Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Samneung means "three royal tombs," and has strong ties to history. The three royal tombs house three kings of the Silla Kingdom: King Adala (8th King of the Dynasty), King Sindeok (53rd) and King Gyeongmyeong (54th). King Adala, who cared deeply for his people, mobilized his soldiers to rescue his subjects that were abducted by the invaders of Baekje. After a while, Baekje asked for peace treaty and King Adala released the prisoners he took during the engagement. A kingdom in Japan sent an envoy to ask for friendly relations with the Silla. King Adala’s tomb is 58m in circumference at the base, 5.4m in x_height and 18m in diameter. As King Hyogong died without any heirs, the people of the kingdom crowned his son-in-law as their next king – King Sindeok. During his reign, King Sindeok devoted himself to protecting his kingdom from invasions by Gyeonhwon and Gungye. The royal tomb is 61m in circumference at the base, 5.8m in x_height and 18m in diameter. It was robbed twice, inviting investigations in 1953 and 1963. The investigations revealed the tomb to be a chamber made of stone. King Gyeongmyeong, the son of King Sindeok, together with Wanggeon, the founder of the Goryeo Dynasty, successfully thwarted Gyeonhwon’s attack against Daeyaseong Fortress. During his reign, he attempted to establish diplomatic relations with the Hudang Dynasty of China, but was unsuccessful. The tomb is 50m in circumference at the base, 4.5m in x_height and 16m in diameter.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Gujora Beach is a soft stretch of sand (30m wide, 1.1km long) that runs alongside the emerald-blue ocean. It was initially used by U.S. soldiers when a prisoner-of-war camp was established in Geoje in the aftermath of the Korean War. Since the 1970s, after the beach was opened to the public, it became better known for its natural beauty than its military history. The relatively shallow and warm water and nearby attractions (Mangsan, Sujeong Peak, Anseom, and Yundolseom) has made this beach one of the best weekend retreats in the region.Situated farther inland, partially encircled by the coastline, the water at Gujora Beach is calm and serene. Not only a great swimming spot, there are also a number of places nearby selling fresh sashimi as well as famous local produce such as anchovies and seaweed. Visitors can tour the nearby attractions (such as Gujora Fortress, Haegeumgang, Naedo, and Oedo) by taking a cruise. 


Gyeonggi-do(Anseong-si)

Namsadang (남사당) is a renowned troupe that combines regional traditional arts such as acrobatics, singing, dancing and circus performances, originating from the Anseong area. The troupe was formed in honor of Baudeogi (바우덕이), a celebrated artist of the Joseon Dynasty and Korea's first entertainer. Namsadang performs on an ongoing basis and also focuses on developing and promoting various hands on Namsadang programs. Through their world tour, Namsadang plays a big role in spreading Korea's culture worldwide. The annual Baudeogi Festival is also a great opportunity for visitors take in various performances and take part in activities.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gimcheon-si)

Jikjisa Temple (직지사), located at the foot of Mt. Hwangaksan in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, was constructed in 418 (the 2nd year of King Nulji’s reign, Silla Kingdom). This temple is in perfect harmony with the nearby valley and pine forest. The foliage in fall is particularly breathtaking. It features Birojeon Hall (also known as ‘Cheonbuljeon Hall’), in which approximately 1,000 Buddha statues are enshrined, along with a thousand year old arrowroot. Iljumun Gate, Daeungjeon Hall (one of the most famous architectural structures of the Joseon Dynasty) and a 1.63m-tall Seated Stone Buddhist Statue (Treasures No. 319) from the Unified Silla Period, can also be found on the temple grounds.* Hwangaksan MountainMt. Hwangaksan (1,111m in elevation), located in the Sobaeksan Mountains, should be called ‘Hwanghaksan’ because of the many cranes that reside on this mountain. However, it is written as ‘Hwangaksan’ on the Jikjisa Temple tablet and in the Taengniji Records (택리지). This mountain is famous for its thick pine forests, pristine streams, beautiful fall foliage and splendid snowscapes.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

There are four large and small swamps around the Yibang-myeon, Daehap-myeon, and Daeji-myeon areas of Changnyeong-gun, which are collectively called ‘Upo Wetland’. They are the largest natural swamps in South Korea, with a total size about 5,550 square km. The bottom of the swamp is shallower than 1m and there are over 1,000 species living in its murky waters. It has a primitive atmosphere with 100 kinds of plants containing 28 kinds of aquatic plants and 72 types of hydrophytes.Upo Wetland is a primitive low bed wetland, which was created about 140 million years ago. When soft ground collapsed, water started to come to a low basin, and this was a lake where dinosaurs lived 100 million years ago. Upo Wetland was formed in with the sediments from the mountains brought in by rivers. From the outer edge, the current Upo Wetland is going through natural alteration and ecological succession from a lake to swamp and from grass-covered plain to a forest. At Upo Wetland there are eight famous sites such as fireflies, constellation gazing, and willow groves, but there are many, many other interesting things to see. Among the eight famous sights, the Upo rain-fog is an especially eye-catching natural phenomenon, becoming visible when there is no wind, when skies are clear, and the temperature difference between day and night is 10 degrees or more. The fireflies come out around 8~9 P.M. in August and September, and they are also worth watching. In winter, migrating birds spend their winter here and you can watch about 33 species of birds such as swans, whopper swans, bean geese, teals and wild ducks. It is better to take a walk in the evening or early in the morning rather than in the daytime, it would be great also to visit in the night under the starlight. 


