Gangwon-do(Wonju-si)

Pak Kyongni Literature Park is the place to explore the life and works of prominent novelist  Pak Kyongni (박경리). The park's theme was based on Pak Kyongni's well-known novel 'Toji' (토지, The Land). The site used to be her old house before it was converted into a park. Covering an area of 10,578.51㎡ (3,200 pyeong), the park kept the original garden and the house in its original state. There are three Toji-themed parks nearby: Hongidongsan, Pyeongsa-ri Madang, and Yongdurebeol.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Located in southern part of Mt. Chiseosan, Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. The name 'Tongdosa' was named after the belief that mankind can be saved through Buddhism. After Monk Ja-Jang brought the shrines of Buddha from Dang China, Tongdosa Temple was built during Queen Sun-Deok's reign (646). Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and Pagoda's, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha.Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate, the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple.'


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Buseoksa Temple is considered a 'masculine' temple. It differentiates itself from other temples by its huge size and the scenery is refreshing and beautiful. Buseoksa Temple was built in 676, when King Munmu (661~681) ruled the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. ~ A.D. 935), by the founder Uisang (625~702) after he received orders from the King. Later in the 7th year (1016) of the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) was in the reign of King Hyeonjong (reign 1010 to 1031) Great Buddhist Monk Wonyung (964~1053) renovated Muryangsujeon (National Treasure No.18). It was renovated several times afterwards.The legend of lady Seonmyo and Uisang is famous. The two met when Priest Uisang went to Dang (Dynasty of China) to study. When Uisang told Seonmyo he would go back to his country, Seonmyo jumped into the sea and drowned. After death, she became a dragon. Seonmyo followed Uisang to Silla to protect and be with him. When Uisang ran against a crowd that had gathered to stop him from building Buseoksa Temple, Seonmyo brought up stones in the air three times. The stone that floated stands on the left side of Muryangsujeon. Because a wide, flat stone had floated above the ground, the temple was named Buseoksa Temple.At the entrance of Buseoksa you will see 108 steps between Cheonwangmun gate and Anyangmun gate. The number of steps represents redemption from agony and evil passions through 108 cycles. You will find Buseoksa Temple's Three Story Tower when you pass the Iljumun and Cheonwangmun gates. Above the tower you will see Beomjongru. When you pass Beomjongru, you can see a pavilion called Anyang, which means 'entrance to Heaven'. Go past Anyang Pavillion and you will reach the main building of Buseoksa Temple, Muryangsujeon, which boasts beautiful curved lines of the building structure.Muryangsujeon is a wooden building made in the Goryeo Dynasty. Inside you will find National Treasure No.45, Sojo Yeorae Seated Figure. There are more National Treasures and relics inside such as the Josadang (National Treasure No.19), Josadang Wall Painting (National Treasure No.46) and the Stone Lantern (National Treasure No.17) in front of Muryangsujeon.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Garimseong Fortress (Formerly, Seongheungsanseong Fortress (성흥산성)) is a stone fortress built on the lower reaches of the Geumgang River to protect Ungjinseong Fortress / Sabiseong Fortress (the capital of the Baekje Dynasty). It is the only fortress whose historical date is clearly known out of the Baekje era fortresses and therefore its cultural heritage is very important for the study of ancient geographical names.As Mt. Seongheungsan is just 260m-tall, it is not difficult to hike up the mountain. Despite its low altitude, Mt. Seongheungsan has a wide view of the plain by the Geumgang River and the neighboring mountains. On January 1, a New Year’s celebration and Chunghonje Ritual (at General Yu Geum-phil’s Shrine) are held annually. The Zelkova tree in Garimseong Fortress has gained popularity after being filmed in several TV dramas.


Chungcheongnam-do(Gongju-si)

