Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Dongsung-dong, Daehakro (College Street), The Lock Museum displays an impressive array of locks. The owner of the museum, Mr. Choi Hong-gyu worked as a hardware shop employee most of his life and ran his own store, Choi Family Hardware in Gangnam. He invested all of his fortune to make The Lock Museum. Opened in November 2003, The Lock Museum boasts locks, keys, and key holders from around the world. The museum aims to collect, preserve, and study Korean locks and to promote their benefits and design worldwide.The Lock Museum is an important spot in which visitors are exposed to new perspectives on locks. It offers visitors the opportunity to understand the cultural and aesthetic meaning of them. Centered on visitors, the museum will continue to be a facilitator of cultural communication between visitors and locks. 


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Hallasan is 1,950m in x_height and is the highest mountain in South Korea. Formed from volcanic activity, the mountain is a dormant volcano made mostly of basalt. Home to the magnificent Baekrokdam (lake-filled crater), the mountainside is covered with alpine flora and lush trees. The mountain is characterized by majestic cliffs, steep slopes, interesting rock formations, and, in particular, myriads of colorful azaleas. There are over 360 small mountains (uniquely-shaped volcanic mountains called “Oreum” in Jeju dialect) surrounding Halla Mountain that offer new delights to visitors with the coming of each new season. Along with Hallasan, the oreums were officially named the Hallasan Natural Protection Area (Natural Monument No.12) in 1966. There are six hiking trails along Hallasan. Seongpanak Trail on the east and Gwaneumsa Trail in the north go all the way up to the summit (Baekrokdam). Those looking for a less rigorous hike are advised to take the shorter trails reaching midway up the mountain. All trails are relatively short (less than 10km) and can be hiked in less than a day. Visitors are advised, however, to start early in the morning if planning on hiking up to the summit and to check official operating hours, as some trails are only open during certain hours of the day. Keep reading for information on some of the most popular trails. * Gwaneumsa Trail (North)—Summit Trail Gwaneumsa Trail offers hikers the best view of Hallasan’s deep valleys and stunning terrain. Midway along the trail is Guringul (a lava cave) and Tamna Valley. Tamna Valley is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves are changing and during the winter when the entire area lays under a dusting of snow. * Seongpanak Trail (East)—Summit Trail This relatively long, gently sloping trail is perfect for beginners. Lush broadleaf trees give shade from the beating sun and in spring the azaleas bloom and turn the mountainside into a dazzling array of color. * Eorimok Trail (Northwest) This short trail is another relatively easy trail for beginners. In spring, the nearby meadows are adorned with red royal azaleas. From the stone pathway to Mansedongsan visitors can catch a breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside and the island’s signature Oreums. * Yeongsil Trail (Southwest) As the shortest trail in Hallasan, this trail boasts Yeongsilgiam (a spectacular cliff with series of unusual rock formations). It is covered with azaleas and royal azaleas in spring and vibrant autumn foliage starting in October.  


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Jumunjin Beach (주문진 해수욕장) is located in the northern-most part of Gangneung, and is a great place for family vacations due to the beach's shallow water. The flat bottom and clear water make it easy to gather clams and to fish at the nearby lake. You can also easily purchase low-priced, fresh seafood because of its proximity to Jumunjin Harbor. Jumunjin Beach is a medium-sized beach characterized by fine sand and unusually blue water. Many dark colored rocks and stones are visible as well, which are interesting sites for tourists visiting the beach. The fine view of pine trees behind the white sands only accentuates its beauty.Nearby is a place called Mureung Valley, named after its scenery of Mureungdowon, a Chinese landscape where you can see a waterfall flowing down a rock wall and cows grazing in the area. Nearby is a rock called Sikdangam, believed to have been used as a dining table, and Geumgang temple, which was rebuilt in 1964. Sites you don't want to miss are the legendary rock called Adeulbawi Rock (Son Rock), which people believe can grant you a son. Guryong Waterfall, which is made up of 9 different waterfalls of different sizes, and Sogeumgang’s Manmulsang, which looks like a miniature version of Mt. Geumgangsan.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

