Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

The Korea Aerospace Research Institute (KARI) researches and develops technologies required to make high-tech airplanes, satellites, and aerospace rockets. The institute is not a simple promotion center, it is where actual research is done. KARI has led the launching of Naro, Korea's first rocket. After watching a promotion video in the auditorium, tourists are guided to the lobby in the main building to listen to explanations and look around the exhibits: KSR-Ⅲ, the world's ninth developed science rocket; Arirang-5, a multi-purpose satellite; smart UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle); and the spacesuit of Lee So-yeon, Korea's first astronaut. In the Satellite Test Building, visitors can see and listen to explanations about a satellite that is currently being researched and tested. They can tour key aerospace facilities such as the Launch Environment Lab, Orbit Environment Lab and Satellite Assembly Lab. * With the successful launch of rocket Naro, Korea became the 11th country to join the Space Club (a group of countries that have the technologies to launch a space rocket).


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa's mud flats cover about 105㎢, including notable areas in the southwest such as Yeocha-ri, Dongmak-ri, and Donggeom-ri. These three locations are a maximum of 6km from land and have an area of 90㎢ that accounts for 86% of Ganghwa's entire mud flats area.Ganghwado Island is the path to the river mouth of the Hangang River, Yeseonggang River and Imjingang River, so sediment moved from the rivers piles up and reaches far distances during low tide and the materials again settle around the island as the tide rises.Ganghwa Tidal Flat Center is a prime location for observing migratory birds and the surrounding mud flats. The center offers visitors access to an array of information about mud flats and first-hand experience with tidal flats.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , TheWestern Part of the Jeju Island

Hyeopjaegul Cave (협재굴) is one example of the lava tubes of Jeju Island, along with Hwanggeumgul, Socheongul, Ssangyonggul and Manjanggul Caves. The cave is approximately 200m in length, 10m in x_width and 5m in x_height. It is thought to have been created by the lava that erupted from Hallasan Mountain some 25 million years ago. This cave uniquely contains features of both lava and limestone caves. The entire area surrounding the cave is a huge stratum of seashells and sand, while the interior of the cave has a mystical ambience due to its various lava formations such as stalactites and stalagmites, which hang from the ceiling and sprout up from the bottom of the cave. Stalactite columns that are formed when stalactites and stalagmites meet each other are also located throughout the cave, so the scenery is very unusual. The cave walls are covered in lime, which at times looks like beautiful cave paintings. The temperature inside the cave stays at 17~18℃ throughout the year, making the cave a welcome escape from the summer heat and a great place to keep warm during winter.The Hyeopjaegul Cave has been designated Korea’s natural monument No. 236 and ranks among the world’s other major mysterious caves, such as the stone salt cave of Peru and the underwater limestone caves of Yugoslavia. As the Hyeopjaegul Cave is close to the Ssangyonggul Cave (meaning ‘Two Dragons’) the two can be visited together on the same day.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Semiwon is a park located in Yongdam-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do that was founded on the principle of “natural purification.” The name “Semiwon” comes from an old proverb that says “one can cleanse his mind by looking at water and enlighten his spirit by looking at flowers.” To further emphasize the idea of literal and figurative cleansing, the park was designed with paths made out of washboards and is decorated with lotus-themed poetry and drawings.Semiwon is home to an army of water plants such as lotus flowers, water lilies, and irises, all of which are plants that are well-known for their natural purification properties. Not just a beautiful sight to behold, the plants also have an important function. The 180,000 square-meter park consists of six ponds through water is filtered and purified before flowing back into the Hangang River.Major facilities at Semiwon include the Environment Learning Center, Trial Cultivation Complex, and the World Water Lily Garden, which contains over 100 varieties of water lilies. Visitors to the park can also find water fountains, an observation deck, a traditional wind gauging device called Punggidae, and Monet’s Garden, which looks as if it came right out of the famous picture by French artist Claude Monet.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Honinji is home to a myth that agriculture and farming started on Jeju Island when the Samsinin (three founding demi-gods) who lived in Jeju married the Samgongju (three princesses) and started raising cattle and ponies and planted the seeds of five grains. There is a pond here called Honinji Pond (pond of marriage) where, according to the legend, the wedding ceremony was held and three caves which served as bridal rooms. Together with Samseonghyeol (three large holes on the ground where the three demigods emerged from), Honinji is a great place for tracing the origin of the founders of Jeju Island. In the summer, the area is in full bloom with red lotus flowers.  


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Seoraksan Mountain, the highest amid the Taebaeksanmaek Moutain Range, boasts beautiful landscape and scenery all year round. To the east of Hangyeryeong and Misiryeong Ridges is classified as Oeseorak, to the west is Naeseorak; the Osaek District in the southern region of the Hangyeryeong Ridge is also known as Namseorak. The Namseorak area is famous for its mineral water, hot springs, and waterfalls including Yongso Falls, Sibi Falls, and Yeosin Falls. Jeongbongsan Mountain (1,424.2m) is also included in the area. There are also several different hiking courses varying in distance and duration.


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.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Yangyang International Airport, located in Dongho-ri, Sonyang-myeon, Yangyang-gun, Gangwon-do, is the only international airport in the Yeongdong region. The airport excellently serves as the arrival point for tourists to Korea’s representative attractions of Gangwon, Seoraksan Mountain and Donghae. The airport provides much information in regards to tourism in the Yeongdong region in addition to offering a tourism transportation service.As there are no mountains nearby and the strong winds from the ocean blow away any fog, Yangyang International Airport serves as a substitute airport for nearby Sokcho Airport, which has a 30% cancellation rate, and Gangneung Airport, which has a limited runway. The airport is equipped with a control tower, and the Korean Peninsula Energy Development Organization (KEDO) is planning on building a North-South direction passage, connecting Yangyang International Airport with Seondeok Airport in the Hamgyeongnam-do region of North Korea in accordance with the North-South Passage Protocol of 1997.


Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)

Daedunsan Mountain is defined by the grandiose rock peaks of Macheondae, the summit, Chilseongbong and Janggunbong, as well as surrounding strange rocks and lush trees that make up Samseonbawi Rock, Yongmungul Cave and Geumgangmun Gate. The area spanning from Macheondae Peak to Nakjodae Peak along the northern ridge offers a magnificent spectacle, especially the sunrise and sunset views from Nakjodae. In addition, Okgyedong Valley with its crystal clear water flowing all year round is a great summer vacation spot. Meanwhile, since its official designation as a provincial park in 1977, Daedunsan Mountain Provincial Park has served as a scenic site equipped with recreational facilities including the newly installed cable cars and Geumgang Gureumdari (viaduct). A 5-minute cable car ride followed by a walk up the steep stairs leads to Geumgang Gureumdari, which is 81 meters high and 50 meters long across Imgeumbawi Rock and Ipseokdae Pedestal. The park is also home to historic temples including Taegosa Temple of Jinsan, Ansimsa Temple of Unju, and Sinsounsa Temple of Byeolgok.