Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Located about 70㎞ southwest of Yeosu Port, Chodo Island is part of the ferry route from Yeosu to the more popular Geomundo Island. Major attractions on the island include small fishing villages, emerald green beaches, and the 500-year-old hackle berry tree. Island History In 1950, Chodo Island was defended by the brave local youth from the invasion of a small fleet of boats. The hackle berry tree is said to be occupied by the spirit that saved the life of an ailing local.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

The Gochang Pansori Museum was established in the old residence of ‘Dongni’ Sin Jae-Hyo (a musical theorist and arranger and a sponsor of Pansori) with the aim of honoring the great Pansori singers of the past (including Sin Jae-Hyo) and preserving and developing the indigenous tradition of Pansori. Of the original rooms of the residence only Sarangchae (an annex where men used to study or welcome guests) has been renovated and is open to the public. Right next to Sarangchae is the Dongni Gugakdang (Korean Traditional Music Hall).Over 1,000 pieces related to Pansori and great local singers are on display at the museum, included personal possessions once owned by Sin Jae-Hyo (penname ‘Dongni’). For those interested in learning more about the traditional art of Pansori music or experiencing high-quality Pansori, the Gochang Pansori Museum is a must-visit travel destination.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Located at the foot of Mt. Hamwol, Gulgulsa is the only temple cave in Korea. The temple was built out of solid rock during the 6th century by Saint Gwang Yoo and some accompanying monks, and was designed according to the architectural structure of India.On the top of the temple stands a sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and surrounding the sculpture are twelve rock caves used as a prayer sanctuary. Seven of the twelve rock cave sanctuaries are still standing today. Golgulsa’s main attractions are the sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and the Gwaneum Cave.The Buddha sculpture displays the characteristics of the Shilla Buddha, and is 4 meters high. The Buddha has his hair in a topknot, has a calm smile, narrow eyes, small lips, and a long narrow nose. To protect the sculpture of any damage from the wind or rain, a glass ceiling has been installed in the Gwaneum Cave, which is the largest sanctuary of the seven still existing caves.The main Buddha of this cave is the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and the cave walls are dedicated to the 108 meditations of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The Gwaneum Cave has a wall with tiles in front of it, which makes it look like an ordinary sanctuary. But once inside, the entire interior from ceiling to walls is carved all from stone. Golgulsa is unlike any other temple. The road to the temple offers an exciting thrill similar to that of rock climbing. Safety ropes and railings surround Golgulsa. A risky climb up a long set of stairs finally leads up to the caves, including Gwaneum Cave, Jijang Cave, and Yaksa Cave.The Maya Tathagata Buddha can only be seen after climbing the rock walls and holding on tightly to the safety ropes, but only past the cave-like rock that juts out.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

After demolishing the house in which he lived for 30 years, Mr. Toilet, Sim Jaedeok, built this house in the shaped of a toilet in order to celebrate the establishment of the World Toilet Association (WTA). He named it Haewoojae (해우재), which means "a house to relive one’s concerns," a term used in temples when referring to the restroom. Construction began in May 2007 by architect Go Giung, and finished on November 11, 2007. Haewoojae was credited as being the biggest toilet sculpture by the Korea Record Institute in 2007, and it got a lot of attention by domestic and foreign media outlets. After Sim Jaedeok passed away, his family donated the house to Suwon-si in July 2009, according to his will, and Suwon-si decided to remodel the place to commemorate him, making it into a Haewoojae cultural exhibit. * Opening date: October 30, 2010


Incheon(Yeonsu-gu)

Located at the center of international business district within Songdo International City, Songdo Central Park was designed to reuse rainwater effectively and reduce heat island effect as much as possible. It is also the first city in Korea to make a lakeside park using seawater. Visitors can enjoy a water taxi ride on the man-made waterway, take a stroll along the promenades or various themed meadows around.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

Songaksan Mountain is also called 99 Bong (99 Peaks) due to its 99 small peaks. The road from Sanbanggulsa Temple in Southern Jeju to Songaksan Mountain is a famous coastal drive with breathtaking scenic views. Though not as enormous as Hallasan Mountain, the view from the peak of Songaksan is truly scenic. From the summit, one can see nearby islands such as Marado, Gapado, and Hyeongjeseom, and as far as Hallasan Mountain and the Pacific Ocean.The main peak rises 104 meters above sea level. To the northwest of the main peak is an expansive prairie with several peaks. There is a crater about 500 meters in diameter and 80 meters in depth, with some blackish volcanic ash still remaining inside. Looking along the jagged coastline, one can spot the large man-made caves built during the Japanese occupation. The seashore at the base of Songaksan Mountain is a famous fishing ground and diverse fish such as sawedged perch and black porgy are caught here.


Jeollanam-do(Gangjin-gun)

Gaudo Island is the only populated island of the eight islands in Gangjinman Bay. The name, meaning "cow head," comes from its appearance when seen from Boeunsan Mountain. The island is connected to the mainland on both sides by hanging bridges. The island also features a 2.5 km-long trekking course that showcases the beautiful environment of both the mountains and the ocean.


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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

As King Gyeong-deok in 757 (16 years after ruling at the age of unified Silla) altered the administrative division system into Chinese style so as to strengthen the local power 'Ju', 'Gun', and 'Hyeon', which are hanja (Chinese characters). Since then, 'Byeokgol' was renamed as 'Gimje', which refers to golden field and thus the station name 'Gimje Station'.