Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Sangwonsa Temple is located 8km north of Woljeongsa Temple. Stories are told that Sangwonsa Temple was built by Buddhist monk Ja Jang (590~658) in 643, in the 12th year of Silla Queen Seon-Deok, and others say that it was built by Bocheon and Hyo-myeong, the sons of King Sin-Mun (reign 681~692), the 31st king of the Silla Kingdom. It was rebuilt in 705 during the 4th year of King Seong-Deok's reign (702∼737). However, in 1946 it was burnt down in a fire, but later restored once again in 1947. Only a Bell Pavillon remained during this period until the building was rebuilt after Korea’s Independence Day. The oldest relic left today is Dongjong (National Treasure No.36), Munsu Child Figure, and the Jungchang, the promotion of virtue in rebuilding Sangwonsa Temple, written by the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty King Sejo (reign 1455∼1468).At the entrance is a site called Gwandaegeori, named after the story about how King Se-Jo would hang his royal garments here when he took baths. Also, there is the Munsu Child Figure where the story of King Sejo and monk Munsu comes from. As National Treasure No. 221, the official name is Sangwonsa Munsu Wooden Seated Child Figure. At Sangwonsa Temple, there are other pieces other than the Munsu Child figure. The 91cm diameter Sangwonsa Dongjong was established in 725, in the 24th year of Silla King Seong-Deok. It is famous for its beautiful bell sound and the delicately carved Juakbicheon figure but nowadays it sits silent in order to preserve the bell.Sangwonsa Temple is located at Jungdaeam on the way to Jeokmyeolbogung in the Mt.Odaesan Birobong Peak direction. At the 2km southwest point is a hermitage where Utongsu Stream, the origin of the Hangang river, flows. Jeokmyeolbogung is a reliquary which possesses the bonesetting relics of Buddha, which was brought by monk Ja Jang from Tang (China).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

The POSCO Museum, which opened in Goedong-dong, Pohang-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do on July 3, 2003, shows the history, spirit, corporate culture and vision of POSCO. This 3-story, 3,636 m² building rests on a 9,917 m² site, and the exhibition area is 1,983 m². In other advanced countries, it is common for a company to open a museum, however, the POSCO museum came in the spotlight from the master planning phase since it was a rare case in Korea. The museum was established with the aim of creating a space where the past, present and future of POSCO coexist. POSCO became one of the most competitive companies in the world in just 30 years, when the concept of steel manufacturing had not existed in the country. POSCO was able to achieve success thanks to the POSCO employees who fought against all kinds of adversities. The POSCO museum showcases such great achievements, as well as the entire history of the company, giving dreams and hopes to the youth who visit the museum.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

A large fire razed the lush pine forests and pristine coastline of the Donghae area in Changpo-ri, several years ago. But, thanks to strenuous restoration efforts over the past four years, a beautiful park along the scenic seashore and an unmanned lighthouse have been built. Also, a fascinating promenade has been constructed, using sleeper stairs made from the remnants of burnt trees. The observation deck enjoys a broad, open view of the surrounding area and is the best place for photography. A citizens’ shelter, in the form of a pergola, has also been constructed. A series of 18 musical fish sculptures have been installed, and an ecological education field has been developed with wildflowers and native plant species.


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

First opened in June 2004, Yanggu Eco-Botanical Garden was built on a total area of 189,141㎡. 3.1 billion Korean won (approximately 3 million USD) was spent on the construction and it was built to be developed into a South and North Korean ecosystem restoration center. Located in the northernmost region of South Korea, it houses more than 400 rare plants including plants that are Korean native species and protected by Korean Ministry of Environment. The garden is divided into six parts by their features including Botanical garden, Natural forest, and facilities zone. In the Botanical garden, rare plants such as northern native plants and alpine plants that are naturally grown in the demilitarized zone (DMZ) and Yanggu area are displayed in one place. There are also walking trails, a medicinal plants exhibition hall, a plant nursery, and a greenhouse. In order to supplement the shortcomings of the botanical garden, which is a static atmosphere, a mountain stream zone and wetlands zone were prepared to provide people with the chance to enjoy the pleasant sound of running water. * Total area: 189,141㎡ * Plants that are Korean native species and protected by Korean Ministry of Environment in the garden: Geumgang Chorongkkot (금강초롱꽃 (Diamond bluebell, scientific name: Hanabusaya asiatica Nakai) Kkaengkkaengipul 깽깽이풀 (Asian Twin Leaf, scientific name: Jeffersonia dubia) Gaeneusam 개누삼 (scientific name: Echinosophora koreensi) * Other rare plants in the garden: Sankkoripul 산꼬리풀 (scientific name: Veronica rotunda var. subintegra) Jebidongjakkot 제비동자꽃 (scientific name: Lychnis wilfordii) Somdari 솜다리 (scientific name: Leontopodium coreanum) Geummatari 금마타리 (scientific name: Patrinia saniculaefolia) Norangmunuibutkkot 노랑무늬붓꽃 (Korean Iris, scientific name: Iris odaesanensis) Haneulmaebaltop 하늘매발톱 (scientific name: Aquilegia flabellata var. pumila) Solchekkot 솔체꽃 (Mansenese morning bridge, scientific name: Scabiosa Scabiosa mansenensis) Byeongjohoepul 병조회풀 (scientific name: Clematis heracleifolis)


