Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

On July 29, 1998, the Gimhae National Museum was opened in order to research and preserve the cultural heritage of the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The museum is at the foot of Gujibong Peak in Gimhae-si, the spot where the kingdom is believed to have been founded. The museum exhibits the cultural assets of Gaya, as well as cultural relics from the prehistoric age in the Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do areas, and the cultural heritage of Byeonhan, which was the foundation for the growth of Gaya.Compared to other ancient kingdoms, relatively few historical records on Gaya remain. For this reason, relics and remains that have been unearthed through archaeological excavations need to be studied in order to gain an understanding of the ancient kingdom. In this sense, the Gimhae National Museum is a specialized museum used by professional archaeologists as well as the general public. 


Gangwon-do(Wonju-si)

At Wonju Hanji Theme Park, you can learn everything about hanji (traditional Korean paper) including its origin and history, through exhibitions, education and activity programs. The 1st floor of the theme park is the Hanji History Exhibition Hall, where you can get a glimpse of the past of hanji, such as how it was invented and spread, the history, origin and manufacturing process of hanji, and related artifacts. Visitors can imagine what the life of Korean ancestors was like and understand hanji better. Visitors can also appreciate the artistic value of quality works like the Jiseung Fan by Na Seo-hwan, the Manchu by Sobin, and the Jumchi Armor by the Hanji Development Institute, which are exhibited in the Hanji History Exhibition Hall. In particular, the Jumchi Armor was made with the jumchi technique, where hanji is layered on top of each other using water as an adhesive, resulting in thick paper with a grainy surface unlike ordinary hanji. Jumchi hanji is light but has a strong enough surface to be arrow-proof, and therefore it was often used for armory or winter outfits. The Hanji Media Hall presents hanji related movies, documentaries, etc., as well as the stories of hanji and the history of Wonju hanji. Planned exhibitions regarding hanji and other types of paper made home and aboard are held on the 2nd floor. Try hanji-related activity programs after looking around the exhibition halls. The theme park mainly offers two programs: a hanji-making program where visitors can actually make hanji; and a hanji-craft program to make several hanji-related items.


Daejeon(Dong-gu)

Uamsajeok Park is widely known as the ancient meditation site of the renowned Confucian scholar, “Uam (pen name) Song Si-yeol” (1607-1689). As such, it houses several buildings used by and dedicated to the scholar, including: Namganjeongsa (academy of Uam Song Si-yeol), Gigukjeong Pavilion, and Songjadaejeonpan (a collection of the written works of Uam Song Si-yeol).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Silla Culture Experience Center was established to offer various cultural programs featuring Gyeongju in the basement level between Daereungwon Tomb Complex and Cheomseongdae Observatory. Cultural programs include making chocolates in the shape of Gyeongju's cultural assets, making a golden crown, kite-making, Korean music performance, and more.


Daegu(Dong-gu)

Located in the center of Gyeongsang-do, Daegu International Airport is a convenient local transportation hub that provides access to most parts of the country. It is the only international exchange center in Gyeongsangbuk-do (Gyeongbuk). The cities of Gyeongsan and Yeongcheon are about 30 minutes from the airport, which serves as a major hub in Yeongnam region. Popular Gyeongbuk-area attractions including Gyeongju, Andong, and Pohang, are 90 minutes away. The airport’s main building is shaped like a soaring crane, with an interior theme based on a poem by Joseon-era scholar Yun Seon-do called “Owooga” (a song for five friends: water, rock, pine tree, bamboo, and moon).  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Located in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam Province, the 1,108-meter-high Hwangmaesan Mountain (황매산) encompasses the three peaks of Habong, Jungbong and Sangbong. Since the reflection of the mountain is also mirrored on the water of Hapcheon Lake, the mountain is also called ‘Sujungmae’ (literally meaning ‘ume (Japanese apricot) blossom under water’). In spring, azalea and rhododendron blossoms take over the entire mountain; in summer, you can enjoy the refreshing valley area; in the fall, the sound of birds singing is everywhere; and in winter, harsh winds swirl around the snow-capped Dongnipbong Peak.By starting the course from Sanjae and continuing past Mujigaeteo, Sungyeol Rock of Hwangmae Fortress and Guksadang hikers can take in the view of the alpine rhododendron-covered mountainside. 


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

The Iksan Jewelry Museum (익산 보석박물관) was established in the Wanggung Jewelry Theme Park (located in Iksan, Jeollabuk-do) to give visitors a deeper look at artifacts of the Baekje Kingdom and to celebrate the art of Korean jewelry.Boasting an area of 141,990 square meters, the world-class museum has a collection of more than 110,000 items including very rare gemstones and life-size dinosaur skeletons. Its comprehensive library of specimens and fossils (pterosaur, plesiosaur, etc.) gives visitors a glimpse into Korea’s distant geological past.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Bunhwangsa Temple was built during the year 634 and the third year of Queen Seondeok's rule, the 27th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. Prominent Buddhist priests Wonhyo and Jajang have resided at the temple.As the temple has a long history, it once held many historical relics but most of them have been lost due to the Mongolian invasion and the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. The remaining relics are Mojeon Stone Tower, Hwajaengguksabibu (A memorial stone placed in memory of Wonhyo, a renown Buddhist priest from the Silla Kingdom), Samnyongbyeoneojeong (A well in which the three dragons that protected Silla were believed to reside), and Danggan Pillars.Mojeon Stone Tower, the 30th National Treasure reaching a x_height of 9.3 meters, was built using bricks carved from andesite rocks. While the tower is presumed to be originally a 7-9 story structure, only 3 stories remain today. Danggan Pillars, two stone pillars that stand 3.6 meters high, are located at the entrance of Punhwangsa Temple. Danggan refers to flagpoles made of either wood, metal or stone that were used to hang flags which signified Buddhist festivals so that even people far away would be aware of them. The pillars are supported by stone turtles, a unique feature as most pillars do not possess such characteristics. There are also statues of Buddha displayed in the yard of Gyeongju National Museum. These statues were found in a well situated 30 meters north of the rear wall of Bunhwangsa Temple.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu)

The Traditional Arts & Crafts Studio was created to give both locals and international visitors a chance to experience the traditional arts of Korea firsthand. For international visitors, programs serve as a brief introduction to some of the finer points of Korean art. For many Koreans, the studio’s programs are ways to relive childhood memories or experience traditional culture as a family.


Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)

Maeng Sa-seong is a major figure in Cheonbaek-ri and was a prime minister during the early years of the Joseon Dynasty. His house is the oldest private residence in Korea, and was originally General Choi Yeong’s home, before he turned it over to his grand son-in-law, Maeng Sa-seong. The simple residence houses two 600-year-old gingko trees in the yard. Therefore it has been named ‘Haengdan’, meaning that Confucius taught on top of the gingko tree symbolizing a place of learning. For that reason it is inferred that Maeng Sa-seong intentionally planted gingko trees in the yard and taught junior scholars. The two gingko trees provide a cool shade and give out five sacks of gingko nuts each year.