Travel/Culture List

Paroho Lake (파로호) is a manmade lake created when Hwacheon Dam was built in the valley of the Bukhangang River (북한강). The lake is capable of holding up to one billion tons of water and the Dam of Peace is located further upstream. You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of Mt Il and Wolmyeongbong Peak as well as the thick forest and pristine valleys in the surrounding area. As Paroho Lake’s unpolluted water is home to many kinds of freshwater fish such as carp, crucian carp, catfish and mandarin fish, the lake is gaining popularity as an excellent fishing spot.

Piagol Valley is located between Nogodan and Banya peak on Jirisan Mountain. It is named so because in the fall the leaves in the valley turn crimson red. It is also one of the ten most beautiful highlights of Jirisan Mountain. It is famous for its fall colors, but it is also a beautiful place to visit all year around. During the spring time, the royal azaleas cover the entire area, and in the summer the lush forest fills the valley. Its autumn leaves are famous enough to be used in promoting tourism in Korea, and during the winter, the snow-covered valley is also a majestic sight to behold.At the entrance to Piagol Valley, there is the largest temple in Jirisan Mountain, Yeongoksa temple, and other national level cultural treasures are found here. The valley is not steep and should be easy for anyone to reach. The path from the valley entrance to Samhongso is breathtaking. Samhong refers to three “hong”s (red) – Sanhong (mountain red), Suhong (water red), and Inhong (person red). Every year, the Piagol Autumn Leaves Festival is held here, and valley trail walk, local produce sales, and photo exhibitions, among other activities, are promoted during the festival. 

Seonbichon Village (선비촌) in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the cradle of Korean Confucianism, is where the spirit and cultural heritage of Korea’s classical scholars, referring to those who were intellectually and morally capable of leadership within their chosen fields, is preserved. The village is the perfect place to learn about traditional Korea, and is famous for its classical scholars’ loyalty and filial piety.Seonbichon Village offers a variety of fun and exciting exhibitions, participatory events and traditional culture hands-on programs.* Site area - 57,717㎡* Building area - 2,651㎡* Facilities – 7 tile-roofed houses, 5 straw-roofed houses, 1 tower, 2 pavilions, 2 Jeongryeogak pavilions, 1 Seonghwangdang Altar, 1 storehouse, 1 look-out shed, Jeojageori Market* Susinjega (수신제가)– Kim Sang-jin’s House, Haeudang Old House, Ganghakdang Village School‘Susinjega’ refers to moral training and home management. You can realize the classical scholars’ self discipline amidst the ancient buildings and experience the traditional Korean educational system in person.* Ipsinyangmyeong (입신양명)– Duam’s Old House, the Head House of Indong Jang Clan‘Ipsinyangmyeong’ means rising in the world and winning fame. Within these old houses you can take a look at the lifestyle of the classical scholars in Yeongju, who were engaged in diverse activities, acting as high-ranking officials.* Geomuguan (거무구안)– Kim Mun-gi’s House, Manjukjae House, Pavilion‘Geomuguan’ means forgoing comfort and convenience in life. Within these old buildings, you can witness the integrity and spirit of classical scholars who strove to live idyllic and pastoral lives while criticizing the petty focuses of society.* Udobulubin (우도불우빈)– Kim Se-gi’s House, Kim Roe-jin’s House, Jang Hwi-deok’s House, Lee Hu-nam’s House, Kim Gyu-jin’s House, Servants’ Quarters of Duam’s Old House‘Udobulubin’ refers to pursuing a faithful and upright life even in poverty. These old houses offer a glimpse at the humble and pure life of classical scholars who were not ashamed of being poor.

Located in 34, Gangchon-ro, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Gangchon Station is one of train stations in Gyeongchun Line. It is situated between Gimyujeong and Baekyang-ri. The metropolitan subway line, Gyeongchun Line, started operating on December 21, 2010 and rapid train used to stop at the station even during weekdays since August 2011. However, the rapid train is no more operating due to the introduction of ITX-Cheongchun Train.

Unravel Korea's Rich Textile Legacy at the Donggwang Textile Cultural Center! Step back in time and delve into South Korea's textile tapestry right in the heart of Incheon's Ganghwa Island. From its heyday in the swinging '60s and '70s, the Donggwang Textile Factory was a cornerstone of the Korean textile boom. Today, after a spectacular makeover, it's a shining example of urban revival and a testament to Korea's industrious spirit.       Take a Walk Down Memory Lane! Established and broadened in 1963 by the visionary Yun Mansik, Donggwang Textile was the talk of the town, leading the Korean textile movement with a workforce of over two hundred passionate professionals. But as the saying goes, every silver lining has a cloud. As the industry shifted gears, this iconic landmark fell silent. Yet, thanks to a whopping 3.2 billion KRW boost from the Ganghwa local government, this phoenix has risen once more. Now, it's a treasure trove of attractions: from vintage textile machinery showcases and high-tech viewing rooms to quaint book nooks and multifunctional event spaces. A Blast from the Past Meets the Present! Entering the Donggwang Textile Cultural Center is like flipping open a vibrant scrapbook of Korea's textile legacy. Situated alongside the likes of Joyang Bangjik Cafe and Ganghwa Sochang Experience Center, this hub is a melting pot of Korea's textile milestones. No wonder it's lighting up Instagram feeds and topping travel bucket lists left and right.       Dive into Yesterday, Today! With no admission fee, it's a no-brainer for anyone looking to soak up some culture. Just a heads-up: they hit the pause button every Monday to keep things spick and span for your next cultural deep dive. If South Korea is on your radar, pencil in a pitstop at Ganghwa Island and the illustrious Donggwang Textile Cultural Center. Immerse yourself in Korea's textured past, engage in unique experiences, and craft tales that you'll reminisce about for years to come. #TextilesOfKorea #HiddenGemsOfGanghwa #KoreaBound Join the narrative of Korea's rich fabric. Catch you on Ganghwado Island!

