Travel/Culture List

Yangyang International Airport, located in Dongho-ri, Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, is the only international airport in the Yeongdong region. The airport excellently serves as the arrival point for tourists to Korea’s representative attractions of Gangwon, Seoraksan Mountain and Donghae. The airport provides much information in regards to tourism in the Yeongdong region in addition to offering a tourism transportation service.As there are no mountains nearby and the strong winds from the ocean blow away any fog, Yangyang International Airport serves as a substitute airport for nearby Sokcho Airport, which has a 30% cancellation rate, and Gangneung Airport, which has a limited runway. The airport is equipped with a control tower, and the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) is planning on building a North-South direction passage, connecting Yangyang International Airport with Seondeok Airport in the Hamgyeongnam-do region of North Korea in accordance with the North-South Passage Protocol of 1997.

The Global Village Folk Museum is a public museum housed in and affiliated with the Seoul Education Research & Information Institute. The museum displays relics from various countries, helping visitors and locals broaden their horizons by learning about folk cultures from around the world. Approximately 1,500 items are on display at the museum: 922 from Asia, 228 from Europe, 162 from the Americas, 121 from Africa, and 64 from Oceania. When categorized according to theme, 512 items are related to folk art, 74 are related to folk religion, 625 are folk life, 86 are fire starters, 37 are weapons, and the remainder fall into smaller groups. The museum has been designated an “Experience-oriented Education Zone” of Seoul.

Haslla Art World is an art space that harmonizes nature, people and art. The Sculpture Garden, approximately 27 acres in size, offers various themed gardens and structures. Contemporary Gallery has approximately 200 contemporary art works, while Pinocchio & Marionette Gallery has various art works from all over Europe. Haslla Art World has exhibitions and performances throughout the year, providing visitors with a special experience every time they visit.

Gwangseongbo Fortress’s outer wall from the Goryeo era was mended in 1618. The fortress was built in 1656 and the outpost was constructed in 1679. It was completely remodeled into a masonry castle with gates in 1745. During Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), Gwangseongbo was the fiercest battle ground in Ganghwa. On April 24, 1871, a fleet with 1,230 American naval forces led by Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island to demand the opening of Korea's ports and commerce. The armed forces attacked Chojijin Fortress and Deokjinjin Camp, then marched to Gwangseongbo Fortress, where they engaged in close combat with the warriors of Joseon. Although General Eo Jae-yeon and the other warriors were poorly equipped with far inferior weapons, they bravely fought to the death against the invading forces.The battlefield ruins of the fortress and the gate towers such as Anhaeru, Gwangseongdon, Sondolmokdon, and Yongdudon were repaired in 1977. The twin tombs of General Eo Jae-Yeon and his brother Eo Jae-seon, along with the anonymous tombs of warriors who died on the battlefield were also honorably arranged at the same time. Furthermore, a stone monument commemorating the restoration of Ganghwa Battlefield was erected on Yongdudondae Post.In 1988, an extensive rest area was created toward the shore for visitors’ convenience. Gwangseongbo Fortress is presently designated as Historical Relic No. 227. A religious service known as Gwangseongje is held annually to commemorate the patriotic spirits of General Eo Jae-yeon and other unnamed warriors. This service takes place at 11 a.m. on every April 24th of the lunar calendar.

Chuncheon Puppet Theater is the only theater in Korea that features puppet shows for children. It offers upscale puppet performances from various countries and special events through its annual Chuncheon International Puppet Festival in August. In addition to the theater, there is also a Puppet Workshop where children can make puppets as well as a Puppet Museum with exhibitions of various puppets from around the world.

Between Dobongsan and Suraksan mountains (northern Seoul), a special botanical garden has opened its doors to the public: Seoul Iris Garden (aka Seoul Botanical Garden). The garden (measuring 52,417㎡) boasts a wide array of irises, one of the world’s top flowers, and consists of 12 different themed zones including ‘Iris Garden,’ ‘Medicinal Plant Garden,’ and ‘Wetland Park.’At the Iris Garden, 130 species of irises (300,000 individual plants) are on display on a plot of land measuring 15,000㎡. Species include yellow iris, iris setosa, iris pallasii, and iris domestica, each boasting its own brilliant colors and delicate shape.The Medicinal Plant Garden is home to 70 different species (130,000 plants) of medicinal plants, allowing visitors to view the largest selection of medicinal herbs in the country.Wetland Park presents 70,000 wetland plants and houses an observatory deck from which visitors may view and learn about the diverse aquatic plants.Cheoni Observatory within the garden provides visitors with a place take in the beautiful scenery. The nearby forest lounge is a rest area for visitors as well as a center of operations for the park’s ecological education programs.Irises are in bloom from May to June of every year, but are even a sight to behold during the rest of the warmer months, given the delicate shape of their leaves.

