Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power 600-641 AD) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At the time of their revelation, the king and queen were on their way to visit a Buddhist monk in Sajasa Temple on Yonghwasan Mountain (now known as Mireuksan Mountain). In response to their vision, the king drained the nearby pond and established Mireuksa Temple. The temple is believed to have shown the most advanced architectural and cultural skills of Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo (the three main kingdoms at that time). Records indicate that King Jinpyeong of Silla even sent his craftsmen over to assist with the temple construction.The two main features of the Mireuksa Temple Site are the stone pagoda (Mireuksaji Seoktap) and the flagpole supports (Mireuksaji Dangganjiju). The 14.24-meter-high west stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) is the oldest and largest Korean stone pagoda in existence. The west pagoda currently has only six tiers, but is estimated to have originally had nine. The nine-story east stone pagoda (27.67m in x_height) was restored to its original stature in 1993 based on historical records. Other surviving landmarks include the flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) to the south of the stone pagodas. The 395 centimeter-tall poles are estimated to have been created during the Unified Silla period (676-935 AD) and are set 90 meters apart from east to west.


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

You can see Sokcho Beach (450m long, 45-80m wide, average depth 1m) after about a 500m walk from Sokcho Express Bus Terminal. The view of its clear water, white sand and the pine forest is beautiful, and the nearby bus terminal makes transportation very convenient. It is also close to Seorak Mountain, and many hikers come by here as they go through Daecheongbong to Seorak-dong from the inner Seorak area. The white sand beach is 2km long, extending through Cheongho-dong, Joyang-dong, and Daepo-dong. The area open to the public is 0.45 km long and 75m wide, making it about 9,000 pyeong. More and more visitors are flocking to the area because of the superb quality of the sand.Sokcho beach plays an important role in displaying Sokcho-si as a great tourist area along with Seorak Mountain, Cheoksan Hot Springs, Cheongchoho, and Yeongrangho etc. On the bulwark, to the left of the beach, there are many places where you can enjoy hwaleo hoe (fresh sashimi). You can also enjoy sea fishing by taking a boat to Jo Island in the open-sea area by the beach.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

The Gwanghwado and Incheon areas are known for their plentiful catches of baendaengi (large-eyed herring). After a little street started specializing in serving baendaengi some 30 years ago, the fish has continued to grow in popularity.Located in Guwol-dong, across from the Incheon Culture & Arts Center, Baendaengi Street has expanded, and so has the variety of dishes served. Visitors can try baendaengi prepared sashimi-style, roasted, or in a spicy soup. For this particular species of herring, locals believe the flavor is best in March and April when they grow to their largest size. Salted Baendaengi also makes an excellent side-dish for Korean meals.*Baendaengi is one of many types of small prey fish referred to as ‘Soeo’ for their fierce struggle in fishing nets. Soeo have internal organs that are proportionally smaller than other species of fish and are known for their feisty nature. These attributes are thought to signify a stress-filled life, which is why many Koreans refer to narrow-minded or hot-tempered people as ‘baendeangi.’


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Baekje Cultural Land, built over a period of 17 years, is nestled in Gyuam-myeon, Buyeo-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, providing a home to Baekje’s Cultural Heritages. The complex was used as a filming site for “Running Man”, in the episode starring Jeong Wooseong and Han Hyoju.The site is spread out over 3,276,000 square meters, filled with the trace of Baekje Culture. Sabigung Palace reproduces the scenery of a royal palace during the Three Kingdoms period, and Neungsa Temple, a royal temple representative of Baekje, has been recreated according to the real size at the historic site in Neungsan-ri, Buyeo-eup. The Five-story Stone Pagoda, prominently seen after passing through Daetongmun Gate and Wiryeseong Fortress during Hanseong Baekje Era, gives a different aspect of Sabigung Palace. To enjoy the entire view of the complex at once, get on the Jehyangnu ferry.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Chaum is a premier wellness, longevity, and aesthetic medical facility offering a combination of oriental medicine, western medicine, and alternative medicine as well as traditional treatment techniques such as medical spa, exercise, and food therapy programs. Instead of rushing people off to the doctor’s office for minor discomforts, Chaum seeks to treat clients naturally while they are in what they call the ‘Gray Zone.’ The Gray Zone is the state between sickness and health; by treating illness while clients are in the Gray Zone, Chaum seeks to help clients achieve a healthy body condition more naturally.Chaum offers high-end health programs consisting of a professional medical check-up and personalized therapy programs, which help customers maintain a healthy physical state.


