Gyeonggi-do(Seongnam-si) , Yongin

Jangseogak (장서각) was established by Yi Wang-jik in 1918 as a library for Korean studies. Since its opening, the library has housed archives of Korean classics and modern works as well as the Jangseogak documents, which were transferred from the Cultural Asset Management Bureau (now Cultural Heritage Administration of Korea) in 1971.Jangseogak has a stack room, a space for collecting and arranging classical manuscripts and general books, a reading room, a room for references and genealogical records, a theses and periodicals room, an area for special documents, and rooms for filming, photocopying, and developing microfilms. It contains documents for scholastic research and education.Most notably, the Jangseogak holds the Uigwe (287 types 490 books, or Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty, and Donguibogam (25 volumes 25 books/Treasure No. 1085-2) documents, which are both listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World register. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The Bangudae Petroglyphs are located in Daegok-ri, (Ulsan City) and were discovered by the Dongguk University Investigation Team in 1971. Since then, these rock engraving have been a representative cultural asset of Ulsan and have been a key reference point in research on rock carving techniques. The Bangudae Petroglyphs were designated National Treasure No. 285 in 1996. Petroglyphs (岩刻畵) are figures of animals or geometrical symbols engraved on rock. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are engraved on rocks located on the lower western banks of the man-made lake at Taehwa River. Due to the increased water levels resulting from the construction of the dams, the petroglyphs (10m wide and 3m tall) can only be seen during the dry season from October to February. Since the Daegok River blocks a closer view of the engraved figures, a model measuring 6m in x_width and 3m in x_height has been set up across from the Bangudae Petroglyphs to give visitors a better understanding of this unique ancient art. The engravings depict a total of 200 etchings including figures of land animals (deer, tigers, wild boars, etc.), hunting scenes, sea animals (whales, seals, sea turtles), and boats and fishermen. The Bangudae Petroglyphs are important reflections of the hunting rituals and religious arts of Korea’s prehistoric era and serve as an important clue into the lifestyle and customs of ancient Koreans.  


Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Beomeosa Temple is located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan. About 1,300 years ago it was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom (the kingdom mainly occupied the Gyeongsang-do Province region in 678A.D.). In the geography book 'Donggukyeojiseungram' the origin of Beomeosa Temple is written as follows: "There is a well on the top of Mt. Geumjeongsan and the water of that well is gold. The golden fish in the well rode the colorful clouds and came down from the sky. This is why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold well) and the temple is named 'fish from heaven'." The original Beomeosa Temple building was lost during Imjinwaeran Invasion (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) but was renovated in 1713, which remains as it now is. Daeungjeon is one of the most delicate and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). There is Iljumun, the three-story pagoda with four pillars, built in the 9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates, and eleven hermitages. Designated as a natural monument, the wisteria woods and valleys are most beautiful in May.


Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)

Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, a town famous for being Korea’s first cheese-making village, offers hands-on experience programs while living in clean, unpolluted farm country. The village is attracting the attention of foreign visitors who are interested in making and tasting local Korean cheese. Thanks to its proximity to the Hanok (traditional Korean-style house) Village of Jeonju, only 30 minutes away, many tourists choose to stay at a traditional hanok and visit the cheese village from there. The experience programs are run all year round except on Mondays. Visitors are advised to make a phone reservation at least three days prior to visiting.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

The Park of Geojedo, P.O.W Camp was built to hold prisoners during the Korean War. Out of a total of 170,000 prisoners of war, 20,000 were from China and 150,000 were from North Korea. The camp was closed upon the signing of the 1953 armistice which ended the war. Remains of the war, such as tanks, trucks and other relics are on exhibit here. The camp was turned into a park in 1997 to ensure that the Korean War is not a forgotten war. It takes approximately one hour to walk the park grounds.


