Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)

Asan-si Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone includes Dogo, Asan and Onyang Hot Springs. When Onyangoncheon Station on Seoul subway line No.1 opened in December, 2008, the number of tourists who traveled here increased. It is said that Onyang Hot Springs is 1300 years old, which means that it dates back to the Three Kingdoms Period. During the period of the Joseon Dynasty, it was the rulers’ favorite spot for treatment and recuperation. Onyang Hot Springs has alkaline water and boasts high water quality and a large volume. The water temperature is 37~54℃. There are 200 accommodation facilities and amenities, including hotels, Oncheonjang hot springs and restaurants, which make Onyang Hot Springs the best place for recreation and rest. Designated as a therapeutic hot springs, Dogo Hot Springs is equipped with spa treatment facilities. The water park within the hot springs is popular with families. Near the hot springs is a station that used to be Dogooncheon Station, but today, visitors can experience rail bike riding there. Another spot to visit is Asan Botanical Garden, which shows off beautiful flowers even in the depths of winter. Asan Hot Springs has a variety of water park attractions in its theme hot springs. As the hot springs has soft water and contains plenty of minerals, such as silicic acid, sodium and calcium, it is said that drinking the water boosts metabolism and strengthens the digestive system. Apart from the modern style condominiums and inns, the hot springs has a golf course, water park and outdoor swimming pool filled with hot spring water and offers a great opportunity to experience various leisure activities. * Current State of Asan Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Sinsu-ri, Eumbong-myeon, Asan-si, Chungcheongnam-do (Onyang, Dogo and Asan Hot Springs, Sinjeongho Tourist Site) 2) Area: 3,710,000㎡ * Tourist Attractions Paradise Spa Dogo, Asan Spavis, Oeam Folk Village, Oncheonjang hot springs, Botanical Garden, Traditional Market, etc.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

At the heart of the Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone is Muju Gucheondong Valley. The outer parts of Deogyusan National Park and the mountain’s natural recreation forest are also part of the special tourist zone.The 30-kilometer-long Muju Gucheondong Valley is located to the north of Deogyusan National Park. The calm and soothing sound of the water flowing through a lush forest make this a great summer destination. The 33 scenic points of Gucheondong include Eunguam Rock, Haksodae Falls, Waryongdam Pond, Gucheon Waterfall and Yeonhwa Waterfall. In the summer, visitors can see the rare sight of fireflies in their natural habitat. The fall foliage in autumn and the winter snowscape are also quite exquisite.Within the vicinity of Muju Gucheondong is Muju Resort. The resort complex is made up of a family hotel, resort condominium and various recreational facilities where visitors can enjoy skiing, hiking, horseback riding and mountain biking. Visitors can take the gondola from the resort all the way up to Deogyusan Mountain’s Seolcheonbong Peak (1,520 meters). From, there, they can easily reach the summit at Hyangjeokbong Peak (1,614 meters).Taekwondowon, located near the Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone, offers a hands-on Taekwondo experience program. Those who are interested in learning Taekwondo can take part in a 1-day program which includes a Taekwondo demonstration, a Taekwondo class (basic movements), and board breaking.[Muju Gucheondong Special Tourist Zone]Areas Covered: Mupung-myeon (Samgoe-ri) and Seolcheon-myeon (Samgong-ri and Simgok-ri) in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-doArea size: 7,610,000 ㎡Tourist Attractions: Deogyusan National Park, 33 Scenic Views of Muju, Gucheondong Valley, Muju Resort, forest park, Taekwondowon, Muju Hyanggyo (Confucian school), Baengnyeonsa Temple, Jeoksansanseong Fortress, etc.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Like Seoul, the city of Changwon also has a romantic promenade called "Garosu-gil," lined with metasequoia trees on each side. The street is filled with a lovely ambience, dotted by small and cozy coffee shops, galleries, and art shops, making it the perfect place for a leisurely walk or a tea-time.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

