Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si) , suwon

Yungneung (융릉) is the joint tomb of King Jangjo (1735-1762) and Queen Heongyeong (1735-1815). King Jangjo was the father of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty.King Jangjo was the second son of King Yeongjo, the 21st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. He was installed as a Crown Prince in 1736. As the Crown Prince, he administered the state affairs on behalf of his father and showed great capability in various fields. However, he died in 1762 after being locked in a wooden rice chest on the orders of his father, King Yeongjo.The tomb of this ill-fated Crown Prince was originally located in Baebongsan Mountain located in Yangju-gun, Gyeonggi-do. His son, King Jeongjo moved the tomb to Hwasan Mountain in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do and changed the title of the tomb to Hyeollyungwon (현륭원). Later, he posthumously gave his father the title King Jangjo and moved the tomb to its current place, and the title of the tomb was changed again to Yungneung.Queen Heongyeong was designated as a Crown princess in 1744. In 1795 when she turned 60 and long after her husband died, she wrote Hanjungnok (한중록), the memoirs, which is mainly about the terrible fate of her husband.The Memoirs have great historical significance, and these along with the Tales of Queen Inhyeon (Inhyeon Wanghujeon, 인현왕후전), are highly valued as pieces of royal literature.Yungneung is currently located in Annyeong-dong in Hwaseong. A stone called “Byeongpungseok” surrounds the tomb. On the stone, peony and lotus flowers are engraved. Like other royal tombs, there are two separate spaces – one raised and one lower space. In the raised space, there is the mound, “Honyuseok”, which is a rectangular shaped stone sitting in front of the mound, and 'Mangjuseok,' which is a pair of stones that sit on both sides of the mound. In the lower spaces, there are several stone statues. They include “Muninseok”, a statue of a civil officer, “Muinseok”, a statue of a military officer, and “Seokma”, a statue of a horse.Geolleung (건릉) is the joint tomb of King Jeongjo (1752-1800), the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Hyoui (1753-1821).King Jeongjo’s last wish was to be buried near his father’s tomb in Yungneung. King Jeongjo was the second son of King Jangjo and Queen Heongyeong, but in 1759, when he was 8 years old, he was designated as an heir to the throne. During his 24 year-reign, King Jeongjo influenced state affairs by implementing the “Tangpyeongchaek” (탕평책, a policy to balance the power of political factions), and he also had great accomplishments in the area of academic research by creating the “Gyujanggak” (규장각, a national royal library).Queen Hyoui was a daughter of Kim Si Muk and was installed as a partner of the heir to the throne at the age of 10. In 1776, when King Jeongjo ascended the throne, she also became Queen. She is known to have led a frugal life. In 1821, she died without an heir at the age of 69 in Jagyeongjeon, Changgyeonggung Palace.Geolleung looks very similar to Yungneung, but unlike Yungneung, it does not have a “Byeongpungseok”, which is a wide and rectangular stone that surrounds the mound and protects it. Instead, it is surrounded by “Nanganseok”, stone handrails. On every handrail, lotus flowers are engraved. King Jeongjo’s tomb is simpler and less decorated than his father’s, which reflects King Jeongjo’s respect and love for his father. Both Geolleung and Yungneung are designated as Historic Site No. 206.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

Geumnam-ro Street used to be in the government office quarters, and is now the center of the city's finacial sphere, with many banks, insurance companies and public offices lining the street. During the May 18 Movement, the citizens gathered at Geumnam-ro Steet and marched together to express their sadness and give support for the sublimation of the nation. In modern times, the street serves as a meeting space for citizens, with an underground shopping mall and a plaza beneath a fountain, where events and performances freely take place. * Total length: 2.3㎞


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Yongheunggung Palace is where King Cheoljong (a Joseon Dynasty ruler who reigned from 1849 to 1863) used to live before his ascension to throne. The chief of Ganghwa County, Jeong Gi-se, enlarged the original residence and named it Yongheunggung (meaning palace of the rising dragon) in the 4th year of King Cheoljong’s reign. Its architectural features include a paljak (Korean traditional half-hipped roof) and supporting columns rendered in Jusimpo style, the column brackets placed only on top of the columns. The palace was built in the tradition of dwelling houses such as the Yeongyeongdang and Nakseonjae houses in Changdeokgung Palace, so the palace buildings give off a simple and plain atmosphere. Within the precincts of the palace are a memorial stone and a monument house indicating that the palace used to be the old home of King Cheoljong.


Gyeonggi-do(Siheung-si)

Located in Siheung, Gyeonggi Province, on the scenic Turtle Island, the Siheung Wave Park stands as a testament to modern marine leisure facilities, harmoniously blending the allure of water sports with the convenience of urban life. This expansive urban marine leisure complex has been meticulously designed to cater to a variety of aquatic interests, offering both residents and tourists a taste of a healthy, water-based lifestyle right in the heart of the city. The park is highlighted by its exotic beach-inspired Mioco Star Zone. At the heart of this zone is the Miopool, a haven for young enthusiasts where they can take their first surfing lessons or experience the thrill of underwater scooters. Families with children will particularly enjoy the Kids & Turtle Pool, which boasts large tube attractions that guarantee hours of laughter and fun. For those seeking a more adventurous experience, the recreation pool offers rappel diving and an introductory children's scuba diving experience – a rare treat in such settings. Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @wavepark__ Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @wavepark__   Lastly, for those looking to wind down after a day of activities, the island-style heated spa provides a perfect retreat. It's a sanctuary of relaxation, offering therapeutic warmth and serene views. The Siheung Wave Park is not just for professional surfers; its wide range of facilities ensures that even those who have never set foot on a surfboard can fully immerse themselves in the joys of aquatic recreation. It's truly a destination that promises an unforgettable experience for all.  


