Jeollabuk-do(Jinan-gun)

Maisan Mountain has two major peaks made of sedimentary rocks; these peaks are said to be ‘couple peaks’ and cannot be found anywhere else. Sut Maibong (alt. 667m) is said to be the male peak while the slightly larger Am Maibong (alt. 673m) is deemed the female peak. In the early Joseon Period the mountain was named ‘Sokgeumsan,’ but began to be called ‘Maisan’ after the 12th year of King Taejong, who commented that the two peaks resembled a horse’s ears (‘maisan’ meaning ‘horse ears’). All along Maisan Mountain, you will find small crater-like rock cavities that are formed by prolonged weathering. These unique geological features, called ‘tafoni,’ are of great academic value. Inside Hwaeomgul Cave, you’ll find medicinal water that flows up from underground all throughout the year. It is widely believed that once you drink the water, especially on the days of the Spring and Autumn Equinox, you will soon have a son and be blessed by the mountain spirit. Even today, many women who have difficulty conceiving visit the mountain to pray to the mountain spirits for their heart’s desire—the gift of a child. The region in which Maisan is located is the birthplace of many talented people and national heroes, which some say is proof of the blessings of the mountain and its extremely powerful spirit.


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.  


Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)

Cheonan-Asan Station began its operation along with the opening of KTX railway. Its location overlaps the admistrative district of both Cheonan city and Asan city, hence the name.


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si)

The Haengjusanseong Fortress (행주산성, historic site no. 56) atop Deogyangsan Mountain was the site of a major Korean victory against the enemy during the Japanese invasion 400 years ago. Women also participated in the dramatic battle, carrying stones in their aprons (haengju in Korean). The original date and purpose of the fortress’ construction remains a mystery, but it is believed the construction dates back to the ancient Baekje period, as many relics from that era have been excavated by archeological surveys. Inside the fortress is Chungjangsa, a shrine paying tribute to General Gwon Yul who led the victorious effort. Transportation to the fortress has become much more convenient with the opening of the Jayuro road and the completion of the Haengju Bridge, making the fortress a popular destination on holidays.* Haengju Great Victory FestivalReligious ceremonies and many other cultural events are held on March 14 every year in memory of General Gwon who won the battle and saved the nation.


Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si)

The Traditional Food Town around Namhansanseong Fortress has nearly 70 restaurants offering rice, dotori-muk (acorn jelly), tojong-dak (chicken), and other traditional dishes. The place embraces almost 300 years of Korean history and the restaurants were built in traditional hanok-style around Namhansanseong Fortress, a military stronghold built during the period of the Three Kingdoms (57 BCE-668 CE).


Gwangju(Nam-gu)

Yangnim History & Culture Village is located in the area where Western items and ideas first entered Gwangju over 100 years ago. As such, the neighborhood has a unique collection of Western architecture mixed with traditional hanok houses. There are also many houses of Christian missionaries, who facilitated the advancement of medicine and education in Gwangju. Some areas such as Penguin Village have been decorated with murals and outdoor exhibitions to promote art and tourism, helping the elderly locals to make a living.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Namyangju

Located on Jaraseom Island, Gapyeong Ewhawon Garden was renewed in 2015, spanning over an area of 10,000 pyeong with a 330 pyeong butterfly ecology center, the largest butterfly park in the world. The park offers live butterflies and butterfly specimens all year long through the use of a warm house. Visitors can look at various exhibitions and get to know about butterflies and plants with detailed explanations by professional guides. Nearby attractions include Jaraseom Island and camping sites or venues for varied festivals.


Busan(Gijang-gun)

Busan National Science Museum was built to spread science culture and give a chance for anyone interested in science to enjoy everything science has to offer. With a theme around the nearby cities of Busan, Ulsan, and Gyeongsangnam-do region, the main theme of the museum consists of vehicles, space ships, nuclear energy and more. The museum aims to promote futher understanding of science to the masses.


Daegu(Dalseong-gun)

HerbHillz Sled Slope Park is located in HerbHillz, the biggest Eco-Theme Park in the country. With the winter season coming, Herbhillz is getting ready for its own special winter with safe yet thrilling sled slopes, Ice Valley, Snowman Square, Igloo Village, Santa Village, and more. HerbHillz has various themes throughout the year, such as year-around herb gardens and various experience tours as well as characteristic winter recreations. Also with a family-friendly zoo, performances, exhibitions, experience facilities, a water park (summer), sledding slopes (winter) and herbal food, Herbhillz has become one of the area’s most popular tourist spots.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Changuimun was often called Jahamun. It was one of four mini gates in the north surrounding the castle town Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. But because one of the four main gates, Sukjeongmun, was closed, Changuimun became a favorite north gate. Hence, people also called Changuimun the North Gate. It is the only gate among four mini gates that is still in its original state. Although it is small, almost 50m², in terms of size, it looks very firm and sturdy. While Dongsomun Gate, one of four mini gates, is decorated with a phoenix, Changuimun Gate is adorned with a wooden chicken along its rafters. The reason behind the wooden chicken was that the chicken was believed to be the nemesis of the centipede. People believed that installing the wooden chicken was important to overcome the harmful spirit of the centipede.