Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 5) is a mud fortress located on top of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m) in the northern part of Buyeo. The fortress is estimated by some to have been built around 538 AD (16th year of King Seongwang) to protect Sabi (now Buyeo), which was once the capital of the Baekje Kingdom. Other historians, however, believe that the fortress was already in place by 500 AD (22nd year of King Dongseongwang) and modified in 605 (6th year of King Muwang) into the structure we see today. In either case, some parts of the fortress were reconstructed during the Unified Silla Kingdom period (676-935 AD) and modified again in the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) eras.Busosan Mountain was once considered the guardian mountain of Buyeo and is home to historic landmarks from the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). In addition to Busosanseong Fortress, some of the most famous sites on the mountain include Baekhwajeong Pavilion, Sajaru Pavilion, Banwollu Pavilion, Yeongillu Pavilion, Samchungsa Shrine (dedicated to three loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom), Gungnyeosa Shrine, Goransa Temple, Gunchangji (military warehouse site), and Suhyeoljugeoji (site of pit houses for the Baekje soldiers). The mountain is also home to Nakhwaam Rock where, according to legend, 3,000 women of the Baekje Kingdom threw themselves into the river below after the collapse of the empire.Historic Sites of Busosan Mountain■ Samchungsa ShrineSamchungsa Shrine is just a short hike from Sabimun, the main gate of Busosanseong Fortress. The shrine holds the portraits and memorial tablets of Seongchung, Heungsu, and Gyebaek, who were known as the three most loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom. Memorial services are held for these great patriots during the annual Baekje Cultural Festival each October.■ Yeongillu PavilionYeongillu Pavilion was built on the site of Yeongildae, an observation platform located on the easternmost peak of Busosan Mountain. Kings and members of the royal family of the Baekje Kingdom once used this spot as a place from which to watch the sun rise above Yeoncheonbong Peak on Gyeryongsan Mountain, plan state affairs, and pray for the peace of the kingdom and their subjects.■ GunchangjiAlso known as “Mallichang,” Gunchangji is the site of a warehouse that was used to store grain for military use. Remnants of burnt grain were discovered at the site in 1915.■ SuhyeoljugeojiSuhyeoljugeoji, only a short distance from Gunchangji, was once the site of a pit house for soldiers of the Baekje Dynasty. The thatched-roof pit houses that stand on the site today have been reconstructed based on historical evidence uncovered during site excavation. Measuring 1m in depth with walls of wood and straw, the pit houses are neighbored by an exhibition hall that stands on the original excavation site.■ Sajaru PavilionSajaru Pavilion, located on the highest peak of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m), is said to represent the cosmic powers of yin and yang together with Yeongillu Pavilion in the east. Adorned with a nameplate written by Prince Uichinwang Yi Gang (1877-1955), Sajaru commands an ethereal view of the moon and has long since been the source of poetic inspiration. The pavilion was also the site of discovery of the famous Geumdong-seokga-yeorae-ipsang (Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha, Treasure No. 196).■ Baekhwajeong PavilionBaekhwajeong Pavilion, perched on the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock, was built in 1929 by a poets’ society called Bupungsisa to commemorate the story of the famous rock. According to the historical tale, the women of Baekje flung themselves off the cliffs of Nakhwaam to their deaths after the kingdom collapsed to keep themselves from being defiled by the men of the insurgent kingdoms.■ Gungnyeosa ShrineGungnyeosa Shrine is located a short distance from Taejagol (Crown Prince Valley) to the northeast of Banwollu Square. Established in 1965, the shrine honors the Baekje women who leaped to their deaths from the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock in 660 when the empire was conquered by the allied forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty of China. Commemorative rites are held at the shrine every October during the Baekje Cultural Festival.


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a special museum located at Seodaemun Independence Park. It was built near the end of the Joseon Dynasty (~1910), and was where Japanese soldiers tortured then later executed Korean followers of the Independence Movement. Seodaemun Prison History Hall was built in remembrance of Seodaemun Prison, and to salute the Korean patriots. There you'll find seven jail cells, a historical exhibition hall, an execution room, watchtowers and a basement jail cell where Yu Gwan-sun an historic figure during the independence movement died. The 1st floor is “A Place of Reverence,” where you can learn about Seodaemun Prison via the graphic systems. A large screen shows the background of its founding and the transition periods in its history. The Material Room has displays and information on Korea's history. The museum also holds special exhibits. The 2nd floor is “A Place of History,” where you can view the “National Resistance Room,” “Prison History Room” and the “In Prison Life Room.” This floor shows examples of how the people fought through this dark chapter in history continuing to hold on to their hope and resolve for freedom. “A Place of Experience” is the most horrifying and dreadful place in the prison. In the “Temporary Detention Room” and “Torture Room” you will see recreated torture scenes that are frighteningly realistic. At the Seodamun Independence Park nearby you can visit the Independence Hall, the Patriotic Martyr Monument, the March 1st Declaration of Independence Monument, relic no. 32 and no. 33.


