Chungcheongnam-do(Gongju-si)

Gapsa Temple is located in the forested foothills of Gyeryongsan Mountain, 19 kilometers from Gongju and a three-hour walk from Donghaksa Temple. The temple is most beautiful during fall when surrounded by crimson foliage. Gapsa Temple was established by monk Adohwasang in 420, during the early Baekje Period. The temple's beauty allowed it to escape destruction many times, but it was ultimately burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The current structures were built in 1604. Nearby attractions include Yongmunpokpo Falls, Sujeongbong Peak, and Cheonjinbotab Pagoda.


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Ulsan Daegok Museum displays artifacts that were uncovered from the areas of Daegok-ri during the construction of Daegok Dam. Approximately 13,000 relics were excavated during land inspection prior to the dam construction, including Hasamjeong Ancient Tomb. These findings were collected and became available for public display when the museum opened on June 24, 2009.


Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

The Hwasun Dolmen Site is located near the waterfalls of the mountain pass linking Dogok-myeon of Hyosan-ri and Chunnyang-myeon of Daesin-ri. According to experts, 135 of the 980 stones in Dogok-myeon Hyosan-ri are dolmen. There are also about 100 damaged stone tables that still maintain their original form. What makes the Hwasun dolmens special is that in such a small district there are as many as 596 dolmen, including Korea’s biggest stone table. Acknowledging the importance of the cultural assets, the Hwasun Dolmen Site was registered as World Heritage No. 997 in year 2000 along with Gochang and Ganghwa Dolmens.  


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Unjusanseong Fortress (운주산성, also known as ‘Gosansanseong Fortress’) is a cultural heritage of the Baekje Dynasty. This is a mountain fortress built along the surrounding three mountain peaks in the westernmost and southernmost parts of Mt. Unjusan (460m in elevation). The fortress, which borders 3 villages in Jeondong-myeon and 2 villages in Jeonui-myeon, consists of a 3,098m-long outer fortress wall and 543m-long inner fortress wall. Both the outer and inner fortress walls are built with stone. Considering the number of formerly inhabited sites that have been unearthed, it is obvious that there were many buildings in the fortress and the surrounding hills. In the fortress, many broken pieces of earthenware from the Baekje period, porcelain from the Goryeo and Joseon periods, and broken tile from the Baekje, Goryeo and Joseon periods have been discovered. Mountain trails have been improved for family hikers. The mountain peak has a great view of the Independence Hall of Korea, Asan Bay, and the downtown areas of Cheonan and Cheongju. It takes about 2 hours to reach the peak.  


Incheon(Ongjin-gun)

Recently, the government announced its plan to designate part of Guleopdo Island as a natural monument. This island, located to the southwest of Deokjeokdo Island in Incheon, is indeed a beautiful island, boasting unique coastal landscape formed by strong tides, waves, and wind. Though there are numerous islands near Deokjeokdo, Guleopdo Island boasts such splendid beauty that it is said to be unmatched by any of the other islands in the West Sea. The island has been the dream of resort developers for years. The north beach of Guleopdo, Seondanyeo (near Baekado) and Jaraseom boast oddly-formed rocks and an exquisite coastal landscape. It’s a prime spot for fishing enthusiasts and is known for its abundance of flatfish, rock trout, and soft clams. Just fifteen minutes to the west of the dock facility in Guleopdo is Mokgimi Beach (a costal sand dune) that has a unique elephant-shape because of the rocks that were carried there by strong waves. Other rocks have fallen down from the nearby cliffs. Along the coast, there is also a beautiful white sandy beach that stretches over 600m. Not well-known to tourists as of yet, this beach is a great spot to enjoy calm, relaxed summer vacations.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Sangwonsa Temple is located 8km north of Woljeongsa Temple. Stories are told that Sangwonsa Temple was built by Buddhist monk Ja Jang (590~658) in 643, in the 12th year of Silla Queen Seon-Deok, and others say that it was built by Bocheon and Hyo-myeong, the sons of King Sin-Mun (reign 681~692), the 31st king of the Silla Kingdom. It was rebuilt in 705 during the 4th year of King Seong-Deok's reign (702∼737). However, in 1946 it was burnt down in a fire, but later restored once again in 1947. Only a Bell Pavillon remained during this period until the building was rebuilt after Korea’s Independence Day. The oldest relic left today is Dongjong (National Treasure No.36), Munsu Child Figure, and the Jungchang, the promotion of virtue in rebuilding Sangwonsa Temple, written by the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty King Sejo (reign 1455∼1468).At the entrance is a site called Gwandaegeori, named after the story about how King Se-Jo would hang his royal garments here when he took baths. Also, there is the Munsu Child Figure where the story of King Sejo and monk Munsu comes from. As National Treasure No. 221, the official name is Sangwonsa Munsu Wooden Seated Child Figure. At Sangwonsa Temple, there are other pieces other than the Munsu Child figure. The 91cm diameter Sangwonsa Dongjong was established in 725, in the 24th year of Silla King Seong-Deok. It is famous for its beautiful bell sound and the delicately carved Juakbicheon figure but nowadays it sits silent in order to preserve the bell.Sangwonsa Temple is located at Jungdaeam on the way to Jeokmyeolbogung in the Mt.Odaesan Birobong Peak direction. At the 2km southwest point is a hermitage where Utongsu Stream, the origin of the Hangang river, flows. Jeokmyeolbogung is a reliquary which possesses the bonesetting relics of Buddha, which was brought by monk Ja Jang from Tang (China).


