Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si) , Namyangju

Cheonmasan Mountain (천마산, 812m), located in the center of Namyangju City, is shaped like Dalma, a famous Buddhist monk, sitting with his shoulders back, and giving a grand and calm impression. The name Cheonma was given by King Taejo, the founder of the Joseon dynasty. It means a mountain that is high enough to touch the sky. The mountain is renowned for its beauty year-round, being snow-capped in winter; erupting in fresh verdure during spring; taking on a deep, lush green hue in summer and a myriad of colors in the fall. The mountain’s proximity to Seoul and its pristine spring waters that rush over the cliffs on the southwest face, make the mountain a popular destination. Mt. Cheonma is perfect for a day hike with its lush forests and natural springs where fresh healthy waters well up from the ground.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The German Village was built for Korean residents who returned from living in Germany. Many Korean lived in Germany where they earned foreign currency during the modernization of Korea in the 1960's. The area is now a unique tourism spot related to German culture. Since 2001, the area of Mulgeon-ri, Samdong-myeon, Namhae-gun, where the Windbreak Forest (Natural Monument No. 150) is located, 3 billion won ($2 million USD) worth of development by Namhae-gun and eventually the area was able to establish almost 70 buildings throughout the area spanning over 99,174m2 (30,000 pyeong). Korean residents in Germany directly imported materials from Germany to build German-style houses. When residents are not living in the house while in Germany, the houses are used as tourist houses. Also nearby is the Windbreak Forest and one of the most beautiful coastal drives in Korea, the Mulmi Coastal Road.


Gyeonggi-do(Ansan-si)

The Ansan Culture & Arts Center officially opened on October 2, 2004, following its success at the Ansan Yeormio Festival and Harmony Festival. The center boasts state-of-the-art stage facilities capable of holding any type of production orchestrated by Korean and international theater directors.


Chungcheongnam-do(Gongju-si)

Magoksa Temple was founded by Monk Jajangyulsa in 640, a representative temple of the Chungcheongnam-do Province. Magoksa is surrounded by a mountain and rivers curving a yin-yang shape. Perhaps because of such a shape, this temple was never damaged by any major wars during the Joseon Period (1392-1910). As much as the temple's fame, the beauty of the surrounding mountains is renowned especially the area surrounded by Mt. Taehwasan, where Taegeukcheon River flows in the shape of the yin-yang. It is most beautiful during the spring time, when the cherry blossoms, sansuyu, and magnolias fill the whole area.One eye-catching sight at Magoksa Temple are the Ocheung Stone pagoda and the Chinese juniper trees scholar Kim-Gu (Korean politician and freedom activist) is said to have planted. The top of Ocheung Stone pagoda is decorated with bronze. This style was influenced by the Lama Buddhist sect of Tibet, and there are said to be only three of such structures left in the world. Inaddition Daegwongbojeon and Geuknakgyo are also worth a visit.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheonan-si)

Located at the foot of Mt. Taejosan, Gakweonsa Temple can be spotted 3 kilometers from Cheonhoji pond near Cheonan Interchange. It was enshrined on May 9, 1977 to pray for the reunification of North and South Korea. The temple contains a bronze statue of Buddha, which is 15m in x_height, 30m circumference, has 175cm long ears, 30cm long nails and weighs 60 tons.It is the biggest temple next to Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju and it is gaining popularity as Cheonan’s new tourist attraction.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Auraji is a train station on the Jeongseon line located in Gangwondo. It is about 19.4 km away from Jengsoen-eup, and is the meeting place of two streams, the Songcheon stream from Gujeolli and Imgyemyeon’s Goljicheon stream, which flows down from Samcheok’s Jungbongsan. The name of the station, Auraji, comes from the verb eoureuda, meaning “be in harmony” in Korean. Auraji Station was once named after the region, Yeoryang, but was changed to Auraji, which describes the unique geographical features of the village. The area where the two streams meet and become a river became a bustling business zone in the past, where rafts were floated with lumber all the way to Seoul. It is quite a sight looking at the beautiful scenery enveloped by the crystal clear water and pebbles on the riverside surrounded by Nuchusan, Sangwonsan, Okgapsan, Goyangsan, Ballonsan, and the Wangjaesan Mountains. At the confluence of these two streams, a statue of Virgin Auraji and a newly built pavilion rest on a hill in the middle of the peaceful landscape. There are also rail bikes being operated at this station, which run 7.2 km from Gujeolli Station to Auraji Station. Notably, this is the birthplace of Jeongseon Arirang – Aejeongpyeon. Legend has it that there was a girl and a boy who were deeply in love in this village. The girl lived in Yeoryang and the boy in Gageum, with the Auraji Valley sitting in the middle. One day they were going to pick some camellia flowers in Ssarigol Valley. However, torrential downpours from the night before made the river overflow, making it impossible to use the raft to see each other. Their heart was aching for they couldn’t see each other. The lyrics of the traditional song Arirang were inspired by this story: “Rower in Auraji, listen to me, please let me cross the river.   Beautiful camellia petals in Ssarigol Valley are scattered around.   The beautiful camellia shed its petals and piled up with dead leaves. I miss my dearest one all year around and my heart aches.” The old rafts still remain in Gageum Village (also known as Gagumi) and Yeoryang village. A camp site of about 2,000 square meters is open in the months of July and August each year. Many tourist sites are nearby, such as Ojangpokpo Waterfall, Hanggolgyegok Valley, Hwaamdonggul Cave, Hwaamyaksuteo Mineral Spring and others. Intercity buses operate from Jeongseon, Yeoryang and on to Gujeolli. From April to November, trains run from Cheongnyangni Station to Jeongseon station on days ending with the number 2 and 7 (ie. 2, 7, 12, 17).


Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Beomeosa Temple is located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan. About 1,300 years ago it was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom (the kingdom mainly occupied the Gyeongsang-do Province region in 678A.D.). In the geography book 'Donggukyeojiseungram' the origin of Beomeosa Temple is written as follows: "There is a well on the top of Mt. Geumjeongsan and the water of that well is gold. The golden fish in the well rode the colorful clouds and came down from the sky. This is why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold well) and the temple is named 'fish from heaven'." The original Beomeosa Temple building was lost during Imjinwaeran Invasion (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) but was renovated in 1713, which remains as it now is. Daeungjeon is one of the most delicate and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). There is Iljumun, the three-story pagoda with four pillars, built in the 9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates, and eleven hermitages. Designated as a natural monument, the wisteria woods and valleys are most beautiful in May.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Jikso Falls is located inside the Byeonsanbando National Park. A 4-km walk up the hiking trail from Naesosa Temple leads to this 30-meter waterfall that thunders down from the mountain above. Known as one of the most beautiful sights in Byeonsanbando National Park, the waterfall is very popular with tourists.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Jecheon Station is located 154.9km away from Cheongnyangni Station, the first station on the Jungang Railroad. The station is built at a key junction, passing through Taebaek and Yeongdong Lines to the east, passing such cities as Yeongwoel, Sabuk, Hwangji and going all the way to Bukpyeong. To the southwest, it connects to the Chungbuk Line, which stretches 110km in length, passing through Eumseong, Chungju, Cheongju and Jochiwon. Famous tourist attractions within 4km of the station include Uirimji and Hanbyeokru.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheonan-si)

The Korea History and Culture Park was created 200,000 square meters of land in Jisanri Gukhagwon, Cheonan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. It is based on the creation myth Dangun’s Gaechoen & Hongik spirit that encompasses and embraces every ideology, religion and culture.At the center of the park is a 33 meter high statue of the founder of Korea, Dangun, holding a globe. The statue is the largest of its kind in Korea.At the entrance is a monument of Cheonbugyeong, a scripture of Daejonggyo, and at the Square of Liberalization History are statues built to remember the spirits of independent movement activists who sacrificed their lives for the nation, including Yu Gwan-Sun, Ahn Jung Geun, and Yun Bong-Gil. There are statutes of five internationally beloved religious and philosophical figures: Buddha, Confucius, Jesus, Socrates and Indian Saint. As a symbol of sacred love, there’s also a statue of the Mother Mary.By the year 2013, the Korea History and Culture Park will include facilities to provide visitors with a valuable experience of the nation’s history and culture: Korea History & Culture Center, Damul Exhibition Hall, Seondo Cultural Experience Field (including Ungnyeo cave, waterfall and a gazebo), the Jangseung totem pole, Sotdae Park, Sculpture Park, Traditional Seondo Folk Village, National archery place, and a stable for horseback riding.In collaboration with Gukhagwon Inc. the Korea History and Culture Park offers a tour program where you may take a special lecture on Gukhak and visit the exhibition area. It is a great opportunity for visitors to experience first hand Korean history and cultural tradition.