Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Seokguram, located on Tohamsan Mountain, is the representative stone temple of Korea. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is an artificial stone temple made of granite. The construction was started by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) and it was finished twenty-four years later in 774, during the reign of King Hye-Gong (765-780).Seokguram is known to have been built with Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Kingdom, 918-1392), Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life, and Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life.Inside the round-shaped main hall are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-sattva and his disciples. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with a lotus flower design. The rounded ceiling looks like a half-moon or a bow and has a lotus flower decorated cover on it. As the sunrise from this spot is quite beautiful, many people climb the mountain at daybreak.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Hahoe Village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan and is well-known for its traditional houses. Birthplace of renowned scholars of the Joseon Period such as Gyeomam Ryu Un-ryong and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, the village became even more famous after Queen Elizabeth of England visited on April 21, 1999.Hahoe Village (translating to “Village Enveloped by Water”) gets its name from Nakdong River, which flows around the town’s perimeter. The village is located at the foothills of Hwasan Mountain, an offshoot of Taebaek Mountain that rises up to the east. The center of the village is populated by large tile-roofed houses belonging to the Ryu clan, adding their own unique charm to the surrounding thatched roofs.Hahoe Village boasts exquisite scenic sights: the elegant Nakdong River flowing around the village, the magnificent Buyongdae Cliff, endlessly unfolding sandy beaches, and lush, ancient pine trees. Visitors can take the boat to Buyongdae Cliff for a panoramic view of the village.In addition to breathtaking scenery, Hahoe Village offers delectable local delicacies. Try the Andong Soju (distilled alcoholic beverage), Heotjesabap (a type of Bibimbap eaten by the nobles), Andong Gangodeungeo (salted mackerel), and Andong Guksu (a kind of noodle dish).Nearby attractions include Bongjeongsa Temple (built during the Silla Period), Gosan Seowon (Confucian Academy), Gwiraejeong, Gyemyeongsan Mountain Recreational Forest, Hakgasan Mountain Recreational Forest, and Waryongsan Mountain.Hahoe Village, along with Yangdong Village in Gyeongju, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the category of “Historic Villages in Korea” on July 31, 2010.Andong Mask Dance Festival is held every autumn. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world.Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom, in the 15th year of King Beop-Heung's reign (514-540). The temple was originally called ‘Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple’ or ‘Beopryusa Temple’ and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774), who started rebuilding the temple in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (r. 742-765) and completed it in 774 during the reign of King Hye-Gong (r. 765-780). Upon completion, the temple’s name was changed to Bulguksa.Bulguksa Temple underwent numerous renovations from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), but was burned down during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598).Reconstruction started again in 1604 during the 37th year of King Seon-jo’s reign (Joseon Dynasty) and was renovated about 40 times until 1805 (during the reign of King Sun-Jo, 1790-1834). After this time, the temple suffered serious damage and was often the target of robbers.In 1969, the Bulguksa Temple Restoration Committee was formed and in 1973, Mulseoljeon, Gwaneumjeon, Birojeon, Gyeongru, and Hoerang (all of which had previously been demolished) were rebuilt. Other old or broken sites (such as Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon, Beomyeongnu and Jahamun) were repaired.Even today, Bulguksa Temple is home to many important cultural relics such as Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20), Seokgatap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21) Yeonhwa-gyo & Chilbo-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22), Cheongun-gyo & Baegun-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23), the Golden Seated Vairocana Buddhist Figure (National Treasure No. 26), the Golden Seated Amita Figure (National Treasure No. 27), and Saritap Pagoda (Treasure No. 61).


Daejeon(Seo-gu)

The Natural Heritage Center was established to help the locals to learn about  the value and importance of natural heritages through exhibitions and education on the methodical study of natural heritages and national monuments. Fossils(i.e. dinosaurs' eggs and footprint), animal specimens (eagles, asiatic black bear), botanical specimens (i.e. jondo-ri pine tree) and many other natural heritages are exhibited. With guidance by professional researchers, youths can take the opportunity to learn more about natural heritages through hands-on activities, video education and many other experiential programs that are only provided by the Natural Heritage Center.   Through academic exchanges with the UNESCO, international organizations specializing in natural heritages ( Natural History Museum) and other research institution are in progress of developing more exhibitions on display. The center has an outdoor learning space where an eco pond, specimens of the dinosaurs' footprints and wild plants can be found. It is also home to various botanical specimens such as polyphylla of jeongipum pine tree including miseon namu (Abeliophyllum), Korean necklace pod (Echinosophora), insular abelia and more treasured species.  


