Jeollabuk-do(Jangsu-gun)

Nongae was born in Juchon Village, Daegok-ri, Janggye-myeon in the 7th year of King Seonjo (September 3, 1575). A clever and beautiful lady, Nongae voluntarily registered as a gisaeng (female entertainer) at the age of 19 when the nation was infiltrated by Japanese invaders during the Imjin War. While entertaining one evening, she led Japanese general Keyamura Rokusuke to the edge of a cliff and flung her arms around him, casting both herself and the general into the Jinju Namgang River to their deaths. To commemorate her faithfulness and allegiance her country, a project to restore her place of birth was completed in September 2000, drawing many visitors. Nearby Nongae’s birthplace are many tourist attractions, including the Deogyusan Mountain and Odongje (both of which have a compelling view) and a hiking trail that connects Jangansan Mountain County Park, Jiji Valley, and Donghwa Dam.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Auraji is the name of a lake located in Yeoryang-myeon in Jeongseon-gun. It is here that Jeongseon Arirang, the No. 1 Intangible Cultural Asset of Gangwon-do, originated. The area has long been famous for its beautiful, clean mountains and rivers. Its name is derived from the Korean word ‘eoureojida,’ meaning ‘to meet’ as the waters of Pyeongchang and Samcheok unite in this area. Part of the upper stream of Namhangang River, Auraji was a famous starting point of log rafts transporting timber to Hanyang, the original name of Seoul. In the old days, one could always hear the singing of boatmen who came from all over the nation. The lyrics of Jeongseon Arirang reveal the sadness and longing of a woman awaiting her husband who left for business to a far-away place or left to transport timber. Today, numerous tourists visit Auraji to enjoy its great scenic views or to see the symbol of a maid who, gazing into the river, seems to be waiting for her lover to return.


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

The name ‘Yedang Reservoir’ was created by combining the first syllable of Yesan-gun and Dangjin-gun since the reservoir supplies water to farmland in both of these places. For the last 40 years, this area has been known as the best place for fishing in central Korea, home to a variety of freshwater fish including crucian carp, common carp, eel, snakehead, Korean bullhead and mudfish. The fish are biting almost year-round (from early spring to late fallm, as well as ice fishing in winter). 


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

As one of the best scenic mountains in Korea, Jeoksangsan Mountain (1,034m) showcases imposing, steep rock walls. Red maple trees around cliffs make the mountain look like a giant red skirt in the fall. That’s why it is called Jeoksangsan (Red Skirt Mountain). The mountain boasts a variety of attractions from Hyangrobong (Hyangro Peak/1,029m), Cheonil Falls, Songdae Falls, Jangdobawi (Jangdo Rock), Janggunbawi (Janggun Rock), and Anryeomdae. The rugged shape of the mountain was considered ideal for building a fortress. And after Jeoksangsan became a designated site for storing Joseonwangjo Sillok (annals of the Joseon Dynasty), the fortress surrounding it was further rebuilt. The mountain is also home to Anguksa Temple, an ancient temple built in 1227 (during the 3rd year of King Chungryeol’s reign) by Monk Wolin. The mountain can easily be climbed by hiking or by vehicle; there is a paved road stretching over 15km that leads to the top of the mountain thanks to the construction of Muju Power Plant, letting tourists visit Sanjeong Lake and Anguksa Temple conveniently.  


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Myeonangjeong Pavilion (Jeollanam-do Provincial Monument No.6) is located on the slopes of Mt. Jebongsan in Jewol-ri, Bongsan-myeon, Damyang-gun County. The pavilion was constructed in 1533 by Song Sun (1493~1583), who built it as a place for writing poems. After its construction, the pavilion served as a meeting place for scholars and intellectuals and was even frequented by Lee Hwang (1501~1570), a representative Confucian scholar who is pictured on the 1,000-won bill. The roof of Myeonangjeong Pavilion was originally made of reeds, straw, grass and other materials, which could not withstand the elements. After several repairs, the building was developed into the wooden structure that it is today. From the back of pavilion, you can see the mountain ranges and open wide fields; renowned scholars’ poems are engraved on the wooden panels that decorate the pavilion walls.  


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)

Cheongpyeong Recreational Forest (청평자연휴양림) boasts a pristine natural landscape that overlooks Cheongpyeongho Lake in Bukhangang River. The forest is a great getaway from the monotony of urban life where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The forest changes color every season, offering breathtaking views of Cheongpyeongho Lake through colonies of pine trees and oak trees in the spring and summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a white snow-covered landscape in the winter. Sounds of flowing water and birds singing add to the joy of the great outdoors. The forest offers 5 buildings for general accommodation and 2 ‘Mayflower’ buildings for friends and couples. There is also an observatory, picnic site, swimming pool, forest cafe, garden, and auditorium. Located in the vicinity of Seoul, the forest is easily accessible as a weekend getaway. It is recommended for family gatherings and group workshops.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Bijindo’s shape is often compared to that of a barbell because of the thin strip of land connecting the two ends of the island together. White sand and calm waves can be found along the island’s west coast while on the east coast, bigger waves break against a bed of pebbles on the beach. Thanks to the shape of the island, one can watch the sun rise and set from the same location.Bijindo Island is located just off the coast of Tongyeong in Hansan-myeon. The sandy beach, fresh seafood and the peaceful scenery make this a great weekend getaway. Aside from the beach, there are also hiking trails and fishing sites. As Bijindo is part of Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park, one can also find other beautiful islands nearby.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Gariwangsan Mountain in Gangwon-do is one of the major mountains that make up the Taebaek Mountain Range. It is home to numerous alpine tree species, as well as wild flowers and herbs. Its slopes are gentle enough to allow for pleasant hiking. The mountain natural recreation forest is located at the Hoedong-ri Village entrance. It has paths that are lined with thick, tall trees that almost cover the sky. It also has several conveniene facilities.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

The 250 meter long Hupo Beach is situated right by Hupohang Port. The combination of an expansive sandy beach and indigo blue waters of the East Sea create a splendid view, drawing a large number of vacationers in the summer. Hupohang Port is the main receiving and distributing port for fish caught in the East Sea and in the early morning offers a great chance to not only see fish being hauled from boats to the fish market, but also to purchase fresh raw fish at an affordable price. In the hill north of the Hupo Beach stands the Hupo Lighthouse where one can get an open view of the East Sea and the Uljin area. Hupo Beach is one of the few beaches offering a splendid view of both the port and the lighthouse.


Daegu(Dalseong-gun)

The Dalseong Korea-Japan Friendship Center opened on May 3, 2012 to highlight the philanthropy of General Kim Chung-seon (Japanese name Sayaka, 1571-1642) and promote friendship between Korea and Japan. Kim Chung-seon was a Japanese general who defected to Korea during the Japanese invasion. Shortly after arriving on Korean soil as a commander of a Japanese army, Choi together with his subjects defected to Korea, a choice that has been traditionally attributed to his respect for Korean culture. He transferred the technology of manufacturing rifles to the Korean army and contributed greatly in battles in Gyeongju and Ulsan. A great number of tourists visit the center to learn about history, including students and their parents, as well as numerous Japanese tourists who visit to commemorate the spirit of General Kim. The center features exhibition rooms, a 3-D theater, a tea ceremony room, relics, manifestations of traditional games in Korea and Japan, documents from Wakayama Prefecture in Japan, and a site for experiencing archery, all of which can be utilized free of charge.