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Chaeseokgang refers to a rocky cliff and the sea around it, situated in the Gyeokpohang and Dakibong areas on the Byeonsan Peninsula. It is easy to misunderstand the name for a river, but it is a very large rocky cliff. The origin of the name comes from China, from the story of Lee Tae-Baek, while drinking wine on a ship, he saw the moon reflected in the river and jumped into the water to grab it. The name Chaeseokgang was adapted as it resembles the Chinese equivalent of this location.Chaeseokgang was created from many layers of rocks stratified by the sea, and the blue sea and the rock cliffs together create quite a lovely picture. It is nature’s masterpiece of stratification, and you can see interesting structures and shapes here that are not seen elsewhere. You can enter Chaeseokgang twice a day when the water recedes, and at low tide, you can observe various sea life existing in the lower areas of the rock cliffs and the cave. If you are able to see the sunrise or twilight at the cave, the scenery there is simply awesome.Around Chaeseokgang, there also lies the stately Mt. Naebyeonsan as well. Mt. Naebyeonsan has a temple called Seonunsa Temple, and it is a fine place to be introduced to Buddhism. The quiet mornings and evenings at the temple adds to the calmness and beauty of the twilight.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

The Traditional Korean Food Culture Experience Center was established in order to preserve, research, distribute and promote the values and merits of traditional Korean food culture in the world. There are various hands-on facilities for traditional food culture such as an exhibition hall, cooking room, and a fermentation room, covering an area of 10,000 pyeong (33057.85㎡) in Baegokpo-ri, Yongpyeong-myeon, Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do. Particularly, it is the a great place for anyone who wants to learn more and take part in various aspects of traditional Korean food culture.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Located at the foot of Mt. Hamwol, Gulgulsa is the only temple cave in Korea. The temple was built out of solid rock during the 6th century by Saint Gwang Yoo and some accompanying monks, and was designed according to the architectural structure of India.On the top of the temple stands a sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and surrounding the sculpture are twelve rock caves used as a prayer sanctuary. Seven of the twelve rock cave sanctuaries are still standing today. Golgulsa’s main attractions are the sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and the Gwaneum Cave.The Buddha sculpture displays the characteristics of the Shilla Buddha, and is 4 meters high. The Buddha has his hair in a topknot, has a calm smile, narrow eyes, small lips, and a long narrow nose. To protect the sculpture of any damage from the wind or rain, a glass ceiling has been installed in the Gwaneum Cave, which is the largest sanctuary of the seven still existing caves.The main Buddha of this cave is the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and the cave walls are dedicated to the 108 meditations of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The Gwaneum Cave has a wall with tiles in front of it, which makes it look like an ordinary sanctuary. But once inside, the entire interior from ceiling to walls is carved all from stone. Golgulsa is unlike any other temple. The road to the temple offers an exciting thrill similar to that of rock climbing. Safety ropes and railings surround Golgulsa. A risky climb up a long set of stairs finally leads up to the caves, including Gwaneum Cave, Jijang Cave, and Yaksa Cave.The Maya Tathagata Buddha can only be seen after climbing the rock walls and holding on tightly to the safety ropes, but only past the cave-like rock that juts out.


Daegu(Dalseong-gun)

Nokdongseowon Confucian Academy was built in 1789 in honor of General Kim Chung-seon (1571-1642), who contributed greatly to Korea's defense from the Japanese invasions during the Imjin War (1592-1598). The Academy was shut down in 1864, and reinstated in 1885. Then, in 1972, it was moved to its current location. Today, General Kim's tablet is enshrined in this hall, where a memorial service is held every March. Nearby attractions on the grounds of Nokdongseowon include Nokdongsa Temple, Sunguidang Shrine, Hyangyangmun Gate and Chungjeolgwan Hall, which houses rifles used during the Imjin War, articles left by General Kim, as well as literature on the cultural history of Korea and Japan.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Travelling from Hakdong Pebble Beach to Hammok Beach, one can glimpse the quaint village of Dojangpo Maeul. This quiet fishing village is comprised of charming little houses as well as a small ferry port. The strong ocean winds can be felt from the top of the hill overlooking Dojangpo Maeul. This hill is referred to by locals as “The Hill of Wind” or “Mangneungjandi Park,” but has yet to take on an official name. This spot is one of Geojedo’s best kept secrets. The green grass spreading across the hillside is spotted with wild flowers in the springtime and has a dreamy quality to it. Little goats can even be seen taking a rest along parts of this picturesque hillside. Visitors can sit on one of the benches overlooking the magnificent vistas. “Hoejeon-mongma” (meaning Carrousel in English) is just one of the many television shows that has been filmed here. Even though this spot has attracted many fans of TV shows shot here, it is still considered one of the hidden treasures on the island of Geojedo. The spring weather of April through June is the perfect time to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy this scenic hillside. ​