Travel/Culture List

Located within the clear air and fresh canyon waters of Gangwon-do, Phoenix Park’s Blue Canyon is a water theme park reminiscent of the Mediterranean Sea with various themed rest areas and fun water rides. These rides include the ‘Up Hill Slide,’ the first of its kind in Korea, as well as the largest and longest family slide, which are some of the most popular entertainment rides among visitors.  

Shilla Millennium Park is a theme park integrating both education and entertainment about the history and culture of the Silla Period.Focusing on the Silla Period (57 BC - AD 935), the park reproduces Silla architecture and a village of aristocrats, tells children fun stories about the period, and offers symbolic architecture such as Emile Tower and Seokbinggo. Visitors are also invited to participate in things such as the Craft Clinic.Visitors can enjoy an outdoor set in which the famous Korean drama "Queen Seondeok (2009)" was filmed. In addition, the park houses Ragung, the first hanok (traditional Korean house) hotel in Korea. It became famous when it appeared as Yoon Ji-hoo’s home in the Korean drama , “Boys over Flowers (2009).” The hotel is divided into Suite Hanok and Royal Suite Hanok. Inside each hanok is an outdoor open bath offering comfort and rest to visitors. For more information on Ragung, call +82-54-778-2100 or visit the official website. 

Paldalmun Gate is the southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, designated National Treasure No. 402. A crescent shaped 'ongseong' (defensive secondary wall to prevent the main gate from being broken down with logs) is built on the outside of the door. On the right wall of the gate is a nameplate which contains the names of the people involved in the construction of the gate. The Paldalmun Gate is unique in that it is detached from the rest of the gates, and located in the middle of the busy city. The reason for this is because commerce took roots around the gates before its reconstruction, making it impossible to build in that area.

Hanhwa Aqua Planet Yeosu is the second largest aquarium in Korea and is a landmark of the southern province with a record of about 1 million visitors every year. There are approximately 34,000 marine organisms of about 280 species including rare animals such as beluga (white whale) and baikal seal.

Yeonsu Kim Eye Center is an eye surgery and medical center with five specialized ophthalmologists who make diagnoses, offer treatments, and perform surgeries. The center is one of the first eye clinics in Korea to introduce and perform iFS LASIK in Korea. With over 15 years of know-how and recognition in the field, the center performs over 2,000 vision correction surgeries annually. Moreover, Yeonsu Kim Eye Center has performed the largest number of cataract surgeries among primary medical centers in Incheon from 2009 to 2012. The center also has all the necessary diagnostic and surgical equipment for glaucoma and other retinal diseases.

Korea Military Academy is a place of strict rules, patriotism, and military cadets. It was extremely difficult for outsiders to visit the academy until 1997, when a special tourism course was created. The course showcases the major sites at Korea Military Academy. Starting from the school information center, visitors can see the museum, memorial hall, and exhibition center in a 1.5 hour course. The Military Museum displays treasures and materials from each branch of the military, while visitors can see the history of the military and lifestyle of cadets at the memorial hall. However, the highlight of a trip to Korea Military Academy is watching the Hwarang Ceremony, a parade of cadets which takes place every Saturday at 11:30. In the ceremony, cadets don their formal uniform to march. Touring the academy at 10 is perfect for watching the parade later.

Located at the Uiam lakeside, the Animation Museum, which is Korea’s only animation museum, has two floors. On the first floor there is the dimensional exhibition hall introducing the origin, birth, and development of the animation, the kinds of animation, and the Korean animation history, as well as the reproductions of a large robot Taekwon V, and the old comic store. The second floor consists of the world hall displaying the animation trend for each country, diverse animation experience activities, and a special exhibition hall. Visitors can experience making sound effects for an animated film using various tools and dubbing a famous animated film such as Run Honey, and Cloud Bread. The Toy Robot Studio, located next to the Animation Museum, provides various experience programs related to robots. Its interesting robot programs are Spider Robot, Mission Robot, Robot Avatar, Robot Dance, Drone Experience, and so on. Both the Animation Museum and the Toy Robot Studio are equipped with convenient facilities for visitors with the background of Uiamho Lake, such as a cafe and souvenir shop, which sells animation characters and toys. The outdoor space also displays cute animation characters on the lawn where children can play freely.

Gyeongju World Culture Expo is a valuable cultural exposition which has attracted over 16.2 million visitors so far through eight runs since 1998. In particular, previous expos introduced: the harmony of traditional culture and ICT (Information and Communications Technology), Korean culture and global culture, abundant hallyu contents, and is the first cultural expo to showcase the theme of the Silk Road. The expo is expected to welcome visitors with various exhibitions, performances, and hands-on programs.

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.

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.