Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Daegeumgul Cave (대금굴) is believed to be as old as Hwanseongul and Gwaneumgul Caves located nearby. The entrance to the cave was not exposed until 2003 when an excavation project revealed the entrance, and after a long preparatory period, the cave was opened to the public. This newly opened, well-preserved cave is filled with limestone features such as stalactites, and a considerable amount of water flows through the cave, creating waterfalls, both large and small, along with numerous ponds. You can also visit the ecological park, built in harmony with the natural environment of the cave and the surrounding area. Also, take Korea’s first cave monorail 140 meters deep into the cave, and be sure to stop by the Visitor Centre where you can learn about the significance of natural caves. Because of its fascinating features, Daegeumgul Cave is fast becoming a popular tourist attraction in the Donghae area.Sections of Daegeumgul Cave● Artificial Tunnel Section: The 140-meter stretch from the entrance of the cave is a man-made tunnel and the route for the monorail.● Waterfall/Platform Section: There is an 8-meter high, natural waterfall and the platform for the cave monorail.● Stalactite Section: This section contains various subterranean features, such as rim pools, stalactite pillars, bacon sheets, cave shields, cave pearls, deformed stalactites, and helictites. Many stalactites even come together, forming a smaller rounded cavern within the cave's main halls.● Lake Section: There is a cave lake that is 60 meters long, 30 meters wide, and 8 to 9 meters deep, and a considerable amount of clean underground water flows through it.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Naesosa Temple was built by Buddhist Monk Hye-Gu in 633 AD during the Baekje Dynasty and was rebuilt by Monk Cheong-Min in 1633 during the Joseon Dynasty. The Daeungbojeon (the main hall) was built at this time. In 1986, the temple area (radius of 500m) was named a culturally protected area.On both sides of the main gate (600m across) are large fir trees, which also line the path into the temple. As you continue down the walkway, you’ll come across a row of cherry trees. Just before the temple itself, are four gods called Sacheonwangsang that “guard” the temple. Upon reaching the temple itself (just past the guards) the first thing you’ll notice is the 1000-year-old Dangsan tree. Long ago, people used the base of the tree as a site of prayer.Housed in Beomjonggak is a bronze bell that can be found in many Buddhist Temples. This particular bell was made during the Goryeo Era and is engraved with three images of Buddha, called “Samjonsang.” The center building of the temple, called “Daeungbojeon” is also an artistic masterpiece, decorated with splendid colors and designs. The flower Salmun doors featuring lotus and Chrysanthemum flowers add another element of traditional beauty to the building.Of all the temple treasures, Haewuso (meaning “a place that gets rid of worrries”) is not to be missed. True to its name, you’ll almost find yourself forgetting all your worries as you listen to the soft swaying of the surrounding bamboo grove.


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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

The hot springs have been called Bugok (the hanja characters 釜谷 refer to “cauldron” and “valley” respectively) because the land resembles the shape of a cauldron. When the spring was first discovered, people with skin ailments came in crowds because of the water’s healing properties. The sulfur and minerals in the water are effective for respiratory and skin ailments. Today, the hot springs attract 10,000~20,000 visitors a day, adding up to about 4 million people a year. Discovered in 1973, the hot springs have a 6,000-ton daily water supply flowing from underground at a temperature as high as 78℃. Bugok was officially designated a national tourist resort in 1977. Twenty years later, it was promoted to a Special Tourist Zone. Composed of 24 hot springs, the complex has hotels, condominiums, a golf course, and a fountain that shoots up hot water. The resort Bugok Hawaii has a variety of amenities including outdoor and indoor swimming pools, a theater, and saunas, making it a popular destination for newlyweds and families. The Bugok Hot Springs Festival, also called Onjeongje, is held from October to December every year to promote the area. The festival offers various activities such as a boiled egg eating contest (eggs boiled using water from the hot spring), foot baths, Pungmulnori (Korean folk music tradition) and other performances. Nearby attractions include Hwawangsan Mountain and the Upo Wetlands. [Bugok Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone] Areas covered: Geomun, Sachang and Bugok-ri, Bugok-myeon, Changnyeong-gun,Gyeongsangnam-do Area size: 4,819,000㎡


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The Total Museum is a branch of Jangheung Art Park (formerly “Total Outdoor Museum”) that opened near Bukhansan in April, 1992. It houses facilities such as an art academy, library, art shop, and outdoor performance stage. In addition to exhibitions, the museum holds a variety of art and culture programs like musical concerts, events, lectures, and seminars. In particular, the members-only educational programs and gallery concerts provide a chance to enjoy high-quality cultural events.


5.0/3
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Geumseonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Samgaksan (Bukhansan) Mountain, is within easy access from downtown Seoul. The temple is placed in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain rocks and green pine forest. Geumseonsa Temple offers three types of temple stay: quality rest, Buddhist cultural experience, and temple life.  


Jeollanam-do(Sinan-gun)

Located about 140㎞ southwest of Mokpo, Jeollanam-do, Gageodo Island is one of the remotest islands in southwest Korea. Centered on Doksilsan Mountain (639m, the highest peak in Sinan-gun), the island is surrounded by cliffs making the area perfect as a mystery island. Once featured in a Korean variety show, this place is also beloved by fishing-goers and hikers as it is known for its clean air and waters.


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.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Uirimji (originally called “Yimji”) is a reservoir that was created during the Samhan Era hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Due to its deep-seated history it is one of the most famous reservoirs in Chungcheong-do (also known as the ‘Hoseo Region’) and was designated Monument No. 11 of Chungcheongbuk-do.The reservoir is 1.8km in circumference and 151,470m2 in water surface area and has a water level of 8-13m. It supplies water to around 289.4 jeongbos (unit) of farmland and was one of the 3 major reservoirs of the Samhan Era along with Byeokgolje of Gimje and Susanje of Miryang. With a water gate built of onggi (earthenware), Uirimji is also a valuable historical site for studying farming methods from long ago.The reservoir and is one of the main tourist attractions of the Jecheon region. In the area around the reservoir are the Yeonghojeong Pavilion (erected in 1807 in the 7th year of King Sunjo) and the Gyeonghoru Pavilion (built in 1948). The traditional beauty of the structures is accented by the neighboring ancient pine and willow trees and the 30 meter-high waterfall. Nearby attractions include the Pine Field Park, National Archery Field, and Parkland.Among the local specialties of the region are Gongeo fish (a.k.a. Bingeo) which can only be seen during the spawning season that takes place during the spring thaw. Enjoyed only for a small time window each year, the fish is largely popular among tourists visiting the area.