Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Changnyeongmun Gate, the eastern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, is similar in shape and size to Hwaseomun Gate to the east. The main item of interest on this gate is the nameplate attached to the left of the gate. While the names carved into the polished granite at the other three main gates have become obscure over time, the nameplate at Changnyeongmun Gate is still clearly visable.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Wawoojongsa Temple was established in 1970 by Kim Hae-Geun, a monk who was displaced by the Korean War. The temple is not only a reflection of the monk’s sincere hope for the reunification of the North and South, but is also the birthplace of the Korean Buddhist Nirvana Order.There are over 3,000 Buddhist statues on the temple grounds, the most famous of which are the Buldu (Buddha heads) placed at the entrance and the Wabul (reclining Buddha statue) stationed in the middle of the mountain. The 8m-high Buldu is the largest of its kind and the Wabul, which is made from a juniper tree from Indonesia, is 3m in x_height and 12m in length. As the world’s biggest wooden Buddhist sculpture, the Buldu has been registered in the Guinness Book of Records.The temple is also home to a 5-Dhyani Buddha made of 30 tons of brass (taking decades to complete) as well as the 12-ton Bell of Unification (struck during the Seoul Olympics in 1988). Other attractions include a bronze statue of Buddha sitting with his legs half-crossed (the largest of its kind in the nation) and the nation’s only Sakyamuni Bulgohangsang statue.One of the other unique things about the temple is the Pagoda of Unification, located besides the stairs of the Hall of Nirvana. The pagoda is comprised of stones brought by visitors from various holy sites all over the world. Hence, the construction of the Pagoda is a never-ending progress. As a symbol of the pervading hope for world peace, a wide range of Buddhist statues from many countries including India, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, China and Thailand are on display around the temple, allowing visitors to learn about Buddhist cultures from all over the world.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

Uireung (의릉) is the royal tomb of King Gyeongjong (1688-1724, reign 1720-1724), the 20th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and his second wife, Queen Seonui (1705-1730).King Gyeongjong was the first son of King Sukjong and Janghuibin, who was one of King Sukjong’s concubines. King Gyeongjong, who was born weak and anemic, died only four years after becoming king, without any great political achievements. As a results, queen Seonui became the crown princess in 1718 and queen in 1720 when King Gyeongjong ascended to the throne. She is known to have had a kind heart and prudent personality.Uireung’s tombs differ from the other royal double tombs in that they are not placed side-by-side. Instead, according to geomantic theory, one tomb has been placed directly behind the other one. The arrangement also shows that when making tombs, Korean ancestors did their best to protect the natural environment.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Geumgwanchong, located in Noseo-dong, Gyeongju, is a tomb from the Silla Kingdom (B.C. 57∼A.D. 935). It is one of the three tombs that belong to the Noseo-dong Tombs in downtown Gyeongju.Geumgwanchong Tomb is regarded as the tomb of a king before or after the reign of King Ji-Jeung during the early 6th century (500~514). It is not known exactly to whom this tomb belongs.It was found in September 1921, when the fief was chopped while a civilian was leveling the ground to widen his building land. The first relic found in this tomb was a gold crown, geumgwan, and so the tomb took its name. Ornaments such as gold belts, earings, bracelets, saddlers and crockery of the Three Kingdoms Era (when Goguryeo, Baekje and Silla were separated, later unified by Silla in 676 AD) were dug up from the tomb. There were numerous relics, with beaded relics alone numbering over 30,000.The original structure of Geumgwanchong was 13m high with a 50m diameter. The relics from this tomb were moved and are now preserved at the Gyeongju National Museum. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

