Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium, located on Ganghwa Island in Incheon, South Korea, is a premier sports venue that seamlessly blends modern athletic facilities with the island's rich cultural heritage. Opened in October 2013, the gymnasium boasts a seating capacity of over 4,000, including 1,428 adjustable seats, making it an ideal location for various events. Key Features: * State-of-the-Art Facilities: Designed to host a wide array of sports and cultural events, the gymnasium is equipped with modern amenities to ensure comfort and convenience for both participants and spectators. * Cultural Significance: The name "Dolmens" pays homage to the nearby Ganghwa Dolmen Sites, a UNESCO World Heritage site, reflecting the area's ancient history and cultural importance. * Notable Events: The gymnasium gained international recognition by hosting the taekwondo and wushu events during the 2014 Asian Games, showcasing its capability to facilitate major sporting events. Popular Media Highlight: Adding to its appeal, Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium has been featured as a filming location for the popular SBS TV show "Shooting Stars" (골 때리는 그녀들). This exposure has increased its popularity among fans and tourists alike, who visit to experience the setting of their favorite show. Visiting Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium: Situated amidst the scenic landscapes of Ganghwa Island, the gymnasium offers visitors an opportunity to experience modern Korean sports culture while being in proximity to historical sites. After attending an event, visitors can explore the Ganghwa Dolmen Sites to gain insight into Korea's prehistoric era. Getting There: Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium is accessible via public transportation from Incheon and Seoul. Local buses and taxis provide convenient options for reaching the venue. For detailed directions and event schedules, it's advisable to check the official Ganghwa County website or contact local tourist information centers. Why Visit? Whether you're a sports enthusiast eager to witness local events, a fan of "Shooting Stars" looking to visit a filming location, or a traveler interested in the fusion of modern facilities with historical context, Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium offers a unique experience. Its strategic location allows visitors to enjoy contemporary Korean culture and delve into the rich tapestry of the nation's history. Incorporating a visit to Ganghwa Dolmens Gymnasium into your travel itinerary provides a balanced glimpse into South Korea's dynamic present and its storied past.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Miryang Theatre Village was etablished in 1999 and is situated in Gyeongsangnam-do Province's Miryang U-RI Theatre Institute. The Street Theatre Troupe (STT), led by the art director Lee Youn-taek, took up residence in the village, giving the village a reputation as a great place to enjoy the arts. Beginning with simple performances, the village has evolved into a popular theatre offering tour performances (across the country and abroad), theatre education, and theatre experience programs and has accumulated materials about the history of Korean theatre. The village's performance hall, Forest Theatre, is equipped with 500 seats while the indoor indoor studio theatre can accomodate 120 guests. STT shows various performances every Saturday and 40-50 performances every year, attracting over 150 visitors to each performance. In addition to performances, visitors can enjoy touring the entire village from performance halls to practice rooms and costume rooms, broadening their understanding of how theatre actually works.  


Jeollabuk-do(Namwon-si)

The Silsangsa Temple was constructed by monk Jeunggak, as one of nine special temples in the year 828. The temple was established because of the theory of divination, based on topology. The belief held that Korea’s good spirit would be taken away to Japan, bringing bad luck if the temple was not constructed on this particular location. The temple was reconstructed in the 26th year of Joseon Sukjong’s reign (1700) after it was completely destroyed by the Japanese invasion in 1597. However, it was almost burnt down in the 19th year of King Gojong’s reign (1882). It is presently preserved just as it belonged to the Unified Silla Kingdom, with its three-story pagoda and its 11 treasures with a total of 17 cultural assets. The entrance of the temple lies in the middle of a rice field and the temple has a pastoral view, surrounded by trees. From the entrance, you can cross the half-moon shaped stone bridge, and just beyond that a remarkable totem pole.


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

The entire town of Haean-myeon is contained in Haean Basin. Also known as Punch Bowl, Haean Basin is surrounded by high peaks and one of these peaks is Gachilbong. The nature of the terrain in the Gachilbong area made it difficult to conduct military operations during the Korean War. The North Korean military utilized these natural features to build a solid defense position and launch counterattacks, while the South Korean soldiers in the lowland were in a disadvantageous position. South Korean soldiers were under the command of 5th Division Commander Brigadier General Min Gi-sik and 24th Regiment Commander Colonel Yu Ui-jun. On the North Korean side, the 7th, 14th, and 32nd Regiments of the 27th Division and the 23rd Regiment of the 12th Division under the 2nd Corps fought back. By sending a military deployment and conducting search operations, the South Korean military completed a reconnaissance of the area on August 30 and advanced to counterattack. On August 31, after defending their position for two days, the South Korean soldiers were able to break the North Korean resistance. Each unit secured a strongly fortified position to draw the North Korean soldiers out. Thereafter, South Korea launched an all-out attack and captured Hill 1241. However, North Korea attacked again and South Korea retreated. After several attacks and counterattacks, South Korea was able to take back Gachilbong and the surrounding areas. Although it resulted in heavy casualties on both sides, this battle ultimately gave South Korea possession of Haean Basin.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

