Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Beomeosa Temple is located at the edge of Mt. Geumjeongsan, a famous mountain in Busan. About 1,300 years ago it was constructed by monk Ui Sang in the 18th year (678) of King Munmu (reign 661~681) of the Silla Kingdom (the kingdom mainly occupied the Gyeongsang-do Province region in 678A.D.). In the geography book 'Donggukyeojiseungram' the origin of Beomeosa Temple is written as follows: "There is a well on the top of Mt. Geumjeongsan and the water of that well is gold. The golden fish in the well rode the colorful clouds and came down from the sky. This is why the mountain is named Geumsaem (gold well) and the temple is named 'fish from heaven'." The original Beomeosa Temple building was lost during Imjinwaeran Invasion (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592) but was renovated in 1713, which remains as it now is. Daeungjeon is one of the most delicate and luxurious architectures of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910). There is Iljumun, the three-story pagoda with four pillars, built in the 9th century, and seven royal palace wings, pavilions, three gates, and eleven hermitages. Designated as a natural monument, the wisteria woods and valleys are most beautiful in May.


Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)

Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, a town famous for being Korea’s first cheese-making village, offers hands-on experience programs while living in clean, unpolluted farm country. The village is attracting the attention of foreign visitors who are interested in making and tasting local Korean cheese. Thanks to its proximity to the Hanok (traditional Korean-style house) Village of Jeonju, only 30 minutes away, many tourists choose to stay at a traditional hanok and visit the cheese village from there. The experience programs are run all year round except on Mondays. Visitors are advised to make a phone reservation at least three days prior to visiting.


Gangwon-do(Cheorwon-gun)

Rafting refers to riding swift currents using thick rubber boats (I.B.S). Places where you can enjoy rafting in Korea are Hantangang River in Cheorwon, Naerincheon Stream in Inje, and Donggang river in Yeongwol. The most ideal spot is without a doubt the Hantangang River in Cheorwon. The river, situated about an hour and a half away from Seoul, is deep and clear, and filled with naturally formed Giamgoeseok rocks. Touring the picturesque area will surely leave lasting memories.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Mireukdo Island resides in Tongyeong, a city that holds great historical significance for being the home of the Tongjeyeong naval station during the Joseon Dynasty. The Tongyeong base served as the central command station for the three other naval bases in the Gyeongsang, Jeolla and Chungcheong regions. Not only is Mireukdo Island designated as a Special Tourist Zone, it is also a part of the Hallyeohaesang National Park and serves as the center of tourism in the South Coast. The Mireukdo Special Tourist Zone, with the Donam Tourist Complex as its core, is well-equipped with a variety of leisure facilities, tourist accommodations and restaurants. This district caters to visitors with yacht services and a variety of water sports such as windsurfing, kayaking and water skiing. Exceptionally popular is the ferry cruise that takes visitors to Hansando Island, which is located just off the coast of Tongyeong, and to the other scenic islands such as Bijindo and Maemuldo. Mireukdo Island is connected to Tongyeong through an undersea tunnel, Chungmu Bridge and Tongyeong Bridge, making it even more accessible to visitors. At the center of the island is the towering Mireuksan Mountain. The panoramic Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, which opened in 2008, takes visitors to the summit of Mireuksan Mountain. The top offers a commanding view of the forests and valleys below. On a clear day, visitors can even see the Japanese island of Tsushima. The mountain’s hiking trails are well-maintained and are suitable for short hikes. The most traveled trail is the one starting from Yonghwasa Temple. Hikers taking this trail pass through Gwaneumsa Temple and Mireukjae to reach the top. The trail leads to Miraesa Temple and a grass field on the way down before finally going back to Yonghwasa Temple. [Mireukdo Special Tourist Zone] Areas Covered: Part of Sanyang-eup (Mireukdo Island and Obido Island), areas of Misu-dong, Bongpyeong-dong and Donam-dong in Tongyeong-si, Gyeongsangnam-do Area size: 32,900,000㎡ Tourist Attractions: Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway, Ferry Cruise, Tongyeong Concert Hall, Undersea Tunnel  


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si)

Seolbong Park is a pleasant resting area that includes a walking path around a wide lake in the middle of the park, a traditional garden and a traditional palanquin. Visitors can take part in caramic making programs at a reasonable price with a professional instructor at the Ceramic Experience Hall which is located near the World Ceramic Center.