Gangwon-do(Cheorwon-gun)

Located in the northern area of South Korea, Baengma Battlefield was one of the bloodiest battlefields during the Korean War. The communist Chinese army launched a major offensive attack for 10 days on October 6, 1952 during the Battle of Baengmagoji (Baengma; White horse). Due to this battle, the communist Chinese army suffered around 14,000 casualties and the army completely collapsed while the 9th Infantry Division won the battle of the Baengma High Ground and got the name “White Horse.” After the battle the area gave off a bad smell because of the dead bodies. The mountain area lost its original shape due to the severe battle and as a result the area was named “Baengmagoji” as it was said to resemble a white horse (Baengma) lying down.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Mireukdo Island resides in Tongyeong, a city that holds great historical significance for being the home of the Tongjeyeong naval station during the Joseon Dynasty. The Tongyeong base served as the central command station for the three other naval bases in the Gyeongsang, Jeolla and Chungcheong regions. Not only is Mireukdo Island designated as a Special Tourist Zone, it is also a part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park and serves as the center of tourism in the South Coast. The Mireukdo Special Tourist Zone, with the Donam Tourist Complex as its core, is well-equipped with a variety of leisure facilities, tourist accommodations and restaurants. This district caters to visitors with yacht services and a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and water skiing. Exceptionally popular is the ferry cruise that takes visitors to Hansando Island, which is located just off the coast of Tongyeong, and to the other scenic islands such as Bijindo and Maemuldo. Mireukdo Island is connected to Tongyeong through an undersea tunnel, Chungmu Bridge and Tongyeong Bridge, making it even more accessible to visitors. At the center of the island is the towering Mireuksan Mountain. The panoramic Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, which opened in 2008, takes visitors to the summit of Mireuksan Mountain. The top offers a commanding view of the forests and valleys below. On a clear day, visitors can even see the Japanese island of Tsushima. The mountain’s hiking trails are well-maintained and are suitable for short hikes. The most traveled trail is the one starting from Yonghwasa Temple. Hikers taking this trail pass through Gwaneumsa Temple and Mireukjae to reach the top. The trail leads to Miraesa Temple and a grass field on the way down before finally going back to Yonghwasa Temple. [Mireukdo Special Tourist Zone] Areas Covered: Part of Sanyang-eup (Mireukdo Island and Obido Island), areas of Misu-dong, Bongpyeong-dong and Donam-dong in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do Area size: 32,900,000㎡ Tourist Attractions: Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, Ferry Cruise, Tongyeong Concert Hall, Undersea Tunnel  


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Baengnyeonsa Temple is located in the upper part of Gucheondong Valley on Deogyusan Mountain. It is said that during the Silla Kingdom, a white lotus flower bloomed here, and that's why the temple is called Baengnyeonsa. Baengnyeonsa Temple is surrounded by Deogyusan Mountain and is a very elegant and quiet temple.After walking over the Baengnyeon Bridge at the entrance of the temple, you will come to a stone stairway. At the top is the main sanctuary. The majesty and beauty of the main sanctuary is well complemented by the mountains. The Mokjosamjonbul Stone Buddha within the main building is presumed to have been built in the latter half of the Joseon Dynasty. Past Myeongbujeon is Baengnyeonsa’s Sajeokbi tombstone, and the workmanship of the calligraphy carved on them are very highly regarded.Baengnyeonsa Temple is famous for the camellia trees that surround the temple. About 1,500 trees are growing here, and in the blooming season, the entire temple become one large flower garden. The Camellia trees are designated Natural Monument, and you really would want to see them in their full glory in the spring. It is especially beautiful during the fall with the crimson leaves as well.


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si)

Seolbong Park is a pleasant resting area that includes a walking path around a wide lake in the middle of the park, a traditional garden and a traditional palanquin. Visitors can take part in caramic making programs at a reasonable price with a professional instructor at the Ceramic Experience Hall which is located near the World Ceramic Center.


Busan(Nam-gu)

Busan Cultural Center is one of the representative cultural arts institutions in Busan and hosts a diversity of concerts, dances, plays, and other performances. It boasts international conference facilities and is a center of operations for seven different metropolitan arts organizations including the philharmonic orchestra, traditional orchestra, chorus, dance company, theater company, philharmonic youth orchestra, and the boys & girls chorus.Reflecting the traditional architectural style of Korea, the Main Theater has been built to resemble a ‘Bonchae’ (the main building of a traditional house), while the Medium and Small Theaters resemble a ‘Sarangchae’ (typically, the men’s quarters of a hanok). The structure of the center highlights the traditional beauty of Korea and seeks to capture the powerful spirit of the nation. Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions & performances throughout the year, the Busan Cultural Center strives to preserve the country’s culture while promoting local art forms from various regions of Korea.