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheongyang-gun)

Kohwun Garden opened on April 28, 2003, following the collection, planting, and cultivation of a wide range of plants and trees. The garden is about 200,000㎡, and the half of the area is used for educational purposes. It is home to at least 15 rare or endangered plant species including Miseonnamu (Abeliophyllum distichum Nakai) and Euryale ferox Salisbury, in addition to nearly 4,500 species of plant genetic resources. The garden also runs education programs and hands-on activities for professionals and non-professionals alike.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

Suanbo Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone is a time-honored hot springs resort in Korea. Known as the first naturally yielding hot springs that started to flow 30,000 years ago, its effect is also widely recognized. Gushing out from 100 m underground, its water is weak alkaline in nature, and the temperature is 53℃. What's more, the water contains minerals and far-infrared effect. This is why a large number of people flock to the hot springs for treatment and recuperation. Currently, it is under the jurisdiction of Chungju-si City. At the center of Suanbo Hot Springs is Multang Park, with a shallow hot spring water stream, which is used as a foot bath. For those who are not able to take a bath, a foot bath is a good option. The foot bath is especially popular from autumn to spring. Most visitors to Suanbo Hot Springs stay at a hotel or motel in the area. The restaurants here serve pheasant dishes, the local specialty. Suanbo Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone is adjacent to the national road that spans from downtown Chungju-si City to Mungyeong. Sitting in the heart of the Korean Peninsula, it is easy to access from Seoul and other provincial cities. Apart from the hot springs, there is a lot to see in this area, such as Woraksan Mountain, Chungjuho Lake and Songgye Valley. It is a great opportunity to immerse ones' tired body in the hot spring water after a long hike. * Current State of Suanbo Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Anbo and Oncheon-ri, Suanbo-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 2) Area: 9,216,210㎡ * Tourist Attractions Woraksan National Park, Chungjuho Lake, Songgye Valley, Mireuksa Temple Site, etc.


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

A beautiful and mysterious valley located 12 km up the Donggang River, Eorayeon Valley is renowned for its clean waters and for the many fish that inhabit it. The valley has beautiful rock formations and a dense pine forest were designated as the No.14 National Scenic Spot in December 2004. It is one of Korea's most popular sites for rafting, followed by Naerincheon Creek and Cheolwon's Hangtan River. The trail to Eorayeon by way of Jatbong Peak is also quite popular (approx. 3 hours).


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

Modo Island was once called Ttiseom because of the Ttipul grasses on the island. Ttipul is type of grass native to Korea. It was also called Ttiseom because there were many houses with thatched roofs made with dried Ttipul on the island. The name Modo means Ttiseom in Chinese characters. Every year when the sea parts to reveal a path betwen Modo Island and Jindo Island, the Yeongdeungje ritual is held to wish for a good catch and blessings. It is also a local tradition for people from Jindo and Modo to meet on the sea path to catch clams, seaweed, and octopus. At the starting point of the path, there is statue of Grandma Ppong whom the legend of the Jindo sea-parting phenomenon was based on. * Size: 0.21 ㎢ * Length of the coastline: 2.5 km


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

The Gyeongsangbuk-do Arboretum was founded in September 17, 2001. The arboretum exhibits local plants from Ulleungdo, an island off Korea’s eastern coast that is home to a special ecosystem that includes rare trees and wildflowers. The arboretum has a total of 24 gardens, including the Alpine Botanical Garden, Ulleungdo Native Plant Garden and Needle-leaf Tree Garden.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)