Travel/Culture List

The Tea Culture Center located at the foot of Jirisan Mountain in Hadong Gyeongsangnam-do Province aims to promote the tea culture of the area, the first tea producer in the nation, while advertising the quality and superiority of Hadong green tea. The center is located adjacent to the tea farming area and Ssanggyesa Temple, one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea.In the Tea Culture Center, there is a tea culture museum where you may learn about the history and culture associated with Korean tea. At the Tea Promotional and Experience Center visitors can enjoy such hands-on programs like making tea in a traditional hand-made way and learning the traditional tea etiquette of the region, a pottery class where you can make your own pottery in a traditional way, and a tea market where you can purchase a variety of high-quality tea produced in the region. Every year, the center holds the Hadong Wild Tea & Culture Festival, an official local celebration designated by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism.

Discover the Scenic Wonders of Incheon: Wolmi Observatory and Beyond Wolmi Observatory: Your Window to Incheon's Beauty If you're planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, the Wolmi Observatory should be at the top of your list. Located on the summit of Wolmisan Mountain, this observatory offers panoramic views of Incheon Port, the Incheon Bridge, the coastal passenger ship terminal, and the surrounding islands. Reaching the top of Wolmisan Mountain is an adventure in itself. You can choose to hike for about 30 minutes or take the convenient Seal Car shuttle, which takes roughly 15 minutes. At the summit, the circular stairs of the Wolmi Observatory lead you to a platform with breathtaking views. Below, you can see the blue waves of the West Sea and the bustling Incheon Port, while a glance upward reveals the cityscape of Incheon and the historic Freedom Park. The observatory is particularly famous for its stunning sunsets and vibrant night views. The 23-meter high, three-story glass structure creates a magical atmosphere, making it a popular spot for couples and photographers. The Moonlight Maru Cafe, located within the observatory, provides a perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee while enjoying the panoramic scenery. Nearby, you can explore Wolmisan Peak Plaza and Yepo Plaza, which offer additional scenic spots and activities. Must-See Attractions Around Wolmi Observatory Moonlight Music Fountain Located on Wolmi Culture Street, the Moonlight Music Fountain is a delightful evening attraction. Although it is not very large, the synchronized water and light show set to music is a visual feast. Operating from May 1st to October 31st, with regular maintenance on Mondays, the fountain's evening shows are particularly enchanting with their colorful lights and patterns. Wolmi Theme Park Wolmi Theme Park is a popular destination for families and couples, offering a variety of amusement rides. This park provides numerous attractions that cater to all ages, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone. Wolmi Sea Train The Wolmi Sea Train is a monorail that loops around Wolmido Island, covering a distance of 6.1 kilometers in about 42 minutes. This elevated train ride offers excellent views of the island, Incheon Inner Harbor, the West Sea, and the distant Incheon Bridge. Wolmi Cruise For sea lovers, the Wolmi Cruise is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the West Sea. The cruise provides views of Incheon Port, Yeongjong Bridge, and stunning sunsets. Passengers can even feed seagulls from the deck, adding a unique interactive element to the experience. Culinary Delights Wolmido is renowned for its seafood restaurants, with over 50 establishments offering fresh seafood dishes. A must-try is "Kalguksu," a handmade noodle soup. Additionally, numerous cafes provide the perfect spot to enjoy coffee while taking in the sea breeze, making it an ideal place to relax. 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, allowing you to explore and enjoy without straying far from the city. When visiting Incheon, be sure to experience the charm and attractions of Wolmido Island.

The Seoul Animation Center was established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in May 1999 with the aim of providing comprehensive support to Korea’s cartoon and animation industry. The center runs an information desk, offers educational programs, holds events to support new talents and productions, and hosts diverse events and exhibitions.

Tongyeong has been known for Najeonchilgi (mother-of-pearl crafts) for over four centuries. Naturally, Ottchil Art Museum (“Ottchil” meaning “lacquer”) showcases the best of mother-of-pearl crafts of Tongyeong. Since prehistoric times, Najeonchilgi (along with its precursor, Chaehwachilgi) has formed the essence of traditional crafts. It refers to crafts employing mother-of-pearl. During the Goryeo Period (918-1392), Najeonchilgi blossomed into a national art; it evolved into a folk art during the Joseon Period (1392-1910). The museum displays a mixture of daily use crafts and contemporary lacquer art (including formative art pieces), both employing the finest lacquer extracted from lacquer trees. The displayed items provide visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the elegance of traditional Korean crafts.  

