Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

Iksan Godori Standing Stone Buddha is Treasure No. 46. The two Buddha statues (each measuring 424cm) stand face-to-face at a distance of 200 meters apart and tell the story of an eternal, but unrequited love. According to legend, the two Buddhas (one male, one female) are lovers that can only meet for one night in the twelfth month of the lunar calendar. After the sunset on that special day the lovers are allowed to meet, but must return to their respective positions before the rooster crows at dawn. The two statues are very representative of the Goryeo Era, which produced many stone statues with minimal expression of the physical body. True to the era, each Buddha has almost no curves and is depicted with plain clothing and barely distinguishable arms. On their heads, the Buddhas wear a crown topped with another square hat. With their square faces, small eyes, pug noses, and small lips, the Buddas are reminiscent of guardian deities typically placed at the entrance of villages.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Osan-ri Prehistory Museum houses the oldest remains of the Prehistoric age to be found in Korea. The site is not only important for understand the long history of Korea and its culture, but is also invaluable in understanding the general historical relation to the rest of East Asia. As a result, it was designation Historic Site no. 394. Inside the museum is a life-sized diorama, the first of its kind, displaying the lifestyles of prehistoric times and prehistoric relics of the Yeongdong region. The Relics Exhibition Room is divided into six sections, the Introduction, Overview, the Osan-ri Prehistoric Story, the Story of Relics Unearthed, the Mandaecheon Story, and a conclusion. There are also hands-on programs to help visitors experience prehistoric life and culture.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Da Vinci Museum, located in Seogwipo-si on Jeju Island is the only museum that has the Da Vinci License in Korea. The museum offers visitors a chance to experience a wide variety of activities and hands-on programs. When you think of Leonardo Da Vinci, a few things that come to mind are the Mona Lisa and The Last Supper. However, one of the greatest masterpieces in his life is the Codex, a collection of his writings. Over 7,000 pages of the Codex, A.K.A. a notebook of secrets, survives today, and the museum displays over 200 works created and inspired based on the writings in the Codex. The museum houses information about the life and times of Leonardo Davinci, a superb scientist, anatomist, and inventor.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

Daecheong Dam (대청댐) is a multi-purpose dam consisting of a 72m-tall and 495m-long concrete gravity dam and rockfill dam. It is located where Daejeon and Chungcheongbuk-do meet. The observatory, located at Palgakjeong Service Area, offers a great view of Daecheongho Lake (대청호). A variety of fascinating items are displayed in the Water Culture Center (물문화관) on the left bank of Daecheong Dam. A nearby grassy meadow promises a relaxing and comfortable rest, while local delicacies such as freshwater fish stew and marinated grilled eel are a delight to taste.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Route 15 (19 km) runs from Hallimhang Harbor Ferry Dock in Biyangdo Island to Gonaepogu Port. This trail passes through Pyeongsupogu Port, Seongno-dong Agricultural Storage, Hyerin Church, Napeup Elementary School, the entrance to Geumsan Park, the entrance to Baegilhonggil Road, the entrance to Gonaebong Peak, and Haga-ri crossing. Since the route is surrounded by the ocean, villages, forests and mountains, hikers can admire the scenery of Jeju while walking on Route 15.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

Gujibong Peak in Gusan-dong, Gimhae in Gyeongsangnam-do is believed to be the birthplace of King Suro, the founder of the Gaya kingdom. The peak was originally named Gusubong (“gu” meaning “turtle,” “su” meaning “head”) after its resemblance to the head of a turtle. The flat part of the peak (the turtle’s “head”) is home to the Tomb of King Suro. On the summit is a southern-style dolmen dating back to the 4th century BC that consists of 5 or 6 support stones and a large cover stone measuring 2.5m in diameter. The cover stone bears the inscription “Gujibongseok,” said to be written by Han Ho.Gujibong Peak is considered a sacred place by the local people because, according to legend, it is the place where the creation of the Gaya Kingdom took place. During the Japanese colonial rule, the “neck” of the turtle was destroyed by the construction of a mountain road. Years later, a pedestrian road was built to rejoin the neck and restore the feng shui of the mountain.


