Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Mongsanpo Beach, part of Taean Coast National Park, stretches 18km southwest of Seosan, 9km south of Taean and along the west coast of the Nammyeon Peninsula. Mongsanpo's white sand beach is around 3-km long and has a 5-degree tilt. The water is 1~2m deep with an average temperature of 22 degrees Celsius.The beach is surrounded by a dense forest of pine trees. The  pine tree forest along the beach serves as a good autocamp location to enjoy some fresh air and the natural beauty of the surroundings. During low tide, the muddy sediments deposited by the tide provide a place for children to learn about the world of creatures living on, in, and under the mudflats while catching clams and mud crabs at the same time.A 1km drive towards the western direction while passing throug the spectacular tree tunnel created by pine trees brings one to Mongdaepogu Port (몽대포구) where a number of fishing boats are docked. Near the port, one can find a number of small seafood eateries to enjoy some freshly sliced raw fish at reasonable prices.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Located in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu in Seoul, the Seoul Central Masjid was the first Islamic mosque in Korea. Construction of the mosque began in October 1974 on a piece of land (5,000 square meters) that was donated by the Korean government. Funded by the Islamic countries, the mosque officially opened on May 21, 1976 and now stands proudly halfway between the Hangang River and Namsan Mountain. The first floor of the mosque houses meeting rooms and the office of the Korea Muslim Federation; on the second floor is the men’s musalla (prayer hall) measuring 427 square meters; and on the third floor is the women’s musalla (prayer hall). The Islamic Center, originally a 2-story building (1,362 square meters) attached to the mosque, saw the addition of a third floor on July 20, 1990 thanks to generous funding from the Islamic Development Bank of Saudi Arabia. The Islamic Center now features a madrasah (educational institution for Muslim children), the Islamic Culture Research Institute, and more.


Incheon(Ongjin-gun)

Sindo Island is a 16.1 km-long (6.92㎢) piece of land situated 14km northwest of Incheon and 5km south of Ganghwado Island. Its highest point is Gubongsan Mountain (178.4 meters high). The name of the island, ‘Sindo’ (meaning ‘trust’ in Korean), came from the fact that the residents of the island are trustworthy and diligent. The island is also known as ‘Jinyeom’ (meaning ‘true salt’ in Korean) since the island is known for its high-quality salt.  Though relatively small in size, the island has a diversity of geographical features. Along the southwest coast is a large bay, while the northern and southern regions are more mountainous. Wide tidelands surround the entire island and provide a habitat for rare birds including the Chinese Egret and Black-tailed Gull, which also populate nearby Sido and Modo Islands.  Residents of Sindo make their living through farming and fishing. Goby and shellfish are caught off the coast and sweet grapes are grown in the fields. The villages of the island, such as Pyeongchon in the east, Gonam-ri in the southwest and Guroji in the southwest, serve as an important fishing points for locals.  From the peak of Gubongsan Mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the islands of the Yellow Sea (including Yeongjongdo Island). Travelers to Sindo can also conveniently visitor neighboring Sido Island via the 579 meter-long Yeondogyo Bridge, constructed in 1992. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

Sinbulsan County Park is located in parts of the Sangbuk and Samnam districts of Ulju (County). The massive area encompasses 11.66 square km and is home to one of the most impressive peaks in the Yeongnam mountain range found in the southeast of Korea. The park’s hiking trails interconnect with those of neighboring Gangwolsan and Yeongchwisan Mountains and attract a large number of hikers year-round. Near the peak of Silbulsan Mountain sits a fortress with breathtaking views of silver grass. Water starts high above the clouds at Danjobong Peak and trickles down through streams and waterfalls to join the deep mountain valleys. One of the better known attractions in Silbulsan Mountain is Hongryu Falls which offers impressive views from its gentle cliffs. Also nearby the mountain are Deungeok Hot Springs and a number of restaurants for hikers to visit and enjoy after a full day on the mountain.  