Dosan Confucian Academy was established in 1574 (7th year under the reign of King Seonjo), by the disciples and others who cherished their memories of the premier Lee Hwang.Dosan Lecture Hall was an academy where Toegye Lee Hwang taught his students and concentrated on his academic studies. In 1574 (the 7th year under the reign of King Seonjo (1567~1608)) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), Confucian scholars established a shrine called Sangdeoksa. In 1969, it was designated as a National Treasure No. 170. After placing the mortuary and performing the sacrificial rites, they finished the Lecture Hall by building Jeongyodang (National Treasure No.210) and the West and East Wings (where scholars could study). When the Lecture Hall was finished King Seonjo bestowed the sign.When you enter the main entrance there is Dosan Lecture Hall on the right. The structure of the building is simple with the square pillars and simple structures of the girders inserted in the crosspieces. If you go up behind the Lecture Hall and pass the Jindo Gate, there is Gwangmyeongsil where books are stored. You can also find the main building, Jeongyodang and the West and East Wings.Behing Jeongyodang there is Sangdeoksa and Jangpangak, a tree to print the ‘Dosan 12 Songs’. Okjingak, which was rebuilt in 1970, is now an exhibit building for the relics of Toegye such as his stationary, furniture, and his favorite books etc.

Located the Northeastern part of Jeju Island, the Darangshi Oreum is a parasitic volcano that stands about 380 meters above sea level. From Darangshi Oreum, visitors can overlook tourist attractions such as Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak), Udo Island, Mt. Halla, coastlines, and various parasitic cones.The mountain has an oval shape from south to north with a steep incline. The top has a large, deep funnel-shaped crater that still preserves its original shape unlike craters in cones. The name Darangshi is derived from the fact that the mountain looks like a moon ('Da' meaning 'Moon' and 'Shi' meaning 'Mountain').Trees are scattered here and there at the top, and the outskirts of the mountain are decorated with cedar trees. Meadow plants, such as Aster yomena, populate most of the mountain. A gentle hill to the right of Darangshi Oreum is called Akkun Darangshi Oreum (also called Sowol Nangak). Meaning 'small,' 'Akkun' is both old Korean and Jeju dialect.Darangshi Oreum hosts Wollang Peak Sunrise Festival every year allowing visitors to see the spectacular full moon from the crater. There are nice wooden stairs in place for easy ascent, and the mountain is also a popular site for paragliders. 

Yongjusa Temple, located on Songsan Mountain in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do, aims to help participants to understand the meaning of ‘filial piety’ through its temple stay programs. In addition to Buddhism, the programs are designed to teach the meaning and value of family. ​

Punch Bowl in Yanggu-gun Gangwon-do is a highland basin situated 400-500 meters above sea level. The name "Punch Bowl" comes from the basin's resemblance to a large punch bowl. The town has around 1,700 residents, and is the only town that is located inside the Civilian Access Control Line. Along with the nearby Daeamsan Mountain, Punch Bowl was once a ferocious battlefield during the Korean War. Several monuments were erected in memory of the deceased souls, while some remnants of the War still remain in the basin. Since the War, civilian access has been limited to Punchbowl and Daeamsan Mountain, allowing the natural environment in the area virtually unscathed. Rare flora and fauna reside in the area, and on top of the Daeamsan Mountain is Yongneup Swamp (Natural Monument No.246), Korea's one and only high moor and time-honored treasure trove for the ecosystem. Also, there is the 4th Infiltration Tunnel that was unearthed in March 1990. Unlike the rest of the tunnels (1st, 2nd and 3rd Tunnels), visitors can go into the tunnel riding in a cable car. From the Eulji Observatory nearby, visitors may enjoy the view of the four peaks of Naegeumgang area including the Birobong of Geumgangsan Mountain. To enter the tunnel and the observatory, visitors must fill out an entry application at the Yanggu Unification Center.

After the Korean government declared Jeju Island an "island of world peace," it has since been trying to maintain its peaceful image, and has had an International Peace Center built. The Jeju International Peace Center exhibits north and south peace exchanges between international peace activists, as well as Nobel Peace Prize winners, and the works of people who have helped Korea. The 3rd gallery displays wax sculptures of world famous people who have practiced peace, such as Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi, and popular Korean entertainers including Bae Yong-Jun, Lee Byeong-Heon, and Lee Young-Ae.ExhibitionsㆍExhibit 1: Scenes of Jeju Peace Motives, Cultural Heritages of the National Free Province of Jeju, Records of Peace Activists who have visited Jeju Island.ㆍExhibit 2: International Peace Index, Jeju’s Peace Practice Industry, Interchange Efforts of North and South Korea, Peace Practices during the World Cup between Korean & Japan in JejuㆍExhibit 3: 31 Wax Sculptures on display