Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Located on the southern part of Jirisan Mountain, Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwaeomsa Temple are among the most popular temples in the Jirisan area. Constructed by Sambeob who was a disciple of Euisang in the 23rd year of King Seongdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, it was called Okcheonsa Temple at first. Then, the Buddhist Monk, Jingam changed its name to Ssanggyesa Temple after having seeded around the temple with tea from China. The temple was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion, Imjinwaeran (1592-1598) and later rebuilt.The best time to visit this area is spring, as the 6km path from Hwagye market place to Ssanggyesa Temple is filled with blooming 600-year-old cherry blossom trees. With the myth that lovers who walk together along the cherry blossom tree path, it is also called Hollaegil (wedding path). A 40-50 minute walk along the tree-lined path leads to Ssanggyesa Temple.Across the bridge in front of the ticket office, there are two rocks engraved with the words “ssanggye” and “seokmun” each. It is said that the eminent scholar Choi Chiwon of the Silla Era had engraved the words with a cane. In the middle of the temple, one of the foremost Korean epigraphs “Jingamseonsa-daegongtabbi” is situated in front of the main building Daeunggeun. This was also written by Choi Chiwon. To the east you can find the Ssanggyesa Ma-aebul, a unique image of Buddha engraved in a hollowed out section of rock.In addition, Palyeongru is the cradle of Korean style Beompae (Buddhist music), which was initiated by the Priest Jimgam (774-850) who studied the Buddhist music in China. As Jingam composed the piece Eosan (fish mountain) by watching the fish of Seomjingang River with Paleumryul (eight tones and rhythms), this place is named Palyeongru.During the third year of King Heugdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, Kim Daeryeom visited China and brought seeds for tea trees. By royal order, he planted the seeds around Ssanggyesa Temple and this area became the first place to cultivate tea.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

King Suro founded the Garak Kingdom in A.D. 42 and married Heo Hwang-ok, a princess from the Indian country of Ayuta, in A.D. 48. He was the founder of the Gimhae Kim family. Heo Yeop, a Yeongnam governor, gave the tomb its current look in the 13th year of the reign of King Seonjo (1580). The tomb compound includes various buildings, including the Sungseonjeon (where the ancestral tablets of King Suro and his queen are kept), Anhyanggak, Jeonsacheong, and Jegigo, as well as stone structures, such as a sindobi (tombstone) and gongjeokbi (monument established to pay homage the deceased). The tombstone in front of the royal tomb was built in the 25th year of the reign of King Injo (1647) of the Joseon Dynasty. The name 'Sungseonjeon' was bestowed on the tomb by King Gojong in the 21st year of his reign (1884).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Located in the east sea, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Yeongdeok Crab Village is famous for its classical scholars, and its wonderful scenery, where the mountains meet the eastern sea. The traditional fishery village is the home of Yeongdeok snow crab that was well-known from Goryeo Dynasty (King Taejo) and also has a huge street for snow crabs, packed with around 100 shops selling crabs along the Gangguan Port. When the season for snow crabs arrives in November, lasting through May, the village is crowded with visitors from all over the world eager to try Yeongdeok snow crabs. In addition, the location of the village gives visitors the opportunity to enjoy one of the most beautiful sea roads in Korea. In the area are also a sea fishing site, beaches, and water resort venues that are suitable for both recreation and relaxation.


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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

Yeongildae Beach is the largest beach on the Korea east coast, at over 400,000 m². Along with Songdo Beach, it is known as one of the most popular beaches in Pohang. It is a great place for families and friends during summer vacations. It is conveniently located with plenty of lodgings and amenities such as restaurants offering fresh seafood including sashimi.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Along with Geumgansan Mountain (금강산) and Hallasan Mountain (한라산), Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named "Jiri" because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla. On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park (지리산국립공원) was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam Province; Gurye in Jeonnam Province; and Namwon in Jeonbuk Province. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryongsan National Park (계룡산국립공원) and 52 times that of all of Yeouido (여의도).The Hadong (하동) part of Jirisan National Park is full of great tourist attractions such as Ssanggyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple, Bulil Falls, Hwagye Valley, Cheonghak-dong Village and Doinchon Town.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

Dosoram Hermitage, along with Seonunsa Temple, is thought to be built during the Beakje Era, 18 BC-AD 660. The temple is located inside of Seonunsa Temple on Dosolsan Mountain (Seonunsan Mountain) in Samin-ri, Asan-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. The area of the temple features a picturesque view formed by the rocky outcroppings that were created by volcanic activity. And, two yosa where the Buddhist monks lives are attached to the temple, as well as Nahanjeon Hall, Cultural Property No. 110, and Dosolcheon Naewongung, Cultural Property No. 125, which is at the top of the stone staircase. Of note is the seated Buddha relief carving at Dongburam Hermitage Site of Seonunsa Temple (National Treasure No. 1200), with a x_height and x_width of 13 m and 3 m, respectively. It is carved into the face of a cliff called Chilsongdae, which is located to the west of Dosoram Hermitage. There is also a gilt-bronze seated Ksitigarbha bodhisattva at Dosoram Hermitage of Seonunsa Temple, Gochang (Treasure No. 280), which is enshrined in Dosolcheon Naewongung. The statue of Buddha follows the style of the late Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918-1382), featuring the most elegant and refined pieces of work from that period. Seonunsan Mountain, where Dosoram Temple is situated, has excellent scenery full of rocky crags and cliffs, even though it is not regarded as a tall mountain. Many visitors visit the mountain for its beautiful scenery.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Haslla Art World is an art space that harmonizes nature, people and art. The Sculpture Garden, approximately 27 acres in size, offers various themed gardens and structures. Contemporary Gallery has approximately 200 contemporary art works, while Pinocchio & Marionette Gallery has various art works from all over Europe. Haslla Art World has exhibitions and performances throughout the year, providing visitors with a special experience every time they visit.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple, located in Gayasan Mountain, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, is home to Palmandaejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana) designated as a World Cultural Heritage and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea. As the temple is the only place that has Tripitaka Koreana, the temple stay has its unique program where you may actually appreciate the world cultural heritage with your own eyes, experience woodblock printing and Chamseon (Zen meditation), which is a traditional meditation method of Buddhism in Korea. You may also learn the Buddhist teaching by touring the small hermitages and temples around the Gaya Mountain with Haeinsa as its main temple.