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Hwanseongul Cave is the biggest lime stone cave in Korea. Its length is 6.5 km and it features fantastic stalagmites, stalactites, and about 10 lakes and waterfalls. Some spots of interest include stalactites that look like the Great Wall of China and many other uniquely shaped figures.The mercury inside of the cave keeps it at a cool 12-24℃ in the summer and 8-9℃ in the winter. It takes about 30-40 minutes to the entrance and approximately one hour to look around the cave. Keep in mind that the steep slope at the entrance may be difficult for the elderly and young children.


Daejeon(Dong-gu)

Uamsajeok Park is widely known as the ancient meditation site of the renowned Confucian scholar, “Uam (pen name) Song Si-yeol” (1607-1689). As such, it houses several buildings used by and dedicated to the scholar, including: Namganjeongsa (academy of Uam Song Si-yeol), Gigukjeong Pavilion, and Songjadaejeonpan (a collection of the written works of Uam Song Si-yeol).


Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)

Maeng Sa-seong is a major figure in Cheonbaek-ri and was a prime minister during the early years of the Joseon Dynasty. His house is the oldest private residence in Korea, and was originally General Choi Yeong’s home, before he turned it over to his grand son-in-law, Maeng Sa-seong. The simple residence houses two 600-year-old gingko trees in the yard. Therefore it has been named ‘Haengdan’, meaning that Confucius taught on top of the gingko tree symbolizing a place of learning. For that reason it is inferred that Maeng Sa-seong intentionally planted gingko trees in the yard and taught junior scholars. The two gingko trees provide a cool shade and give out five sacks of gingko nuts each year. 


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Guinsa Temple, located below Yeonhwabong Peak of Sobaeksan Mountain, is the headquarters of the Cheontae Order of Korean Buddhism and now presides over 140 temples across the nation. Standing on a lot measuring a total of 15,014 square meters, the temple has an impressive, 5-story main sanctuary as well as over 50 chambers and is bordered by modern buildings that can accommodate up to 10,000 visitors.The temple was established by Monk Sangwol Wongak, who first created a small cottage of arrowroot vine at the site as a place to practice asceticism. After receiving revelation about the truths of the universe, the monk created Guinsa Temple in the spirit of celebration. Completed in 1945, the temple was renovated in 1966 using a concrete frame, which was a very unique and modern construction practice at the time.Must-see parts of the temple include Deabeopdang Hall (the main sanctuary) and Beopeobi Monument (a Buddhist sermon monument). The 5-story Daebeopdang Hall (est. April 29, 1980) is the largest Buddhist sanctuary in the nation and can seat up to 5,000 people. Beopeobi (full name: Beopeobi of Great Monk Sangwol) is a stone monument engraved with the teachings of the Great Monk Sangwol. The writings on the monument reflect the beliefs of the Tripitaka Koreana, one of the foundational texts of Buddhism.


Busan(Yeongdo-gu)

Completed in 1934, Busandaegyo Bridge connects Yeongdo Island to the mainland. It serves as an industrial road that facilitates the transport of freight and cargo from Yeondong-gu District, the center of the shipbuilding industry and an emerging port. Busandaegyo Bridge is 260 meters long and 20 meters wide, with 16 meters for cars and 2 meters of sidewalk on each side. A boat of up to 14 meters in x_height can pass beneath the bridge, so ships can easily travel between the ports to the north and south. Situated parallel to Busandaegyo Bridge is Yeongdodaegyo Bridge, and the distance between these two bridges is about 100 meters. Both ends of the bridge are connected to an elevated road that is 30 meters long and 16-20 meters wide. The bridge also leads to the expressway (17.5km in length and 22.5m in x_width), which then connects to Gyeongbu Expressway. Compared to other bridges built at around the same time, Busandaegyo Bridge has a greater significance in the hearts of the citizens as it was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Busan Port and symbolizes the development of the city.


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

Gunsan Japanese-style House of Sinheung-dong was designated as Registered Cultural Heritage No. 183 in 2005. The area of Sinheung-dong, where the Hirotsu House is located, was a residential area for the wealthy class during the Japanese occupation period and the Hirotsu House was constructed by Hirotsu, a man who ran a linen shop. A lot of Korean movies and dramas such as ‘The General’s Son’, ‘Fighter in the Wind’, and ‘Tazza’ were filmed in this house. The house is a typical Japanese two-story timber house, keeping the original forms of its roof, outer walls, inside area and the Japanese-style garden which has significant meaning in regards to the architecture history.