Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu in Seoul, the Seoul Central Masjid was the first Islamic mosque in Korea. Construction of the mosque began in October 1974 on a piece of land (5,000 square meters) that was donated by the Korean government. Funded by the Islamic countries, the mosque officially opened on May 21, 1976 and now stands proudly halfway between the Hangang River and Namsan Mountain. The first floor of the mosque houses meeting rooms and the office of the Korea Muslim Federation; on the second floor is the men’s musalla (prayer hall) measuring 427 square meters; and on the third floor is the women’s musalla (prayer hall). The Islamic Center, originally a 2-story building (1,362 square meters) attached to the mosque, saw the addition of a third floor on July 20, 1990 thanks to generous funding from the Islamic Development Bank of Saudi Arabia. The Islamic Center now features a madrasah (educational institution for Muslim children), the Islamic Culture Research Institute, and more.


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.


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.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Located about 70㎞ southwest of Yeosu Port, Chodo Island is part of the ferry route from Yeosu to the more popular Geomundo Island. Major attractions on the island include small fishing villages, emerald green beaches, and the 500-year-old hackle berry tree. Island History In 1950, Chodo Island was defended by the brave local youth from the invasion of a small fleet of boats. The hackle berry tree is said to be occupied by the spirit that saved the life of an ailing local.


Gyeongsangnam-do()

Geojedo Island is Korea's second largest island with breathtaking scenery. At Jangpyeong-ri, simply pass the great bridge and you will be led directly to Geojedo Island, which boasts the bulk of the South Sea's tourist attractions. Haegeumgang, Mongdol Beach and Oedo Island Paradise Island are the most popular sites among them.Haegeumgang, an island made of rocks, belongs to Hallyeo Marina National Park and is also called the Geumgang of the South Sea. It is famous for both its sunsets and sunrises, and its unique rock formations. Also, Hakdong Mongdol Beach, made of pebbles called Mongdol, has camellias and fairy pits in spring, and comes alive as a beach resort in summer. Oedo Paradise Island, which recently became a popular site, is called the ‘Paradise of Korea’ because of the 3,000 kinds of decorated trees and the Mediterranean style buildings that stand upon this 264 square km land. This island is a poplar site for filming soap dramas due to the combination of the exotic atmosphere and sea.Geojedo Island is historically a significant place. Memorial services are held annually in memory of General Lee Sun-Shin at the Okpodaecheop (war) Memorial Park, built in memory of the battle of Okpo(1592.5.7 - 5.8). Geojedo Island also had the biggest prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War, and the camp has been restored as a historical relics site. 


Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si) , Namyangju

Established upon the signing of a friendship pact between the city of Namyangju and the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar, Mongol Cultural Village is a unique place in Korea where visitors can experience the traditional culture of Mongolia.Inside the exhibition hall, about 800 items from Mongolia including traditional clothes, instrument and household goods are on display. Also, there is a performance hall with 320 seats where visitors can enjoy various cultural arts shows. While residing in the village, the 19 members of the Mongolian cultural arts performance group put on traditional music and dance performances and rope circuses. Performances are held twice on a regular day, and three times a day on national holidays and from July through August.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Geumodo Island, included in the area of Dadohaehaesang National Park, has a shape resembling a big terrapin. Many fables, folk songs and folk games have been told of this island. It features dense forests along with wild ginseng and used to be an area for hunting deer, available only to the Royal House during the Joseon period. Also, the island is a spawning areas for Black Porgy (Gamseongdom). Including the black porgy, the fishing site is suitable for other types of fish such as a red sea bream, rock bream and more. 35 species of rare birds such as brown shrike, eagle-owl and more are living in the island, so it is regarded as an animal paradise. * Composition of island: 37 islands including Geumodo Island * Area: 42.34㎢


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Chujado Island is a group of four inhabited islands, called Sangchujado, Hachujado, Chupodo, and Hoenggando as well as 38 uninhabited islands. The majestic peaks of these islands makes Chujado look as if it were the top of a mountain. The dazzling array of islands is home to rich habitats of fish from yellow corvinas to hairtails, Japanese Spanish mackerels, snappers, bass, and horn fish, andd as such, it is a popular place for sea fishing. The main natural and cultural attractions include the habitat for black wood pigeons and streaked shearwaters (Natural Monument No.333), General Choi Yeong Shrine, and Chuja Cheosa House. Jeju City opened Chujado Olle Trail (or Jeju Olle Trail 18-1) in June 2010. Stretching over 17.7km, the trail begins at Chuja-myeon Office and connects peaks in Sangchujado (the largest island in Chujado) and Hachujado. Because of the numerous peaks, the trail is more of a hiking trail than a simple walking path and is easily one of the most demanding trails on Jeju Island.  


Seoul(Songpa-gu)

Jamsil Special Tourist Zone has Lotte World Amusement Park, the landmark of Jamsil, at its center. As Jamsil Special Tourist Zone functions as a resting area in the heart of the city, visitors can play, go shopping and participate in historical inquiries all within a comfortable distance of each other. The zone has a lot of entertainment and places to see and eat for international visitors of all ages with its diverse tourism resources, such as Seokchon Lake, Café Alley, Bangi Food Street, Olympic Park and Hanseong Baekje cultural relics. Seokchon Lake is great for a stroll in a tranquil ambience, and Bangi Food Street has restaurants serving a variety of appetizing dishes. Inside and around Lotte World Amusement Park are attractions and amenities that include Lotte Hotel World, Lotte World Indoor Ice Skating Rink and Food Court. It is popular among families with children and the elderly. Jamsil Station Shopping Mall in Jamsil, apart from Lotte Department Store (Jamsil Branch), is widely known as a shopper’s haven. The items sold at the shopping mall are affordable, attracting a crowd of young people. Olympic Park is frequently used as a venue by Hallyu (Korean wave) stars for shows and performances. There is a swimming pool inside the park where sports activities take place, like a scuba diving program for beginners. It is easy to access Songpa-gu District, where Jamsil Special Tourist Zone is located, from Gimpo International Airport on subway line No. 9. * Current State of Jamsil Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Shincheon, Seokchon, Songpa, Bangi and Jamsil-dong, Songpa-gu, Seoul (Lotte World~ Seokchon Lake~ Bangi Food Street~ Olympic Park) 2) Area: 2,310,000㎡ * Tourist Attractions Lotte World, Lotte Hotel, Folk Museum, Seokchon Lake, Olympic Park, Cafe Alley, Museum, etc.


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)

The area of Haenam Uhang-ri is designated as Natural Monument No. 394 since the area remains not only a fossil district with footprints of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and birds, but also has a rich geologic history. So, Haenam-gun created the Haenam Uhangri Dinosaur Museum in order to showcase the natural heritage and experience the dinosaur exhibition such as a 4D video room and special exhibition. The museum is the very first dinosaur museum in the southwest region of Korea and features plenty of dinosaur remains and other related exhibits.