Seoul(Gwanak-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

Gyujanggak was founded in 1776 during the reign of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, at which time it was located on the palace grounds of Changdeokgung. It functioned as the royal library, which housed writings by the previous kings, their relics and books from home and abroad.Today Seoul National University maintains the items of Gyujanggak in a Korean traditional house, Hanok, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities necessary for preservation of cultural heritages. Moreover, Gyujanggak Library of Seoul National University collects or publishes books from a variety of sectors such as politics, economy and society.Gyujanggak now houses more than 280,000 items including 7 national treasures, 8 treasures, 180,000-plus old books, about 50,000 documents and 18,000 Chaekpan (printing blocks). Among them, Joseon Wangjo Sillok (the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, National Treasure No. 151), Seungjeongwon Ilgi (the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat, National Treasure No. 303) and Uigwe (the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty) have been designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritages. The exhibition hall in Gyujanggak is open to the public.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Janganmun Gate is the northern gate of Hwaseong Fortress and also serves as the main entrance. "Jangan" means capital, and Hwaseong Fortress carries the meaning of being a secondary capital. Janganmun Gate is considered the main gate because this is the direction that the king would come from when arriving from Hanyang, the capital city, now modern-day Seoul. It is interesting to note that this gate is larger than Sungryemun Gate in Seoul.


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.


Daegu(Dalseong-gun)

Spa Valley first opened in 2003 and the citizens of Daegu City have been enjoying its hot springs and sauna facilities ever since.The 1st floor of Spa Valley holds a health club, souvenir shop, and various stores, while the 2nd floor has a variety of hot spring pools and a jjimjilbang. The hot spring pools include a bath pool that is said to be good for your health and a kids’ pool for the children, while the jjimjilbang facilities include the UK-Ball Jjimjilbang, proven to be beneficial for skincare and blood circulation, and a jjimjilbang cave.The 4th floor provides a large hot springs spa where visitors can enjoy various themed saunas and hot springs. The outdoor water park offers a wave pool, youth pool, waterslide, a water polo pool, diving pool, and more.


Incheon(Seo-gu)

Incheon Asiad Main Stadium is the main stadium for the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. Construction began in June 2011 and the stadium opened on June 1, 2014. Built on a 631,975㎡ lot, the five-story stadium has a total floor area of 113,620㎡ and 61,818 spectator seats (capacity to be reduced by 32,514 seats after the 2014 Asian Games). The stadium has an oval running track enclosing a regulation-size soccer field. Outside, there's a tennis court, a subsidiary stadium, and the 1,415.13㎡ Yeonhui Cricket Ground (연희크리켓경기장).


Jeollanam-do(Mokpo-si)

The slow city of Mokpo offers visitors an amazing view of the old downtown through Mokpo Marine Cable Car. With Bukhang Station and Gohado Island Station, the marine cable car has become a new top attractions in Mokpo.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu)

King Sejong The Great Memorial Hall was established in Dongdaemun-gu, Seoul, on November 1970 in memory of King Sejong and his saintly virtues and great achievements. Officially opened to the public in October 1973, the memorial hall is a modern structure housing an exhibition area, auditorium, laboratory, and a reference room. The exhibition area is further divided into the Hangeul Room, Science Room, Traditional Music Room, King Sejong Art Room, and an outdoor exhibition space.


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.  


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Deokjin Park is a representative city park of Jeonju. Officially designated a city park in April 1978, the park is centered around a natural pond, which dates back to the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). The park is such a landmark of the area that the lotus flowers blooming in the park’s large pond are considered one of the most impressive attractions of Jeonju. The park spans an area of 13,000㎡ with the pond covering about two thirds of the southern sector. An arch-shaped suspension bridge stretches across the middle of the pond, offering up-close views of the lotus blossoms.Park designers created a traditional pavilion and a water iris garden in honor of the park’s historical background and added an artificial waterfall and wooden bridge for visual effect. The park also houses nine stone monuments including the Children’s Charter, engravings of Shin Seok-jeong and Kim Hae-gang’s poetry, and the statue of General Jeon Bong-jun.The park is the site of the annual Dano Changpomul (Water Iris) Festival, a much-anticipated event held on the day of Dano (a Korean traditional holiday that falls on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month). During the celebration, women wash their hair in iris-infused water from the pond to wish for good health in the coming year.


Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Yangjae Citizens' Park, located near Yangjae Tollgate, was created in anticipation of the Seoul Asian Games (1986) and the 24th Olympic Games (1988). The park provides a scenic habitat for 94,800 trees from 43 different species including pine, zelkova, purple bloom maple, horse chestnut, and nut pine. The leafy green woods, such as is rarely seen in cities, are a popular date spot for couples. In the fall, the trees in the park bear an abundance of persimmons and quinces.Amenities and facilities include an outdoor wedding venue, 4.8-km walking course, basketball court, volleyball court (also used for foot volleyball), tennis court, barefoot walking path, and outdoor workout equipment. Memorial sites and monuments like the memorial of Patriot Yun Bong-Gil can also be found scattered throughout the park grounds.