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Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress (Seosaengpo Japanese Fortress) is a stone fortress typical of the Japanese style popular in the later part of the 16th century. It was built under the leadership of Japanese General Kato Kiyomasa in 1592-1593 at the beginning of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). The main fortress is located on a mountaintop 200 meters above sea level, a second fortress is halfway down the mountain, and a third fortress is located at the bottom of the mountain. The whole fortress is rectangular shaped. The fortress wall is 6 meters high and slants at an angle of 15 degrees. In 1594, a Buddhist monk named Samyeong-daesa came to Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress four times to negotiate for peace, but he failed each time. In 1598, the fortress was taken over by Korea with the assistance of General Magwi of the Ming Dynasty. A year later, Changpyodang Shrine was built in honor of the 53 Koreans who died during battles against the Japanese invading forces. However, the shrine was destroyed during the Japanese imperialism period and no trace of it remains. It is possible to tell from Seosaengpo Jinseongdo (a map drawn up in 1872) that the fortress was also partially used by Korean forces.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

Gochangeupseong Fortress is a natural fortress built by civilians in 1453. A government office building of the Joseon era was then rebuilt within the walls. Here, visitors can see an example of Korea’s traditional fortress architecture and take a stroll nearby amidst beautiful natural scenery.


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)

Mihwangsa, located in Dalmasan Mountain, Seojeong-ri, Songji-myeon, Haenam-gun, Jeollanam-do, is considered as one of the most beautiful temples in the nation. Unlike other temple stay programs, Mihwangsa Temple Stay, which is a year-around program available from January throughout December, offers diverse options from a one-day stay to an 8days/7nights program. The temple stay will be a precious opportunity for busy urbanites to do some soul-searching while learning more about Buddhist culture through various programs such as learning Chinese classics and communal living.  


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

The Ramsar Convention is an international treaty signed in 1971 to preserve the world’s wetlands. The Ramsar Culture Center promotes this mission and exhibits its history and highlights. The center educates visitors on the importance of preserving Junam Wetland Park and the cultural value of wetlands.Here visitors can view around 120 wetland posters from 40 countries, 15 wetland CDs, and 100 books on wetlands. There are also 1,060 stamps from 30 Asian countries and 10 previous Ramsar host countries, and also that feature the migratory birds of Junam Wetlands Park.After exploring the center, you can take one of the free bicycles and go out to the wetlands to see the reservoir and migratory birds. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Cheongoksan Mountain (1,276m) is located to the southeast of Manggyeongdae on Taebaeksan Mountain. The hiking course goes along the ridge of the mountain from Neutjae in Socheon-myeon and winds past Hongjesa Temple, which (according to rumors) is where the great Buddhist monk Samyeong underwent spiritual training. Nearby is Baekcheon Valley, which has been designated Natural Monument No. 74, since it is the southernmost natural habitat of the cherry salmon. Also located in the vicinity are Goseon Valley (home to a huge primeval forest) and Cheongoksan Recreational Forest, which includes various leisure facilities such as a water park, work-out center, campgrounds, lodges, and more.


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)

Containing many Buddhist temples and ruins as well as spectacular scenery, the 703m high Mt. Duryunsan is located at the southern most point of the Korean peninsula. Formed by subtropical green broadleaves and temperate deciduous broadleaf trees, the mountain is valued highly for observing plant chorology. Moreover, the Aegean Sea in the western and southern sea can be seen at a glance at the summit of eight mountains, although wide fields of reeds cover many areas. During the fifth year of King Jinheung's reign (514), Buddhist priest, Ado, built Daedunsa Temple, which is a place of great historical value as it is also related to the Buddhist priest, Seosan. The temple is proudly among dense woodlands, consisting of maple trees and camellias. Breathtaking scenery of valleys and luxuriant trees can be seen on both sides of the 2km road leading to the temple.


Chungcheongnam-do()

Gobok Reservoir is a large farm reservoir covering 770,000 square meters. It was constructed to provide water for agricultural use, but an abundant amount of fish attracted many fishermen from across the country. This resulted in it being appointed as a provincial park. The park spans an area of 1,840,000 square meters and its nearby attractions include a forest, Yonggul Cave, and Sinheungsa Temple on Obongsan Mountain. The neighboring village is home to orchards for growing grapes, peaches, and pears. The park has a large meeting square and an outdoor sculpture park for added leisure activities. The Millakjeong Pavilion offers a panoramic view of the reservoir. Food lovers will be delighted to find that there are many restaurants around the reservoir area specializing in hanbang-ori (herb duck meat) and megi-maeuntang (spicy catfish stew).


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si) , Ilsan


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

This temple is said to have been built by Great Monk Uisang in the 12th year of King Munmu’s reign (672 AD). It was rebuilt in the 13th year of King Hyeonjong’s reign (1672) after a fire destroyed the original temple complex during the Imjin War against Japanese invaders. During work to renovate Bogwangjeon Hall in 1976, a text that had been put up with the ridge beams was found. Bogwangjeon Hall is a small building and its ceiling is in the form of the sharp symbol (#). A Birojanabul Buddhist statue is enshrined in the hall.