Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

Odusanseong Fortress (오두산성) is built around the strategic summit of the mountain. Its walls stretch across roughly 620 meters and were built during the Baekje Dynasty. The fortress is built on the intersection of the Imjingang River (임진강) and the Hangang River (한강) on the summit of Odusan Mountain (오두산, 119 meters). The mountain’s slope is steep and stones used in the construction of the fortress walls are scattered here and there at the summit. These scattered stones are evidence that the fortress underwent repairs several times during the Samguk (Three Kingdoms) era and the Joseon Dynasty, as these stones were evidently quarried and used to mend the fortress walls. Excavations have discovered a great deal of earthenware, white porcelain, tile, and iron arrowheads. Topographically, the fortress sits on a prime strategic junction and the Unification Observatory has been situated there as well. The fortress stands as an important object of study concerning fortifications and structures from the Baekje Dynasty. It has been recorded on the stele of King Gwanggaeto, samguksagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), in the baekjebongi (Baekje Annals) and on daedongyeojido (Map of Korea) that the fortress was the Gwanmi Fortress of Baekje, attracting many scholars and researchers interested in this period. 


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Chimyeongjasan is a sacred site for those of the Catholic faith and a famous pilgrimage attraction in the southeastern region of Jeonju. Perched upon a steep ridge of Seungamsan Mountain behind Hanbyeokdang Pavilion, the area is the final resting place of well-known Catholic couple Yu Jung-cheol (John), Yi Sun-I (Rugalda), who vowed to remained virgins for all eternity. Situated upon the couple’s grave is “Miracle Rock,” a naturally formed rock that is said to be shaped like Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The site is also home to a 4-meter-high stone cross that can be seen from as far away as Hanbyeokdang Pavilion.The 200-meter prayer hike named “The Golgotha Way of the Cross” is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes for Catholics visiting the mountain area. Leading up from the parking lot and Monmartre Square (rest place), the entire path to the summit is strewn with flowers, making the prayer walk an ideal place for a stroll and some quiet meditation.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

Dosoram Hermitage, along with Seonunsa Temple, is thought to be built during the Beakje Era, 18 BC-AD 660. The temple is located inside of Seonunsa Temple on Dosolsan Mountain (Seonunsan Mountain) in Samin-ri, Asan-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The area of the temple features a picturesque view formed by the rocky outcroppings that were created by volcanic activity. And, two yosa where the Buddhist monks lives are attached to the temple, as well as Nahanjeon Hall, Cultural Property No. 110, and Dosolcheon Naewongung, Cultural Property No. 125, which is at the top of the stone staircase. Of note is the seated Buddha relief carving at Dongburam Hermitage Site of Seonunsa Temple (National Treasure No. 1200), with a x_height and x_width of 13 m and 3 m, respectively. It is carved into the face of a cliff called Chilsongdae, which is located to the west of Dosoram Hermitage. There is also a gilt-bronze seated Ksitigarbha bodhisattva at Dosoram Hermitage of Seonunsa Temple, Gochang (Treasure No. 280), which is enshrined in Dosolcheon Naewongung. The statue of Buddha follows the style of the late Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918-1382), featuring the most elegant and refined pieces of work from that period. Seonunsan Mountain, where Dosoram Temple is situated, has excellent scenery full of rocky crags and cliffs, even though it is not regarded as a tall mountain. Many visitors visit the mountain for its beautiful scenery.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