Busan(Nam-gu)

The regional name in olden times for the area of Oryukdo Skywalk was Seungdumal (승두말), as the shape resembles a saddle, and it was originally called Seungduma (승두마) as well as Jallokgae (잘록개) by residents and women divers. The construction of Oryukdo Skywalk finished on September 12, 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and started operating on October 18, 2013, with the theme of "Walking over the sky.” Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff, and a 15-meter glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse’s hoof connect the iron columns. The bottom of the glass was specially produced with four attached 12-millimeter glass pieces coated with a bulletproof film that has a thickness of 55.49 millimeters, making the structure quite safe. Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op, as well as the best spot to see Daemado Island on sunny days. It has also been recently selected as a tourist destination where the Busan Korea Route stops


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. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Located on the outskirts of Mt. Bugak, this park was the first officially-designated park in Korea (1940). The name Samcheong (literally "three blue") refers to the three highest ideals in Taoism that men can attain. Surrounded by cherry blossoms planted long ago, the park becomes crowded with tourists every April when the trees are in full bloom. The park offers many amenities: badminton and tennis courts, a playground, a snack bar, and a multi-purpose rest area.Major hiking trails winding through Samcheong Park connect the park to the Mt Bugak Seoul Fortress Wall Hiking Trail, a mineral spring spot in Seongbuk-dong, and Waryong. While hiking, visitors can encounter Malbawi, an excellent spot chosen by City of Seoul where they can overlook Seoul at a glance. Malbawi Historic Site Visit Program, run by Jongno-go Office (Seoul), provides children and adults with the opportunity to learn about natural ecology in Samcheong Park and the history of Seoul Fortress Wall from designated guides. Through well-developed roads around Samcheong-dong, visitors can easily move from Samcheong-dong to Seongbuk-dong. Currently, Samcheong Tunnel near the park connects the two localities.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Cheonjeyeon Falls (천제연폭포), named 'The pond of God', consists of 3 sections. Around the falls, a variety of plant life thrives, such as the rare ‘solipnan’ reeds. To the east, there is a cave where cold water pours from the ceiling to create a waterfall.The water from the first waterfall divides into the second and third waterfalls, which then flow into the sea. In Cheonjeyeon Valley, visitors can see “Seonimgyo Bridge” (arch bridge with 7 nymphs carved on the side) and the octagonal “Cheonjeru tower”. Seonimgyo Bridge is also called “Chilseonyeogyo”(meaning "seven nymphs bridge") and it connects Cheonjeyeon with the Jungmum Tourist Complex.On the surface of Cheonjeru Tower, there is a painting that tells Cheonjeyeon’s legend of the nymph and mountain god. In May of every even-numbered year, the Chilseonyeo Festival is held here.


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Construction on Gukchaebosang Memorial Park (located in Dongin-dong, Jung-gu District) began in March 1998 and was completed in December 1999. The park was established to retain the spirit of the National Debt Remuneration Movement (a national movement that originated in Daegu in 1907) and to help overcome the debt crisis of 1997. Of course, the park was also created in order to expand green space in the downtown area and offer a place of rest and relaxation to the general public.Spanning 42,500 square meters in size, the park boasts the Dalgubeol Grand Bell, a bell pavilion, walking trails, and other amenities. The famous Dalgubeol Grand Bell was installed on the park grounds in December 1998 as a representation of harmony and prosperity and to symbolically awaken the people with its pure and clear ringing.The park has an ample parking lot (3 underground floors) and is frequented by students who study at the Central Library located within the park. Gukchaebosang Memorial Park is also a popular date destination because of its proximity to the Daegu downtown area. As one of the most recently established parks in Daegu, the park boasts thousands of trees, a large grass plaza, and plenty of benches and resting areas. The beautiful fountains, pavilion, and stone artworks add to the charms of the park. The park hosts diverse cultural events such as music concerts and exhibitions and draws many visitors each Saturday and Sunday for the ceremonial ringing of the Dalgubeol Grand Bell.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Oedolgae sits not far from the shores of Sammaebong Seogwipo City. It is an amazing rock 10 meters in circumference and 20 meters in x_height and is also known as the Changgun Rock. It is surrounded by beautiful islands such as Bum Island, Sae Island and Seonnyu (fairy) Rock.Oedolgae was also a filming location in the 2003 TV drama series, 'Daejangguem' where Hansangoong (Mee Kyung Yang) faced her death under a false accusation while being carried on Daejanggeum's (Young Ae Lee) back. Fantastic rocks of Oedolgae and fields of reeds in the extensive ranch is a perfect place to go trekking. The sunset of Bum Island, which can be seen from Oedolgae, has long been an essential stop for tourists going to Jeju-do Island.


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Yi Sang-hwa is a nationalist poet, who resisted the Japanese colonialism. This house had been his residence from 1939 until he died in 1943. Unfortunately, the house had been neglected since. However, the citizens' movement in 1999 to preserve the house urged the Military Mutual Aid Association to purchase it, and donate it to the City of Daegu on October 27, 2005. It has been restored and opened to the public, serving as the center for education of the poet's brave spirit and work.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Hongneung Arboretum is a first generation arboretum in Korea. It was established in 1922 when experimental forests were built on Hongneung burial mound, which is the royal tomb of Queen Myeong-Seong. On the 780 square meters area southwest of Mt. Cheonjangsang, there are 9 gardens such as a garden of conifers, a garden of broadleaf trees and an ornamental garden, 3 botanical gardens with edible & medicinal plants garden, an aquatic garden and a wetland garden. There are 6 resting places as well.Hongneung Arboretum has beautiful scenery for every season. The garden of broadleaf trees behind the main building is the one that shows the change of season most dramatically. The hundreds of broadleaf trees appear their best in autumn. The arboretum is good for nature education walk because of the many nameplates offering information on the species and characteristics of each tree. There are also many things to see at the Forest Science Exhibition Hall which provides visitors with knowledge and information of the value of forests, forestry, and the forest industry. The building itself is an exhibition because the hall is made of Korean wood. Inside, there are three general exhibition rooms, a regular exhibit hall, a planning exhibit hall, and a special exhibit hall.You may look around from Garden 1 to Garden 9 in regular order or take the course from Garden 2, pass the Forest Science Exhibition Hall to the mountain ridge ending at Garden 1. Note that it takes approximately 3 hours to see everything, whichever course you may take.