The Animation Museum is the only animation museum in Korea. The exhibition hall on the first floor shows the origin, development and types of animation, techniques and process of making amination, history of the development of animation-related equipment, and the history of Korean animation. On the second floor are Chuncheon Hall, US Hall, Japan Hall, Europe Hall, and Other Regions Hall (Asia and other regions), where visitors can get to know the history of animation throughout the world. In addition, various activity programs await visitors, like watching 3D animation films, experiencing audio effects/dubbing and shooting stop-motion animation.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Sobaeksan National Park in South Korea is a branch of what could be called the backbone of Korea, Taebaeksan Mountain. In 1987, Sobaeksan Mountain was designated as National Park No.18. Its covers an area of 320.50 square km. The features of Sobaeksan National Park include wild flowers and royal azaleas on Birobong Peak, and the largest yew tree community is found on the northwest slope (1,200-1,350 m above sea level) between Yeonhwabong Peak and Birobong Peak. The west of Mt. Sobaeksan is steep, and streams from Nakdonggang River flow to Jukgyaecheon River, which is often used as a hiking course. Following down from Birobong Peak along Jukgyaecheon River is Seokryun Mine and Choamsa Temple. If you proceed even further, you will get to Seokcheonpokpo Falls and Seonghyeolsa Temple. Many trout live in this valley. A 4-km flat path to the southwest of Birobong Peak leads to Yeonhwabong Peak. There is Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (SOAO) on the way to the second Yeonhwabong Peak, and a ridge called Jukryeong is on the south side of the mountain. To the east of the second Yeonhwabong Peak, there is Huibangsa Temple and Birosa Temple, both built during the time of the Silla Kingdom. Huibangpokpo Falls is considered the most beautiful waterfall of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and is at the entrance of Huibangsa Temple. Featuring beautiful valleys and ridgelines, Sobaeksan National Park is known for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking nature.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

The Pine Forest Trail on Geumgangsan Mountain in Uljin goes through a beautiful forest of lush pine trees growing tall and straight with uncommonly bright bark. These special trees are called Geumgang Pine Trees, sometimes shortened to "gangsong" ('songi' is pine in Korean). The forest has many old trees, including at 520-year-old "grandfather pine," leading to the forest being designated a protected status. Visitors who wish to walk through the pine tree tunnel and enjoy a 'forest bathing' experience must make reservations in advance.


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Misiryeong Valley is about 5 km in length and starts from Yongdae-samgeori and extends in a northeasterly direction to Dojeok Pokpo Waterfall. At Misiryeong Valley the water is clean and many Giam cliffs can be seen. You can also find the rarely known Dojeok Pokpo Waterfall and Chotdae Bawi Rock. On the way to Inje from Dojeok Waterfall, you will come across Seon Bawi Rock, where you can relax and rest. From beyond that point, the valley is 2.5 km long ending at Yongdae-samgeori. You must hold on to a rope while climbing down the steep pathway to Dojeok Pokpo Waterfall. There is a myth saying that Dojeok, meaning thief in Korean, hid until he discovered a person passing through Misiryeong. When a person appeared, the thief would rob the person kill the traveler by drowning him/her in the waterfall. Therefore, the waterfall was named Dojeok Pokpo (Waterfall) or Dojeokso (Pond). Misiryeong Valley still preserves its beauty of primeval forest and has relatively low temperature during summer. The surrounding areas consist of many tourist sites such as Baekdamsa Temple, Yongdae Nature Recreation Area, the Valley of the Twelve Angels' Bath, Oknyeotang, Jangsudae, Daeseung Waterfall and Pillye Mineral Spring.  


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

Cheongok Cave (천곡천연동굴) is a limestone cave that extends horizontally for 1,400 meters. Estimated to have been created 400 to 500 million years ago, it is the only natural cave located in a downtown area. The cave features ceiling craters, one of which is the longest in Korea, along with stalactite curtains, travertine terraces, stalactite cascades, and many other fantastic rock formations. It provides a grand spectacle for tourists and great speleological samples for researchers. As the inside of the cave is lined with over 20 types of secondary formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone pillars, it is an invaluable resource for earth science education. 


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

Hwangji Pond is a source of the Nakdonggang River (525km), the longest river in Korea. The pond is an important joint of underground water flow through the valleys of Taebaeksan, Hambaeksan, Baekbyeongsan and Maebongsan, the mountains surrounding the city of Taebaek. There are three sections of the pond: Sangji (high pond), 100m in diameter, Jungji (middle pond), 50m in diameter and Haji (low pond), 30m in diameter. Although it is small in size, the pond supplies 5,000 tons of water a day that flows to the open Yeongnampyeongya Plain. Being located at the center of Taebaek-si, Hwangji Pond is a popular destination for the citizens of Taebaek for cultural and recreational purposes. The night view of the pond is also beautiful, which makes it a perfect place for a couple’s night out. The water is very clean and lenoks can be found here, which only live in high quality water.