Seoul(Seocho-gu)

Located in downtown Seoul, the KEPCO Art Center is a cultural complex providing opportunities to experience a diverse array of arts and culture.The grand theatre plays host to performances ranging from classical to pop. Within the KEPCO Art Center is an art gallery as well as an electricity museum.


4.0/1
Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

The Trickeye Museum is an art gallery with paintings created using 'trompe l'oeil' techniques that give each 2D art piece the illusion of being in 3D. Instead of merely viewing paintings (as in a typical art gallery) visitors can interact with the paintings, posing themselves just right so that they look as if they are part of the original work. To ensure that even its busiest patrons have time to enjoy the fun, the museum stays open each day until 9PM, making it a popular date and hang-out place.* Opening date: December 15, 2010* Tour course: Trickeye Museum – Ice Museum - Carnival Street* Trickeye Museum's TV appearances1) EBS ‘Bonihani’ (Children’s educational program)Children visited the Trickeye Museum to discover the science behind trick art paintings and to demonstrate the principles.2) KBS ‘Scandal of Masterpieces’Discussion on the new approach/interpretation of the painting ‘Scream’ by Edvard Munch. 


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon shaped (462,809㎡) isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455 ~ 1468).Namiseom Island is 63 km away from Seoul in the direction of Chuncheon, and is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. The island is 30 minutes away from Chuncheon and an hour away from suburbs of Seoul. Since it is not far from Seoul, many couples and families come to visit.A special feature of Namiseom Island is that there are no telephone poles. This is because all electric wires were built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape. The complex is 553,560 square yards with chestnut trees and poplar trees around the isle.In the middle of the isle, there is a grass field about 316,320 square yards. It is composed of education and training facilities, camping sites, swimming pools and water-sports facilities for motorboats and water skiing. There is also a theme park with merry-go-rounds, a shooting range, roller skating rink, and there are lodging facilities such as resort villas and bungalows.


5.0/5
Seoul(Dongjak-gu)

Opened in 1927 on Uiju Boulevard, Noryangjin is one of Korea's largest seafood markets. The vibrant, abundant year-round market is connected to Noryangjin Station by a bridge. Over 830 seafood items are available for wholesale and retail purchases. Main items include clams, shrimp, blue crabs, octopuses, sea cucumbers, halibuts, and snappers. Visitors can purchase fresh seafood and get it sliced into sashimi at one of the restaurants in the market. Or, they can enjoy maeuntang (spicy fish stew), sushi, roasted fish, and fried food there. Opening around three a.m. every day, the market offers an authentic marketplace feel with bustling patrons and fish sellers calling out the day's catch.  


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Sinsadong・Garosu-gil

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. A passageway for traffic is located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun’s tablet has its name written vertically. When the first king of Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong-Gye (reign 1335-1408), had constructed the capital city, he believed that fire will reach to Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the capital city as Mt. Gwanaksan of Seoul is shaped like fire according to feng-shui principles. Sungnyemun’s name means fire, which is from the harmony of the Five Elements and if written vertically, the Chinese character ‘fire’ looks as if it is providing protection. This was Taejong’s (1367-1422) first son, Yangnyeongdaegun’s (1394-1462) famous writing. On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate has been re-opened to the public again as of May 4, 2013.