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Must-Visit Tourist Spot in Incheon: The Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway If you are planning a trip to Incheon, one of Korea's representative cities, the Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway is a must-visit attraction. Located in Jeondong, Jung-gu, Incheon, this historical site marks the boundary between the Qing Dynasty and Japanese concessions established in 1884. It was designated as Incheon's Monument No. 51 on December 23, 2002. The area, which began with the Japanese concession in 1883, is a space where the boundary between the Qing Dynasty and Japanese concessions was established in 1884, connected by steps and landscaping to what is now Jayu Park (formerly known as Manguk Park). This stairway, with a history of about 120 years, has a central stone staircase, with the left side representing the Qing concession and the right side representing the Japanese concession. The buildings on either side of the stairs distinctly showcase the architectural styles and characteristics of each country. One of the notable features of the Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway is its design, which includes a rest area to accommodate the steep incline and landscaped areas for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic views of Incheon Port. The stairs are located on the steep southwestern slope of Jayu Park, where the different architectural styles of the Qing and Japanese buildings vividly illustrate the historical significance of this area. While the stairs themselves might not hold much intrinsic value, the historical and locational significance of the Cheongil Jogyeji Border Stairway makes it a site of great importance. When visiting Incheon, it is highly recommended to explore this historic site along with Jayu Park, offering a glimpse into the intertwined history of Korea, Japan, and China.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

In the secluded mountain village of Gangwon-do Pyeongchang lies the filming location of “Welcome to Dongmakgol,”. Numerous props used during the fiming of the movie can still be found, including a large tree, a small stream, a stone bridge, wooden swings, a drinking well, and washing area. The best part about this village is that visitors can tour the area free of charge. * Film Synopsis The film “Welcome to Dongmakgol” is set during the Korean War. It opens with Private Smith (Steve Taschler) crashing in on the scene, then Lee Su-hwa (Jeong Jae-yeong) of the North Korean People’s Army joining in with a couple of soldiers, and Pyo Hyeon-cheol (Sin Ha-gyun) following with another fellow soldier from the Korean Army after being separated from the main forces. A group of people that shouldn’t be together meet in the peaceful village of Dongmakgol, creating immense tension as the movie progresses. The entire movie is set deep in the mountains of Gangwon-do, in a village unaware of the current war, in Dongmakgol. Here, the forces of the South Korean Army, North Korean Army, and the U.S. Army clash in opposition, but meet an unusual character named Yeo-il (Kang Hye-jeong). Yeo-il, along with the citizens of Dongmakgol, are unaware of the dangers of a grenade, and don’t even know the meaning of “put your hands up”. As the story continues, the three forces eventually create a friendship as they work in the fields, catch a wild boar, and go sledding in the grassy fields. However, peace during wartime can only last so long...


Chungcheongbuk-do(Yeongdong-gun)

'Nangye Hall of Korean Classical Music' opened in 1987 in Yeongdong (Chungcheongbuk-do). The 2-story building has 496 seats and a performance hall, exhibition center, powder room, projection booth and sound box. The center holds over 50 cultural events annually including the ‘Yeongdong Nangye Gugak Festival’ and is visited by traditional music enthusiasts. The area is also home to Yeongdong’s dried persimmon production and promotes the local specialty through a number of diverse interactive programs at the center. These programs include playing Korean traditional musical instruments and a hands-on experience with dried persimmon fruit.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoncheon-gun) , DMZ•Panmunjeom

The Yeolsoe Observation Deck, located in Yeoncheon-gun, Gyeonggi-do, is positioned so that North Korea can be viewed easily at a glance and will play an important roll in the progress of unification. To increase security education and to appease homesickness, the Yeolsoe Observation Deck was built on April 11, 1998 and is open to the public. After the army conducts a simple check, the barricade is cleared and the path to the observation platform opens. Although verdant green landscape of the North can be seen as soon as you reach the observation platform, photography is banned at this point. Within the Yeolsoe Observatory is an exhibit of North Korean daily products and military equipment that allows viewers to catch a glimpse into North Korean life and around the observatory are churches and other various religious facilities for visitors to pray for a peaceful reunification. Yeolsoe Observatory, located right on the Southern Limit Line, helps us feel the pain of separation and acts as a constant reminder to the current generations of the importance of unity and peace.The guardrail that runs along the barbed wire fence is laden with many ribbons that hold the hopes and desires of the tourists that visit the DMZ. “Peaceful Unity”, “Our wish is unification”, “We must become united” are just a few of the messages written on the countless number of ribbons that seem to relay the sentiments to the people across the DMZ.