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

Daejeon is the center of state-of-the-art science and technology in Korea, where the nation’s top-tier venture enterprises, including Daedeok Special Research and Development Zone, run their business. As the representative city of science and technology for the nation, it is comparable to Silicon Valley in the United States. Yuseong Special Tourist Zone, which is located in Daejeon Metropolitan City, has won a nationwide reputation as a tourism and resort district rich in hot springs and tourism resources. Yuseong Special Tourist Zone includes a hot springs water source that yields high quality water in copious streams; therefore, there is no need to dilute the water or raise the temperature. With its healing effect proven, Yuseong Hot Springs has been the place for treatment and recuperation since the Three Kingdoms Period, and today, it is a travel destination for the middle-aged to get some rest. The water is supplied to the hotels and other hot springs in the zone, and there are many restaurants serving a variety of dishes. There is also a facility where visitors can take a foot bath for free. Since Gyeryongsan National Park is near Yuseong-gu District, after a long hike, it is a good idea to take the opportunity to immerse ones tired body in the hot water. Science museums and pavilions, including Expo Science Park, around Yuseong Special Tourist Zone are popular destinations for families with children. Bordered by Gongju-si City which was the capital of Baekje during the period of Three Kingdoms, visitors can see the cultural heritage of Baekje. * Current State of Yuseong Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Yuseong Hot Springs and Expo Science Park (Jangdae, Guam, Gung, Eoeun, Doryong and Bongmyeong-dong, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon) 2) Area: 5,858,972㎡ * Tourist Attractions Yuseong Hot Springs, Daedeok Science Complex, Kumdori Land, Expo Science Park, Art Museum, museums, ferry tour, amusement park, etc.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

Extending approximately 9.7㎞ from Mannyeongyo Bridge to Expo Science Park, Gapcheon Stream Waterfront is a wide open place for relaxation, recreation and entertainment. It has many public facilities including bicycle and jogging trails, benches, and exercise equipment.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

The Jeongsimhwa International Cultural Center is the large building on the right, just past the gate of Chungnam National University. ‘Jeongsimhwa’ is the Buddhist name of Ms. Lee Bok-Soon, who donated her lifetime savings (a total of five billion won) to the university back in 1990. She had earned the money over the course of many years by selling gimbap (rice rolled in seaweed), which currently sells for only 1,000 or 2,000 won a roll. The cultural center was built in commemoration of the late Ms. Lee. After a series of setbacks and through the effort of many helping hands, construction was finally completed in 2000. The Jeongsimhwa Hall at the center has 1,817 seats and is used for concerts, performances, and other large-scale events. Baekma Hall (450 seats) and Daedeok Hall (200 seats) are used primarily for seminars. For visitors’ convenience, the Jeongsimhwa International Cultural Center has a parking area with space for up to 268 cars.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

Legend has it that the region of Hakhadong was where the gods lived when they periodically came down from the heavens. When the Jagwangsa Temple was built in the district, Song Siyeol saw it as a sign and created a village school near the temple to train his pupils. It was his hope that the sacred land would aide in the raising of gifted students who would grow to serve their community and country. When building the school, Song Siyeol also planted a juniper tree that, 300 years later, still proudly stands by Jagwangsa Temple.Upon entering the temple area, visitors will find to their left the Seongjeonnyeongdangji Memorial Stone, which serves to commemorate Song Siyeol and his school. Next to the memorial stone is a pond in which carp swim lazily around lotus flowers. To the left is a large bell which is rung every day, 28 times in the morning and 33 times in the evening. To the right is the main Dharma Hall.Not just a serene and beautiful building, the 3-story temple also houses artifacts such as the Beopgo, Mogeo, and Unpan, Buddhist instruments used during rituals to cleanse the mind of pain and doubt. Also inside the grand, 3-story temple are numerous signs and wall hangings engraved with Buddhist inscriptions.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

Daejeon National Cemetery covers a vast area of land spanning around 330,000㎡. The cemetery is comprised of graves for the deceased patriots, men of national merit, generals, officers, soldiers, etc. Major facilities include the Memorial Tower and Memorial Gate for paying reverence to the patriotic spirits, Patriotic Spirit Exhibition Center displaying photos and articles left by the deceased, and an outdoor exhibition space, where military battle equipments are on display. Other facilities within the cemetery grounds include fountains, statues, sculptures, pavilions, and Hyeonchungji, which is a man-made pond in the shape of the Korean peninsula. The cemetery is well kept with ample rest areas against the backdrop of the beautiful natural landscape.


Daejeon(Dong-gu)

Sangso Forest Park is a public park covering parts of Maninsan and Sikjangsan Mountains in Daejeon. The entrance of the park is lined with sycamore trees, while the inside offers several promenades and mountain hiking trails. In addition, stone pagodas are placed throughout the park as prayer sites.