Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Marado is a small island situated at the southern end of Korea. It is about 11 km away to the south from Moseulpo Harbor in Daejeong-eup. Marado Island is 4.2 km long, but only 39 m at its widest, shaped like a sweet potato, and inhabitants fish and provide Minbak (homestay) for tourists for a living.Because there is no water on Marado Island, people get their water from gathering rain water, and they use solar cells to generate what electricity they have. In 1883, three families first came to the island and began living here. At first they lived off the food growing there, but once the food became scarce, they burned the mountain thick with trees to create field for farming. It was said that all the snakes and frogs died in that fire, and thus no snakes and frogs are found in Marado Island even until now. The island is famous for sea fishing. There is a ferry to Marado Island once or twice a day from Moseulpo Harbor.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

A small harbor town in Seocheon County on the west coast, Maryangpogu is the only place in Korea where visitors can see the sunrise and sunset on the same day. Sunrise here can only be seen for about 50 days around mid-December, which attracts many visitors around that time. There is a beautiful camellia forest alongside the sea, which has been designated as National Monument No. 169. There are about 80 camellia trees and some of them are 500-years old. The camellia flowers are in bloom from late-March to early-May and reach their peak around mid-April. Dongbaekjeong Pavilion in the forest offers a splendid view of the sunset. There are many attractions visitors can easily get to from Maryangpogu such as Chunjangdae Beach (춘장대 해수욕장), Hongwonhang Harbor (홍원항), Busa Embankment (부사방조제), Geumgang Estuary Bank (금강하구둑) and Hansan Mosi Town (한산모시타운). Hongwonhang Harbor (홍원항) is rich in marine products and the Geumgang Estuary Bank (금강하구둑) is a well-known place to watch winter migratory birds.


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Seorae Village is located in between Banpo4-dong and Bangbaebun-dong in Seochu-gu, Seoul. Past the Banpo Bridge of Sapyeong-ro road and Palace Hotel along Seorae-ro road and you can see a cluster of luxurious villas. This was the former location of Ecole Francaise de Seoul, a French school for the France residents who resided here in 1985. There are about 1,000 French citizens residing in Korea (as of 2008 statistics) and about half of them are living in this area. Thus, Seorae Village naturally became a global village much thanks to the strong presence of French citizens in this area. Furthermore, situated geographically near Gangnam and the central business district area, along with natural sites including Yangjae stream and Hangang River Park, makes it a pleasant environment space for all. Every morning, long lines of cyclists with their bikes can be seen waiting in front of the bakery to buy the freshly baked baguettes. The traditional French bakery makes bread from ingredients that are directly imported from France and thus been a favorite to any French residents living in Korea. The shops in Seorae Village shops are modest and charming. The street is lined with shops and small restaurants, seeming to have been lifted straight out of Europe. In recent year, Seorae Village has undergone several changes. In every other street found here, a luxurious café and wine bar can be found and if you like to enjoy your meal outdoors, several cafes or restaurants with balcony seats are also available. This is currently one of the most popular areas among the locals and it has a nickname of ‘Little France’.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

The Jungwon Tappyeongni 7-story stone tower (National Treasure No. 6) is often referred to simply as “Jungangtap” (“Central Tower”) because of its location at the center of Korea. Standing at a x_height of 14.5 meters, the tower is presumed to have been built during the Unified Silla Period. An outdoor sculpture park (the first of its kind in Chungcheongbuk-do Province) has been established in the grassy area around the tower and contains 26 sculptures created by Korean sculptors. The larger Jungangtapsajeok Park is accented by gazebos, small fountains, a hiking path, and is home to the Chungju Museum, an outdoor museum, a musical fountain, 10 sculptures and etc. The park’s convenient facilities have made it a popular leisure retreat for the citizens of Chungju as well as an educational site for children. Chungjujojeongji Dam, located north of Jungangtapsajeok Park, is another popular retreat for the locals.


