Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Girimsa Temple is located in Mount Hamwolsan in Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju. The temple was built in the Silla era and, with 16 buildings, is the second largest temple after Bulguksa.Legend has it that the temple was originally built by the Venerable Gwang-yu, a sage from India, in the early part of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was reportedly called ‘Imjeongsa’ at first, but was later changed to ‘Girimsa’ after undergoing expansive renovations by Monk Wonhyo. It is still unclear exactly what year the temple was built in.Girimsa is divided into two main areas. The first is the area around Daejeokgwangjeon Hall where the statue of Birojanabul is enshrined. The second is the area around the majestic 500-year-old bo tree (a kind of large fig tree) that is home to a wooden pagoda, the Seongbo Museum, Samsingak, Mangbujeon, and Gwaneumjeon halls. The Daejeokgwangjeon Hall was first built during Queen Seondeok's reign, and was rebuilt six times since its original construction. Its simple but majestic architecture is characterized by baeheullim (aka, entasis columns) and a Dapoyangsik (Dapo-style) single-tiered gabled roof.Girimsa is famous for Ojongsu, water that is said to have five different tastes. It consists of gamrosu, which is best for making tea; hwajeongsu, which supposedly gives comfort to the drinker; janggunsu, which makes the body stronger; myeongansu, which gives clear vision; and otaksu, which is said to sparkle so brightly that it attracts all the birds of the air. During Japanese colonial rule, the source of janggunsu, literally meaning ‘water of a general,’ was reportedly blocked off by Japanese soldiers, who were afraid the water would give the Korean people the strength to overthrow them. Except for janggunsu, water still continues to flow from each source.On the way to Girimsa temple is the Golgulsa Temple, well known for its 12 grottos. Golgulsa was originally a hermitage (monastery) of Girimsa. After becoming an independent institution, it became the center of Seonmudo practice in Korea. The temple aims to promote the art of seonmudo on a national and international level.* Major Cultural Properties Lacquered Seated Mercy Bodhisattva of Girimsa Temple (Treasure No. 415)Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (Treasure No. 833)Sojo Birojana Samjonbul (Treasure No. 958)Sutras kept inside the Vairocana Buddha of Girimsa (Treasure No. 959) 


Gangwon-do(Goseong-gun)

The villa of Kim Ilsung, former leader of North Korea, is perhaps better known as the Castle of Hwajinpo, for its fortress-like exterior. The villa was used as a summer house not only by the Kim family, but also by high-level members of the Communist Party from 1948 to 1950. The interior of the castle keeps history alive through a set-up of personal items and materials used by the Kim family. There is one photo in particular of a young Kim Jongil standing at the foot of the stairs that brings a sense of intimacy to this secretive family.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)

The town of Cheongpyeong was named after the area's clear waters.  Located not too far from the station are Cheongpyeong Dam and Homyeong Lake, and the winding course of Cheongpyeongcheon Stream is quite a sight to behold. Cheongpyeong Station is also a gateway for tourists visiting Homyeongsan Mountain, Homyeong Lake, Anjeon Recreation Area, The Garden of Morning Calm, and Petite France. The station opened on July 25, 1939 upon the opening of the Gyeongchun Line. It was originally located at 338 Chongpyeong-ri, Cheongpyeong-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, and was later moved to its current location on September 1, 2009. The Gyeongchun Line finished upgrading its double-tracked line in 2010; the new alignment opened and the old one closed on December 21, 2010.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Approximately 6km northward from downtown Gangneung, Gyeongpo Provincial Park is surrounded by a slew of both natural and cultural attractions (Gyeongpodae, Gyeongpo Lake, and Gyeongpo Beach). Gyeongpo Lake, in particular, is home to precious species such as swans and mallards. Known as one of the most scenic locations in Gangwon-do for a long time, Gyeongpodae is a fascinating spot to enjoy the first full moon of the year; the serene Gyeongpo Lake used to attract fishing enthusiasts in droves, but fishing is now prohibited due to natural preservation purposes. Within the park are Gyeongpo Beach (one of the cleanest beaches on the East Coast), elegant Gyeongpo Lake, Gyeongpodae, Banghae Pavilion, Hohae Pavilion, Gyeongho Pavilion, and Gyeongyangsa (Gyeongyang Temple). Visitors can enjoy the attractions all year long with cherry blossoms in the spring, swimming in the summer, fishing, and walking on the beach in the winter. Restaurants near the park offer unique local food such as fresh sashimi (including the famous Squid Sashimi), spicy fish stews, and Chodang Tofu.  


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Jukseoru Pavilion, estimated to have been built around 1266, is one of the eight major attractions of Gwandong District in middle eastern Korea collectively known as Gwandong Palgyeong (eight famous sites). Sitting on the edge of a cliff overlooking Osipcheon Stream, the pavilion incorporates the rocks on the cliff as cornerstones, with a five-girder paljak (ancient-style roof).Then, there are 26 signboards hanging from the rafters of the pavilion. The signboards contain inscriptions of famous ancient scholars such as 'Jeilgyeongjeong' ('The best riverside pavilion'; 1662) by Heo Mok, 'Jukseoru' and 'Gwandong Jeilru' ('The best pavilion in Gwandong'; 1711) by Yi Seong-jo, and 'Haeseon Yuhui Jiso' ('The place that marine gods enjoy'; 1837) by Yi Gyu-heon. Others who have left their mark include King Sukjong (1674-1720), King Jeongjo (1776-1800) and Yulgok YiYi (1536-1584). Evidently, Jukseoru Pavilion has served as an inspiration since its establishment, and continues to inspire visitors today through the stunning view of its surrounding nature.


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.


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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

The Jeon Hyuck Lim Museum of Art is located on the way to Yonghwasa Temple on Mireuksan Mountain in Tongyeong. This site used to be the location of the house where master painter Jeon Hyuck-lim lived for about 30 years since 1975. A new building was constructed and the site was turned into a creative space, opening to the public on May 11, 2003. The outer walls of the building is decorated with the master painter's paintings and his son Yeonggeun's paintings which were selected from among their works and reproduced by utilizing about 7,500 20x20cm ceramic tiles, with a view to represent the image of Tongyeong and the artistic image of the master painter. In particular, the front wall on the third floor is a reproduction of the great artist's work titled "Window" painted in 1992.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Udo Sanho Beach, all referred to as Seobinbaeksa Beach, is a white sand beach. The ocean here varies in colors from bright emerald to deep sapphire according to its depth. The view is so unique, it cannot be compared to the Mediterranean Sea, South Pacific Sea, or any other ocean view.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Sangju-si)

The Sangju Bicycle Museum has a large collection of bicycles of all types and sizes, and from all over the world. On the first floor, bicycles are arranged in the order of production year and model. On the second floor, a special exhibition is set up to show the history of bicycles in Korea. Finally, the museum runs a free bicycle rental in the yard outside the main building.