Jeju-do()

Jeju Island, designated as Jeju Special Autonomous Province, lies southwest of the Korean Peninsula and is the largest tourist destination in Korea. The whole island was designated as a special tourist zone, and wherever tourists go, they can look upon beautiful scenery. Every year, about 8.7 million people from Korea and abroad visit this fascinating island that measures 73 km across, east to west, and 31 km, from north to south. Jeju Island was also designated as a World Natural Heritage. The climate of Jeju is quite different from the temperate climate of mainland Korea. Since the island has a subtropical climate as well as a subarctic one, there are many unique plants that can only to be found on this island. The unique sight of Jeju Island captivates travelers. The scenery that represents this volcanic island of Jeju was created by Hallasan Mountain and Oreum (parasitic cones in Jeju dialect) as well as the pillar-shaped joint on the beach. The piedmont area that visitors encounter on their way from the beach to Hallasan Mountain is a gift of nature and the piedmont area on the way to Geomun Oreum, where Jeju World Natural Heritage Center is located, is worthwhile to see. Another unique aspect here is the Jeju dialect and lifestyle. Traveling the 182 km circuit road along the coastline by car, motor scooter or bike is recommended. There is a trail for walking called “Jeju Olle” for those who choose to make a round trip on foot. Jeju Island is implementing more discretionary and diversified policies in politics and economy as well as tourism, and this is what makes Jeju worthy of the name “free international city.” * Current State of Jeju Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: All of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (except the annexed island) 2) Area: 1,809.56k㎡ * Tourist Attractions Hallasan Mountain, Oreum (Parasitic cones), Coastal Road, piedmont area, Jeju Olle Trails, beach, museums, galleries, Jungmun Resort, etc.


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Moaksan Mountain (모악산, 793.5m) is located in Gimje, Jeollabuk-do and is home to several Buddhist temples: Geumsansa, Guisinsa, Suwangsa, and Daewonsa. From the top of the mountain you can see the the Honam Pyeongya Delta as well as the Gimje Pyeongya Delta.Designated as a provincial park in 1971, Moaksan is known for its incredible views and cultural heritages. Daewonsa and Suwangsa temples are located on the southeast side of the mountain and Guisinsa Temple sits to the west. Geumsansa Temple, built during the Baekje period (599AD), holds many precious pieces of Buddhist art.One of the preferred methods for ascending the mountain is a trail along the ridge behind Simwonam, which is particularly eye-catching in the spring when the mountain azaleas are in full bloom. As you reach the summit, the Gimje Pyeongya Delta and Mangyeonggang River come into view, along with Mt. Unjangsan and the city of Jeonju. The cherry blossom tunnel extending from the parking lot to Iljumun is another must-see for those who visit in the spring.


Chungcheongnam-do(Geumsan-gun)

Geumsan is home to 1,500 years of Korean ginseng cultivation. More than 80% of Korean ginseng is cultivated here. To spread the excellence of Korean (Geumsan) ginseng across the nation and the world, ginseng cultivation implements and models, efficacy, foods, and other products containing ginseng are on display in this museum. Visitors can also watch ginseng-related videos to gain a better understanding of Korean ginseng.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

At Sansawon, visitors may sample food (rice cakes, Sanghwa dumplings, pickled vegetable soaked in rice wine leftovers, rice punch) and beverages made of liquor and liquor ingredients such as suljigemi (rice wine leftovers) or nureuk (yeast). The museum displays over 1,000 historical documents on traditional liquor as well as liquor brewery devices such as yakteul, nureukteul, gyeobogary, and sojugori. Moreover, the traditional brewing process, as seen in the folktale 'Mrs. Kim's Brewery' is recreated using the actual tools and devices from the traditional brewing process. The museum also features the process and culture of Gayangju (homemade liquor) with puppets and dolls. Visitors will leave the facility with a deeper appreciation of the devotion of ancient Korean brewmasters and the art of traditional Korean liquor. At the Gayangju Class, operated by Sansawon, anyone who wants to know more about traditional liquor may have a chance to learn about liquor ingredients, liquor-related folktales, and the brewing process. You can even learn first-hand how to make traditional liquor. You may either take your alcohol home with you after the class or leave it at the museum and stop by for it later. *Grand open November, 1996