Busan(Nam-gu)

Busan Cultural Center is one of the representative cultural arts institutions in Busan and hosts a diversity of concerts, dances, plays, and other performances. It boasts international conference facilities and is a center of operations for seven different metropolitan arts organizations including the philharmonic orchestra, traditional orchestra, chorus, dance company, theater company, philharmonic youth orchestra, and the boys & girls chorus.Reflecting the traditional architectural style of Korea, the Main Theater has been built to resemble a ‘Bonchae’ (the main building of a traditional house), while the Medium and Small Theaters resemble a ‘Sarangchae’ (typically, the men’s quarters of a hanok). The structure of the center highlights the traditional beauty of Korea and seeks to capture the powerful spirit of the nation. Hosting over 1,000 exhibitions & performances throughout the year, the Busan Cultural Center strives to preserve the country’s culture while promoting local art forms from various regions of Korea.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

About 3 kilometers from Osaek Mineral Spring in South Seorak, the road splits, and you can take a trail to Yongso Falls and Sibi (Twelve) Falls. Jujeongol is the name of the valley that meanders up to Sibi Falls. As you hike along this delightful path you encounter Seonnyeotang Pond, Dokjuam Rock, and Yongso Falls, and the Second Osaek Mineral Spring is a refreshing treat for thirsty hikers. The path is relatively smooth and can be enjoyed by hikers of all abilities.The hiking routes in South Seorak are open from 4 am to 2 pm in winter and from 3 am to 3 pm in summer.


Gangwon-do(Wonju-si)

Chiaksan National Park (치악산국립공원) was designated as a national park in December 1984. For years Chiaksan has inspired hikers with its towering mountain sides and magnificent deep valleys. Its was once referred to as "Jeokak," but the name has since changed over time, due in large part to a mythical story. There once a man that rescued a pheasant from being eaten alive by a snake. When the man later found himself in danger, that pheasant saved his life in return. Because of this story the name became "Chiaksan."The temple connected to that story is Sangwonsa Temple. South of Sangwonsa Temple in Sangwon-gol is the Natural Monument Seonghwang Forest. To the west are Sejondae, Mangyeongdae and Mun Stone and Adeul (Son) stone. You can also see fortress walls from the myth of Jeonransa Temple such as Yeongwon Fortress, Haemi Fortress and Geumdu Fortress. Near the main peak Birobong is Seokgyeongsa Temple, where the soul of Ungok Won Cheon-Seok is said to be resting, and Ipseokdae, Sinseondae, Tejongdae and Nogoso. Behind them you can enjoy the magnificent landscape of Seryeom Waterfall, Sadari Byeongchang, Changde Rock and Tugubong Peak.Also on the top of Birobong are the famous three stone pagodas (10m high). Guryongsa Temple was established by Monk Uisang (625~702) of the Silla Kingdom (BC 57∼AD 935), during the reign of King Munmu. Other attractions include Daewungjeon (Local Tangible Cultural Property No.24), Guryong Waterfall, the Turtle Stone, Tiger Stone and Dragon stone nearby.For many years, Chiaksan was dotted with numerous temples. However, as time wore on, only Guryongsa Temple along with seven others remain today. At Guryong Valley there is a forest of pine trees that are hundreds of years old. The main ridges of Chiaksan are steep to the west but slope gently in the east.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

Chungju Dam is the nation’s largest multipurpose concrete dam and plays a role in water resources planning and management, prevention of flood damage, and electric power production. On one side of Chungju Dam are various facilities like the Water Exhibition Hall, Memorial Tower, and a resting area, while the other side has a resting area, heliport, as well as a pleasure boat are available for tourists. As for the structure, the dam is 97.5m high and 447m long. Beneath the main dam, there is a balancing reservoir dam which is 21m high and 480.7m long.


Jeju-do()

Jeju Island, designated as Jeju Special Autonomous Province, lies southwest of the Korean Peninsula and is the largest tourist destination in Korea. The whole island was designated as a special tourist zone, and wherever tourists go, they can look upon beautiful scenery. Every year, about 8.7 million people from Korea and abroad visit this fascinating island that measures 73 km across, east to west, and 31 km, from north to south. Jeju Island was also designated as a World Natural Heritage. The climate of Jeju is quite different from the temperate climate of mainland Korea. Since the island has a subtropical climate as well as a subarctic one, there are many unique plants that can only to be found on this island. The unique sight of Jeju Island captivates travelers. The scenery that represents this volcanic island of Jeju was created by Hallasan Mountain and Oreum (parasitic cones in Jeju dialect) as well as the pillar-shaped joint on the beach. The piedmont area that visitors encounter on their way from the beach to Hallasan Mountain is a gift of nature and the piedmont area on the way to Geomun Oreum, where Jeju World Natural Heritage Center is located, is worthwhile to see. Another unique aspect here is the Jeju dialect and lifestyle. Traveling the 182 km circuit road along the coastline by car, motor scooter or bike is recommended. There is a trail for walking called “Jeju Olle” for those who choose to make a round trip on foot. Jeju Island is implementing more discretionary and diversified policies in politics and economy as well as tourism, and this is what makes Jeju worthy of the name “free international city.” * Current State of Jeju Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: All of Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (except the annexed island) 2) Area: 1,809.56k㎡ * Tourist Attractions Hallasan Mountain, Oreum (Parasitic cones), Coastal Road, piedmont area, Jeju Olle Trails, beach, museums, galleries, Jungmun Resort, etc.