Chungcheongnam-do()

Hwangnyongsa Temple is attached to the Taegojong Order of Buddhism. No information is available on when the temple was built, but it is thought to have been built by the descendants of Hwang Hee (1363-1462), who returned to his hometown to avoid political strife in the mid Joseon era, wishing for national peace and the prosperity of the family clan. The temple had been taken care of by Hwang Hee’s descendants for generations, but at one time became ruined. The temple had been rebuilt in modern days. The current buildings were re-constructed by Monk Beobin in 1985. Inside, there are Buddhist buildings like Daeungjeon, Gwaneumjeon, Samseonggak, and Beomjongnu. New additions include the three-storied stone pagoda and the Three Buddha statues in front of Daeungjeon Hall. The oldest relic from the temple is the standing Gwanseeumbosal Buddha statue in front of the Three Buddha Statues. The statue is considered to be about a hundred years old.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Situated 1,240 meters above sea level, Mt. Gaji is famous for its beautiful stones and rocky peaks. There are a variety of things to see on the mountain besides the beautiful stones. The delicious strawberries and mountain berries attract many people during the harvest seasons. In the fall, the pampas grass provides a spectacular sight as the whole mountain peak is covered in autumn’s colors. Mt. Gaji was declared a provincial park in 1979 due to its peaceful scenery, encompassing many cultural assets as well as tourist spots.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Goesan-gun)

Hwayang Valley, located 32km east from Cheongju, was designated Songnisan National Park in 1975.The vivid green mountains and clear waters make it a highly sought after tourist spot. The nearby Seonnyudong Valley, just 7km away, is also a huge draw for travelers.Hwayang Valley is composed of various shaped rocks such as Cheomseongdae Observatory, Neungundae Observatory, Waryongam Rock and Eupgungam Rock. Well-known statesman from the Joseon Dynasty, Song Si-yeol, visited the valley and wept for King Hyojong offering his final bow. This rock where he cried was then named Eupgungam Rock meaning ‘crying bow’ Rock. Waryongam Rock gets its name from its shape, which is said to look like a wriggly dragon. Cheomseongdae Observatory was used in order to forecast weather patterns.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest (계명산자연휴양림) of Chungju is located east of Chungju Lake and is surrounded by beautiful scenery. In addition, Gyemyeongsan Recreational Forest’s nearby roads are good for driving and the area is very popular among tourists and even Koreans. Within this recreational forest, there are pine trees, and various animals and plants. In addition to a host of therapeutic benefits, a walk through these woods is memorably tranquil. The list of recreational facilities includes mountain passes, sporting facilities, a community kitchen, and campfires. As for lodging facilities there are Forest Cabins and family hotels available. Reservations can be made directly through the Homepage. (Korean)


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Situated along Seomjingang (Seomjin River) between Gurye and Hadong, Pyeongsari Park was built for the enjoyment of summer tourists to the area. In addition to the beautiful river, the park is home to campgrounds (open year-round), numerous shaded rest spots, basketball courts, soccer fields, and an abundance of parking space. Decorated with Jangseung (totem poles, which used to be set at the entrance of villages), the spacious park is full of excellent amenities: barbecue grills, benches, drinking fountains, and clean bathrooms. The sandy banks of the river offer a unique opportunity to catch marsh clams.Pyeongsari Park and its nearby attractions appeared in Toji (The Land), the epic historical novel by Park Kyung-ni. Visitors may want to tour the group of houses that have been reproduced to commemorate the novel, including the famous Choi Champan House.Nearby attractions include Hwagae Market, Ssanggyesa (Ssanggye Temple), and Seomjingang Maehwa Village, host of the Gwangyang Maehwa (Ume Flower) Festival. 


