Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, Gageodo Island is one of the remotest islands in southwest Korea. Centered on Doksilsan Mountain (639m, the highest peak in Sinan-gun), the island is surrounded by cliffs making the area perfect as a mystery island. Once featured in a Korean variety show, this place is also beloved by fishing-goers and hikers as it is known for its clean air and waters.

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) researches and develops technologies required to make high-tech airplanes, satellites, and aerospace rockets. The institute is not a simple promotion center, it is where actual research is done. KARI has led the launching of Naro, Korea's first rocket. After watching a promotion video in the auditorium, tourists are guided to the lobby in the main building to listen to explanations and look around the exhibits: KSR-Ⅲ, the world's ninth developed science rocket; Arirang-5, a multi-purpose satellite; smart UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle); and the spacesuit of Lee So-yeon, Korea's first astronaut. In the Satellite Test Building, visitors can see and listen to explanations about a satellite that is currently being researched and tested. They can tour key aerospace facilities such as the Launch Environment Lab, Orbit Environment Lab and Satellite Assembly Lab. * With the successful launch of rocket Naro, Korea became the 11th country to join the Space Club (a group of countries that have the technologies to launch a space rocket).

Festival Theater Momzit in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do is a modern performance hall that seats up to 150 people. Believing that human gestures can change the world, the Momzit features a wide repertoire of inspiring performances involving traditional music, dance, drama and mime.