Travel/Culture List

Royal Portrait Museum
 
Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)
[Gyeonggijeon Shrine; where the Portrait of King Taejo is preserved] Opened on November 6, 2010, the Royal Portrait Museum is one of the newest attractions of Jeonju, located within the Gyeonggijeon Shrine. Royal Portrait Museum is a valuable museum as a new tourism resource of Jeonju as well as Gyeonggijeon Shrine and the Portrait of King Taejo, as well as other various high-class exhibitions to preserve, manage, and enhance the glorious cultural assets of Joseon royal family. The museum is comprised of one above-ground level and one underground level with an area of 1,193.71 square meters. The Portrait of King Taejo and six other king’s portraits (Portrait of King Sejong, King Yeongjo, King Jeongjo, King Cheoljong, King Gojong, and King Sunjong) are exhibited on the first floor. The portraits are preserved in temperature- and humidity-controlled cases. In addition, the museum houses History Hall, Palanquin Hall, a planned exhibition hall, resting area, management office and storage room for relics. Palanquin Hall exhibits Hyangjeong (Palanquin for Incense Burner and Case), Sinyeon (Palanquin for Royal Portrait and Palanquin for Mortuary Tablet), Chaeyeo (Palanquin for High Officials), Gagyo (Palanquin for Ritual Items) featuring Korea’s sole preserved palanquin. History Hall houses approximately 80 relices related to Gyeonggijeon Shrine and Jogyeong Shrine, ancestral ritual ceremony, building, and others relics. Since the museum's opening, it makes continual efforts to become a central place for Jeonju residents to fulfill their cultural feelings. The museum operates various program like exploring famous historic sites in Gyeonggijeon Shrine, hands-on programs such as a guard experience to protect the shrine, and duplicating Gyeonggijeon Shrine’s relics using traditional portrait-making techniques.

Alpensia Ski Resort
 
Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)
Alpensia Ski Resort Standing proudly as a premier legacy of the 2018 PyeongChang Winter Olympics, Alpensia Resort features six meticulously groomed regulation slopes tailored for an exceptional alpine experience. Characterized by remarkably wide snow paths and a serene, uncrowded atmosphere, it provides an idyllic and tranquil setting to embrace winter sports comfortably. Elevating both safety and comfort, the resort operates a dedicated lift exclusively for the beginner trail, allowing newcomers and children to build confidence and savor the winter wonderland at an entirely relaxed, leisurely pace.   The Alpine Sanctuary: Unveiling the Boutique Elegance of Pyeongchang While Alpensia Ski Resort carries the prestigious pedigree of an Olympic host venue, its defining luxury lies in its intimate, boutique-scale design. Unlike sprawling, overwhelming commercial ski complexes, Alpensia is masterfully curated to offer a seamless, stress-free winter escape. Nestled in the pristine, snow-dusted highlands of Gangwon-do, this destination harmonizes breathtaking alpine vistas with upscale contemporary conveniences, establishing itself as the quintessential winter retreat for discerning global travelers. Curated Slopes Designed for Graceful Progression The thoughtful architectural layout of Alpensia’s six distinct trails ensures that every guest—from those stepping onto the snow for the very first time to seasoned winter enthusiasts—can enjoy the mountain with absolute peace of mind. • The Alpha Trail (Beginner): A spectacularly wide, gentle boulevard designed to eliminate the anxiety of learning. Blessed with its own exclusive ski lift system, it allows novices and children to practice their turns completely insulated from high-speed traffic, ensuring a safe and joyful introduction to the sport. • Bravo & Charlie Trails (Intermediate): Fluid, sweeping cruisers that invite skiers and snowboarders to carve elegant turns down the mountain while drinking in panoramic views of the glistening, pine-covered valleys. • Delta, Echo & Foxtrot Trails (Advanced to Expert): Dynamic, technically engaging terrains with crisp pitches that offer experienced riders an exhilarating opportunity to test their edges on Olympic-grade snow.   Legendary Olympic Landmarks and All-Season Pleasures The allure of Alpensia extends far beyond the borders of its ski runs. The entire valley resonates with the spirit of world-class athleticism, offering unique cultural landmarks and contrasting lifestyle activities that elevate the entire holiday experience. • The Alpensia Ski Jumping Tower: An iconic architectural marvel piercing the winter sky. Visitors can ride a scenic monorail to the lofty observatory lounge for a breathtaking, bird’s-eye perspective of the entire Olympic park, or wander through the Olympic Museum to relive the historic triumphs of the 2018 Winter Games. • Ocean 700 Premium Indoor Water Park: A sprawling, tropical oasis located just a heartbeat away from the frosty slopes. Heated to a blissful, balmy temperature, this indoor paradise features sophisticated wave pools and hydrotherapy spas, offering a majestic, warming contrast to restore the body after a day in the crisp mountain air.   A Self-Contained Alpine Village and Five-Star Hospitality Alpensia is beautifully engineered as a pedestrian-friendly, European-inspired alpine village. The intuitive layout allows guests to stroll effortlessly from the warmth of their luxury suites straight to the ski lifts, upscale boutiques, and gourmet dining venues without the need for complex transit. Accommodation choices reflect international five-star standards, featuring the refined, alpine-chic elegance of the InterContinental Alpensia Pyeongchang Resort and the family-oriented luxury of the Holiday Inn Resort. Gastronomy here is an event in itself; guests can transition effortlessly from savoring steaming, artisanal local Korean delicacies to enjoying curated global fine dining paired with exceptional wines by a crackling fireplace. Alpensia is not merely a winter sports destination; it is a sophisticated, deeply memorable mountain lifestyle experience meticulously crafted for the modern global traveler.