The Imcheonggak Pavilion was built as a home during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1919) because of one aristocratic family’s love for the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. The most famous structure on this property is the annexed pavilion. Imcheonggak is designated Treasure No.182. Thankfully this structure was untouched during the Japanese invasion taking place from 1592-1598. An autograph of the famous Confucius scholar, Lee Hwang (1501-1570), can be found hanging outside the pavilion.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Sammok Quay is located in the north of Yeongjongdo (Unseo-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon). Boats typically operate between Sammok and other islands in its vicinity (Jangbongdo, Modo, Sindo, and Sido). Its name originates from Sammokdo, where the quay belonged. Sindo is an island near Sammok Quay. It is also called Jinyeom, which means true salt because salt is produced there. Visitors can enjoy the breath-taking view of Yeongjongdo and the West Sea from the peak of Mt. Gubong in Sindo. Two bridges connect Sindo, Sido, and Modo. Sido’s natural beauty is still preserved due to its isolation and has appeared in the Korean soap operas, “Full House” and “Winter Sonata,” attracting tourists increasingly. Around March 15 on the lunar calendar, the sea route between Modo and Hoedong-ri (Gogun-myeon) is said to open for two hours over the x_width of 18 meters. It is often considered the Mysterious Sea Route or Moses Miracle in Korea. Many tourists visit Modo around that time to witness the mystery of nature. Visitors can take a boat from Sindo to Jangbongdo, whose name originates from having many peaks and a long-shaped island. It boasts many coastal wonders. Surrounded by wide tidal land, these four islands are home to rare, precious birds such as Swinhoe’s Egret (Natural Monument No.360) and Black-Tailed Gull (Natural Monument No. 361). Famous local produce includes grapes, dried laver, shrimp, razor clams, and octopus. Modo got itself name after Chinese character ‘Tti’ meaning lines of fish nets because when fishing, no fish were caught hanging in Tti. The story of the Royal Investigator Lee Geon-chang came down from generation to generation with a monument. Trout fishing is formed around the island; mangdungeo, rockfish, conger eel and other are caught as well. Specialties includes grapes with high sugar content and wild oysters.


Daejeon(Seo-gu)

Daejeon-si Seo-gu Jangan-dong is located at the base of Jangtaesan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest and consists of a dense forest of ginkgo trees. The beautiful lush valley makes for a great getaway during the summer months. The recreation area features a promenade, a therapeutic forest walk, sporting equipment, and a botanical garden. Lodging facilities include Forest Cabin, a recreation center, and a training center. Reservation can be made through the homepage. Homepage) www.jangtaesan.or.kr (Korean only) * Lodging Fee (day of the check in 15:00 / check out the next day 12:00) - Forest Cabin Party of 6 high season (7.1~8.31) 80,000won / low season 60,000won - Forest Lodge Party of 10 high season (7.1~8.31) 180,000won / low season 150,000won - Training Camping Site Party of 4 high season (7.1~8.31) 60,000won / low season 40,000won Party of 5 high season (7.1~8.31) 80,000won / low season 60,000won  


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

The city of Jeonju prides itself on its rich local culture and history of tradition. Residents are passionate about their heritage, especially when it comes to the arts. The Sori Arts Center of Jeollabuk-do exemplifies and celebrates these community values by regularly offering a full program of visual arts shows. An excellent venue for leisure activities, events, and gatherings, the building itself boasts a stunning architectural style that underscores the institution’s desire to increase art appreciation worldwide. * Foundation: September 21, 2001


Incheon(Jung-gu)

Incheon International Airport offers tour package for those who are interested in airport facilities and responsibilities. Visitors can see for themselves the daily rountine that takes place inside the airport, making the package popular among children and those who are interested in pursuing a career in the airport and airline industry.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Johyun Gallery started as "Gallery World" in 1990 at Gwangan-ri Art Town in Busan by Jo Hyun. After that, the gallery moved in front of Haeundae Paradise Hotel in 1999 and then it was rebuilt on Dalmaji-gil Hill near Haeundae Beach in June 2007. The gallery operates exhibition halls throughout the first and second floor of the building, as well as an art shop at Busan Museum of Art on the first floor. There is also another location in Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul. This gallery focuses on the global art world by working with the international artists.