The city of Suwon established the Suwon Hwaseong Museum to present the history and culture of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, an important Korean cultural asset and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.The museum has two permanent exhibition spaces: ‘The Exhibition Hall on Construction of Fortress’ (construction process of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the development of the city) and ‘The Cultural Center’ (illustrates various historical events related to the fortress such events held during the 8-day visit of King Jeongjo in 1795).In addition, the museum runs a ‘Children’s Experience Center,’ where children can learn ancient measurement systems, try on royal court costumes, and more. The Suwon Hawseong Museum not only displays relics from Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (one of Korea’s most impressive historical heritages); it also gives visitors an opportunity to experience and explore.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Pungnammun Gate was built during the middle of the Joseon Dynasty (1768) and was designated Treasure No. 308. Of the original four gates, this is the only one left standing (located in the southern portion of the city). The structure was partially destroyed during the invasion of foreign forces from 1592-1598. It was later rebuilt in 1978. Jungcheung and mullu are located at the center of gate lending to the arch-like features. The round features aid in the protection capabilities of Pungnammun Gate, as well as the overall grandeur.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Paldalmun Gate is the southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, designated National Treasure No. 402. A crescent shaped 'ongseong' (defensive secondary wall to prevent the main gate from being broken down with logs) is built on the outside of the door. On the right wall of the gate is a nameplate which contains the names of the people involved in the construction of the gate. The Paldalmun Gate is unique in that it is detached from the rest of the gates, and located in the middle of the busy city. The reason for this is because commerce took roots around the gates before its reconstruction, making it impossible to build in that area.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

With a 5-star hotel, high-rise condominium buildings, ski-slopes, and top-class golf courses, the mountain peak recreational complex of Phoenix Park provides various recreational and amusement facilities for a great vacation. The resort is located approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes from Seoul in Pyeongchang, a county in Gangwon province. Pyeongchang is a major winter sports region in Korea and it has been declared as the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Phoenix Park has become one of Korea’s most famous resort complexes since its appearance in the extremely popular drama ‘Winter Sonata’. The resort has a total of seventeen slopes, four of which are approved by the FIS (International Ski Federation), and has superb snow quality. Particularly popular is the ‘Panorama Slope’, which is at an impressive 2.2km length and has an average x_width of 46meters. Eight ski lifts, state-of-the-art gondolas, and six conveyer belts transport visitors around the park quickly and efficiently. Phoenix Park has many excellent accommodation options, including the main condo (famous for its unique design), the Euro Villa Condo (which was the filming location for Winter Sonata), a youth hostel, and a luxury hotel. In addition, the outdoor swimming pool, 18-hole members only golf club, and the 9-hole public golf club mean that visitors can have fun at Phoenix Park all year round! Phoenix Park Ski Resort is an environmentally friendly resort, created with the minimum possible disruption to surrounding nature. For more information on the Phoenix Park Ski Resort and subsidiary facilities, please visit the homepage or call the ski resort helpline.    


Incheon(Yeonsu-gu) , Incheon Center

Yeonsu Kim Eye Center is an eye surgery and medical center with five specialized ophthalmologists who make diagnoses, offer treatments, and perform surgeries. The center is one of the first eye clinics in Korea to introduce and perform iFS LASIK in Korea. With over 15 years of know-how and recognition in the field, the center performs over 2,000 vision correction surgeries annually. Moreover, Yeonsu Kim Eye Center has performed the largest number of cataract surgeries among primary medical centers in Incheon from 2009 to 2012. The center also has all the necessary diagnostic and surgical equipment for glaucoma and other retinal diseases.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Located in Jocheon-eup, Jeju-si, Jeju Stone Park was inspired by Jeju's history of myth, stone and spirit. The main theme consists of the legend about Seolmundae Halmang (Grandmother Seolmundae) who created Jeju Island and the stones of Obaek Janggun (the Five Hundreds Generals). The park provides a historical and cultural space where collected stones express Jeju's foundation and culture.Take a bus bound for Namjo-ro from Jeju International Airport or Seogwipo-si to reach the park (about 40 min). Other nearby attractions include the Jeju April 3rd Peace Park, Jeju Mini Land, and Jeju Jeolmul Recreational Forest.


Busan(Jung-gu)

Bosu-dong Book Street has a unique background. It was formed after the independence of Korea (August 15) as a residential area in the empty place where the previous Gukje Market was demolished. People started selling the books Japanese left behind, and later on, when it became a private area, book sellers moved to the current place to sell their books. When Busan became the provisional capital during the Korean War, refugees brought and sold their precious books for a living. As time went by, professors and students came to the alley and started purchasing books, contributing to the build up of the current book street. Once, used books were gathered in the alley and rare books could be found. Thanks to this, more temporary buildings were formed. At that time, about 70 books stores were available for students to sell and buy used books. In the early 60’s when the publication culture was not yet settled down, many students and educated people had to sell their books and then buy secondhand books or magazines. After going through this time, the Bosu-dong Book Street became a famous book street throughout the nation. The prices of books are scaled according to the conditions of the book or bargaining.