Amsadunchi Ecological Park
 
Seoul(Gangdong-gu)
Amsadunchi Ecological Park (located in Amsa-dong) is a large scenic park with long winding trails passing by reeds and other beautiful plants of the Han River. It is here as well that visitors can watch the flight of Korea’s migratory birds. The Ecological Park is famous for its beautiful scenery and its lush groves of reeds and pussy willows growing alongside the natural riverside road. Wild roses, loosestrifes, and tiger lilies are in bloom from spring to fall and the observation deck gives visitors a beautiful view of Han River and the area’s wide variety of birds such as reed warblers, titmice, and swallows. The river basin and its surrounding stones are a great place to learn about nature and are home to various bugs such as beetles, river mayflies, big scarlet hairstreak butterflies, and other water insects.The Amsadunch Ecological Park is located nearby Godeok River Side Ecological Park and the Bicycle Theme Park, making this particular area one of the most popular tourist attractions along the Han River. 

Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress of Buyeo [UNESCO World Heritage]
 
Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)
Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 5) is a mud fortress located on top of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m) in the northern part of Buyeo. The fortress is estimated by some to have been built around 538 AD (16th year of King Seongwang) to protect Sabi (now Buyeo), which was once the capital of the Baekje Kingdom. Other historians, however, believe that the fortress was already in place by 500 AD (22nd year of King Dongseongwang) and modified in 605 (6th year of King Muwang) into the structure we see today. In either case, some parts of the fortress were reconstructed during the Unified Silla Kingdom period (676-935 AD) and modified again in the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) eras.Busosan Mountain was once considered the guardian mountain of Buyeo and is home to historic landmarks from the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). In addition to Busosanseong Fortress, some of the most famous sites on the mountain include Baekhwajeong Pavilion, Sajaru Pavilion, Banwollu Pavilion, Yeongillu Pavilion, Samchungsa Shrine (dedicated to three loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom), Gungnyeosa Shrine, Goransa Temple, Gunchangji (military warehouse site), and Suhyeoljugeoji (site of pit houses for the Baekje soldiers). The mountain is also home to Nakhwaam Rock where, according to legend, 3,000 women of the Baekje Kingdom threw themselves into the river below after the collapse of the empire.Historic Sites of Busosan Mountain■ Samchungsa ShrineSamchungsa Shrine is just a short hike from Sabimun, the main gate of Busosanseong Fortress. The shrine holds the portraits and memorial tablets of Seongchung, Heungsu, and Gyebaek, who were known as the three most loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom. Memorial services are held for these great patriots during the annual Baekje Cultural Festival each October.■ Yeongillu PavilionYeongillu Pavilion was built on the site of Yeongildae, an observation platform located on the easternmost peak of Busosan Mountain. Kings and members of the royal family of the Baekje Kingdom once used this spot as a place from which to watch the sun rise above Yeoncheonbong Peak on Gyeryongsan Mountain, plan state affairs, and pray for the peace of the kingdom and their subjects.■ GunchangjiAlso known as “Mallichang,” Gunchangji is the site of a warehouse that was used to store grain for military use. Remnants of burnt grain were discovered at the site in 1915.■ SuhyeoljugeojiSuhyeoljugeoji, only a short distance from Gunchangji, was once the site of a pit house for soldiers of the Baekje Dynasty. The thatched-roof pit houses that stand on the site today have been reconstructed based on historical evidence uncovered during site excavation. Measuring 1m in depth with walls of wood and straw, the pit houses are neighbored by an exhibition hall that stands on the original excavation site.■ Sajaru PavilionSajaru Pavilion, located on the highest peak of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m), is said to represent the cosmic powers of yin and yang together with Yeongillu Pavilion in the east. Adorned with a nameplate written by Prince Uichinwang Yi Gang (1877-1955), Sajaru commands an ethereal view of the moon and has long since been the source of poetic inspiration. The pavilion was also the site of discovery of the famous Geumdong-seokga-yeorae-ipsang (Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha, Treasure No. 196).■ Baekhwajeong PavilionBaekhwajeong Pavilion, perched on the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock, was built in 1929 by a poets’ society called Bupungsisa to commemorate the story of the famous rock. According to the historical tale, the women of Baekje flung themselves off the cliffs of Nakhwaam to their deaths after the kingdom collapsed to keep themselves from being defiled by the men of the insurgent kingdoms.■ Gungnyeosa ShrineGungnyeosa Shrine is located a short distance from Taejagol (Crown Prince Valley) to the northeast of Banwollu Square. Established in 1965, the shrine honors the Baekje women who leaped to their deaths from the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock in 660 when the empire was conquered by the allied forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty of China. Commemorative rites are held at the shrine every October during the Baekje Cultural Festival.

