Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

There are four large and small swamps around the Yibang-myeon, Daehap-myeon, and Daeji-myeon areas of Changnyeong-gun, which are collectively called ‘Upo Wetland’. They are the largest natural swamps in South Korea, with a total size about 5,550 square km. The bottom of the swamp is shallower than 1m and there are over 1,000 species living in its murky waters. It has a primitive atmosphere with 100 kinds of plants containing 28 kinds of aquatic plants and 72 types of hydrophytes.Upo Wetland is a primitive low bed wetland, which was created about 140 million years ago. When soft ground collapsed, water started to come to a low basin, and this was a lake where dinosaurs lived 100 million years ago. Upo Wetland was formed in with the sediments from the mountains brought in by rivers. From the outer edge, the current Upo Wetland is going through natural alteration and ecological succession from a lake to swamp and from grass-covered plain to a forest. At Upo Wetland there are eight famous sites such as fireflies, constellation gazing, and willow groves, but there are many, many other interesting things to see. Among the eight famous sights, the Upo rain-fog is an especially eye-catching natural phenomenon, becoming visible when there is no wind, when skies are clear, and the temperature difference between day and night is 10 degrees or more. The fireflies come out around 8~9 P.M. in August and September, and they are also worth watching. In winter, migrating birds spend their winter here and you can watch about 33 species of birds such as swans, whopper swans, bean geese, teals and wild ducks. It is better to take a walk in the evening or early in the morning rather than in the daytime, it would be great also to visit in the night under the starlight. 


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Idong Galbi is a famous term for Korean representing the delicious hanu (Korean beef) short ribs that's been made with high quality meat and marinated sauce. Once the meat is prepared, it is usually marinated in sweet soy sauce and various other fruit juice for some days. The recipes could differ slightly for each restaurant, therefore serving as a barometer that differentiates one store's taste from another. Nowadays, people can see signboards embedding "Idong Galbi" in many of establishments in Korea, however, the food was originated from Jangam-ri, Idong-myeon located in Pocheon of Gyeonggi-do. Now a huge town housing dozens of the galbi restaurants, this galbi-chon (or galbi village in English), only began with two stores in the early 1960s. 'Idong Galbi Jip (이동갈비집)' and 'Neutari Galbi (느타리갈비집)' were them, and after it earned the fame of becoming the 'local dish' of Pocheon, many more restaurants began to spring out. The secret to Idong Galbi is that they are slowly cooked over charcoal fire and thus has an additional "fire taste" that many like, as well as the tenderness that even the old and young enjoy. Secondly, the sauce is made only with natural ingredients such as pear, radish, onions and others, making it especially tasty and luring people to come for more. Besides, Idong makgeolli (rice wine) is also a famous local product that complements well with the meal. These days, unfortunately due to cost issues, some restaurants can no longer use hanu to make galbi but American beef are used instead.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Mongsanpo Beach, part of Taean Coast National Park, stretches 18km southwest of Seosan, 9km south of Taean and along the west coast of the Nammyeon Peninsula. Mongsanpo's white sand beach is around 3-km long and has a 5-degree tilt. The water is 1~2m deep with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius.The beach is surrounded by a dense forest of pine trees. The  pine tree forest along the beach serves as a good autocamp location to enjoy some fresh air and the natural beauty of the surroundings. During low tide, the muddy sediments deposited by the tide provide a place for children to learn about the world of creatures living on, in, and under the mudflats while catching clams and mud crabs at the same time.A 1km drive towards the western direction while passing throug the spectacular tree tunnel created by pine trees brings one to Mongdaepogu Port (몽대포구) where a number of fishing boats are docked. Near the port, one can find a number of small seafood eateries to enjoy some freshly sliced raw fish at reasonable prices.


Gwangju(Gwangsan-gu)

Wolbongseowon Confucian Academy (built in 1578, the 11th year of King Seonjo) was established to honor Ki Daeseung's study and virtue by Kim Gyehwi and other confucian scholars through Mangcheonsa Shrine in Sanwol-ri, Bia-myeon, Gwangsan-gun. The location of the confucian academy was moved to its current site in 1646 (the 24th year of King Injo) and the name 'Wolbong' was made by King Hyojong in 1654. In 1671, Bak Sang and Bak Sun's shrines were placed from Deoksansa Shrine by suggestions of Song Siyeol. Also, Kim Jangsaeng and Kim Jip's shrines were additionally placed in 1673. Unfortunately, the confucian academy was abolished due to the abolition policy of Daewongun in 1868 (the 5th year of King Gojong). Later, Bingwoldang Confucian Academy, comprised of five rooms, was built by Jeollanam-do's Confucian scholars in 1983. In addition, Gojiksa Shrine comprised of four rooms in 1972, Jangpangak Pavillion comprised of three rooms and Oesammun Gate in 1978, Sau in 1980 and Naesammun Gate in 1981 were established in order. Bingwoldang is desigated as Gwangju Monument No. 9 and woodblocks of Gobongjip (a collection of works of Gobong) are preserved in Jangpangak Pavilion.      


