Chungcheongnam-do()

Musangsa Temple (est. March 2000) is an international Zen Temple created by Monk Sungsan exclusively for foreigners. The temple aims at promoting Korean Zen Buddhism among foreign monks and nuns while encouraging non-Buddhist priests and religious leaders to experience Zen. Located at the foot of Gyeryong Mountain, the temple is surrounded by a forest of pine trees, giving visiting Zen practitioners a chance to experience the genuine natural beauty of Korea. To date, over 600 foreigners from 30 different countries have visited the temple to learn more about Zen meditation. Twice a year (once in the summer and once in the winter) a 3-month program is held for foreign monks and nuns to come and practice Ganhwaseon, a type of Zen Buddhism. Travelers and other foreigners are also welcome to participate in shortened versions of the program, which are typically one week in length. During meditation/program periods, public visits are limited. Buddhist services are held every week. Services presided over by monk Musim are open to the general public and are held in English.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

This tour bus is convenient for all independent travelers. Two courses cover the east and west parts of Jeju, and pickup services are available from Jeju Airport or hotels upon reservations.


Gwangju(Gwangsan-gu)

Ssangam Park is located in front of the Gwangju Institute of Science and technology within Cheomdanjigu (the high-technology district) in Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju. Thanks to the beautiful lake at its center, the park is also known as “Lake Park.” The lake is surrounded with landscaped azaleas and pine trees and is home to several fountains. At least once a month, a cultural festival takes place at the park. Convenience facilities include 146 benches, 3 restrooms, and 3 playgrounds. The park is especially popular among students since it has a gym and a wide grassy field perfect for playing sports.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeongeup-si)

Located within Mt. Naejangsan National Park, the Visitor Information Center was first opened in July 1998 to promote the public’s understanding of nature and national parks, and to provide enhanced park services. The Center features models of the topography and cultural relics of the mountain, videos of local plants and animals, and a history gallery with models of traditional homes. Here, visitors can also get a guide map of the hiking trails and information on neighboring tourist attractions.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Daraenamu Tree in Changdeokgung Palace is estimated to be 600 years old, meaning it had likely been planted before the palace was built. The tree stands 19m in x_height, and has six separate trunks sprawling in all directions. It is the biggest and the oldest in Korea. It is designated and protected as a National Natural Monument.


Seoul(Gwanak-gu)

Opened in December 2007, Gwanaksan Mountain Ecological Park is divided into two sections: Eco Forest, a forest of broad-leaved trees, and Eco Pond, a habitat of aquatic animals. There is also an arboretum that provides space for relaxation and ecology experience.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Jejuhyanggyo Confucian School is an educational center that teaches Confucianism to local people, and holds ancestral ceremonies for the great Confucian scholars. It is also used as an administration office, and a gathering place for the local Confucians. It has two main halls: Myeongnyundang and Daeseongjeon, which houses ancestral tablets.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

Jeonpyeongje was a neglected reservoir for decades originally built to provide agricultural irrigation to farms in the Maewol-dong and Byeokjin-dong regions as well as to prevent both floods and droughts. Since 1999, the reservoir had been changed little by little into a rest area and in 2002 was developed into an ecological park.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uiseong-gun)

Gounsa Temple lies on Deungunsan Mountain in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and was built by Monk Uisang in 681 during the reign of King Sinmun of the Silla Kingdom. Although the pronunciation of the name was never changed, its meaning slightly changed from “High Cloud Temple” to “Solitary Cloud Temple” after Choi Chi-won, a renowned scholar in the late Silla Period, helped to build two pavilions (Gaunru and Uhwaru) and renamed it. It is Branch Temple No.16 of the Korean Buddhist order, Jogyejong, and manages temples in Uiseong, Andong, Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Yeongyang. Befitting its meaning, the temple is surrounded by outstanding scenery on Deungunsan Mountain, meaning “Riding on the Clouds.” Quite isolated from villages, the temple is a very quiet, serene place. Gounsa Temple is home to one of the most cherished pieces of architecture, Gaunru Pavilion (“Floating over the Clouds”). This elegant pavilion is propped up by wooden columns, which are, in turn, supported by foundation stones. It looks as if the pavilion placed its feet in the water while standing. Among the many buildings comprising the temple complex, Yeonsujeon Hall is a unique building that was built to store Eocheop (the genealogical record of royal families) in 1774 (20th year of King Yeongjo). As a royal building, it shows the Confucian architectural style, different from other Buddhist buildings within the temple.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Gyeokpo Port, located on the mainland of Jeju, is the departure point to Wido and Wangdeungdo Islands. Seawall fishing and rock fishing can both be enjoyed at the same time here. A wide rock belt is formed in the sea at the front of Gyeokpo creating lots of boat fishing sites (the main catch being black porgy and armorclad rockfish). Fishing spots include the sea west of Dongho Island, near Ssanyeo, the sea north of Daehyeongjedo Island and near Sumeunyeo. Big black porgy can be caught from the seawall and armorclad rockfish by fishing with rod (mostly in October). The sea south of Wido Island, one hour by boat from Gyeokpo, is famous for boat fishing to catch yellow drum. The sea north of Anmagundo is one of the best places for trolling to catch Japanese/Spanish Mackerel. Sadangdo Island has recently emerged as the best rock fishing site in the Gyeokpo region. Sadangdo Island is the largest island among those around Gyeokpo and has an abundance of good fishing spots. The waters are around 5m deep in all areas around Sadangdo Island. Wangdeungdo Island is a relatively new site as a number of 40cm-long big black porgy have been caught here recently. When the muddy tide goes out and clean water rises, black porgies start to bite.* Fishinf Spots: sea in front of Gyeokpo, Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do.