Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Along with Geumgansan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named ‘Jiri’ because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla, On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam; Gurye in Jeonnam; and Namwon in Jeonbuk region. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryong National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido.At 1,915.4 meter-high, Cheonwangbong Peak (천왕봉) is the second highest peak in Jirisan Mountain. From Cheonwangbong Peak begin several valleys such as Chilseon, Tongsin, Cheonwang and Jungsan. The big sheet of rock on the very top of the peak looks as if it is supporting heaven. Sunrise observed from Cheonwangbong Peak is extremely beautiful so much that the old Korean lore says it is a view reserved for people whose family conducted good deeds for three consecutive generations.


Seoul(Jungnang-gu)

Bonghwasan Mountain (alt. 160m) in Jungnang-gu, Seoul offers scenic views of Buramsan, Dobongsan, and Namsan mountains. From the mountain, hikers can even see as far as the Yangju area of Gyeonggi-do Province to the north. Officially designated a “neighborhood park” in July 1977, Bonghwasan Mountain has a variety of convenience facilities, not least of which is the beacon tower of Achasan Bongsudae (remolded in 1994) perched on the mountain summit. Also near the summit is Sansingak Shrine, which is the site of the annual Bonghwasan Dodanggut (Intangible Cultural Property of Seoul No. 34), a shamanistic rite performed on the third day of the third lunar month.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Bongnae Waterfall is three-tiered with a x_height of 25 meters. The flowing, cool water brings a slight chill to the area surrounding the falls, especially in summer. As a major tourist attraction, Bongnae Waterfall is also the only source of drinking water for residents in Ulleung-eup. Most of the water used in restaurants and inns in Ulleung-eup come from Bongnae Waterfall.Two sites near the falls are well worth visiting: Punghyeol (natural air vents from which cool subterranean air blows) and the Forest Retreat. Punghyeol is located between Jeodong-ri and Bongnae Waterfall. During the peak of summer, chilly winds of about 4 Degrees Celsius blow from the rock openings and is often known as the “natural air-conditioner”. Next to Punghyeol is a thick forest of cedar, which makes a wonderful vacation spot during summertime.※ Note: This area is restricted due to unexpected incidents of landfall. Visitors are strongly advised to check for up-to-date information on unrestricted areas and accessible time from the official website or via phone-inquiry. 


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Situated in the east of Hwabuk 1-dong and along the coast, Byeoldobong is a parasitic mountain made of siliciclastic sedimentary rocks and lava. Its northern slope is dominated by steep cliffs where a large rock called Suicide Rock (Jasal Bawi/자살바위) is located. At the bottom of the cliffs are Whale Cave (Goraegul/고래굴) and an oddly-shaped rock that looks like a mother carrying her child on her back. Despite being only 136m high, Byeoldobong is home to Jangsu Trail, a walking path that stretches over 1.8km around coastal cliffs, overlooking the ocean. Considered the most pleasant trail on Jeju Island, it offers a spectacular view of numerous peaks, Jeju Port and its nearby villages, and the emerald-blue sea. Naturally, it is a popular tourist destination for family visitors and couples.  


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.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Seongpanak is one of the parasitic volcanoes on Jeju-do island. Parasitic volcanoes are smaller volcanoes formed by lava bursting through the edge of the main volacano, and there are over 350 on Jeju-do Island. Seongpanak is 1,215m high and situated between Jocheon-eup, Bukjeju-gun and Namwon-eup, Namjeju-gun. The name came from the shape of the vertical cliff that spreads roughly 500 meters outward and resembles a fortress (seong) made of wooden boards (pan). With its thick verdant forest, Seongpanak has a unique atmosphere all year around. The road here is clear and wide, but a bit uncomfortable to walk because of many rocks. The azaleas create a pink blanket in the spring, and blends well with the clear waterfall in the area.  


