Daejeon(Dong-gu)

The Daecheongho Natural Ecology Center in Chu-dong, Dong-gu, Daejeon highlights the natural ecosystem of the Daecheongho Lake, which was created by the damming of Geumgang River in 1980. Daecheongho Lake is the third largest lake in Korea and boasts a reservoir measuring a surface area of 72.8 square kilometers, a circumference of 80 kilometers, and a capacity of 1.5 billion tons of water.The Daecheongho Natural Ecology Center stands on a plot of land alongside Daecheongho Lake spanning 8,270 square meters; the building itself (B1-3F) measures 1,488.5 square meters. The first floor houses an event hall, a storage room, and a theater showing videos on the natural ecology of Daecheongho Lake. On the second floor, there is a folk history center and ecology center boasting specimens of fish, insects, and plants native to the lake. The third floor houses an environmental center where participants can learn about the importance of recycling and protecting the lake’s water quality. There is also an observatory from which to view Daecheongho Lake and an outdoor ecology pond, wildflower beds, a small zoo, a mushroom center, an insect center, and a forest classroom.


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Located near the entrance of the Moaksan Provincial Park, Geumsansa Temple (금산사) was established by King Beop, or Beopwang, of the Baekje period (599AD). The Buddhist temple features over ten designated cultural properties including Mireukjeon, a national treasure, as well as other attached buildings. The country’s only three-story building containing a Buddha statue, Mireukjeon was built with wood and has a single-open floor inside. In spring, cherry blossom trees come into full bloom from the mountain entrance all the way to Geumsansa; and in winter Buddhist adherents come to bow before the statue of Mireuk bodhisattva inside Mireukjeon or walk in circles around the pagoda. The statue is the largest indoor standing Buddha in the world reaching 11.82 meters of x_height. The two other Buddha statues standing on right and left of the Mireuk bodhisattva are 8.8 meters tall each.* Important Cultural PropertiesMireukjeon (National Treasure No. 62)Noju (Treasure No. 22)Seogyeondae (Treasure No. 23)Hyedeogwangsa Jineungtapbi (Treasure No. 24)Geumsansa Ocheungseoktap (Treasure No. 25)Geumsansa Bangdeunggyedan (Treasure No. 26)Geumsansa Yukgak Dacheungseoktap (Treasure No. 27)Geumsansa Dangganjiju (Treasure No. 28)Simwonam Bukgang Samcheungseoktap (Treasure No. 29)Geumsansa Daejangjeon (Treausre No. 827)Geumsansa Seokdeung (Treasure No. 828)


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Also referred to as Seolsan and Seolbongsan, the mountain was named Seorak ('Seol' meaning 'snow' and 'Ak' meaning 'big mountain') because the snow would not melt for a long time keeping the rocks in a permanent state of white. In November 1965, the Seorak Mountain district was designated as a Natural Monument preservation area. Afterwards in December 1973, it was designated as a park preservation area, and in August 1982, as a Biosphere Preservation District by UNESCO.The park is spread across 4 cities and counties: Sokcho, Inje, Goseong and Yangyang. The highest peak is Daecheongbong; to the east is OeSeorak and to the west is NaeSeorak, which is divided again into North NaeSeorak and South NaeSeorak. North NaeSeorak is composed of Bukcheon, which flows to Ingyecheon and Baekdamcheon streams. There are numerous valleys in NaeSeorak. Follow the Baekdamcheon Valley where all the streams meet and you will reach Baekdamsa Temple, which is known for its beautiful scenery. Upstream there is Gayadong Valley and Suryeomdong Valley, and past Yeongsiam and Mangyeongdae there is Madeungryeong Ridge (1,327m) that leads to Seorakdong.Follow Suryeomdong Valley and you will reach Waryong and Ssangpok waterfalls . Further up is Bongjeongam (1,224m sea level). Once you arrive at Daecheong Peak you can view the magnificent mountain range. The sunrise viewed from here is spectacular and should not be missed. South NaeSeorak directs the valley from Oknyeotang area to Hangyeryeong. Daeseung Waterfall north of Jangsudae is the most beautiful site of NaeSeorak, which is 88m high. South of Yongdaeri Valley is the Twelve Fairy Bathing Spring, Oktang Falls, and Yongtang Falls, along with several other traditional relics.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Hwanseongul Cave is the biggest lime stone cave in Korea. Its length is 6.5 km and it features fantastic stalagmites, stalactites, and about 10 lakes and waterfalls. Some spots of interest include stalactites that look like the Great Wall of China and many other uniquely shaped figures.The mercury inside of the cave keeps it at a cool 12-24℃ in the summer and 8-9℃ in the winter. It takes about 30-40 minutes to the entrance and approximately one hour to look around the cave. Keep in mind that the steep slope at the entrance may be difficult for the elderly and young children.