Gongju National Museum manages and preserves the cultural treasures excavated from northern Chungcheongnam-do. It takes special care of cultural treasures discovered at the Muryeong Royal Tomb in 1971. The Muryeong Royal Tomb is the tomb of King Muryeong (501-523) from the Baekje Period, and his queen consort. You can view most of the relics from the tomb at the museum. The current buildings were specifically built to exhibit these relics. Gongju Museum has excavated many other relics and sites. he exhibit hall constitutes of 2 parts. It exhibits over 1000 relics, including National Treasure No.19 and No.4. The first room of the 2nd floor displays the relics from the Muryeong tomb. It is quite a treat to view the golden belt, bracelet and bronze mirrors. There is even a full-scale model of the Muryeong tomb for you to view.The 2nd room of the first floor displays the relics from the Chungcheongnam-do area chronologically. Outside, in front of the main building, is a garden you can visit after viewing the inside of the museum, and you can see many relics which were excavated from the entire Gongju district. An eye-catching sight is the two large stone bowls, used long ago to store water. Between the relics, there are dozens of golden pine, pine and cherry trees, which are over 70 years old. It is an ideal place for visitors to rest. If you are looking for souvenirs, there is a souvenir shop where you will find many cute souvenirs.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Gwaneumsa Temple is located at the foot of the northeast side of Mt. Halla in Ara-dong in Jeju City. The temple is widely believed to have been first built during the Tamra Dynasty Era (BC 476~AD 1005), which was prior to the Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918~1392). However, there is no concrete evidence suggesting the exact year of construction or the temple’s original builder. In the early 1700s, when leaders of the Joseon Dynasty proclaimed Confucianism as the national religion and executed a policy to destroy all the Buddhist temples in the Jeju area, Gwaneumsa Temple was demolished. It was rebuilt in 1912 by a Buddhist nun, Anbongryeokwan, and renovated in 1964. The temple consists of the main shrine, Myeongbujeong Hall, a bell tower, Sanshingak Pavilion, and Bulimun Gate. There is also a Buddhist school run by the Gwaneumsa Temple located in downtown Jeju. There are many tourist spots near the temple such as a wooden seated Buddhist goddess statue that was designated a tangible cultural asset of Jeju-do in 1999. Other popular destinations include Jeju Natural Monument No. 50, a cherry blossom tree habitat, and the nearby “4.3 Historic Site” commemorating the civil revolution many years ago on April 3rd. Also located close to the temple are the Mokseokwan Arboretum, Sancheondan, Halla Mountain, Uerimok Valley, Tamra Valley, and Gewaloreum Hill. The steep trail leading up the side of Halla Mountain, “Gwaneumsa Trail,” is particularly popular for its colorful fall foliage and its breathtaking scenery of endless gorges.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The Great Master Wonhyo first built this temple in 683 where he practiced asceticism. After that, he called the mountain Bogwangsan (보광산) and the temple Bogwangsa (보광사). Later, King Taejo Lee Sung-gye began the Joseon Dynasty after he prayed for a hundred days at this temple. Thanks to this, King Hyeonjong in 660 deemed the temple as a main prayer space and changed the name of the mountain to Geumsan and the temple is named as Boriam. Nestled at the top of Geumsan Mountain, Boriam Temple is a picturesque temple embracing the beautiful mountain surroundings and the Namhae sea. Inside of the temple, Jwaseondaebawi Rock where the Great Master Wonhyo sat in meditation catches one’s eye, as well as Ssanghongmun (쌍홍문) which is a cave that is one of 38 scenic views in Geumsan Mountain. Boriam Temple along with Naksansa Hongryeonam Temple in Gangwon-do and Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon are one of three noted praying temples in Korea. * Cultural Asset Boriam Three-story Stone Pagoda (Gyeongsangnam-do’s Tangible Cultural Asset No. 74): The stone pagoda is similar to stone pagodas of the Silla Period but it is considered to be built in the early Goryeo Period.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Jade Garden, created under the theme of ‘Small Europe in the Forest,’ is located near Jade Palace Golf Club on a plot of land measuring 160,000 square meters. The 24 distinctively-themed areas in the garden boast a total of 3,000 plant species including rhododendron, maple trees, irises, and blueberry bushes as well as patches of thick, natural forests. The arboretum makes the most out of its natural valley topography and presents visitors with a mix of tidy gardens, graceful flowers, and an array of European-style architecture.For the convenience of its guests, Jade Garden operates a Tuscan-style visitor’s center where patrons can enjoy a simple snack or beverage and purchase souvenirs. Visitors may choose from three different walking courses (each 2 hours in length) around the arboretum and there a gardening program is also available for aspiring gardeners.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Korea Expressway Corporation Arboretum (Jeonju Arboretum) is located in a relatively warm region of the country, reaching 20-30 meters in altitude. Operated by Korea Expressway Corporation, the garden is a nonprofit aboretum that is free and open to the public. The garden was built to restore the local environment that was damaged during the construction of an expressway in 1972, starting with nursery field. The builders then began collecting plants in 1983, and eventually opened the garden in 1992. The arboretum now sees an average of 200,000 visitors per year. The garden operates various hands-on programs and summer educational programs due to its diverse plant species.