Jeollanam-do(Yeongam-gun)

The district of Jeollanam-do is located on the western coast, bordering Jangheung-gun in the east, a narrow bay in the west, Haenam-gun and Gangjin-gun to the south, and Naju-si to the north. Its entire area spans over a 565.9 ㎢, with a population of almost 60,000 (as of January, 2015) and is divided into of 121 ri, 9 myeon,and 2 eup. Its county office is in Dongmu-ri, Yeongam-eup. * Nature Having Noryeongsanmaek Mountain range descending from the top of Cheonwangbong Peak (alt. 809 m), Wolchulsan Mountain forms the mountain ranges in the southeast. The northwest district features flatlands unfolding toward the vicinity of the Yeongsangang River and Yeongsanho Lake, and the southeast area mainly features rolling hills. Nearly 20 streams, including Yeongamcheon Stream, begin in the vicinity of Wolchunsan Mountain and other nearby mountains, passing by the plains and joining up with the Yeongsangang River. The river eventually flows into Seohae (West Sea) through an estuary at the mouth of the Yeongsangang River in Samho-myeon. * Culture The Yeongbo Cultural Event is a folk event held by each myeon (township) of Yeongam-gun every 5th of May. Also, Yeongbo Aehyanghoe, organized and held in Deokjin-myeon, has been giving awards for filial children since 1979, and also holds a gukak (traditional Korean music) festival to honor the independence movement of Hyeongjebong Peak in May 1931 by inviting of survivors and bereaved families. During the feast, various folk games take place, as well as Jehyang (an ancestral ritual). Wangin Culture Festival is also held in the area of Yeongam to view the achievements of Dr. Wangin, who spread knowledge, culture, and art of Japan using Chunhyangdaeje, Doil Parade, Dopoje juldarigi (tug-of-war), Yeoseoksan Ssangpae nongak (farming music), as well as food exhibitions from each eup and myeon units. Folk games of this area include hwaetbul nori (torch parade), yut nori (Korean board game), juldarigi (tug-of-war), and ganggangsullae (Korean circle game). In particular, ganggangsullae is mainly done by women at night on the day of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and it is said to have originated during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion). Also, there are other ancestral rites such as Dangsanje, Sanje, Mireukje, Saeamje, Saemje, Chonje, Jeonghoje, and others that are held at dawn on the 15th of January on the Lunar calendar.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Uljin-gun’s southern most port of Hupohang has beautiful seaside scenery throughout the four seasons. Almost all of the fish caught in the East Sea can be seen at Hupohang Port. On the hill behind the port is the Hupo Lighthouse, which lights the waters for boats coming in at night, and its observatory provides a great view over the East sea during the day. Also, children’s playground and rest area are situated on top of the hill next to the lighthouse. On the opposite side of the hill, visitors can enjoy the spectacular scenery of the 1,004-meter tall Baekamsan Mountain.At dawn, visitors can tour Hupohang Park and look at the many freshly caught fish. Visitors can also buy fresh fish at extremely low prices. Furthermore, the Hupohang Port is known for its numerous raw fish restaurants and the hot springs are located nearby as well.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Located in Chengpung-myeon, Jecheon-si, Chungcheongbuk-do, Cheongpungnaru is the starting and ending point for pleasure boat commuting on the Cheongpung Lakeside. The ferry offers great views of the lake and its surroundings. In particular, the most popular course is the route between Cheongpung and Janghoenaru (장회나루) including Oksunbong Peak, Gudambong Peak and Geumsusan Mountain. Boarding takes place in front of Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex.


Jeollanam-do(Boseong-gun)

Yulpo Nokchatang, located at Yulpo Beach, is Boseong’s only green tea bathhouse. Seawater and green tea have been combined to create a unique spa experience that has many health benefits. Yulpo Nokchatang is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations on the southern coast, as it provides leisure facilities that overlook both pine tree forests and the ocean in one glance.Green tea, in particular, is known to help with high blood pressure, arterial sclerosis, eliminates bad breath, prevents cavities, removes dead skin, and is also said to be effective in hair treatment. Furthermore, bathing in the seawater is said to be beneficial for gastroenteric disorders, diseases common in women, skin irritations, obesity, and arthritis.