Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

The Jeongsimhwa International Cultural Center is the large building on the right, just past the gate of Chungnam National University. ‘Jeongsimhwa’ is the Buddhist name of Ms. Lee Bok-Soon, who donated her lifetime savings (a total of five billion won) to the university back in 1990. She had earned the money over the course of many years by selling gimbap (rice rolled in seaweed), which currently sells for only 1,000 or 2,000 won a roll. The cultural center was built in commemoration of the late Ms. Lee. After a series of setbacks and through the effort of many helping hands, construction was finally completed in 2000. The Jeongsimhwa Hall at the center has 1,817 seats and is used for concerts, performances, and other large-scale events. Baekma Hall (450 seats) and Daedeok Hall (200 seats) are used primarily for seminars. For visitors’ convenience, the Jeongsimhwa International Cultural Center has a parking area with space for up to 268 cars.


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.


Chungcheongnam-do()

Hwangnyongsa Temple is attached to the Taegojong Order of Buddhism. No information is available on when the temple was built, but it is thought to have been built by the descendants of Hwang Hee (1363-1462), who returned to his hometown to avoid political strife in the mid Joseon era, wishing for national peace and the prosperity of the family clan. The temple had been taken care of by Hwang Hee’s descendants for generations, but at one time became ruined. The temple had been rebuilt in modern days. The current buildings were re-constructed by Monk Beobin in 1985. Inside, there are Buddhist buildings like Daeungjeon, Gwaneumjeon, Samseonggak, and Beomjongnu. New additions include the three-storied stone pagoda and the Three Buddha statues in front of Daeungjeon Hall. The oldest relic from the temple is the standing Gwanseeumbosal Buddha statue in front of the Three Buddha Statues. The statue is considered to be about a hundred years old.


Gyeonggi-do(Anseong-si) , Anseong

Gang Seonyeong, who devoted a lifetime to traditional dance, built the Taepyeongmu Initiation Hall (태평무 전수관) at her own expense in 1998 in her hometown of Anseong for the proper initiation into, and the preservation of traditional dance. A traditional dance performance is held every Saturday at the center for visitors and a traditional dance competition is held annually to preserve Korea’s traditional dance and to discover new talent. The center has a large performance hall (430m2) where up to 400 people can enjoy a performance; a museum displaying Taepyeongmu dance-related materials and folk articles from around the world; two practice rooms; and lodging facilities that can accommodate up to 70 individuals. * Taepyeongmu Dance (Korean Intangible Cultural Asset No. 92) Court dancing that embodies the continuing hope for the nation to exist in peace. The dancers are adorned in magnificent regal costumes and execute enthusiastic movements, alternating steps while in serene repose.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Maaeyeoraejwasang consists of a Maebul (a Buddha carved in a cliff) at the very top of 12 Buddha images carved in natural rock caves located in a steep cliff of Golgulam Rock of Girimsa Valley. A painting of the Maaeyeoraejwasang titled "Golgulseokgul" by Gyeomjae Jeongseon, a famous painter of the era, revealed that there was once a wooden room located in front of the Maebul, but today only a hint of the room remains on the rock. The head of the Buddha (Yukgye) is perched solid and high on the body with a clear profile of the face – sharp eyes, small lips and a long and narrow nose. In contrast to the three-dimensional face, the body is broader and flatter. The neck and upper chest sections have eroded over time. The folds in the clothing are nearly parallel, and the arm area has a v-pattern wrinkle, giving it a more realistic and three-dimensional quality. Around the head of the Buddha is a lotus-shaped halo, while the body is surrounded by a rhythmic flame-like halo. The Maebul is believed to have been created during the late Unified Silla Kingdom, as it shows similar craftsmanship to Birojanabuljwasang (National Treasure No. 995), which was created in the year 876 and is located in Chukseosa Temple.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

The Crinum Lily Habitat on Jeju-do's Tokkiseom Island (Rabbit Island) is located 50 meters off the coast of Hado-ri, Gujwa-eup in Jeju-si. Crinum lilies grow in an environment where the average temperature is around 15℃ with the lowest temperature no less than minus 3.5℃. The flower is white and blooms from July to September. They bloom at night and have a strong fragrance.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Namyangju


Chungcheongbuk-do(Goesan-gun)

Hwayang Valley, located 32km east from Cheongju, was designated Songnisan National Park in 1975.The vivid green mountains and clear waters make it a highly sought after tourist spot. The nearby Seonnyudong Valley, just 7km away, is also a huge draw for travelers.Hwayang Valley is composed of various shaped rocks such as Cheomseongdae Observatory, Neungundae Observatory, Waryongam Rock and Eupgungam Rock. Well-known statesman from the Joseon Dynasty, Song Si-yeol, visited the valley and wept for King Hyojong offering his final bow. This rock where he cried was then named Eupgungam Rock meaning ‘crying bow’ Rock. Waryongam Rock gets its name from its shape, which is said to look like a wriggly dragon. Cheomseongdae Observatory was used in order to forecast weather patterns.


Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si) , Namyangju

Gwangneung (광릉) is located in Namyangju in Gyeonggi-do. This is the royal tomb of King Sejo (1417-1468, reign: 1455-1468) and Queen Jeonghui (1418-1483).The King and Queen are enshrined separately. The tomb on the left is King Sejo’s and the one on the right is Queen Jeonhui’s. A pavilion stands between the two tombs.King Sejo was the second son of King Sejong and Queen Soheon. When his nephew came to the throne following the death of King Munjong, he led a revolt, “Gyeyujeongnan (계유정난) Revolts" and in 1453 became the 7th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty.Queen Jeongui was the daughter of Yun Beon and became the Queen when King Sejo took the throne. She was the first figure in the history of the Joseon Dynasty who administered state affairs on behalf of a young king.Gwangneung is surrounded by forests where an abundance of wild plants grow. These well-managed forests have been designated as a National Arboretum by the Korean Forest Service. Gwangneung is also famous for being the habitat of the Korean redheaded woodpecker (Natural Monument No.11). With many evergreen trees such as pine trees and fir trees growing here, these forests are a good place for a scenic drive. 


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Yongmunsan Natural Recreation Forest offers, log cabins, camping sites, a multi-purpose playground, walking paths, and hiking trails. The forest offers a great view of downtown Yangpyeong and blends well with the surrounding landscape. The Baegunbong hiking trail inside the forest is recognized as one of the best trails in the area. Baegunbong Peak is 940 meters high and one of the more popular hiking destinations on the mountain. Various rest facilities are provided along the trail. There are several hiking trails, all of which are relatively gentle, and continuous work is underway to improve the trails. The forest is a popular destination in Yangpyeong and a treasure house of natural ecology where visitors can observe various plants all year round.