Gangwon-do(Cheorwon-gun)

Located in the northern area of South Korea, Baengma Battlefield was one of the bloodiest battlefields during the Korean War. The communist Chinese army launched a major offensive attack for 10 days on October 6, 1952 during the Battle of Baengmagoji (Baengma; White horse). Due to this battle, the communist Chinese army suffered around 14,000 casualties and the army completely collapsed while the 9th Infantry Division won the battle of the Baengma High Ground and got the name “White Horse.” After the battle the area gave off a bad smell because of the dead bodies. The mountain area lost its original shape due to the severe battle and as a result the area was named “Baengmagoji” as it was said to resemble a white horse (Baengma) lying down.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Route 15 (19 km) runs from Hallimhang Harbor Ferry Dock in Biyangdo Island to Gonaepogu Port. This trail passes through Pyeongsupogu Port, Seongno-dong Agricultural Storage, Hyerin Church, Napeup Elementary School, the entrance to Geumsan Park, the entrance to Baegilhonggil Road, the entrance to Gonaebong Peak, and Haga-ri crossing. Since the route is surrounded by the ocean, villages, forests and mountains, hikers can admire the scenery of Jeju while walking on Route 15.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Masan is made more beautiful by Gagopa Kkoburang-gil Mural Village, a local renovation effort made by Gyeongnam Bank. The village is one of the top exotic photo zones. Walking through the village from Chang-dong, past Burim Market, and on to Seongho-dong mountain neighborhood, the colorful murals will bright every step of the way.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Osan-ri Prehistory Museum houses the oldest remains of the Prehistoric age to be found in Korea. The site is not only important for understand the long history of Korea and its culture, but is also invaluable in understanding the general historical relation to the rest of East Asia. As a result, it was designation Historic Site no. 394. Inside the museum is a life-sized diorama, the first of its kind, displaying the lifestyles of prehistoric times and prehistoric relics of the Yeongdong region. The Relics Exhibition Room is divided into six sections, the Introduction, Overview, the Osan-ri Prehistoric Story, the Story of Relics Unearthed, the Mandaecheon Story, and a conclusion. There are also hands-on programs to help visitors experience prehistoric life and culture.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Ontrepieum, meaning "to bloom flowers in a garden," is situated in Andong's Cultural Tourism Complex. With an area of approximately 30,000 ㎡, it consists of a 1,500-㎡ tropical green house, a 6,600-㎡ herb garden, farming land, an animal performance theater, a nature experience section, and other areas. The tropical greenhouse features tropical and subtropical plants, including herbs, coffee and palm trees. Over 17,000 trees planted in the park, along with its water fountain and photo zones, make it the perfect place for a fun weekend getaway, not to mention that it has been used as a filming location. It is a fantastic place to take some photos with a unique feel. The Andong Cultural Tourism Complex also has a couple of attractions nearby, including a KBS studio, the Korea Folk Museum, the Water Museum and Arts and Crafts Museum.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

The Dokdo Island Observatory Cable Car, from which one can get a bird's eye view of Ulleung-do Island, is a must-see tourist attraction. Located inside the Dodong Yaksu Park, the cable car takes visitors up to Manghyangbong Peak. When the sky is really clear (about 50 days a year), you can see as far as Dokdo Island that is located 92 kilometers away. This is also the first place to view the rising sun in Ulleung-do Island.The cable car usually begin operations early in the morning, just in time for visitors to bask in the views of the beautiful sunrise, and operates until 7 pm. or 8 pm.Tickets can be purchased on-site without any reservation.