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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Samneung means "three royal tombs," and has strong ties to history. The three royal tombs house three kings of the Silla Kingdom: King Adala (8th King of the Dynasty), King Sindeok (53rd) and King Gyeongmyeong (54th). King Adala, who cared deeply for his people, mobilized his soldiers to rescue his subjects that were abducted by the invaders of Baekje. After a while, Baekje asked for peace treaty and King Adala released the prisoners he took during the engagement. A kingdom in Japan sent an envoy to ask for friendly relations with the Silla. King Adala’s tomb is 58m in circumference at the base, 5.4m in x_height and 18m in diameter. As King Hyogong died without any heirs, the people of the kingdom crowned his son-in-law as their next king – King Sindeok. During his reign, King Sindeok devoted himself to protecting his kingdom from invasions by Gyeonhwon and Gungye. The royal tomb is 61m in circumference at the base, 5.8m in x_height and 18m in diameter. It was robbed twice, inviting investigations in 1953 and 1963. The investigations revealed the tomb to be a chamber made of stone. King Gyeongmyeong, the son of King Sindeok, together with Wanggeon, the founder of the Goryeo Dynasty, successfully thwarted Gyeonhwon’s attack against Daeyaseong Fortress. During his reign, he attempted to establish diplomatic relations with the Hudang Dynasty of China, but was unsuccessful. The tomb is 50m in circumference at the base, 4.5m in x_height and 16m in diameter.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Chungnyeolsa Temple was built by 7th Admiralty Commander Lee Un-nyong in 1606 upon the order of King Seonjo during his 39th year of rule in 1606. The temple, which was meant to commemorate Admiral Lee Sun-sin's loyalty and brilliant exploits, houses the memorial tablet of Admiral Lee. The temple has five gates: Naesammun, Jungmun, Oesammun, Jeongmun, and Hongsalmun. There are other significant structures inside the temple as well. Dongjae and Seojae, the place where food for ancestral rituals were prepared can be found inside Jungmun Gate. Located inside Oesammun Gate are Sungmudang (administrative office) and Gyeongchungjae (lecture hall). On both sides of the gate are six pavilions housing memorial tablets, including the tablet of Admiral Lee. Outside the gate are Ganghallu Pavilion and the exhibition hall. The sign with the words "忠烈祠" hanging on Jeongchim and Oesammun was written by Munjeonggong Song Sun-gil and bestowed by King Hyunjong. Total area: 9,067.8m², Building area: 727m² Exhibition hall: 115.7m²


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The architectural style of Yakcheonsa Temple is reminiscent of that of Buddhist temples of the early Joseon Dynasty. Measuring an impressive 30m high and spanning a total area of 3,305 meters squared, it is the largest temple in the East. Upon entering Yakcheonsa Temple, guests will be greeted by a 5m-tall statue of Vairocana, the tallest of such statues in Korea, on a 4m high pedestal. The walls on both the right and left have been sculpted into large altar portraits of Buddha and in front of the Dharma Hall is a giant Buddhist temple bell, weighing 18 tons. Beloved for its size and grandeur, the temple consists of a main temple (2,652 meters squared) and a 3-story residential structure for the Buddhist monks. Other notable sites are the Gulbeopdang (the Dharma Hall, built inside a natural cave), the Samseonggak Shrine, and the Sarira Pagoda. Yakcheonsa Temple is not only popular among Buddhists but is also a well sought after tourist destination.


Gyeonggi-do(Guri-si) , Guri

Donggureung Tombs are located in a large forest area, and they are the resting place of Joseon's kings and queens. There are nine royal mausoleums and seventeen graves in total. The tombs are very large compared to other tombs in Korea, and the surrounding forest adds to the scenery. The nine royal mausoleums include the tomb of Joseon Dynasty’s founder King Taejo (1335-1408), which is called Geonwolleung (건원릉).All around the mausoleums are thick forests, and between the graves there are casual walking trails. An especially famous part of the Donggureung Tomb area is the historically significant field of purple eulalia reeds. The long reeds are said to have been transplanted from King Taejo’s hometown in the Hamheung region. The burial site carries 600 years of Joseon history with it.


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)

The area of Haenam Uhang-ri is designated as Natural Monument No. 394 since the area remains not only a fossil district with footprints of dinosaurs, pterosaurs, and birds, but also has a rich geologic history. So, Haenam-gun created the Haenam Uhangri Dinosaur Museum in order to showcase the natural heritage and experience the dinosaur exhibition such as a 4D video room and special exhibition. The museum is the very first dinosaur museum in the southwest region of Korea and features plenty of dinosaur remains and other related exhibits.


Busan(Seo-gu)

Located in Songdo Beach, Busan Air Cruise was restored after 29 years to revive the reputation of the first public beach in Korea. From Songlim Park on the east to Amnam Park on the west, 39 cabin cars provide an amazing view including crystal cabin that offers a glass bottom view for extra thrill. Visitors can also enjoy the first cable car museum in the nation at Songdo Doppelmayr World, Asia's first midair swing "Sky Swing", theme park photo services and more.


Gyeonggi-do(Bucheon-si) , Bucheon

Reflected by the outstanding performance of Korean archers at recent Olympic games, Koreans have an esteemed reputation for their skills in archery and craftsmanship. But this undoubted skill has historical precedent, as bows were an important weapon of war throughout Korean history. The Bucheon Bow Museum (부천 활박물관) was established to show visitors the spirit of the Korean archery, and demonstrate its ancestral traditions of bowyer craftsmanship. The museum houses traditional bows (gukgung, 국궁), which are considered, prized cultural pieces, and have been made by a Bucheon family, which has fostered a lineage of bowyers across five generations for over than 160 years. In addition, the museum exhibits various pieces and articles such as gukgung, arrows, and other military technologies.  


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Kim Yujeong Station is named after one of the prominent Korean writers of Kim Yujeong from the area. It was firs time using the person's name for the station and located between Gangchon and Namchuncheon Stations in Gyeongchun Line. The station commenced its operations in July 25, 1939, which was back then called Sinnam Station. The name of the station was changed into the current name in December 2004. As of December 21, 2010, the station was officially transferred to the new station after the new line of Gyeongchun Line of Seoul Metropolitan Subway started to operate. Near the station, Kim, Yujeong Literature Village and Sindong-myeon community office and post office are located.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, rising just 510 meters above sea level, but the mountain has long been deemed as a spiritual guardian of the Yeosu peninsula. During the old days, people held rituals for rain or offered wishful prayers here. Geumseongdae and Dosolam Hermitage are two Buddhist places of worship on the mountain. As Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, taking any hiking course will lead you to the peak within about four hours. The mountain is a perfect place for family travelers to go hiking. Yeongchwisan Mountain is also widely known as the first place in Korea where azaleas begin to bloom in the spring, and is one of the top three most famous places in Korea for azalea blossoms. In April each year, the azalea festival is held in the mountain. The festival offers a variety of programs including a ritual for the god of the mountain, a writing contest for students, a photo contest, and Miss Azalea beauty pageant. During the festival, visitors can enjoy various events and local foods.