Jukdo was once an island across from Woljeon-ri in Nampo-myeon, but after an embankment was constructed to reclaim land around Nampo, Jukdo became connected to the mainland. This unpopulated fishing island is also called Daeseom (Bamboo Island) for its dense groves of bamboo trees. The waters in front of the island are clean and full of fish, drawing a large number of visitors for sea fishing.The 3.7 kilometer-long Nampo embankment has become a new attraction in Boryeong. The embankment road is a nice driving course along the sea and fields. It is also a great walking road and in the middle of the embankment stands an octagonal pavilion where visitors can rest amidst the tranquil scenery. Up on the embankment, one can get a great view of the open sea and the expansive Nampo field. There are many accommodation facilities and restaurants near Daecheon Beach. There are also some nice restaurants in the direction of Muchangpo at Woljeon-ri. Nearby tourist attractions include the Choi Chi-won relics and Yongdu Beach.

Jehwangsan Park, located on Jehwangsan Mountain at the heart of Jinhae, is home to the nine-story Jinhae Tower. The tower, which symbolizes a Korean naval warship, stands at the top of a 365-step staircase and commands a splendid view of both the city and the coastline. On the first and second floors of the tower is the Jinhae City Museum, exhibiting folk models and relics excavated from Jinhae.Jinhae is Korea’s representative naval port city and is rife with cultural relics related to Admiral Yi Sun-Shin (1545-1598), a Korean hero who led the nation to victory in naval battles against Japanese forces during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasion of Korea; 1592-1598). The city is also known as the venue of the famous Jinhae Gunhangje Festival, which is widely known as the nation’s largest cherry blossom festival.

Garimseong Fortress (Formerly, Seongheungsanseong Fortress (성흥산성)) is a stone fortress built on the lower reaches of the Geumgang River to protect Ungjinseong Fortress / Sabiseong Fortress (the capital of the Baekje Dynasty). It is the only fortress whose historical date is clearly known out of the Baekje era fortresses and therefore its cultural heritage is very important for the study of ancient geographical names.As Mt. Seongheungsan is just 260m-tall, it is not difficult to hike up the mountain. Despite its low altitude, Mt. Seongheungsan has a wide view of the plain by the Geumgang River and the neighboring mountains. On January 1, a New Year’s celebration and Chunghonje Ritual (at General Yu Geum-phil’s Shrine) are held annually. The Zelkova tree in Garimseong Fortress has gained popularity after being filmed in several TV dramas.

Taepyeong Salt Farm, located in Jeungdo Island of Jeollanm-do, is the largest sun-dried salt producer in Korea. Recently, a wooden trail has been installed around the farm. Visitors can walk on the trail to learn about salt production, see the 'salt plants' that grow in the mud flat, and participate in various hands-on experience activities. Taepyeong Salt Farm, registered as a Modern Cultural Heritage in 1997, and Sinan mudflat have been designated as Biosphere Reserves by the UNESCO.

Andong Hanji (안동한지), located at the entrance to Hahoe Village, an area preserving Korean tradition and customs, has done its best to manufacture traditional Korean paper. Andong Korean paper is made of Korean paper mulberry and clean water. Andong Hanji is very proud that it maintains exceptional quality, and the highest production capacity for Korean traditional paper. Approximately 60 different papers including drawing paper made of mulberry pulp, Korean paper for calligraphy, general drawing paper, window paper, Jungji (paper), Unyongji (paper), Piji (paper) for wallpaper, Misarasi unyongji (paper), Multiple-layered Korean Paper, floor paper, book paper, embossed paper for premium interiors, No. 100 and No. 120 for professional painters, and colored Korean paper used to make Korean paper crafts, and wrapping paper are made here.

Nestled at the foot of Wolchulsan Mountain's western side in Yeongam-gun, Jeollanam-do, Yeongam Gurim Hanok Village has a 2,200 year-long history, stretching from the Three Han States to Proto Three Kingdom Period. The village is abundant with various historical stories and features, offering plenty of cultural tourism resources. The village includes 12 pavilions including Hoesajeong Pavilion and Gukamsa Shrine, traditional houses, stone walls, and old oak trees. Especially, 96 Korean-house accommodations including Anyongdang, Wolindang, Gukamsa, and Anhyeongung are located for tourists to stay in a traditional Hanok as well as to offer various traditional programs like paper craft, traditional wedding ceremony, rice cake-pounding, straw craft, catching fish, water activities and others. Also, Wangin Cherry Blossom Festival and Chrysanthemum Festival are held here every year.