Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

Built on the peak of Mt. Bongnaesan (799.8 meters) in Yeongwol, Byeolmaro is Korea’s largest astronomical observatory. The term ‘Byeolmaro’ combines the words ‘byeol’ (star), ‘ma’ (peak) and ‘ro’ (peaceful). Together, they collectively represent the wish to view stars in a clean and peaceful environment.The observatory has a total of 11 telescopes, including the nation’s largest telescope with a diameter of 80 centimeters and 10 supplementary telescopes. Inside the building, there is an astronomy gallery, audio & visual material room, and both main and auxiliary observation rooms. Located in a mountainous region in the inland of Gangwon-do, Yeongwol has a clean natural environment free from pollution. As such, it has an annual average of 192 days of clear skies (50%) for star viewing.* The nation’s largest star observatory* Located 800 meters above sea level for optimum viewing* Combine your visit with rafting, caves, or paragliding* Has the biggest astronomical telescope of 80 centimeters in diameter* Enjoy the forest, self-control training center, and outdoor stage in the woods


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

King Naemul was the 17th monarch of the Silla Kingdom (in power from 356 to 402) and became the second king of the Kim family name. King Naemul was known as the first king to initiate the king title of ‘Maripgan’ and was known for spreading cultural advancements from China to the Korean people. When the allied forces of Baekje and Japan attacked, he asked Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo for help and led the people to victory, contributing to the increased strength of the Silla Kingdom. After his rule, the throne was exclusively ceded to members of the Kim family clan. The royal tomb of King Naemul is a large mound (2.2m in diameter and 5.3m in x_height) that sits on the northern hill of the Confucian school of Gyeongju. The edge of a natural stone is exposed around the bottom of the mound, pointing to the fact that the inner chamber tomb was made of stone. In the historical document Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), no records are found about the tomb, but the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) describes the king’s tomb as being located in the southwest of Cheomseongdae, which is consistent with the tomb’s location.


Gangwon-do(Wonju-si)

At Wonju Hanji Theme Park, you can learn everything about hanji (traditional Korean paper) including its origin and history, through exhibitions, education and activity programs. The 1st floor of the theme park is the Hanji History Exhibition Hall, where you can get a glimpse of the past of hanji, such as how it was invented and spread, the history, origin and manufacturing process of hanji, and related artifacts. Visitors can imagine what the life of Korean ancestors was like and understand hanji better. Visitors can also appreciate the artistic value of quality works like the Jiseung Fan by Na Seo-hwan, the Manchu by Sobin, and the Jumchi Armor by the Hanji Development Institute, which are exhibited in the Hanji History Exhibition Hall. In particular, the Jumchi Armor was made with the jumchi technique, where hanji is layered on top of each other using water as an adhesive, resulting in thick paper with a grainy surface unlike ordinary hanji. Jumchi hanji is light but has a strong enough surface to be arrow-proof, and therefore it was often used for armory or winter outfits. The Hanji Media Hall presents hanji related movies, documentaries, etc., as well as the stories of hanji and the history of Wonju hanji. Planned exhibitions regarding hanji and other types of paper made home and aboard are held on the 2nd floor. Try hanji-related activity programs after looking around the exhibition halls. The theme park mainly offers two programs: a hanji-making program where visitors can actually make hanji; and a hanji-craft program to make several hanji-related items.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

