Gyeonggi-do(Anseong-si)

The word ‘Mirinae,’ from the Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지) in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, is a pure Korean word for the Milky Way. The site holds the graves of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic Saint; his mother Ursula; Bishop Ferréol, the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim; and Vincentius Lee Minsik who buried Saint Kim’s body. To be sure, this holy site is a serene and peaceful sanctum. The reason it came to be called ‘Mirinae’ is that Korean Catholics came to this place in secret to avoid persecution during the late Joseon Dynasty, and the lamplight coming from their homes in the village where they settled resembled the starlight of the Milky Way. Father Kim was executed at the age of 26 and was not permitted a funeral. But, 40 days after the execution, Vincentius Lee Minsik was able to steal away Kim’s body with great difficulty; he carried it on his back eventually burying it in Mirinae – dismissing all advisement and council that urged him against this. At the center of the site stands a grand memorial church and the Way of the Cross behind it has 15 bronze sculptures depicting the passion of Jesus being captured by Roman soldiers, crucified, suffering, passing away, and being interred. Kim Daegeon (1822~1846) Korea’s first Catholic priest and saint. He was chosen as a scholarship recipient by a French priest, and joined the priesthood at the young age of 24. Kim returned to Korea, but was captured, and executed, dying a martyr. He was blessed by the Roman Pope Pius XI on July 5, 1925, and became a Catholic saint at the canonization ceremony conducted by Pope John Paul II himself in South Korea on May 6, 1984.


Daegu(Dalseo-gu)

Daegu Arboretum was built on a sanitary landfill. It is home to more than 1,000 species of plants including giant cacti, flowers, medicinal herbs, and trees. In addition, the facility regularly holds ecology experience programs for students and young children. Meanwhile, Daegu Arboretum has been recognized as an excellent model of ecosystem restoration.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoncheon-gun) , Pocheon

Originating in Cheorwon, Gangwon-do, Hantangang River meets with Youngpyeongcheon Stream that runs through Uncheon and Pocheon to the Imjingang River. Hantangang River is divided into two branches at Jeongok Dam before joining the Imjingang River. One branch runs through Pocheon and the other goes through Yeoncheon. The Hantangang River area around Jeongok Dam, is known for its bass fishing, but the anglers avoid the branch that runs through Pocheon because the water is polluted.


Gangwon-do(Hwacheon-gun)

Bungeoseom is a small freshwater island located in Ha-ri, Hwacheon-eup, Hwacheon-gun, Gangwon-do Province. It was created as a result of the construction of the Chuncheon Dam. The island was turned into a green recreational site with environment-friendly facilities and is also used as a fishing ground and rest area for county residents. The Hwacheon County Office planted trees and made a bicycle road to make it more appealing to visitors. Every year, regional cultural festivals are held here like the Nangcheon Ice Festival in mid January, the Bimok Cultural Festival in June, and the Yonghwa Festival in October. Nearby, there are many tourist sites like the Chilseongnu Pavilion, Hwacheonhyanggyo Confucian School, Mireukbawi Rock, and Hwacheongang River.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Jinhae NFRDI Environment Eco-Park (Inland Water Eco Park) is part of the land of the Nambu Inland Water Research Center and lies on an area measuring 83,897 square meters. This environmentally-friendly park boasts a splendid natural landscape with over 65 different species of trees (sheepberry, willow, boxwood, cherry blossom trees, etc.) and an abundance of flowers (golden reed, hosta, water canna, irises, etc.). The park is open to the public and is a favorite retreat for residents of the area.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Set 1400 years ago, the drama, ‘Seodongyo’, showcases the love between the king of the Baekje Dynasty and the princess of the Silla Kingdom. It was filmed in Chungnam Buyeo-gu at the Seodongyo Theme Park. The theme park offers a variety of highlights such as the royal residences of Baekje and Silla, the place where the nobles held their banquets, the commoners’ village, and the village of the nobles. Visitors can also engage in various experience programs including jegichagi (a game played by kicking around a shuttlecock), swings, character necklace making, trying on drama costumes, and more.Entry into the theme park is possible from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Mondays through Fridays and at 9:00am to 9:00pm during the weekends. Admission for adults ages 18 and over is 2,000 won, and 1,500 won for children below the age of 18.* Set Location1) The Royal Residence of the Baekje King – two stories on the outside, one story on the inside2) The Residence of Jwapyeong Buyeoseon – luxurious residence for high-ranking officials3) The Silla Palace – 2 buildings comprise the Silla Palace4) The Royal Village – the Baekje Royal Residence and the residences of the commoners5) Taehaksa – serving as an institute of science and technology6) Hwanghwagung – the Queen’s residence7) Taejagung and Aeyeonji – a lotus pond filled with lotus flowers, symbolizing the love of Seodong8) Seodongjeong, Seonhwajeong – the pavilion located to the back of the Baekje Royal Residence9) Daepungsu set – downtown, noblemen houses, gisaeng house


Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)

Asanoncheon Hot Spring was discovered in 1987 and designated as a tourist zone in 1999. The mineral-rich spring water offers a slew of natural health benefits. The alkaline water found in the natural hot spring contains a variety of minerals (about 20 types), including calcium and sodium bicarbonate. When you bathe in the hot spring, your skin absorbs these minerals, which speed up cellular restoration and blood circulation. An oxygenated circulatory system is beneficial in keeping not only your stomach, but your body's other vital organs and tissues healthy and strong. The hot spring offers natural treatment options for various common ailments such as arthritis, neuralgia, high blood pressure, stomach disorder, and stroke. Nestled in the mountains, the spa offers the relaxation of walking in the forest and breathing in the fresh valley air. Also, stopping by the historical statue at Asanho Lake along the west coast highway to Asanoncheon Hot Spring will add an extra bit of fun to your weekend excursion.    


Jeollabuk-do(Jinan-gun)

The temple located upon Maisan Mountain was called Sangwonsa Temple during the early Joseon Dynasty and was later known as Jeongmyeongam Hermitage. According to the Korean Language Society, the temple began to be called Eunsusa (meaning ‘Silver Water Temple’) after King Taejo (the founder of the Joseon Dynasty) visited the temple and remarked that the water flowing nearby was as clean and smooth as pure silver. The temple is home to the largest known Beopgo (Buddhist drum used for rituals), which was produced in 1982. A stone sculpture and a statue of Granny Samsin (a goddess that looks after babies’ births and keeps them healthy) also stand at the temple. However, the temple’s most treasured assets are its two Natural Monuments: Emerald Gaiety (a climbing vine, Natural Monument No. 380) and the Cheongsil Pear Tree (Natural Monument No. 386). Reverse icicles, though found all over the mountainsides, are most readily and abundantly found in the Eunsusa Temple area.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Eongtto Waterfalls is hidden within a forest and appears only after a heavy rainfall. The falls is 50 meters high and is surrounded by uniquely formed rocks and stones. In the vicinity of the falls, there is a spacious temperate forest and evergreen scenery creates that contributes to the area's scenic beauty year-round. To reach the waterfall, visitors pass through Wolsan Village in Gangjeong-dong, Seogwipo-si, and follow an upward path for 500m, following Akgeuncheon Stream or walking along the mandarin field for 800m to the northwest at the front road of Gang Chang-hak Park. Eongtto Falls is one of the 70 scenic views of Jeju-do Island.