Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Located at the foot of Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju, Seochulji Pond dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period. There are two, three-storied stone pagodas in the heart of Namsan Village and a small, elegant pond to the east. The pond is famous thanks to a Korean legend, written below: In the 10th year of King Soji (488) of Silla, a crow and a mouse approached the king as he was on his way to Namsan Mountain. The mouse told the King to “follow after the crow” for an easy journey. So, the King and his servant (who was traveling with him) followed the crow, but became distracted and lost their way. As they were wandering about a pond (now known as Seochulji), an old man appeared from the waters’ depths and presented an envelope to the King. Based on the message in the envelope, the King instructed his servant to fire an arrow at the Geomungo (Korean musical instrument) case nearby. The shot killed the queen and a monk who had been hiding there, both of whom had been hatching a plot against the King. The name of the pond, “Seochulji” (literally meaning “writing from the pond”) originates from this legend. It is said that a man named Imjeok built a building by the pond in the 5th year of King Hyeonjong (1664) to enjoy the scenery. The simple, yet elegant building still remains at the northwest of the pond.


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The beach from Jujeon to Gangdong is a big tourist destination in Ulsan. A small fishing village and gently rolling mountains rest in the back drop of this black pebble beach, one of the few in all of Korea. At night, the lights of fishing boats make quite a scene as they reflect against the water. This is a great area to dine on fresh seafood.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Sinseondae Observatory, located between Dojangpo Maeul and Haegeumgang, offers picturesque views of the fantastically shaped rocks against the deep-blue ocean hues. "Sinseon" in Korean mean supernatural beings; the beauty of this spot is said to attract such beings to come frolic. The blue and yellow colors layered in the rocks tell a unique history of the terrain. A stairway from the road leads directly to the lookout point.Just past a gas station along the coastal highway, Sinseondae Observatory reveals itself. Walking out onto the rocks of Sinseondae, views of the surrounding islands and incredible landscape open up to viewers. Many commercials and TV shows have been filmed here taking advantage of this amazing setting. April and May are the perfect times to see the bright-yellow rapeseed flowers across the island.


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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Buljonggeori Road, where a huge bronze Buddhist temple bell sculpture is located, is lined with 23,000 blocks engraved with the names of foreigners. The colorful blocks on the ground consist not only of diverse names of international tourists, but also include the names of renowned Korean celebrities such as Jeon Ji-hyeon, f(x)’s Krystal Jung, 4Minute, Kara and other popular Korean stars.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Naksan Provincial Park (낙산도립공원) has 24km of shoreline that extends through the Seonsa relic area, Dongho Beach, Hajodae Beach, etc. and is centered round Naksansa Temple and Naksan Beach of Yangyang.At Naksan Provincial Park, there is Hongryeonam, Uisangdae Pond, Giamgoeseok, and a shoreline cliff of pine trees, trees which have endured for a very long time. Near the beach, Namdae stream, which flows from Mt. Seoraksan, forms a lake. Hajodae, where traces of Ha-ryun and Jo-jun (retainers of the Joseon Period (1392~1910) remain, is famous for the Giam Cliff and lighthouses on high cliffs. Naksan Beach is a famous recreational area, with its amusement parks and various other facilities. It is a sandy field surrounded by 4km of thick pine forest. The beach is safe due to its shallow waters, and nearby is Uisangdae and Naksansa Temple, some of the most famous sites of Gwandong.


Jeollanam-do(Boseong-gun)

Yulpo Nokchatang, located at Yulpo Beach, is Boseong’s only green tea bathhouse. Seawater and green tea have been combined to create a unique spa experience that has many health benefits. Yulpo Nokchatang is fast becoming one of the most popular destinations on the southern coast, as it provides leisure facilities that overlook both pine tree forests and the ocean in one glance.Green tea, in particular, is known to help with high blood pressure, arterial sclerosis, eliminates bad breath, prevents cavities, removes dead skin, and is also said to be effective in hair treatment. Furthermore, bathing in the seawater is said to be beneficial for gastroenteric disorders, diseases common in women, skin irritations, obesity, and arthritis.


