Gyeongsangnam-do(Goseong-gun)

Yeonhwasan Mountain (연화산, located in Goseong, Gyeongnam Province) is just 528-meters, encompasses the three peaks of Ongnyeobong, Seondobong and Mangseonbong, and is widely recognized as an important provincial park. Although Mt. Yeonhwasan is called a ‘mountain’, it is more of a hill surrounded by picturesque scenery. Its north side is dotted with Buddhist temples such as historical Okcheonsa, Baengnyeonam, Cheongyeonam and Yeondaeam temples. Of these, the best attraction on Mt. Yeonhwasan is definitely Okcheonsa Temple (옥천사). If you begin hiking from the foot of the mountain you will see the beautiful sea off Danghangpo Port. If you continue southward you will soon run into the Okcheon Temple hidden in the Yeonbong woods. Okcheon Spring, located right behind the main hall of the temple, provides medicinal water all year round. The continual flow remains the same temperature all year round and is said to be an effective treatment for stomachaches and skin conditions. The surrounding area is well known for its healthy food products such as pine mushrooms and wild berries. 


Jeollanam-do(Jangheung-gun)

At the outskirts of Cheongwansan Mountain (723m, in Jangheung) is Cheongwansan Literature Park. The mountain itself is known for a unique array of odd-shaped rocks and ridges, attracting many visitors year-round. Jangheung is nicknamed ‘Literature Town’ for its history of producing outstanding writers. The park commemorates these writers and their development of the modern style of Korean poems, novels, and essays (including Song Gi-suk, Han Seung-won, and Lee Cheong-jun) with a total of 54 monuments; each displaying the best of each writer’s works. A separate monument (7 stories/15m) contains works and handwritten manuscripts by 35 writers and their chronologies in capsules. In addition, over 460 stone towers leading to Tapsansa Temple await visitors.  


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

This is the site where Cheongnyongsa Temple, a major temple in the Goryeo era, once stood. The following legend is associated with the temple. One spring day, a monk took refuge from the rain under a tree. There, he saw two dragons at play with a cintamani (wish-fulfilling jewel), which fell towards the ground. One of the dragons flew towards the cintamani and on its way up, it went up to Cheonggyesan Mountain. The dragon and the cintamani disappeared and the rain stopped. Near the site, there remains the Jeonghyewonyungtap Pagoda where the sarira of National Preceptor Bogak Guksa is enshrined, a stone lantern, and Jeonghyewonyungtap Pagoda. On the bottom of the Jeonghyewonyungtap Pagoda, a lion is dynamically depicted, so it is also called Sajaseokdeung (lion stone lantern). The latter, together with the Ssangsajaseokdeung (twin lion stone lantern) in the Hoeamsaji Temple site in Yangju, Gyeonggi-do Province, are representative lion stone lanterns from the Joseon era.


Chungcheongnam-do(Geumsan-gun)

Located on the southeastern slope of Jinaksan Mountain (732 meters), about six kilometers away from Geumsan-eup, Boseoksa Temple was founded by the great Buddhist monk Jogu Daesa in 866 (12th year of King Heongang) during the Silla Kingdom. The temple’s name Boseoksa (boseok meaning ‘jewelry’) comes from the statue of Buddha in the temple that was cast from gold found in the mountain facing the temple.The temple is comprised of Daeungjeon Hall, Euiseongak Shrine and Sansingak Shrine. Close to the temple grounds are 12 stunning waterfalls. You can also see a 1,100 year-old gingko tree (natural monument no. 365) or take a pleasant stroll along a 300 meter long fir tree road. .*Euiseongak ShrineEuiseongak Shrine stands in front of the Daeungjeon Hall, which is where the great monk Yeonggyu Daesa, who also served as a monk soldier, practiced Buddhism. He traveled back and forth between Boseoksa Temple and Gapsa Temple at Mt. Gyeryongsan in Gongju while devoting himself to spiritual enlightenment. When the Imjin War (Japanese invasions of Korea, 1592-1598) broke out, he gathered monk soldiers to join forces with the voluntary civil soldiers and lost his life with 700 other patriotic soldiers as they fought to drive out the enemy at Geumsan. He is known to have contributed greatly to each and every fight with his exceptional bravery and courage.


Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

The Dinosaur Tracksite of Hwasun was discovered in 1999 during a land survery for the construction of Hwasun Hot Springs Area. Most dinosaur tracks found in Korea are located in coastal areas in cities like Haenam and Boseong, so the discovery in the inner region of Jeollanam-do was a first. Most prints here come from carnivorous dinaosaurs of the Cretaceous period. The site is famous for there being tracks from no fewer than five different dinosaurs, as well as for being one of the longest trails and most direct examples of the exact movements of the dinosaurs. The tracks of one dinosaur are the longest in the world, stretching for 40 meters. Based on the foot size of 20-22cm with a stride of approximately 90cm, it is estimated that the prints were formed by a 4-5 meter tall Koolasuchus. In addition to the canivorous dinosaurs, tracks were found of 12 herbivorous dinosaurs, as well as fossilized plants. These plants offer much assistance in the research of herbivorous dinosaur diets.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

Surrounded by majestic pine trees, Huirisan (or Mt. Huiri) boasts an outstanding landscape; there is a reservoir at the foot of the mountain. Upon climbing to the top of the mountain, visitor can overlook the scenic West Sea. There are also numerous attractions near Huirisan: Chunjangdae Beach, Geumgang River Banks, and Hansan Mosi Town (“Mosi” referring to “Ramie,” the predominant fabric used for traditional Korean clothing)The top of the mountain (329m in x_height) is called Munsubong (or Munsu Peak). To the northwest of the Huirisan Pine Tree Recreational Forest is Saindae. Legend goes that four generals used to play there. Indeed, there is a cliff (140m in x_height) just below Saindae where they were believed to do chin-ups. Naturally, people call the area Teokgeolijang (Chin-Up Spot). Traces of Munsusa Temple still remain below Munsubong although it was said to have been destroyed by a huge number of bedbugs. 500m from Munsubong to the south, horse riding trails of the four generals are dotted along the ridge; Malttongbawi (Horse Dung Rock), resembling horse droppings, is 500m from the peak to the southeast.Below Munsubong are four large peaks where the four generals lived and 100 small rocks beneath them that were home to low ranking men commanded by the generals. Because of their unique shapes, those rocks form a scenic sight while hiking in Huirisan. 


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Samtan Art Mine, an art complex transformed from an abandoned mine! “Samtan” refers to Samcheok Tanjwa, which was a major coal mine in Korea, and today the name “Art Mine” derived from the term ”coal mine”. Opened in 1965, the coal mine once flourished as the mecca of the industrial age but later declined and was closed in October 2001. Today, both the dynamic and poignant history of the mine are still reflected in the art space. Samtan Art Mine exhibits over 100,000 art works collected from 150 countries from around the world. The art complex also runs artist sponsorship programs. The harmony between the art installations and the interior, which still maintains elements of the former coal mine, creates a unique atmosphere that cannot be found elsewhere. With lots to see and the availability of many special programs, Samtan Art Mine is an unique experience and great photo spot for tourists.


Jeollanam-do(Jangheung-gun)

Located in the farthest upstream of Jangheung Dam, Beetle Valley preserves the clean natural environment from the past. The village has a large population of beetles and other insects like Asian longhorn beetles as there are many farming houses growing Shiitake mushroom using eco-friendly farming methods. The village has shiitake mushroom center, eco experience center, and beetles farming field where children and teenage students may visit and learn about /familiarized with the nature and its eco system. The village is also open to the general public for hands-on experience of the nature and quality rest. In the stream flowing in front of the village, you may even catch crawfish and marsh snail which inhabit only in the cleanest water (first-rating water). You may buy and take home the beetles raised and farmed in this village.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Yeonggyeongmyo grave is grave of the mother of King Mokjo and the 5th great-grandmother of King Taejo of the Joseon Dynasty. During the 3rd year of King Gojong’s reign (1899), the grave as well as memorial monuments were built together with Jungyeongmyo, a grave for the 5th great-grandfather of King Taejo. Surrounded by a rich forest, it has a beautiful view. Every April 20th, an ancestral ritual is held by the Lee family (from Jeonju). Jungyeongmyo grave is located in Hwalgi-ri.