Mugaksa Temple, originally located in Yeouisan mountain, was a place where soldiers from Sangmu Military School went for peace and harmony. When Sangmu Military School relocated and part of Yeouisan Mountain became a 5.18 Memorial Park, the temple's location became part of the Park. Mugaksa Temple's location within the downtown area of Sangmu new town, Gwangju's biggest financial and administration district, puts it at a similar level as Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul as an urban Buddhism Temple. There are book café, lotus gallery, and traditional tea house "Sarangche" within the temple, breaking down the image of religion and adding more culture and arts to a place where citizens can go to meet and relax. "Treasure Island" Flee Market opens every Saturday, evolving it from European style to more Korean style market. The temple continues to receive interest as a tourist attraction and an educational place for students.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Chuncheon Culture & Art Center (CCAC) is a leading performing and visual arts center located in the city of Chuncheon. The auditorium holds up to 1,004 seats including 989 regular seats and 15 seats for people with disabilities. Various performances and exhibitions are held throughout the year in order to offer diverse cultural experiences to the citizens.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Mallipo Beach (만리포해수욕장) is located at the tip of National Road #32, which traverses Taean-gun. As one of the Eight Scenic Views of Taean, it has a beautiful landscape. This beach is part of Taean Coast National Marine Park (태안해안국립공원).Thanks to its shallow waters, wide sandy beaches and modern facilities, Mallipo Beach is a great tourist destination. Swimming, fishing, camping out in a pine grove and various marine sports can all be enjoyed here.A variety of fresh seafood such as gaenggaemi muchim, grilled eel and grilled king prawn is available on Mallipo Beach. Visitors can also tour the other Eight Scenic Views of Taean including Halmi-Harabi Rock, Anmyeon Pine Forest (안면송림), Sindu Dune (신두사구), Anheungseong Fortress and Gauido Island.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This was the location of the palace fortress during the Shilla Dynasty (57 BC ~ AD 935). The fortress takes after its name, which, literally translated, means 'a crescent moon shape on top of a hill'. The famous history books of Samgukyusa mention that Shilla’s 4th King Seoktalhae (AD 57~80) thought this area was an ideal spot for the fortress and bought the land from a nobleman. The 2nd King Namhae (AD 4~24) impressed by Seoktalhae’s actions, took him in as his son-in-law, later, becoming the 4th king. The area was then under Shilla’s rule for 900 years, the last king being the 56th, Gyeongsoon (AD 927~935).Although the magnificent grandeur of the palace is now just an empty lot, it has been told that this area was filled with imperial buildings during the Shilla Dynasty. Currently, the region of Wolseong has a freezer made out of rocks called Seokbinggo, an archery range, horse-riding field, and a traditional playground, which resembles the grounds of the Joseon Period (the dynasty that ruled the Korean peninsula from 1392-1910). 


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Uisangdae (의상대) is located on a seaside hill, on the way to Hongnyeonam Hermitage’s Gwaneumgul Cave from Naksansa Temple. It is a small temple, believed to have been built by Great Monk Uisang (625-702) during King Munmu’s reign (661-681) during Silla Period, on the spot where Uisang used to meditate while building Naksansa Temple. The current pavilion was built in 1925.Hongnyeonam Hermitage is a place you shouldn’t miss when you visit the octagonal Uisangdae. Believed to be built 5 years after Naksansa Temple, it is also where Great Monk Uisang used to meditate. It was named Hongnyeonam ('Hong' meaning 'red' and 'Ryeon' meaning 'lotus flower') because there is a legend that a red lotus flower bloomed in the sea during Great Monk Uisang’s seven days of prayer. It is built against the cliff beside a rocky cave, making it part of a great scenery, and the sunrise from Uisangdae is absolutely spectacular.Songgang Jeongcheol, who was a poet from the mid Joseon Period (1392-1910) expressed his feeling on the spectacle of sunrise from Uisangdae like this: “After the pear-tree flowers have fallen and when the cuckoo cries sadly, beyond the hill east of Naksan Mountain at Uisangdae, I get up in the middle of night to see the sun rise. The auspicious clouds look like they are blooming, and the sun look as if it is being held up by six dragons. As the sun rises majestically from the sea to the sky, the whole world shakes and the sun rises swiftly, shining more brightly than a thousand candles.” That is how much wonder the view of sunrise from Uisangdae has created from long ago.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Namyangju

Located in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do Province, Jaraseom Island is an island formed on the Bukhangang River as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam in 1943. The name ‘Jaraseom’ comes from the fact that it faces a hill that resembles a Jara (Korean word for soft-shelled turtle). Jaraseom consists of four islands called Dongdo, Seodo, Jungdo, and Namdo, and has various leisure and park facilities. Visitors can find a car camping site and the filming location of the popular TV drama series 'Iris' on Seodo (west island), and an eco-cultural park with a grass plaza of over 100 meters in diameter on Jungdo (central island). There is also an ecosystem theme park called Ehwawon Garden at the westernmost tip of the Jaraseom Campground. A popular camping spot, Jaraseom Island is also widely known as the venue of the annual Jaraseom International Jazz Festival.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Dumulmeori literally means 'two water area,' and refers to the place where Bukhangang River and Namhangang River meet. The dock for an ancient-style ferry and weeping willows add to the rustic beauty of this area. Another attraction at this site is the three 400-year-old Zelkova trees that appear as one giant tree. A privately owned place, Dumulmeori remains as a popular site for shooting Korean TV dramas, movies, commercials, wedding pictures as well as nature pictures.