Busan National Science Museum (국립부산과학관)
 
Busan(Gijang-gun)
Busan National Science Museum was built to spread science culture and give a chance for anyone interested in science to enjoy everything science has to offer. With a theme around the nearby cities of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do region, the main theme of the museum consists of vehicles, space ships, nuclear energy and more. The museum aims to promote futher understanding of science to the masses.

Outdoor Swimming Pools in Ttukseom Hangang Park
 
Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)
The beloved outdoor swimming pools at Ttukseom was reborn as Supia, a year-round theme park in Hangang. Unlike the previous pools, Supia at Ttukseom and Yeouido is a water park that added Flow Pool to the existing Adult Pool, Youth Pool, and Children’s Pool.* What is Supia?- Combining Arisu (the former name of Hangang) and Utopia, Supia is a fun theme park in the middle of the city that can be enjoyed all year long. 

Songtan Special Tourist Zone
 
Gyeonggi-do(Pyeongtaek-si)
The Songtan Special Tourist Zone in Pyeongtaek is located near a US military base and consists of shopping malls and entertainment facilities. It is often referred to as “Little Itaewon” because it bears a similarity with Itaewon’s alleys. The districts of Sinjang and Seojeong are part of this tourist zone.The main attraction in the Sinjang district is the shopping mall that was completed in 1998. Visitors can shop and spend their leisure time along the 300-meter-long pedestrian road that starts from the US military base. In Songtan’s Seojeong district, there is a popular cherry blossoms road and a public park where people can relax.There’s a bike path on Buraksan Mountain and a wide variety of delicious food at the Pyeongtaek Jungang International Market. The Korea-US Friendship Culture Festival is held in September and the Moro Culture & Art Festival in October. The tourist zone is conveniently located near Songtan Station (Seoul Subway Line 1).[Songtan Special Tourist Zone]Areas included: Areas around Sinjang 1 (il) to 2 (i), Jisan, Songbuk and Seojeong-dong in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-doArea size: 491,316㎡Tourist attractions: Sinjang Shopping Mall, Jungang International Market, Culture Street, Buraksan Mountain, etc. 

Uijae Museum of Korean Art
 
Gwangju(Dong-gu)
The Uijae Museum of Korean Art was established in memory of the famous Korean artist Heo Baekryeon. Construction of the museum ended in December, 1999, but the museum wasn’t officially opened until November 17th, 2001. Built to mimic the curve of a gently sloping road, the museum’s unique design earned architect Jo Seongryong the 10th Korean Architecture Award the same year as the museum’s opening. Measuring 6,000㎡ (B1-2F) in size, the museum is comprised of two exhibition rooms, a storage facility, a seminar room, and a tea ceremony room for visitors.Since its opening, the Uijae Museum of Korean Art has hosted notable exhibitions and seminars such as the 2002 Biennale Project 2 International Symposium. Currently, the classic works of Heo Baekryeon and a photographic exhibition of the famed artist are on display.