Gyeonggi-do(Anseong-si) , Anseong

Gang Seonyeong, who devoted a lifetime to traditional dance, built the Taepyeongmu Initiation Hall (태평무 전수관) at her own expense in 1998 in her hometown of Anseong for the proper initiation into, and the preservation of traditional dance. A traditional dance performance is held every Saturday at the center for visitors and a traditional dance competition is held annually to preserve Korea’s traditional dance and to discover new talent. The center has a large performance hall (430m2) where up to 400 people can enjoy a performance; a museum displaying Taepyeongmu dance-related materials and folk articles from around the world; two practice rooms; and lodging facilities that can accommodate up to 70 individuals. * Taepyeongmu Dance (Korean Intangible Cultural Asset No. 92) Court dancing that embodies the continuing hope for the nation to exist in peace. The dancers are adorned in magnificent regal costumes and execute enthusiastic movements, alternating steps while in serene repose.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The 19km-long Bugak Skyway runs along the northeast ridge of Bugaksan Mountain. Opened in September 1968, the road quickly became known as one of Korea’s most scenic driving routes. The road offers lovely views of Bukhansan Mountain’s Bibong Peak and Munsubong Peak on one side and Namsan Mountain on the other side. Trees line the roadside and different flowers bloom per season. The skyway leads to an octagonal pavilion at the top called Palgakjeong, where visitors can get a panoramic view of the city, take photos, and have a meal or coffee while enjoying the scenery. There’s also a parking lot that can accommodate up to 130 cars. http://bukak-palgakjeong.tistory.com


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Namsa Yedamchon, along with Hahoe Village in Andong, is the representative ancient Hanok (Korean traditional house) village in Korea. Located at the foothills of Nigusan Mountain, tucked into a bend of the crystal clear Sasucheon Stream, the village looks like it came right out of a dream. Although no one knows the exact date the town was first founded, it is assumed that the town was created before the Goryeo Dynasty since one of the queens of the Goryeo Era was believed to have been born here. Inside the village by the ancient house of the Ha family clan, there used to be a 670-year old apricot that was well known by nature and apricot flower enthusiasts everywhere. Unfortunately, the tree died a few years ago and a seedling from the original tree is growing in its place. Although historical records verify that the house was built in 1377, the house was burnt down during the Donghak Peasant Revolution and has since been restored. The Ha family clan’s house, though famous, is only one of the numerous traditional houses in the village. The oldest house in the village is the ancient house of the Yi family clan that was built sometime in the 1700s. The house is famous for the 300-year-old trees that stand on the road leading up to the house. The two trees cross trunks to form the letter “X,” and are so unusual that many photographers come here just to take pictures of them. Namsa Yedamchon in Korean means ‘lovely walls village’ in Korean and is exactly the right name for this beautiful town. Stone walls measuring 5.7km long line the road from the village’s entrance and the 3.2km-long traditional stone wall in another part of town was even designated a Cultural Heritage in 2006. In Namsa Yedamchon Village, tourists can not only visit and stay in traditional houses, but can also participate in a variety of hands-on programs. At the end of a long day of touring visitors can even use the nearby charcoal sauna that uses charcoal made from the oak woods of Jirisan Mountain. * Famers’ life experience – Traditional Water Mill Experience, ‘Honeybee Keeping’, ‘One-day Famers’ Life Experience * Traditional game-playing – Samgot, Nori, and Pungmul (folk music) performances & campfire * Educational Programs- Ancient houses, cultural heritages, Sancheong’s Eight Scenic Views, ‘Seodang (Traditional Schoolhouse) Experience’, natural dyeing with Pagoda Trees


Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si) , Namyangju

Gwangneung (광릉) is located in Namyangju in Gyeonggi-do. This is the royal tomb of King Sejo (1417-1468, reign: 1455-1468) and Queen Jeonghui (1418-1483).The King and Queen are enshrined separately. The tomb on the left is King Sejo’s and the one on the right is Queen Jeonhui’s. A pavilion stands between the two tombs.King Sejo was the second son of King Sejong and Queen Soheon. When his nephew came to the throne following the death of King Munjong, he led a revolt, “Gyeyujeongnan (계유정난) Revolts" and in 1453 became the 7th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty.Queen Jeongui was the daughter of Yun Beon and became the Queen when King Sejo took the throne. She was the first figure in the history of the Joseon Dynasty who administered state affairs on behalf of a young king.Gwangneung is surrounded by forests where an abundance of wild plants grow. These well-managed forests have been designated as a National Arboretum by the Korean Forest Service. Gwangneung is also famous for being the habitat of the Korean redheaded woodpecker (Natural Monument No.11). With many evergreen trees such as pine trees and fir trees growing here, these forests are a good place for a scenic drive. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)