Gyeonggi-do(Gimpo-si)

Aegibong Peak is located at the northern tip of Gimpo City about an hour’s drive from the downtown area. The mountain is where North and South Korea engaged in a fierce battle at the end of the Korean War; after the battle, Korea was divided into two nations. Since the peak is still a restricted area, visitors must present their passport in order to be admitted. From the peak, an open view of North Korean territory unfolds below and visitors can see South Korean territory as far as Songhaksan Mt. in Chungcheongnamdo Province. Even before the Korean War, Aegibong carried much historical significance as the setting of the sad love story between the governor of Pyeongyang and his mistress. The two lovers were separated during the Sino-Korean War in 1636 and the peak (‘Ae, 애’ means love, ‘gi, 기’ mistress in Korean) was named in honor of their love. In 1968, president Park Cheong Hee visited the peak and wrote a note by hand, saying the mistress' pain of being separated from her lover because of the war was much like those of families separated by the division of the two Koreas. The president’s writing was carved in a tablet and placed at the peak, where separated families still come every thanksgiving to perform an ancestral ritual and wish for reunification. Currently, the observatory at the peak is used for security training. Within the observatory is Mangbaedan Altar, which is where those originally from North Korea perform rites honoring ancestors in the North. Every year, there is a giant tree at Christmas and large lamps on Buddha’s birthday that are lit up here, their lights so big and bright that the even shine onto North Korean soil. The observatory also contains a naval war monument that commemorates naval personnel lost in battle. At the foot of the mountain, Han River empties into the ocean along the west coast, which is expressed by the term 'Jogang (조강)‘ (‘grandfather river’ in Korean). The scenery of the river with its boats, surrounding islands, and converging estuaries creates a unique and cozy scene that seems to be in harmony with the image of a kindly grandfather. ENTRANCE TO PEAK 1) Only those traveling by car will be admitted. **Entrance will not be granted to those traveling on foot or by bike. 2) All visitors are required to show their passport. **Korea citizens may show their government-issued ID instead of their passport. 3) Visitors must be fluent in Korean or accompanied by someone who can speak Korean fluently. 4) Fill in the tour request form and submit it to the office at the entrance. **All visitors must show ID; choose 1 person to fill out the form on behalf of your party. POINTS OF INTEREST 1) View of North Korean territory through telescope 2) Naval War Monument 3) Navy promotion video 4) Lecture on Aegibong (reservations required)


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Geumsansa, located in Geumsan-ri, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, Jeollabuk-do, is home to a number of cultural assets. The temple offers a temple stay program where you can learn the traditional culture of Korean Buddhism and the way of a Buddhist practitioner while experiencing day-to-day life in the temple. Basic programs include Yebul (Buddhist service), Chamseon (Zen meditation), Barugongyang (formal monastic meal), 108 prostrations, walking in the woods and talking with a monk. On top of these basic programs, special seasonal programs are also provided.


