Travel/Culture List

Naju Image Theme Park is a place where many scenes of Buyeo Kingdom, including Buyeogung Palace, an ironware factory and the downtown area, were filmed for ‘Jumong,’ which is a hit drama that was recently televised. Built on a 450,000-pyeong site, the large-scale set cost over 18 billion won to create and was also used to film Taewangsasingi (Legend). A scene featuring Dam-deok as a child, where he visits an old lady at a natural dye plant and tries his hand at dyeing, and a scene where a soldier-like Dam-deok rides a horse through a vast field were filmed here.It is a well-known fact that actors, actresses and crew who were filming in Jeju would make a five-hour boat trip to Naju to shoot here. During filming, Japanese fans came to Naju to observe from a distance.

Jeondeungsa Temple, located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, South Korea, is a historic Buddhist sanctuary with a rich legacy dating back to 381 A.D. during the Goguryeo Kingdom. Surrounded by the peaceful Samnangseong Fortress and lush greenery, the temple provides a serene escape for visitors seeking cultural and spiritual enrichment. A Glimpse into History Established by the revered monk Ado-hwasang, Jeondeungsa holds an important place in Korean Buddhist history. The temple has witnessed significant historical moments and played a vital role in the spiritual life of the region. The main hall, Daeungjeon, is particularly famous for its exquisite wood carvings, showcasing the architectural excellence of the mid-Joseon period. During the temple's history, soldiers engraved their prayers for victory and protection on the walls and columns of Daeungjeon, leaving behind a tangible connection to Korea’s past conflicts. Architectural Marvels Jeondeungsa Temple is home to various structures of cultural and artistic significance, including: * Daeungjeon Hall: The temple’s central structure, admired for its intricate carvings and deep historical roots. * Beomjong Pavilion: This bell pavilion houses the ancient temple bell, which continues to be used in traditional Buddhist ceremonies. * Samseonggak Shrine: A sacred space dedicated to the Three Sages, reflecting the harmonious blend of Buddhist tradition and Korean spirituality. A Scenic and Spiritual Getaway Set amidst dense forests and gentle hills, Jeondeungsa Temple offers more than just history. Visitors can enjoy scenic walking trails, admire the vibrant seasonal foliage, and soak in the peaceful ambiance. The temple complex is an ideal destination for those looking to reconnect with nature while exploring Korea’s cultural heritage. Why Visit Jeondeungsa Temple? Jeondeungsa Temple is more than just a historic site; it’s a place where history, culture, and nature come together in harmony. Whether you’re an avid history enthusiast, a spiritual seeker, or simply looking for a quiet retreat, Jeondeungsa offers a unique experience that leaves a lasting impression.

Horim Museum, founded by Yun Jangseop, displays about 10,000 remains. These remains can be found in four galleries: Archaeology Gallery, Ceramics Gallery, Metal Art Gallery, and Painting and Book Gallery. The museum has two floors above ground and one underground. There is also an outdoor exhibit area, coffee shop and a souvenir shop. Displays include 3,000 earthenware pieces, 4,000 pottery pieces, 2,000 paintings and books, and 600 pieces of metal art. Approximately 44 remains are authorized national treasures.

Sinnyang Beach is not yet a popular tourist attraction, leaving the fine-grained, sandy beach relatively untouched. Thanks to its quiet atmosphere, the beach gives visitors a calmer, more secluded beach experience than some of the larger beaches on Jeju.The 80 meters-wide, crescent-shaped beach stretches for a total length of 300m. Bordered by waters that are only an average of 1m deep, the beach gently slopes at a 5 degree angle. Known for its small waves, the beach is the perfect spot for children.Windsurfing is available nearby and popular tourist attractions such as Seongsan Ilchulbong (Sunrise Peak) and Seopjikoji are located in the area.

Located in strikingly beautiful surroundings, the 1.4million square meters Oak Valley Snow Park contains two beginner, five intermediate, and two advanced level courses. Each course presents a different theme, and the slopes have varying inclines. Oak Valley is a first-class resort complex providing condo facilities, a golf course, and various other subsidiary facilities. Oak Valley also offers special children’s facilities making it the perfect ski resort for all the family. It is also the nearest resort complex to Seoul. During the winter season, Oak Valley operates shuttle buses to the resort. Please refer to the homepage for the shuttle bus schedule and more detailed information on the resort.  