As one of the best sights in Geojedo Island, Geoje Haegeumgang River is called the Geumgang River (Sea Diamond) of the South Sea. As a rock island, Haegeumgang River belongs to Hallyeo Marine National Park, which is assigned as an official green area in South Korea. Its original name was Galgotdo, because it is shaped like the spreading roots of arrowroot. These days it is known as Haegeumgang River, meaning Geumgangsan Mountain in the sea.The most stunning scenery of Haegeumgang River is the sunset and sunrise and can be best viewed on Ilwollbong Peak or Lion Rock. There is Shipjagul Cave in the center of Haegeumgang River, which is 100m long from east to west and 180m long from south to north. It has been called Shipjagul (meaning ‘cross’ in Korean) Cave because it looks like a cross when viewed from the sky. If you go on the tour, you will be fascinated by the x_height of the rock walls and the inside of the cave. A long time ago, scholars expressed their yearning for the beauty of nature by writing and reading poems they wrote on sailboats with a bowl of makkoli (rice wine) in their hands.When you take a ship around the island, you’ll be fascinated once more because of the great works such as the Maitreya Rock, which reflects on Eunjin Maitreya, Candlestick Rock and the 1,300 year old guardian pine tree of Haegeumgang River. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Located on the southern part of Jirisan Mountain, Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwaeomsa Temple are among the most popular temples in the Jirisan area. Constructed by Sambeob who was a disciple of Euisang in the 23rd year of King Seongdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, it was called Okcheonsa Temple at first. Then, the Buddhist Monk, Jingam changed its name to Ssanggyesa Temple after having seeded around the temple with tea from China. The temple was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion, Imjinwaeran (1592-1598) and later rebuilt.The best time to visit this area is spring, as the 6km path from Hwagye market place to Ssanggyesa Temple is filled with blooming 600-year-old cherry blossom trees. With the myth that lovers who walk together along the cherry blossom tree path, it is also called Hollaegil (wedding path). A 40-50 minute walk along the tree-lined path leads to Ssanggyesa Temple.Across the bridge in front of the ticket office, there are two rocks engraved with the words “ssanggye” and “seokmun” each. It is said that the eminent scholar Choi Chiwon of the Silla Era had engraved the words with a cane. In the middle of the temple, one of the foremost Korean epigraphs “Jingamseonsa-daegongtabbi” is situated in front of the main building Daeunggeun. This was also written by Choi Chiwon. To the east you can find the Ssanggyesa Ma-aebul, a unique image of Buddha engraved in a hollowed out section of rock.In addition, Palyeongru is the cradle of Korean style Beompae (Buddhist music), which was initiated by the Priest Jimgam (774-850) who studied the Buddhist music in China. As Jingam composed the piece Eosan (fish mountain) by watching the fish of Seomjingang River with Paleumryul (eight tones and rhythms), this place is named Palyeongru.During the third year of King Heugdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, Kim Daeryeom visited China and brought seeds for tea trees. By royal order, he planted the seeds around Ssanggyesa Temple and this area became the first place to cultivate tea.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Two hundred meters upstream from Dodamsambong Peaks is a large rainbow-shaped stone gate on the left side of the river. This oddly-shaped stone arch is called Seongmun. With its fascinating scenery, Seongmun is the second of Danyang’s Eight Scenic Wonders. To the left of the stone gate is a small cave. Inside the cave is Okdap (Stone Field), which is believed to have been cultivated by an old enchantress. The legend of Okdap says that an old enchantress who lived in heaven once came to the earth to get water and then dropped her hairpin, just near the stone gate. She looked for the hairpin but was extremely impressed by the beautiful views. She gave up heaven and lived near the Stone Gate as an ordinary peasant for the rest of her life.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located inside Changdeokgung Palace, Huijeongdang Hall is a one-storey structure built in ikgong style (bird wing-shaped eaves placed on top of the pillars) with a hip tiled gable roof. It has 11 kans in the front and 4 kans to the sides (kan: a traditional unit of measurement referring to the space between two columns that is roughly 6 to 8 feet). During the latter period of the Joseon Dynasty, the hall was used as the king’s workplace. It is situated right in front of the palace’s residential hall called Daejojeon Hall. Originally built upon the foundation of Changdeokgung Palace, Huijeongdang Hall was destroyed by multiple fires during the battles of the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592). It was rebuilt in 1834 but was burnt down again in 1917. The current structure is the one reconstructed in 1920. The frequent destruction and restoration of the hall account for the many changes that occurred in terms of the size and purpose of the building. The 9 kans in the front and 3 kans on the sides have been decorated into a living room with a Korean-style reception room on the left and a western-style reception room on the right. The rest of the building was used as hallways and other small rooms such as bathroom and cubicles. The hall's interior is decorated with foreign-made furniture as a result of the western influences at the time. The electricity installed in and outside the rooms is a change that took place during the last phase of the Korean empire. The original structure, however, had been strictly constructed according to the original palace building standards.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Standing grandly above the rocky cliffs of Namkang River is Chokseongnu Pavilion, arguably one of the most beautiful ‘nugaks’ (multi-storied building without walls) in the Yeongnam region. Chokseongnu (historically known as ‘Jangwollu’) has undergone 8 renovations since its establishment in the 28th year of King Gojong (1241, Goryeo Dynasty) and was once used as a stronghold for defending Jinju Palace in times of war. During times of peace, it was used for holding state examinations.Although the structure was burnt down during the Korean War, it was restored in 1960 through the efforts of the Jinju Historical Site Preservation Society. The design of the roof is similar to that of an octagon and the stone pillars were built with rocks collected from Mt. Chokseok, located in Changwon-si. The wood used for the structure was brought from Mt. Odae, situated in Gangwon-do. Noticeable features of Chokseongnu are the four engraved signboards and a board that holds the works of renowned poets and calligraphers.From the tall structure, visitors can catch a bird's-eye view of the rest of the Jinju Fortress and of the surrounding area.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Suyanggae Prehistory Museum boasts itself as the largest prehistoric site in Korea. The museum contains a multitude of remains, especially stone toolkits, of the late Stone Age and has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stone toolkits were discovered by a museum of Chungbuk National University while the team was on the project to excavate historical remains around the site that were submerged due to the construction of Chungju Dam. The museum provides detailed explanations and maps marked for the prehistorical sites in Danyang. Visitors can learn the life and wisdom of Paleolithic man in the museum.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Bukchon, literally translated to northern village, refers to the neighborhood located north of Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. The southern land of Jongno, which is present day Namsan, was referred as Namchon, meaning southern village. Bukchon Village was resided mostly by relatives of royal families and powerful authorities while Namchon Village was settled by middle class government officials during the Joseon period. Now referred to as the Bukchon Hanok Village, the neighborhood has become one of Korea's most representative tourist attractions that provide various photo ops. Visitors can take in the outlook of Seoul together with traditional hanok buildings by following the course for the Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon. [Eight Scenic Views of Bukchon] Scenic View 1 - View of Chengdeokgung Palace over the stonewall. Scenic View 2 - View of Wonseo-dong Handicraft Road Scenic View 3 - View of hanok at Gahoe-dong 11-bunji area Scenic View 4 - View of Gahoe-dong 31-bunji from the hilltop Scenic View 5 - View of Gahoe-dong alley (downhill) Scenic View 6 - View of Gahoe-dong alley (uphill) Scenic View 7 - View of Gahoe-dong 31-bunji alleyway Scenic View 8 - View from the Samcheong-dong stone stairway