The Haengjusanseong Fortress (행주산성, historic site no. 56) atop Deogyangsan Mountain was the site of a major Korean victory against the enemy during the Japanese invasion 400 years ago. Women also participated in the dramatic battle, carrying stones in their aprons (haengju in Korean). The original date and purpose of the fortress’ construction remains a mystery, but it is believed the construction dates back to the ancient Baekje period, as many relics from that era have been excavated by archeological surveys. Inside the fortress is Chungjangsa, a shrine paying tribute to General Gwon Yul who led the victorious effort. Transportation to the fortress has become much more convenient with the opening of the Jayuro road and the completion of the Haengju Bridge, making the fortress a popular destination on holidays.* Haengju Great Victory FestivalReligious ceremonies and many other cultural events are held on March 14 every year in memory of General Gwon who won the battle and saved the nation.

During the Gihae Persecution of 1839, three French Catholic priests were sentenced to death for spreading Catholicism in Korea. Saint Laurent Joseph Marius Imbert (Bishop), Saint Pierre Philibert Maubant (Priest), and Saint Jacques Honore Chastan (Priest) were beheaded on September 21, 1839 at Saenamteo (currently Saenamteo Catholic Holy Place of the Martyrs) and their bodies were buried at Samseongsan Mountain and later transferred to the grotto of Myeondong Cathedral.

Incheon Medical Tourism Support Center (T1): Your One-Stop Gateway for Healthcare and Travel 1. Overview Located near the arrivals floor of Incheon International Airport’s Terminal 1 (T1), the Incheon Medical Tourism Support Center (T1) caters to international travelers and transit passengers seeking information about Korean medical services and medical tourism. Nurses and consultants fluent in English, Japanese, and Chinese are on hand not only to provide medical advice but also to offer comprehensive support for tourism and wellness-related tours, making it a truly all-in-one service hub. 2. Main Services • Free Health Checkups The center provides blood pressure monitors, body measurement tools, and BMI scales, allowing travelers to quickly and conveniently assess their health between flights or after a long journey. • Medical Consultations & Reservations Expert staff offer detailed information about medical facilities in and around Incheon, recommending suitable hospitals or clinics based on your symptoms. They can also assist with appointment bookings if needed. • One-Stop Medical Service Support From general tourism information and event guidance to concierge services such as interpretation and transportation, the center connects travelers to a variety of “healthcare plus tourism” experiences. There is also a dedicated space where foreign patients can consult directly with medical personnel. 3. Location & How to Use • Finding the Center After completing immigration and collecting your luggage in T1, head toward Gate 7 on the arrivals floor to find signs for the Medical Tourism Support Center. You can also confirm the exact location at an information desk. • Operating Hours The center often aligns its hours with the airport’s operating schedule. However, hours may vary on holidays or during special events, so it’s a good idea to check the airport’s official website or social media channels in advance. 4. Key Points When Visiting • Insurance & Documentation Having your travel insurance details (policy, insurance number) on hand can streamline billing and medical referrals. • Serious Conditions In emergencies or for severe injuries, your first step should be to call 119 (Korea’s emergency number) or visit the airport’s medical station. The center primarily focuses on initial consultations and booking assistance. • Language Support Staff can assist in English, Japanese, and Chinese. For more specialized medical terminology, consider using translation apps for smoother communication. 5. Why Use the Center • Health Check Between Flights With free health screening tools available, you can easily monitor symptoms of travel fatigue or jet lag while in transit. • Reliable Medical & Tourism Guidance Whether you’re interested in general healthcare, cosmetic treatments, or wellness tours, having direct access to knowledgeable staff is a major advantage. • Gateway to Medical Tourism For those planning a trip combining treatments, medical checkups, spa services, or healing programs, the center offers the convenience of resolving questions and making arrangements all in one place. Summary Incheon Medical Tourism Support Center (T1) is a reliable resource for international travelers, offering everything from free health screenings to medical referrals and integrated tourism experiences. Its convenient location near the arrivals area makes it especially helpful for first-time visitors to Korea and those planning a combined healthcare-and-travel itinerary. For a comfortable and safe journey, be sure to take advantage of this center’s comprehensive support.

Yongmeori Beach is a place where Mt. Sanbangsan stretches into the ocean and it looks as if a dragon’s head is going underwater. This area is made of Sa-am stacks, built up over millions of years. There are Gulbangs here which are depressed into the shape of rooms, and wide rocks stacking up on one another along the seashore cliffs which create a majestic scenery by the sea. Along the road down to the seashore, there is the Hamel Castaway Memorial, in remembrance of Hamel who drifted to this place in 1653. Just off to the right of the beach is a soft and dark sandy beach. You can meet the women sea-divers of Jeju who sell sea cucumbers and stroll on the road that spreads along the seashore.