Located in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, on the scenic Turtle Island, the Siheung Wave Park stands as a testament to modern marine leisure facilities, harmoniously blending the allure of water sports with the convenience of urban life. This expansive urban marine leisure complex has been meticulously designed to cater to a variety of aquatic interests, offering both residents and tourists a taste of a healthy, water-based lifestyle right in the heart of the city. The park is highlighted by its exotic beach-inspired Mioco Star Zone. At the heart of this zone is the Miopool, a haven for young enthusiasts where they can take their first surfing lessons or experience the thrill of underwater scooters. Families with children will particularly enjoy the Kids & Turtle Pool, which boasts large tube attractions that guarantee hours of laughter and fun. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the recreation pool offers rappel diving and an introductory children's scuba diving experience – a rare treat in such settings. Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @wavepark__ Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @wavepark__   Lastly, for those looking to wind down after a day of activities, the island-style heated spa provides a perfect retreat. It's a sanctuary of relaxation, offering therapeutic warmth and serene views. The Siheung Wave Park is not just for professional surfers; its wide range of facilities ensures that even those who have never set foot on a surfboard can fully immerse themselves in the joys of aquatic recreation. It's truly a destination that promises an unforgettable experience for all.  

The street in front of Cheongwadae (Blue House) is open to the public and includes both Hyoja Samgeori (Hyoja three-way intersection) in Hyoja-dong and Palpan Samgeori (Palpan three-way inetersection) in Palpan-dong. When walking along Hyoja-ro Road from Gyeongbokgung Station, sights include a fountain, Mugunghwa Garden, Yeonmugwan Hall, Daegogak and Yeongbingwan Hall.Cheongwadae Sarangchae consists of one basement level and two above-ground levels, including Korean Culture Exhibition Hall, Planned Exhibition Hall, a gift shop, and rest area (Korean Food Promotion Hall, Café) on the first floor and Cheongwadae Hall and Haengboknuri Hall on the second floor. Daegogak Hall houses a book donated to former president, Kim Young-sam for expressing the past spirit of Sinmungo (Petitioner's drum from Korean History). Yeonmugwan Hall is a martial art and fitness center for guards. Mugunghwa Dongsan, formed after the ansa (Safe House) was demolished in 1993, includes a well, mock fortress, and rest area. Located behind Mugunghwa Dongsan is Apostolic Nunciature in Korea and Chilgung (Seven Palaces).At the beginning of the street in front of Cheongwadae, dense trees and beautiful flower gardens decorating both sides of the road make it a nice place for taking a walk. The area from the north gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Chunchumun, to the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace, Geonchunmun, is Samcheongdong-gil Road. This road is home to many art galleries, including Kukje Gallery, Growrich Gallery, Gallery Hyundai, and Jin Art gallery, in the area of Hyoja-ro.

Icheon Termeden has an area of around 30,000 square meters. It is Korea’s first German style spa resort. It is located next to a thick forest, so visitors can enjoy the water and spa facilities and then take a stroll in the forest. The water park has a very large bade pool (a shallow pool that has many underwater massage jets), a hot spring spa, various sport facilities, arcades, a cultural hall, and various other subsidiary facilities.Unlike Japanese style spas, which contain mainly hot baths, Germany style western spas are more focused on water massages. Water jets located in the bade pool shoot out water, which massages various parts of the body and at the same time revitalizes the skin. In addition, you can walk, swim, or exercise in the water stream pool, which has a depth of 120 cm.Icheon Termeden started as a hot spring spa, but it plans to expand further into a multi-resort complex, which will include hotel and condominium facilities, an arboretum, a golf driving range, and horseback riding. 

Opened on October 30, 2002, the Chuncheon National Museum is a storehouse of the cultural heritage of Gangwon-do Province. It preserves and exhibits the archaeological and artistic treasures of the region, which range in date from the prehistoric era to modern times, and serves as a vital center for academic research and education. In 2003, the museum building was selected as the “Best Architecture of the Year.” The building is a beautiful cultural space with an elegant and modern exterior that is in perfect harmony with the surrounding mountain setting. The museum also features an auditorium with 230 seats, an outdoor performance stage, a seminar room with simultaneous interpretation facilities, rooms for hands-on programs, and a library.

Discover the life and literature of famous Korean writer Gasan Lee Hyo-Seok at the Lee Hyo-Seok Memorial Hall. The literary house consists of the Literature Exhibition (chronology of Lee Hyo-Seok’s works), Literary Class, Art Research, Creative Idea Room, and a Theater for literary plays. There is also a mock-up of the old Bongpyeong Marketplace and videos for children, as well as a number of different activities. The facility houses valuable documents such as the author’s first printed newspaper, magazine, and book publications. In addition to its deep literary significance, the house is known for its exquisite exterior, Literary Garden, and buckwheat flower trail.Lee Hyo-Seok (Pen name: Gasan)Born in Bongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do, Lee Hyo-seok began his life as a writer with the publication of “City and Ghost” in 1928. Subsequently publishing such works as “Noryeonggeunhae,” “Landing,” “March.” and “Meet by Chance,” Yi actively established himself as an author sympathetic to the proletariats during the Japanese Colonial Period. Later on, he was an active member of an authors’ modernism association and published more books, this time focusing on his empathy with Mother Nature. In the mid-1930s Lee published "When the Buckwheat Blossoms," one of the most celebrated Korean short stories to date.