Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu)

The Traditional Arts & Crafts Studio was created to give both locals and international visitors a chance to experience the traditional arts of Korea firsthand. For international visitors, programs serve as a brief introduction to some of the finer points of Korean art. For many Koreans, the studio’s programs are ways to relive childhood memories or experience traditional culture as a family.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Originally, it was an island, but now having installed the bulwarks of Yeosu Port all the way to Odongdo Island (오동도), visitors can simply walk along the breakwater. There are 70 species of wild flowers that flourish here, a hill commemorating the plantation of the very first tree and a spacious grassy field making this place great for ecological education.The Odongdo Island of Yeosu is one of the most spectacular spots to appreciate camelias. The camelias on Odongdo Island begin to bloom in November and color the entire island in scarlet until April the following year. Indeed, during this period the entire island looks like a huge camelia blossom. The promenade that stretches across the entire island is popular with couples. You can have fresh catches from the sea prepared for your meal.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Seokguram, located on Tohamsan Mountain, is the representative stone temple of Korea. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is an artificial stone temple made of granite. The construction was started by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) and it was finished twenty-four years later in 774, during the reign of King Hye-Gong (765-780).Seokguram is known to have been built with Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Kingdom, 918-1392), Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life, and Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life.Inside the round-shaped main hall are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-sattva and his disciples. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with a lotus flower design. The rounded ceiling looks like a half-moon or a bow and has a lotus flower decorated cover on it. As the sunrise from this spot is quite beautiful, many people climb the mountain at daybreak.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Known as a popular fishing spot and recreation site, Andongho Lake is an man-made lake created by obstructing the upper stream of the Nakdonggang River, as part of the government’s Four Major Rivers Restoration Project. Andong Dam is the second largest dam in Korea, following Soyanggang Dam. The x_height of the dam is 83 meters and the length is 612 meters. The landscape surrounding Andongho Lake is nothing short of magnificent. There is a dock for the boats on the lake, which is also popular as a fishing destination. Bass caught here are especially strong and tasty. An international bass fishing tournament is held here every year. There are also tourist attractions nearby, such as the Dosanseowon Confucian Academy and Andong Hahoe Folk Village. Andongho Lake is known for its incomparable scenery, and is considered one of the most famous tourist sites in the Hoban Region. The nearest tourist sites include Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage). There are plenty of other sites to visit as well, such as Andong Folk Village and its museum, where the historical Korean drama "Taejo Wang Geon" was filmed. Unfortunately, during the construction of Andong Dam, part of the village was submerged due to displaced water. The folk cultural properties there were safely moved to a nearby area by the auxiliary dam of Andong and turned into an open-air museum of folk culture.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Chuncheon Puppet Theater is the only theater in Korea that features puppet shows for children. It offers upscale puppet performances from various countries and special events through its annual Chuncheon International Puppet Festival in August. In addition to the theater, there is also a Puppet Workshop where children can make puppets as well as a Puppet Museum with exhibitions of various puppets from around the world.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

On the tourist trail near the foot of Tohamsan Mountain between Bulguksa Temple and Bomun Lake Resort are as many as 45 traditional tile-roofed and thatched houses. The folk craft village, which stands on a lot measuring 66,116m² (20,000 pyeong), is home to craftsmen and artisans who have successfully preserved the spirit and craftsmanship of their ancestors. Visitors may receive a free tour of 18 different galleries and workshops including metal, ceramics, wood crafts, jewelry, stone crafts, embroidery and earthware crafts. Artwork and crafts created by local artists are for sale at reasonable prices.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Naganeupseong Folk Village is located in Jeollanam-do Province, and contains a town castle that is over 18,000 Pyeong (1 pyeong = 3.3 sq m) in size. Within the east, south and west of the castle, about 100 families still reside, and the castle area has been very well preserved. You can observe the daily dwellings indigenous to the south provincial area such as the kitchen area, the clay rooms, and Korean-style verandas. There are also 9 houses designated as important cultural resources, and numerous straw-roof houses as well. The folk village’s other source of pride is the monument of General Im Kyeong-Eop (1594~1646). At every first full moon of the new year, they hold a ritual ceremony and celebration at the general’s monument, with games such as seesaw jumping, swings, and other folk activities.When you enter the front gate of Naganeupseong Folk Village, on the east side of the castle (called “Nakpung-ru”), you see a straight road leading to town. Follow along this road and you will come across the General Im Kyeong-Eop Monument, resource center, and other interesting sites. You may also walk to the end of this road, climb up to the castle itself, and walk along the castle wall to the south. The entire castle is exceptionally well-preserved, and you can view the whole town from the top level.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Sobaeksan Mountain (소백산) is renowned for its natural splendor and mystery, standing tall in the middle of the Korean peninsula, and offering several magnificent peaks, such as Hyeongjebong, Sinseonbong, Gukmangbong, Birobong, and Yeonhwabong. Its captivating seasonal beauty (royal azalea in spring, wildflowers in summer, autumn foliage in fall, and snowscape in winter) attracts visitors year round. The open grass field on Birobong Peak (비로봉; 1,439 m in elevation) is reminiscent of a scene from the Swiss Alps. The Sobaeksan Optical Astromony Observatory (SOAO) located upon Yeonhwabong Peak (1,349 m in elevation) is the historic cradle of Korean astronomy. The Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival is held near Danyang-gun in early June every year.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Festival Theater Momzit in Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do is a modern performance hall that seats up to 150 people. Believing that human gestures can change the world, the Momzit features a wide repertoire of inspiring performances involving traditional music, dance, drama and mime.


()

The sunrise along the East Coast can be viewed earliest at Ganjeolgot Point in Daesong-ri, Seosaeng-myun, Uljin-gun. The breathtaking view of the sunrise can be seen a minute earlier than Homigot Point in Yeongilman Bay and five minutes earlier than Jeongdongjin in Gangneung. Ganjeolgot Point is in the spotlight as a new tourist attraction along with Jinha Beach and Seosaengpo Fortress. The lighthouse is located 20 minutes away from the entrance to Ulsan Nambu Ring Road. When acacias bloom along the coast from Ulsan to Haeundae Beach in Busan, the road is filled with its subtle perfume. This road is perfect as a driving course with the combination of beautiful white acacia trees in the hills and the occasional appearance of the sea. Enjoy the tremendous scenery of the invigorating sea and the misty view of the hills. Although it is only 20 minutes away from Ulsan Nambu Ring Road, the scenic beauty contributes to the exotic look.