Hallasan Mountain Trekking
 
Jeju-do(Jeju-si)
Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Hallasan is 1,950m in x_height and is the highest mountain in South Korea. Formed from volcanic activity, the mountain is a dormant volcano made mostly of basalt. Home to the magnificent Baekrokdam (lake-filled crater), the mountainside is covered with alpine flora and lush trees. The mountain is characterized by majestic cliffs, steep slopes, interesting rock formations, and, in particular, myriads of colorful azaleas. There are over 360 small mountains (uniquely-shaped volcanic mountains called “Oreum” in Jeju dialect) surrounding Halla Mountain that offer new delights to visitors with the coming of each new season. Along with Hallasan, the oreums were officially named the Hallasan Natural Protection Area (Natural Monument No.12) in 1966. There are six hiking trails along Hallasan. Seongpanak Trail on the east and Gwaneumsa Trail in the north go all the way up to the summit (Baekrokdam). Those looking for a less rigorous hike are advised to take the shorter trails reaching midway up the mountain. All trails are relatively short (less than 10km) and can be hiked in less than a day. Visitors are advised, however, to start early in the morning if planning on hiking up to the summit and to check official operating hours, as some trails are only open during certain hours of the day. Keep reading for information on some of the most popular trails. * Gwaneumsa Trail (North)—Summit Trail Gwaneumsa Trail offers hikers the best view of Hallasan’s deep valleys and stunning terrain. Midway along the trail is Guringul (a lava cave) and Tamna Valley. Tamna Valley is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves are changing and during the winter when the entire area lays under a dusting of snow. * Seongpanak Trail (East)—Summit Trail This relatively long, gently sloping trail is perfect for beginners. Lush broadleaf trees give shade from the beating sun and in spring the azaleas bloom and turn the mountainside into a dazzling array of color. * Eorimok Trail (Northwest) This short trail is another relatively easy trail for beginners. In spring, the nearby meadows are adorned with red royal azaleas. From the stone pathway to Mansedongsan visitors can catch a breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside and the island’s signature Oreums. * Yeongsil Trail (Southwest) As the shortest trail in Hallasan, this trail boasts Yeongsilgiam (a spectacular cliff with series of unusual rock formations). It is covered with azaleas and royal azaleas in spring and vibrant autumn foliage starting in October.  

Gyeongju National Park
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)
Gyeongju National Park is a bevy of cultural preserves dating back to the Silla Kingdom. Unlike the other parks located in the area, this park is segmented into individual districts. However, admission fee covers entry to the entire park because the districts are segmented for the government administration. Because Gyeongju itself is a historic city with many important historic sites and relics, Gyeongju is divided into 7 districts, and the park is divided accordingly. The Namsan area of Gyeongju is called the Namsan District. This is where many stone Buddhist statues, stone pagodas and about 100 temples sites are found. Here you can find Poseokjeong Pavillion, which was part of the living quarters the king had prepared outside of the palace for feasts. The Namsan District contains many relics spread about the area. You might feel like you took a ride on a time machine to a Buddhist temple of the past. Another district is the Tohamsan Mountain District. Here you will find the most famous tourist sites of Gyeongju, Bulguksa Temple. Bulguksa Temple was built in 535, during the reign of King Beopheung (514~540) of the Silla Kingdom and is located at the edge of Tohamsan Mountain. In front of Daeungjeon, there is Dabo Pagoda (10.4m high) to the east and the 3-story Seokga Pagoda (8.2m) to the west. These two pagodas are known as the most artistically constructed Korean stone pagodas, domestically and internationally. On the east side of Tohamsan Mountain is Seokguram, which is called the principal Korean Buddhist statuary. Within the Daebon District, a district of Gyeongju National Park, is King Munmu’s Sujungreung. Nearby the King Munmu’s Sujungreung Tomb there is the Gameunsaji 3-Story Stone Pagoda, which was built to honor King Munmu. In downtown Gyeongju there is a palace built on a half-moon shaped hill called Banwolseong and there is also the oldest stone relic in the east, called Cheomseongdae Observatory (9.2m high). Cheomseongdae Observatory was built and used as an astronomical observatory during the reign of Queen Seon-Deok (reigned 632~647). Between Cheomseongdae and Wolseong is the Gyerim Forest, where Kim Al-Ji (65~?), the progenitor of the Kim family, was born. The name Gyerim was also once used as the country name of Silla. Half a kilometer west of Cheomseongdae is Hwangnamdong where Jeonmachong is located. Anapji Pond, which was built to serve noble guests and where feasts were held, is also located in downtown Gyeongju. Gyeongju National Museum is located in Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, where the relics from 1,000 years of the Silla Kingdom are preserved.