 Daegullyeong Village is a tourist complex located in Gangwondo Gangneung-si, and provides visitors with a host of various traditional experiences, sporting events, and lodging accommodations. The village of 'Daegullyeong' got its name from the series of 832m ‘Daegwallyeong’ ridges that stretch along the bordering regions of Gangneung and Pyeongchang. Although the mountain ridges present rigorous passages with 99 turns, the area is popular as it boasts magnificent scenery.  Daegullyeong Village boasts the beautiful Daegwallyeong ridges and clear waters of the valleys in the mountain villages where tourists can take in the spectacular views of Bogwang 1(il)-ri, Bogwang 2(yi)-ri, and Eoheul-ri. The local specialties include the traditional doenjang (soybean paste), various soy and bean pastes, corn, traditional fermented soybeans, potatoes, and vegetables. Visitors can stay at any number of pensions in the area, then take a tour around a traditional soy and bean paste factory and participate in various experience programs such as soy and bean paste making, straw arts and crafts, folk games, and traditional performances.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Najeong Beach is situated on the shores of the East Sea. The beach offers many facilities as well as a seawater hot spring. The parking lot and pine tree forest by the hot spring are open to the public. Various water sports are also available in the area.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

Namhae's Geumsan, located in Gyeongsangnam-do, is the only mountain within Hallyeo National Maritime Park to have craggy ridge lines and gorgeous rocky surfaces. In December of 1974, it was designated as Gyeongsangnam-do's Natural Monument No. 18, but has since gone up to No. 39 as of May 2008. The mountain also features a trail that spans eight ridge lines that you can access from Idong-myeon Bokgok Entrance, and there is also Sangju Beach in the vicinity, which attracts many tourists.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan and Inwangsan makes it worth the effort. Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-storey museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and the small garden on the second floor has a great view of the mountains.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

The vast region of the Gurye Special Tourist Zone comprises Toji-myeon, Gwangui-myeon and Sandong-myeon, which has a river and an open field surrounding the mountainous area. Every part of Gurye deserves the title of Special Tourist Zone for offering many things to see. Well-known for its rich soil, the most outstanding natural resources of Gurye is Jirisan National Park, the first to be designated as a national park, and Seomjingang River. Every year, many hikers visit Jirisan National Park, also called the “bosom of a mother.” The park is cherished for its unpolluted scenery, such as its deep and wide geographical features and crystal clear valleys. The park offers diverse hiking trails and has mountain retreats for backpackers. Jirisan Dulegil Trail that runs along the periphery of Jirisan Mountain is where one could enjoy the experience of mountain glens, different from mountaineering. On their way hikers and trekkers can see groups of Sansuyu (cornus fruit) in spring as well as the autumnal tints of the mountain and valley in autumn. Another strength is that the park has different types of accommodations including Hanok (Korean traditional house) homestay and a guest house, apart from leisure facilities including hot springs in Jirisan. The park is a great place for historical inquiries as it is filled with historic temples, including Hwaeomsa Temple and Yeongoksa Temple, and historic relics. Flowing from Gokseong to Hadong, Seomjingang River creates a tranquil ambience. The cleanest ever in Korea, a large number of marsh snails and sweetfish live in this river. Visitors can also enjoy the scenic view from the riverside road and various festivals which are held all year round, such as the Sansuyu Festival, the Seomjingang Riverside Cherry Flower Festival and the Piagol Autumn Foliage Festival. * Current State of Gurye Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered / Areas around Toji, Masan, Gwangui and Sandong-myeon, Gurye-gun, Jeollanam-do 2) Area / 78,024,000㎡ * Tourist Attractions Jirisan Mountain, Seomjingang River, Jirisan Spa Land, Piagol Valley, Sansuyu Theme Park, Hwaeomsa, Cheoneunsa and Yeongoksa Temple, Hanok Village, etc.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)

Baengnyeonsa Temple is surrounded by mountains, as it is located off Yongmunsan and Myeongjisan Mountains. On each side of the temple, one can also find Unaksan Mountain as well as Cheonmasan Mountain. In addition, just behind the temple are Chungnyeong Mountain and Seorisan Mountain. This temple was built relatively recently, so there are little cultural treasures in places. However, as compared to the average temples in Korea, it is distinguished by its well-designed and refined architectures. The decorations in the temple are simple, with not too vibrant colors nor complicated designs so as to help in seeking peace and inspiration. The temple is also known for its hiking trails and beautiful scenery offered by the surrounding mountains.