Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

The name Sanji derives from is the designation is recorded as ‘sanjichon’ literally translated the mountainous village (山 地 村). Under the reign of King Sukjong, the 19th king of the Joseon Dynasty, Jeju province governor at that time, Lee Hyeong-sang dispatched a painter Kim Nam-gil to write tamna Sullyeokdo (a book of paintings depicting various events held in 1702). Known initially as sanjeo, meaning at the foot of the mountain, the name was later changed to its current name as the upstream of sanji stream that originates from Hallasan Mountain empties itself into the sea. Sitting on half-way up the sarabong peak, one of the signature parks in Jeju-do island, the sanji light house overlooks the port of Jeju.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

Located Hwasun-ri, Andeok-myeon, Seogwipo-si, Marine Park is the first national whale experience site with 2 above-ground floors and 1 basement level. It is comprised of a 3D photo zone on the first basement level, an indoor dolphin experience site on the first floor, and children’s aquarium that exhibits 100 species of fish local to the Jeju region on the second floor. Activity programs include feeding dolphins, experiencing being a dolphin trainer, dolphin swimming and snorkeling, diving with dolphins and prenatal education with dolphins. Marine Park participates in ocean animal transportation, as well as rescue and leading trainer business.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

The Daejanggeum Park was co-created by Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC) and Yongin Municipal Office in August 2005. Located in Yongcheong-ri, Baekam-myeon, Yongin-si, this is an open set that measures a total of 29,421m² (8,900 pyeong).Different from other drama sets, Daejanggeum Park has been re-created based on historical records and very accurately reflects the structures and culture of ancient times. Dramia has served as the filming location for hugely popular Korean historical dramas such as “Jumong," “Queen Seon-deok,” “Isan,” and “Dong Yi” and many more of historical documents and films.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Namyangju

Located in Gyeonggi-do Gapyeong, Yumyeongsan Mountain was designated as the best natural recreation forest in Seoul because of its beautiful assortment of trees, valleys, and log cabins. Yumyeongsan Mountain’s trail is particularly nice and is what it’s famous for.Facilities within the recreation forest include a promenade, sporting equipment, a forest exhibition. Lodging facilities include the Forest House, a recreation center, camping deck, and camping site. Reservation can be made through the homepage.


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si) , Icheon

Icheon Ceramics Village produces traditional Korean ceramics, which are of high quality. The village became the center of traditional pottery during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) for about 500 years due to the easily obtainable materials in the areas. Icheon Ceramics Village was also the center of Joseon Baekja ceramics. Presently, about 80 pottery factories are congregated at the village, and about 300 pottery kilns are in use.Visitors can observe the pottery production process, and purchase them directly. It is worthwhile to see the crafts of these potters known as Living Cultural Treasures of Korea for creating the highest quality handicrafts. Not only are the traditional Cheongja,Baekja, and Buncheong pottery produced here, but you can also view modern design pottery. The Haegang Ceramics Art Center is the only ceramics Art Center in Korea, where you can learn about ceramics. One of the must-see events at Icheon Ceramics Village is the internationally famous “Icheon Ceramics Festival” held every year. Displayed pottery as well as, pottery classes, traditional kiln handling, pottery character show, and even parades are held.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Hwaseong Fortress is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. The fortress (constructed from 1794 to 1796) was built as a show of the King’s filial piety towards his father Jangheonseja and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power.The fortress wall stretches for a total of 5.52km and has a great variety of military facilities that’s hard to find anywhere else. Four gates face each of the cardinal directions—Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), and Hwaseomun (west)—and the seven-arch style Sumun gates straddle the point where the nearby stream reaches the palace. Above the Sumun gates is a pavilion called Hwahongmun.Hwaseong Fortress was constructed under the guidance of Yu Hyeong-Won (1622-1673) and Jeong Yak-Yong (1762-1836), and is believed to have been constructed very scientifically. The fortress wall was built using Seokjae and Jeondol (bricks) and the holes between the bricks are just big enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears through in case of an attack.During construction of the fortress Jeong Yak-Yong invented ‘Geojunggi,’ which uses a ‘hwalcha’ (lever) to lift up heavy stones, greatly reducing construction time.The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress went through many turbulent times and damage, and in the battle of June 25th, many of the facilities became so damaged that they were deemed irreparable. Even though the fortress restoration initiative (1975-1979) restored many of the sites to their former glory, Paldalmun to Dongnamgakru (an area 491 meters in length) has still not been renovated.The fortress was designated as Historical Monument No. 3 in January 1963, and in December 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.a variety of performances and evens are held everyday and Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival takes place every autumn.>> Click here for more on Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si) , Ilsan

As the largest exhibition center in Korea, KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center) has 10 exhibition halls that span 108,556㎡ and 40 meeting rooms that cover 13,303㎡. Since its opening in April 2005, KINTEX has undergone two of three scheduled expansions. September of 2011 marked the completion of the second expansion, adding 53,975㎡ of exhibition space to the world-class meeting facilities, and reinforcing KINTEX's position at the forefront of globalization and economic development in Korea.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

Korean artists of various specialties such as writers, painters, actors, architects and musicians constructed the cultural town of Heyri. Within this community there are residences, workrooms, art galleries and museums. Artists make a living by opening exhibitions, trading or selling their art. Currently, there are about 40 museums, exhibitions, concert halls and bookstores, and around 30~40 more are expected to be added. Currently about 10 cafes and food courts are included in these buildings for the convenience of its visitors.Heyri Artvalley was constructed to blend in with surrounding structures. The local construction regulations require all buildings to be no more than three stories tall. Just by glancing at these buildings you will admire their artistry since architects constructed each building with its own unique characteristics.HAS III Art Gallery and the field of reeds by the central lake were filming locations for the romantic comedy, "Everybody Has Secrets (2004)" starring Lee Byung-hun & Choi Ji-woo.


Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si) , Bundang

Namhansanseong Provincial Park is a very popular mountain-climbing and driving destination located just outside Seoul. The mountain is famous for being very beautiful all throughout the year. In the spring, the acacia trees grow thick, in the summer the green forest covers the entire mountain, and in the fall, many people visit to climb the mountain covered in red autumn leaves.Namhansanseong Fortress (남한산성), located on Namhansan Mountain, was originally built as a earthen fortress during Gogureyo period, about 2,000 years ago, but after many renovations, Gwanghaegun of the Joseon Period built the fortress properly in 1621. If you climb to the highest peak Iljangsan, you can see Incheon’s Nakjo area, and not only Seoul, but the surrounding Gyeonggi-do area as well. In terms of fortress structure, because the surrounding mountain area is high and rough, and the fortress center level and low, it is an easy place to defend, and to reside comfortably, two prime conditions for a mountain fortress.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , DMZ•Panmunjeom

The 3rd Tunnel was discovered in 1978 by Korean forces. It spans over 1635m in length, 2m in x_width, and 2m in x_height and is located 52km from Seoul. It is estimated that approximately 30,000 soldiers could move through the tunnel per hour. Once the tunnel was found, North Koreans insisted it was intentionally made by the Southern army to invade North Korea, but, their insistence was proven untrue as the explosions used to make the tunnel face southward.The tunnel offers various sightseeing points such as the DMZ Video room, symbolic sculptures, a souvenir shop and more.