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

Mukho Port was opened on August 11, 1941 and has been a major port for fishing and trading (mainly, coal). Established on June 8, 1963, Mukho Lighthouse has been a guardian of ships and boats ever since. Located 67m up the slopes of Mt. Dongmun, Mukho Lighthouse (12m in x_height) is a white and circular concrete structure with two floors. It is surrounded by a cozy park where forsythias blossom in spring and visitors can overlook the sea. The park is home to the Maritime Fishing Exhibition Hall, where visitors can learn about the history of fishing in the area. The lighthouse and its surrounding area are full of quiet and comfortable spots to relax and enjoy the scenery. Because of its location (on the highest point of Mukho beach), the lighthouse is absolutely crucial to the safety of ships and boats coming into the port. The lighthouse’s large light, installed in October 2003, was developed by Korean scientists and uses a rotating prism lens that can shine beams of light as far as 42km. * Opened: June 8, 1963 * Structure: white and circular concrete structure (12m in x_height) * Lighting: FlW10s * Characteristics: located on Mt. Dongmun next to Mukho Port (the largest port on the East Coast in Gangwon-do)  


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheongyang-gun)

Mt. Chilgapsan, located in Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, was designated as a provincial park in 1973. This mountain, 561 meters above sea level, has been called “The Alps of Chungcheongnam-do.” Mt. Chilgapsan area has many peaks, a thick forest and a beautiful valley. Each season has its own unique atmosphere. There are romantic cherry blossoms in spring, vivid green leaves in summer, autumn tints in fall and a snow-covered landscape in winter. Mountaineers visit all year round and can choose from seven courses.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Along with Geumgansan Mountain and Hallasan Mountain, Jirisan Mountain (지리산) is known to be one of the most sacred mountains in Korea. It was named ‘Jiri’ because it was believed to be a place that turns the innocent into the wise. Jirisan Mountain, located in the south, is one of the five mountain peaks that surround the capital of old Shilla, On December 29, 1957 Jirisan National Park was declared the nation’s first and biggest national park. Its 440.517㎢ area covers Hadong, Sancheon and Hamyang in Gyeongnam; Gurye in Jeonnam; and Namwon in Jeonbuk region. The total area is seven times that of Gyeryong National Park and 52 times that of all of Yeouido.At 1,915.4 meter-high, Cheonwangbong Peak (천왕봉) is the second highest peak in Jirisan Mountain. From Cheonwangbong Peak begin several valleys such as Chilseon, Tongsin, Cheonwang and Jungsan. The big sheet of rock on the very top of the peak looks as if it is supporting heaven. Sunrise observed from Cheonwangbong Peak is extremely beautiful so much that the old Korean lore says it is a view reserved for people whose family conducted good deeds for three consecutive generations.


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

As the only natural energy source available in Korea, coal played its part as an important fuel for the industrial development of the nation. Now that the country relies more on cleaner energy sources, the demand for coal has been in steady decline and the coal industry is gradually losing its significance. The Taebaek Coal Museum is a place where you can learn about the history of Korea’s coal industry through the well-organized exhibitions.* The exhibitions will win the attention of visitors because:i) the unique story-telling method of the exhibitions is both interesting and eye-catching;ii) the exhibitions are presented in a way that facilitates the visitors’ understanding and take advantage of a spacious venue;iii) excavation and coal-collecting techniques are demonstrated by means of videos and mannequins;iv) various technologies are integrated into the simulation system, including special lighting, sound effects, and other mechanisms to enhance reality. 


Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Geumjeongsanseong Fortress (금정산성) is located on the peak of Mt. Geumjeongsan (801.5m) in Busan. Its original name was Dongrae Mountain Fortress, but it was changed because of its location.Its length is 17,377m, and 1.5m~3m high; it is the largest fortress in Korea. But now there is only a 4 km section remaining from the original. The exact time of the fortification is not recorded, but in reference to the location and size, it is presumed to have been built during the Three Kingdoms Era (when Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, the three dynasties, were fighting against each other). The present fortress was built in 1703, during the reign of Suk-Jong. It was built after Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of Korea from 1592~1598) to prepare for any further invasions from Japan. It was first built with stones and was renovated in 1707. During the dark years under Japanese sovereignty it was damaged and devastated.In 1971, it was designated as private property. The West, East and South Gates have been reintegrated, and it is still undergoing the restoration process. On the fortress barbican there is Munru (watch tower). There is another watch tower called Mangru to watch for enemies. Different from other mountains, it is easy to find spring water here, and because it is a granite area, you can easily see rock caves and small and big rock peaks at Mt. Geumjeongsan.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The Jeju Horse Park offers a venue to understand Jeju’s horse culture in an easy and fun way. The park has kept intact a 600-year nomadic cultural history of nomadic cultures at the site of the Gasi-ri village which used to house Gammajang, the place for raising the best horse during Joseon Dynasty. The park includes the Jeju Horse Museum, Ttarabi horseback riding place, Maeum Cafe, Mongol Ger Guesthouse, camping site, art shop, and an experience place to focus on the Project for a New Cultural Space Creation through the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The Jeju Horse Museum was the first national museum created by a village and its main theme covers the history and culture of the village is also regarded as a new kind of community business model. * Opened on September 8, 2012