Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Along with Geumgansan Mountain (금강산) and Hallasan Mountain (한라산), Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla. On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam Province; Gurye in Jeonnam Province; and Namwon in Jeonbuk Province. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park (계룡산국립공원) and 52 times that of all of Yeouido (여의도).The Hadong (하동) part of Jirisan National Park is full of great tourist attractions such as Ssanggyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, Bulil Falls, Hwagye Valley, Cheonghak-dong Village and Doinchon Town.


Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)

Daedunsan Mountain is defined by the grandiose rock peaks of Macheondae, the summit, Chilseongbong and Janggunbong, as well as surrounding strange rocks and lush trees that make up Samseonbawi Rock, Yongmungul Cave and Geumgangmun Gate. The area spanning from Macheondae Peak to Nakjodae Peak along the northern ridge offers a magnificent spectacle, especially the sunrise and sunset views from Nakjodae. In addition, Okgyedong Valley with its crystal clear water flowing all year round is a great summer vacation spot. Meanwhile, since its official designation as a provincial park in 1977, Daedunsan Mountain Provincial Park has served as a scenic site equipped with recreational facilities including the newly installed cable cars and Geumgang Gureumdari (viaduct). A 5-minute cable car ride followed by a walk up the steep stairs leads to Geumgang Gureumdari, which is 81 meters high and 50 meters long across Imgeumbawi Rock and Ipseokdae Pedestal. The park is also home to historic temples including Taegosa Temple of Jinsan, Ansimsa Temple of Unju, and Sinsounsa Temple of Byeolgok.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The Great Master Wonhyo first built this temple in 683 where he practiced asceticism. After that, he called the mountain Bogwangsan (보광산) and the temple Bogwangsa (보광사). Later, King Taejo Lee Sung-gye began the Joseon Dynasty after he prayed for a hundred days at this temple. Thanks to this, King Hyeonjong in 660 deemed the temple as a main prayer space and changed the name of the mountain to Geumsan and the temple is named as Boriam. Nestled at the top of Geumsan Mountain, Boriam Temple is a picturesque temple embracing the beautiful mountain surroundings and the Namhae sea. Inside of the temple, Jwaseondaebawi Rock where the Great Master Wonhyo sat in meditation catches one’s eye, as well as Ssanghongmun (쌍홍문) which is a cave that is one of 38 scenic views in Geumsan Mountain. Boriam Temple along with Naksansa Hongryeonam Temple in Gangwon-do and Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon are one of three noted praying temples in Korea. * Cultural Asset Boriam Three-story Stone Pagoda (Gyeongsangnam-do’s Tangible Cultural Asset No. 74): The stone pagoda is similar to stone pagodas of the Silla Period but it is considered to be built in the early Goryeo Period.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Eumseong-gun)

Kkottongnae was established on November 15, 1976 by Father John (Woong-jin) Oh, the founder of religious congregation called Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. Father Oh started Kkotdongne from 1,300 won, when he purchased 5 kans (5 rooms) residence, temporarily named it as ‘Sarang House’, inspired by an old man Choi Gui-dong looking after the homeless people. Kkottongnae now has grown into internationally known institution, committed to local and overseas missionary work, charity work, and social welfare services.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Originally named Gongji Park, the park is located near Gongjicheon and has been decorated with sculptures since 1997. Twenty-nine pieces are displayed and a water clock was installed in 2001. Gongjicheon Resort is located nearby the park with an outdoor stage and fountain. Water sports such as boat-riding can be enjoyed on the lake. The lake and the fountain are great locations to enjoy spending time with family and friends. Every year diverse cultural art events such as the Spring Art Performance as well as the Soyangjae Chuncheon Poetry Recital takes place in the park and Gongjicheon. A Children’s Center and War Memorial are also located nearby.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Suncheonman Bay Eco-Museum was established to provide a research & education facility to preserve the area’s natural habitats. The year-round structure is open to the public and houses an exhibition hall, gallery, theatre, and seminar rooms. Visitors can also stop by the nearby wetland observatory to learn more about the region’s ecology. Inside the museum there are a variety of learning material and even video feeds sharing continuous live footage of migratory birds. The two-story gallery also features a history of the forming of Suncheonman Bay and a range of flora and fauna exhibits. Suncheonman Bay is accessible from Yeosu Airport which has flights from both Kimpo (Seoul) and Jeju Airport.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple, located in Gayasan Mountain, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, is home to Palmandaejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana) designated as a World Cultural Heritage and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea. As the temple is the only place that has Tripitaka Koreana, the temple stay has its unique program where you may actually appreciate the world cultural heritage with your own eyes, experience woodblock printing and Chamseon (Zen meditation), which is a traditional meditation method of Buddhism in Korea. You may also learn the Buddhist teaching by touring the small hermitages and temples around the Gaya Mountain with Haeinsa as its main temple.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Situated on the southwest corner of Jirisan Mountain, Hwaeomsa Temple is one of the 10 most famous temples in Korea. It was constructed in the fifth year of King Jinheung’s reign (544) during the Silla Era, but was burnt down during Japanese Invasion, Jeongyujaeran in 1592. Including the main building Daeungjeon, the temple was rebuilt during the Joseon Period.The path to the temple lies along the valley named Hwaeomsa Temple Valley. It also takes you to Nogodan Plateau of Jirisan Mountain. With Korean traditional straw-roofed houses and a water mill, you can find a cozy place named Siuidongsan, which means the Hill of Poetry, to take a rest at your right on the way to the temple.Beyond this area is the main gate of Hwaeomsa Temple, Iljumun Gate, and a long stonewall. Entering the main gate, you can find Geumgangmun Gate and the stairs going up to Bojeru. At the top of the stairs, there are the main building Daeungjeon and Gakhwangjeon Pavilion.There are also Seo-ocheung Pagoda (west-five-story pagoda) and Dongocheung Pagoda (east-five-story pagoda) at each side of the front yard. In front of Gakhwangjeon Pavilion is the largest light made of stone in Korea. In addition, there are many national treasures here including the Sasaja Samcheung (3-story) Stone Pagoda, which is situated at the hill called Hyodae. The main building Daeungjeon and Bojeru is magnificent and graceful. Keeping its original beauty, Hwa-eomsa Temple makes beautiful scenery with the nature around it.[National Cultural Heritages]- Stone Lantern at Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Four Lion Three-story Stone Pagoda of Hwaeomsa Temple- Gakhwangjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Hanging Painting of Hwaeomsa Temple (The Vulture Peak Assembly)- Five-story Stone Pagoda in the east and west of Hwaeomsa Temple- Daeungjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Lion Pagoda at Wontongjeon Hall of Hwaeomsa Temple- Stone Avatamsaka Sutra (The Flower Garland Sutra) of Hwaeomsa Temple- Higan Cherry of Hwaeomsa Temple- Bojeru Pavilion of Hwaeomsa Temple- Stone Lantern at Gucheungam hermitage of Hwaeomsa Temple


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Yeosu Ocean Railbike is comprised of a 3.5 kilometer-long open track that follows the rocky coast of Yeosu. Passing through the open air as well as a tunnel section, it is a unique and exciting experience anyone can enjoy at a leisurely pace. The track and rail bikes undergo regular safety inspections, meaning it's a completely safe way to enjoy Yeosu's beautiful coast.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Samyang Beach is not well-known among tourists, enabling it to keep its clear waters compared to other beaches, as well as its sparkling black sand. As the black sand's therapeutic effect, especially on neuralgia and obesity, has become more known, visitors can often be seen lying down on the beach and burying themselves in the black sand.