Incheon(Bupyeong-gu) , Bupyeong

Endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

Hongwon Port, located near Chunjangdae Beach, is a popular place for enjoying sea fishing and delectable meals of fresh raw fish. In addition to its culinary appeal, the port offers the picturesque scene of long stretches of shoreline guarded by two beacons in red and white.Located only 10 minutes away by car is Maryang Port, which is one of the rare places where visitors can see both the sunrise and sunset. Maryang Port is the third most popular spot along the west coast after Anmyeondo Island and Daecheon Beach and is particularly loved by couples. Though Hongwon Port is perhaps not as scenic as Maryang Port, Hongwon is bigger and has more fishing boats (thanks to its small tidal range), resulting in a livelier atmosphere and cheaper sashimi prices.There is also a beautiful camellia hill, called ‘Dongbaekjeong’ located nearby. When the camellias are in full bloom, short-tentacled octopuses are in season at Hongwon Port. However, gizzard shad is by far the most popular seafood caught in the waters off the port. There are even old Korean sayings that stem from the popularity of the gizzard shad, which is said to be most abundant and delicious in the fall. According to the sayings “In the head of Gizzard Shad caught in autumn are three bags of sesame” (referring to the worth of the fish) and, “The smell of grilled gizzard shad brings the runaway daughter-in-law back home” (in reference to its taste).Hongwon Port (along with Gwangyang Port in Jeollanamdo) is the prime spot for gizzard shad. Each autumn the port holds the Gizzard Shad Festival, a festival that has plenty of events & delectable fish dises. While at the festival, visitors are also encouraged to check out the Seocheon Museum of Marine & Natural History and Dongbaekjeong. The stuffed specimens at the museum are worth the visit and the view of the Maryang Port from atop the museum is unbelievable.Representative festival of Hongwon Port: Gizzard Shad FestivalHongwon Harbor hosts the Jeoneo (gizzard shad) Festival every October. During the festival fresh gizzard shad is served up in a variety of ways (including salads mixed with spicy marinated Jeoneo, cucumbers, sesame leaves, and parsley) and the village comes alive with fish-catching activities, performances, and fireworks.Jeoneo is known as a good hangover food and a good diet food because it is low in fat and high in protein. Also said to be good for the skin, this tasty fish appeals to a wide audience (as evidenced by the diverse crowds that visit the festival each year).


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Taekwondowon located in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, serves as a Mecca for the 70 million taekwondo practitioners in 186 countries worldwide. Covering an area of 2.31 million square meters, the park includes training grounds, hands-on program facilities, accommodations, and more.The Taekwondowon Observatory (522 square meters) is a three-story building located on a hill near the Taekwondo Strong Kick Statue. Go to the top of the observatory for a dramatic bird’s-eye-view of the crystal clear Muju area.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Seonbichon Village (선비촌) in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the cradle of Korean Confucianism, is where the spirit and cultural heritage of Korea’s classical scholars, referring to those who were intellectually and morally capable of leadership within their chosen fields, is preserved. The village is the perfect place to learn about traditional Korea, and is famous for its classical scholars’ loyalty and filial piety.Seonbichon Village offers a variety of fun and exciting exhibitions, participatory events and traditional culture hands-on programs.* Site area - 57,717㎡* Building area - 2,651㎡* Facilities – 7 tile-roofed houses, 5 straw-roofed houses, 1 tower, 2 pavilions, 2 Jeongryeogak pavilions, 1 Seonghwangdang Altar, 1 storehouse, 1 look-out shed, Jeojageori Market* Susinjega (수신제가)– Kim Sang-jin’s House, Haeudang Old House, Ganghakdang Village School‘Susinjega’ refers to moral training and home management. You can realize the classical scholars’ self discipline amidst the ancient buildings and experience the traditional Korean educational system in person.* Ipsinyangmyeong (입신양명)– Duam’s Old House, the Head House of Indong Jang Clan‘Ipsinyangmyeong’ means rising in the world and winning fame. Within these old houses you can take a look at the lifestyle of the classical scholars in Yeongju, who were engaged in diverse activities, acting as high-ranking officials.* Geomuguan (거무구안)– Kim Mun-gi’s House, Manjukjae House, Pavilion‘Geomuguan’ means forgoing comfort and convenience in life. Within these old buildings, you can witness the integrity and spirit of classical scholars who strove to live idyllic and pastoral lives while criticizing the petty focuses of society.* Udobulubin (우도불우빈)– Kim Se-gi’s House, Kim Roe-jin’s House, Jang Hwi-deok’s House, Lee Hu-nam’s House, Kim Gyu-jin’s House, Servants’ Quarters of Duam’s Old House‘Udobulubin’ refers to pursuing a faithful and upright life even in poverty. These old houses offer a glimpse at the humble and pure life of classical scholars who were not ashamed of being poor.