Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si) , Ilsan

The Latin American Cultural Center - Museum was established by former Ambassador Yi Bok-Hyeong, who served as a diplomat in Latin America for approximately 30 years, and his wife, Hong Gap-Pyo, in an effort to raise awareness and understanding of the Latin American region among Korean people. The center has a museum, an art gallery and a sculpture park: the museum showcases Latin American artifacts made of soil, stone and wood, masks and other folk art crafts of the Maya, Inca and Aztec; the art gallery features contemporary artwork pieces including paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists, and holds art exhibitions on a regular basis; and the sculpture park displays masterpieces of artists mostly from Latin America (Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Peru, El Salvador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Portugal), along with indigenas (artifacts from India) and promenades of Coyoacán (the historic borough in Mexico City).


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Mageompo Beach in Nam-myeon, Taean-gun is located right before the bridge that leads to Anmyeondo Island. As the beach is not widely popular among tourists, one can spend a quiet and tranquil vacation here. Near the beach is a dense pine tree forest where one can enjoy camping. The white sand and shallow waters also make it a good place for kids to swim. In the evening, the beach is a great spot to watch the breathtaking sunset.This place is famous for silchi-hoe, a dish consisting of freshly sliced raw fish. The ocean near the beach is one of the biggest natural sources of such fresh seafood as anchovy, sand eel and short arm octopus.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Yeongdong-gun)

Nangye Korean Classical Music Museum in Yeongdong, Chungcheongbuk-do was built to preserve and build upon the musical achievements and artistic spirit of Nangye Park Yeon, one of the three master musicians of traditional Korean music during the Joseon Dynasty, and to enhance public awareness of traditional Korean music. The Nangye Korean Classical Instruments Production Village produces high-quality Korean classical instruments in cooperation with Yeongdong-gun and a professional Korean classical instrument manufacturer to foster awareness that Yeongdong is truly home to traditional Korean music.


Gangwon-do(Goseong-gun)

The Korean War Experience Hall, located next to Unification Observatory, offers a view at the lessons learned through the tragedy of civil war and offers up the hopes for a peaceful reunification and harmony in the homeland. Visitors can get a deeper understanding of the Korean War and the hardships it led to through the videos, materials, and relics on display in this hall.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

Sin Jae-Hyo (1812-1884) is a legendary theorist and sponsor of pansori (epic chant). Sin spent his entire life in Gochang-gun, nurturing many disciplines, who later became masters of pansori. He also compiled and edited six pansori madangs (operas) titled Ttoggi Taryeong, Bak Taryeong, Simcheongga, Jeokbyeokga, Chunhyangga, and Garujigi Taryeong.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Located on Wido Island, Chidori Village is a small fishing community. Looking out to sea from this scenic, peaceful village, one can view the picturesque Ttanchido and Jageunttanchido Islands. When the tide recedes twice every day, a path opens up to connect Chidori Village to these islands. Along this path, oysters can be found in great abundance, and visitors are welcome to dig for them.


Gangwon-do(Goseong-gun)

Next to Hwajinpo Lake and a dense forest of pine trees lays Hwajinpo History and Security Museum. Its premier location near amazing ecological sites makes the museum a popular destination to pay a visit. Originally built as a summer house former president Syngman Rhee in 1954 and used as a private villa until the early 1960s, after his regime was overthrown, the building was left neglected. In July of the following year, 1997, the Korean Army remodeled the house, turning the place into a historical museum for goods used during warfare and other historical remains of former presidents. Adding auxiliary buildings and completing another major restructuring projects in February 2007, it became open to the public displaying artifacts exhibiting Korea's significant past and serving as a hub for security education.


Gangwon-do(Hongcheon-gun)

Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest is only open to the public during the month of October. This private forest was planted and has been maintained by one man for 30 years. He settled down in the area in 1985 with his wife who suffered from chronic indigestion. He started planting the ginkgo tree seeding on his spacious field after he heard about the medicinal effects of the mineral waters from Sambong Yaksu at the foot of Odaesan Mountain. The forest remained private until 2010, when its popularity spread by word of mouth. Since then, the owner has graciously agreed to open his private land up to the public for free during the month of October, when the whole forest takes on a golden hue.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Located 87.4km away from Ulleungdo Island, and formed entirely from volcanic rock, Dokdo is an isolated island off the east coast of Korea bearing a latitude of 37°14' north and a longitude of 131°52' east. Collectively, both Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo once belonged to a country named Usanguk. According to geographical records, Usanguk became part of the Silla Kingdom (57B.C. ~ 935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla. Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained significant strength during this period to overtake Usanguk.In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon Dynasty, there are passages by Kim Jaju describing Dokdo, which was referred to as Sambongdo at the time. Dokdo was initially called 'Sambongdo', 'Gajido' or 'Usando', but the name was later changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name 'Dokdo' was first used in 1906 by the Headman of Ulleung County Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do.After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Suk Jong (1674-1720), records that An Yong-bok went to Japan twice in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory. He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to Dokdo.Dokdo is comprised of two main islands: Dongdo, or East Island which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Island, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island formed due to weathering and erosion.Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the island, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.Presently there are security guards on Dokdo that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. For more information on traveling Dokdo, click here!


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Situated at the basin of the ravine in Gojisan Mountain along the Geumseongsan mountain fortress and the Chuweolsan mountain range, Daenamugol (대나무골) is surrounded by tall bamboo trees. In spring, the soft green bamboo shoots blanket the whole field; it also serves as a habitat for sedentary birds to take care of their eggs. The landscaping of the Daenamugol Bamboo Park encapsulates the value of bamboo trees. You can enjoy the fresh crisp air walking in the bamboo grove and the thick pine tree forest. You can try the tea from wild bamboo tea trees grown in the bamboo forest. The park also has Green Town; it includes a playground made out of grass, a hall, an outdoor cooking facility, shower booths, sports fields (volley ball, Jokgu, table tennis, badminton). The theme park has appeared as a backdrop for movies like ‘The Last Witness,’ ‘Sword in the Moon’ as well as in the popular TV drama series ‘Hometown Legends,’ ‘Damo’ and in a number of commercials.