Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

The ritual grounds of King Taejo and Muhakdaesa and the castle wall built on the outer skirts of Seoul, stretching from the Sajik Tunnel to Jahamun, can still be found on the grounds of Mt. Inwang. Many people enjoy hiking from path that begins at the Sajik Tunnel and leads to the peak of the mountain then walk along the castle wall and finally arrive at Buamdong. The hiking course is also connected to the road situated before Cheongwadae so hikers can walk to historical locations such as Palpan road, Hyoja road, and Gyeongbok Palace. The hiking path located behind Sajik Park leads to Hwanghakjeong, where archers from the Joseon Dynasty once honed their marksmanship. The Hwanghakjeong was originally located in the Gyeongbok Palace but was relocated to the mountain. From the top, a panoramic view of the surrounding area, with the Gyeongbok Palace in the center, spreads as far as Mt. Nak, Mt. Nam, and Mt. Baegaksan.The hiking route along the caste wall is popular for the beautiful scenery hikers enjoy while climbing the mountain. When following the path located inside the caste wall, a set of stone steps will appear after passing Changuimun. After climbing the steps the path branches out to the outer part of the walls. The path stretches for 200m and leads to a set of rocks that were once used for building castles during the regimes of King Taejo, Sejong, and Sukjong. The thick dark-colored moss on the stones is a sign that indicates the long history of Seoul. The path also leads to the Tangchundae Castle. The castle was built with the purpose of reinforcing the capital’s defenses after the Japanese invasion in 1952 and the Manchu war of 1636.Mt. Inwang stands at a x_height of 338.2m and the mountain covers Honghedong, located in Seodaemungu, and Muakdong, Nusangdong, Ogindong, and Buamdong, located in Jongnogu. The unique and colossal rock formations and the view of Seoul and Cheongwadae are only a few of the many charms of Mt. Inwang.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Located in Gangwon-do's coastal city of Gangneung, Gangmun Beach is separated from Gyeongpo Beach to the north by the stream flowing out of Gyeongpoho Lake. This beach holds the Gyeongpo Summer Beach festival during the summer.  


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Lotte Buyeo Resort is now open in Buyeo (Chungcheongnam-do), the center of the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC – 660 AD). It is a giant resort that combines history, culture, and recreation. The curvilinear façade of the resort is reminiscent of the spirit of the dynasty, boasting both classical as well as modern architectural beauty by using traditional architectural techniques. Opened first, the Condominium is a luxury hotel with 322 rooms over 11 floors (B1F-10F). Rooms are divided into the Luxury Room for special guests, the Deluxe Room for international and individual tourists, the Family Room for family visitors, and the Suite Room. Amenities include pools (offering artificial waves), the Aqua Garden (spa facilities), four ballrooms, seminar rooms (with state-of-the-art equipment), restaurants, and a Kids’ Club. The façade of the condominium is decorated with louver designs with twelve traditional Korean colors. The Condominium is a main lodging facility for visitors to the Great Baekje World Festival. In addition to the Condominium, the resort plans to build Premium Outlets, environment-friendly Golf Village, Baekje Theme Garden, Seonhwa Lake, Children’s World, Palm Park, Baekje Art Street, and Baekje Historic Restoration Village as part of establishing the Baekje Cultural Complex. Indeed, it offers everything from historical and cultural experiences to shopping and recreation for visitors.  


Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)

Onyang Folk Museum (온양민속박물관) in Ansan, Chungcheongnam-do preserves and displays the traditional Korean folk culture.The museum is divided into indoor and outdoor halls. Traditional houses and traditional household goods are displayed in the outdoor hall. In the indoor hall, visitors can see and learn about the lifestyle and culture from Korea’s past in the 1st Exhibition Hall, economic activities such as farming and fishing in the 2nd Exhibition Hall, and traditional craft and play in the 3rd Exhibition Hall.Experience a traditional Korean wedding at the Living Culture Hall. 


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

The most beloved breed of dog in Korea is the Jindo Dog (진도개), named after the island from which they are said to originate. The breed has been designated a national treasure, and great efforts are made to keep the bloodline pure. For example, any non-Jindo dog that comes to Jindo Island must be sterile. Jindos were originally hunting dogs, raised to take down small to large sized prey. They are known for their extreme loyalty and keen homing sense. Traditionally Koreans hunted without guns, instead taking with them a pack of Jindos. After making a kill, one dog promptly returns to the master while the others stand guard over the prey. The Jindo dog is registered with the Federation Cynologique Internationale and the British Kennel Club.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

The Yejiwon is located in Seoul Jung-gu Jangchung-dong and has been offering traditional Korean etiquette education programs since its inception on September 16th, 1974. Furthermore, the Yejiwon also serves to introduce the traditional cultures and living cultures of Korean etiquettes to foreigners. Most programs offered are short-term classes, and reservations can be made on the homepage up to 15 days in advance. Reservations are only available for groups of 10 or more and classes are instructed in Korean only, so it may be a good idea to be accompanied by a guide.