Jeollanam-do(Sinan-gun)

Located 54.5 kilometers from Mokpo in Jeollanam-do Province, Bigeum-do Island is part of the Dadohae Maritime National Park. Its spectacular coastline is dotted with numerous islands. Bigeum-do is the first and leading production center of sun-dried salt in Korea, which is its main source of income.Among the 827 islands along the shores of Sinan, Bigeum-do is the seventh-largest island. It is popular as a vacation spot as it is less visited and the natural environment is still well preserved. Because development has been particularly slow compared to other islands, it has a marked shortage of accommodations and recreational facilities. However, this is also the reason it is relatively unpolluted.The two major beaches are Wonpyeong and Hanuneom, which was the filming location for TV drama "Spring Waltz". Hanuneom, also known as Heart-shaped Beach, beckons young couples seeking romance.The island is also home to a number of tourist attractions and historical sites, including Seongchisanseong Fortress (built during the Goryeo period), Seosansa Temple, Beacon Hill, and Naewolli Seokjangseung, a stone totem pole.Hanuneom Beach: Located in southwestern Bigeum-do, Hanuneom lives up to its pure Korean name, meaning that “only the sky and sea can be seen.” Low mountains surround the white sandy beach, which is 500 meters long and 60 meters wide. There is a restroom, shower facilities, and drinking fountain. The entrance to the island is the Gasanri dock. The beach is open from July 20 to August 20.Wonpyeong Beach: Known as the most beautiful beach in Bigeum-do, Wonpyeong is particularly spectacular in spring when the wild roses are in full bloom. The beach, located on the northern side of the island, is 4.3 kilometers long and 60 meters wide. When the tide is low, the beach extends an extra 150 meters. Wild roses cover over 4 kilometers. Past the beach, a dense acacia forest and a reservoir also attract visitors.The area is open from July 21 to mid-August.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Andong Station sits on the Jungang Rail Line. Since it opened in October 15, 1930, all passenger trains that currently travel along both Yeongdong and Jungang Lines stop at this station. Andong Station has water tower that was installed in 1940, whose 12-sided shape is very unique, thus leading to its designation as no. 49 on the list of  Registered Cultural Properties of Korea. For those transferring to intercity buses, Andong Terminal is about 6 kilometers away, and can be accessed via city buses 0, 1, 2, and 11 from in front of Andong Station.


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

Taebaeksan Mountain (태백산) encompasses several peaks such as Yeongbong Peak, where in the past, people would conduct rites to venerate Heaven at Cheonjedan, Janggunbong Peak (1,567m) and Munsubong Peak (1,517m). The mountain is rather high but easy to hike since it is relatively smooth and has few cliffs. The higher plains are covered with alpine vegetation. The mountain becomes hot pink with mountain rhododendron and azalea in the spring; green with thick forest and pristine waters in the summer; rainbow colored with changing leaves in the fall; and white with snow in the winter.Taebaeksan Mountain is one of the three sacred mountains of Korea and the sunrise observed at Cheonjedan is simply breathtaking. There is a ritual site for Dangun in Danggol Valley, where people celebrate Gaecheonjeol (개천절) each year; and there are a number of Buddhist temples such as Manggyeong, Baekdan, Yuil and Cheongwon. Right below the mountaintop lies Yongjeong, the well that is said to boast the very best-quality water among the 100 good water sources in Korea. Near the park are located Geomryongso, the origin of the Han River, and Hwangji Pond, source of the Nakdonggang River. The Taebaek Coal Museum and Gumunso Natural Experience Field provide visitors with information on fossils, geology and the development of the coal industry.* Sunrise at Mt. TaebaeksanWeather permitting, you can watch the sun rising out of the East Sea from the top of Mt. Taebaeksan (Cheonjedan). It usually first appears breaking through the clouds or peeking between the mountaintops. In order to watch the first sunrise of the year at the top of Mt. Taebaeksan, you need to equip yourself with a wintertime hiking outfit and tools such as crampons and a headlamp. Since Mt. Taebaeksan is not far from downtown Taebaek, it is convenient for hikers to spend the night Taebaek and get to the mountain by land transportation.