Gangwon-do(Wonju-si)

Guryongsa Temple (구룡사) is located 6km from Birobong Peak on Chiaksan Mountain, in the direction of Hakkok-ri. Monk Ui Sang (625~702) of the Silla Kingdom (BC 57~AD 935) built and named the temple Guryongsa in 668 (during the reign of King Moon Mu: reign 661 ~ 681). However, it is now known that the temple was built after King Sukjong, the 19th King of Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), who reigned from 1674 to 1720, because of the architectural style of the Daewoongjeon Shrine. There is a legend that the Guryongsa Temple site was originally a lake where nine dragons lived. The name Guryong comes from the story that the lake was filled up to build the temple on it. There are many shrines such as Daewoongjeon, Bogwangnu, Samseonggak, Simgeomdang and Seolseondang. Daewoongjeon has maintained its original shape though it was repaired many times. Daewoongjeon is a wooden building with the basic Dapojip style in the Joseon Era. The shape of the building is a Chinese character (八), with three rooms in the front and two rooms on the side and built without any nails. It is designated as Tangible Cultural Property No.24. We can see the characteristics of the Buddhist statues in the Joseon Period though the Samjonmokbul inside Daewoongjeon. With the Seokgamuni figure in the center and two Bosal statues on each side harmonize the structure of the building, and there are many other Buddhist artifacts in the temple such as Bogwangru and others.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Gyeokpo Beach, located in Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun in Jeollabuk-do Province, is part of Byeonsanbando National Park. From the beach, visitors can get a close-up look at the rock formations of Chaeseokgang Cliffs. Known for its clear waters, the beach offers a panoramic view of the west coast from the top of the cliffs and is considered one of the most beautiful beaches on the west coast along with Daecheon and Mallipo beaches.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The Kim Young Gap Gallery is a former elementary school turned gallery. Photographer Kim Young Gap, who had been suffering from Lou Gehrig’s disease, spent his life capturing the beauty of Jeju Island. He created the gallery during his last days so that he could ensure his works be shared for years to come. The gallery shows the photographer’s artistic passion, and his photos reflect the sublime beauty of Jeju Island, captured day after day in all kinds of weather. It is said that Kim Young-gap lived a life of poverty, spending the little money he had on film and developing supplies. Visitors to the gallery will surely be impressed by the commitment and lifetime sacrifice Kim Young-gap made 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

Taehwagang River cuts across Ulsan City from the east to west and originates in the valley between Ssalbawi of Gijisan Mountain and Tapgolsaem of Baekunsan Mountain. The 47.54km river passes through downtown Ulsan and empties out into Ulsan Bay, which is connected to the East Sea. Not just a symbol of pride for the people of Ulsan, the river has long since been a precious commodity that has played a pivotal role in Ulsan town culture and history. The Tadhwa River is home to 'Sipridaebatgyo' and the 'Taewha River Observatory.' Sipridaebatgyo is one of the bridges spanning the river and symbolizes the whale and white heron (symbols of Ulsan). Taewha River Observatory, on the other hand, gives visitors a chance to explore the ecology of the river and watch the area’s migratory birds. There are several convenient facilities near the river such as the bamboo forest park, grassy fields, a pampas grass colony, trails, and exercise facilities. The riverside area is a famous habitat for migratory birds and is a popular leisure spot for Ulsan citizens. Located near the riverhead is Gaji Mountain; the city park near the mountain is another recreational region and is dotted with cultural assets.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Sinbuk Hot Springs opened it in April 1994 amidst beautiful streams and forests. The hot spring water comes from 600m underground includes sodium bicarbonate help creating a soft and smooth texture and the water helps anti-aging and general skin care. Along with a hot springs bath, saunas were built as well as a resting area that attracts a diverse clientele. In the area around the hot springs are tourism spots like Yeoldugaeul Valley in Deokdun-ri and Samjeong-ri Mineral Spring. Trekking is also available on the walking trail at Wangbangsan Mountain, Soyosan Mountain and the hot springs as there is a trail connecting Sinbuk Hot Springs and the middle of the mountain.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheonan-si)

The Independence Hall of Korea displays Korean historical documents and relics from the past to the present, focusing on the independence movements of the Japanese Colonial Period. Originally the interim Government Building of Korea in China, the building was brought over to Korea after the nation was liberated from Japanese colonial rule on August 15, 1945. The Independence Hall officially opened on the anniversary of Independence Day on August 15, 1987 and now boasts seven exhibition halls, the Circle Vision Theater, and other facilities commemorating Korea’s struggle for freedom.