Seoul(Gwanak-gu)

Horim Museum, founded by Yun Jangseop, displays about 10,000 remains. These remains can be found in four galleries: Archaeology Gallery, Ceramics Gallery, Metal Art Gallery, and Painting and Book Gallery. The museum has two floors above ground and one underground. There is also an outdoor exhibit area, coffee shop and a souvenir shop. Displays include 3,000 earthenware pieces, 4,000 pottery pieces, 2,000 paintings and books, and 600 pieces of metal art. Approximately 44 remains are authorized national treasures.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Locaed in Iui-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon Museum consists of one basement level and two above-ground levels, spanning over an area of 6,535㎡. The museum houses approximately 33,000 relics which are donated or purchased in Suwon Museum of History, Calligraphy Museum of Korea, planned exhibition hall and other exhibition hall. Suwon Museum of History covers an area of 489㎡ and presents the old scene of Yeongdong Market Street in around 1960’s. Hwachunok, attributed to the spread of Suwon galbi (ribs) that is famous in Suwon. Children can learn and experience our past life and adults can remind of the old times at this museum. Calligraphy Museum of Korea is the first calligraphy museum build by local governments. Important calligraphy relics like the works of Yang Taekdong who was a calligrapher in May 2003 in Suwon. The hall features a large scale of area (624㎡) and its display case were made with cutting-edge device and high class of design. Exhibitions includes Geumseokmun (metal writing), Beopseo (calligraphic specimen of renowned artists of the past), renowned calligraphers during Joseon Dynasty, Eopil (the writings of King), Seogan (letters), contemporary renowned calligraphers, Sagunja (four gracious plants), Munbangsau (four important things of study) and others. Also, an approximate 327㎡ scale of planned exhibition hall is open to be held exhibitions with specific themes every year and available for general visitors to use the hall. In addition, the museum offers educational programs for visitors as well as large scale of calligraphy festival for all of calligraphers alike. Saun Lee Jong Hak Archives is a archive room of 241㎡ and 63㎡ of a material hall to house 20,000 pieces donated from Saun Lee Jonghank (1927-2002). He devoted his life to collecting materials related Yi Sun-sin, Japanese invasion materials, and Dokdo Island. The collected materials are donated to The Independence Hall of Korea, Donghak Peasants Revolution Memorial Hall, Hyeonchungsa Shrine and others. In particular, Dokdo Museum was established in Ulleungdo Island based on the Dokdo Island-related materials. Also, he significantly attributed to the academic field by publishing materials, which are thought to be valuable but not well-known, himself with his own money.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Onjo, the progenitor of Kingdom Baekje, first settled in Wiryeseong Hanam. But no exact location is known till today. One thing for sure, however, is that Pungnaptoseong Fortress, Mongchontoseong Fortress, Bangidong Ancient Tombs of Baekje, Seokchondong Stone Mound Tomb of Early Baekje are the remains of Baekje. Pungnaptoseong Fortress faces Hangang River to its west and connects to Mongchontoseong Fortress to the south. To the northwest faces Achasanseong Fortress over Hangang River and far to the southeast is Namhansanseong Fortress. Pungnaptoseong Fortress, located at the south end of Cheonhodaegyo Bridge over Hangang River, is one of the remains of Early Baekje. Originally, the fortress was 4km in circumference, but due to massive overflowing of Hangang River during flood season in 1925, most of the fortress was lost and only 2.7km of it remains. To the east of the fortress are 4 vestiges of the fortress gates. The remains from the prehistoric era through the Samguk (Three States) era have been unearthed, indicating that this place was a residential area well before the Baekje Era. Through vigorous excavation, some people suggest that there used to be a palace located here during the Baekje Era.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Goryeogung Palace Site on Ganghwado Island is the site of the royal palace where the people of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) resisted the Mongolian invasion for 39 years. In June 1232, King Gojong moved his capital to Ganghwa on account of its natural and strategic advantages. The construction of the government office and the royal palace in Ganghwa was completed in 1234. Ganghwado Island holds historical significance as the place where metal type was developed and where the Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana printing woodblocks) were made during the Goryeo dynasty. Upon the conclusion of the peace treaty with Mongolian forces in May 1270, the capital was moved back to Gaeseong (present-day Gaeseong in North Korea), and the royal palace in Ganghwa was subsequently destroyed.In the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), Haenggung (the king’s temporary palace) was constructed on the same site as the Goreyo palace. During the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea) in 1637, the palace was conquered by the force of Ching dynasty of China. Afterward, Ganghwa Yusubu (Ganghwa governor’s office) buildings were built on the palace site. Nowadays, the only structures that remain are the Dongheon main office (built in 1638) and Ibangcheong administration office (built in 1654). The palace and its subsidiary buildings were restored in 1977.