Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

Ureuk Museum is a museum dedicated to the Gayageum (a traditional Korean twelve-stringed instrument) and Ureuk, the inventor of the Gayageum and a great musician. The only museum of its kind, Ureuk Museum excavates, collects, preserves, and displays pieces that help visitors more deeply appreciate the beauty and history of the Gayageum.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Batangol Arts Center is located in Yangpyeong. Because of the wonderful scenery of the surrounding lake and mountains, many people visit throughout the year. Batangol Arts Center is not merely a concert or exhibition hall, but also a place for visitors to participate in artistic activities and become artists themselves. It is a highly recommended place for foreigners who want to experience traditional Korean culture. You can participate in various activities at the art gallery, workshop, the ceramics workshop and the outdoor exhibition of the Batangol Art Center. One place you should not miss is the ceramics workshop. Here you can have the chance to actually make ceramics yourself. It is an interesting and fun experience for foreigners. After you finish shaping the mud clay, your work is completed by being baked in a traditional Korean pottery kiln. You can create your personal painting using the various dyeing materials. In the Hand-made Paper Room you can make paper with mulberry.Try making a card or a frame with the hand-made paper. It will be a nice present for friends and family. At the Batangol theater you can watch various genres of performances, from musicals to concerts. After seeing the artwork at the gallery, you can head to the cafe. It is a refreshing space where you can have a cup of tea while enjoying Mother Nature outside the window. The soothing scenery will x_heighten your taste buds and make the tea all the more refreshing. If you want to grab a bite before you leave Batangol, you can go to the Korean traditional restaurant, "Waegajip Bapsang." They have traditional dishes and snacks such as ramyeon and tteokbokki. There are more restaurants near the entrance of the Arts Center. 


Gyeonggi-do(Gimpo-si)

Aegibong Peak is located at the northern tip of Gimpo City about an hour’s drive from the downtown area. The mountain is where North and South Korea engaged in a fierce battle at the end of the Korean War; after the battle, Korea was divided into two nations. Since the peak is still a restricted area, visitors must present their passport in order to be admitted. From the peak, an open view of North Korean territory unfolds below and visitors can see South Korean territory as far as Songhaksan Mt. in Chungcheongnamdo Province. Even before the Korean War, Aegibong carried much historical significance as the setting of the sad love story between the governor of Pyeongyang and his mistress. The two lovers were separated during the Sino-Korean War in 1636 and the peak (‘Ae, 애’ means love, ‘gi, 기’ mistress in Korean) was named in honor of their love. In 1968, president Park Cheong Hee visited the peak and wrote a note by hand, saying the mistress' pain of being separated from her lover because of the war was much like those of families separated by the division of the two Koreas. The president’s writing was carved in a tablet and placed at the peak, where separated families still come every thanksgiving to perform an ancestral ritual and wish for reunification. Currently, the observatory at the peak is used for security training. Within the observatory is Mangbaedan Altar, which is where those originally from North Korea perform rites honoring ancestors in the North. Every year, there is a giant tree at Christmas and large lamps on Buddha’s birthday that are lit up here, their lights so big and bright that the even shine onto North Korean soil. The observatory also contains a naval war monument that commemorates naval personnel lost in battle. At the foot of the mountain, Han River empties into the ocean along the west coast, which is expressed by the term 'Jogang (조강)‘ (‘grandfather river’ in Korean). The scenery of the river with its boats, surrounding islands, and converging estuaries creates a unique and cozy scene that seems to be in harmony with the image of a kindly grandfather. ENTRANCE TO PEAK 1) Only those traveling by car will be admitted. **Entrance will not be granted to those traveling on foot or by bike. 2) All visitors are required to show their passport. **Korea citizens may show their government-issued ID instead of their passport. 3) Visitors must be fluent in Korean or accompanied by someone who can speak Korean fluently. 4) Fill in the tour request form and submit it to the office at the entrance. **All visitors must show ID; choose 1 person to fill out the form on behalf of your party. POINTS OF INTEREST 1) View of North Korean territory through telescope 2) Naval War Monument 3) Navy promotion video 4) Lecture on Aegibong (reservations required)


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

Hongwon Port, located near Chunjangdae Beach, is a popular place for enjoying sea fishing and delectable meals of fresh raw fish. In addition to its culinary appeal, the port offers the picturesque scene of long stretches of shoreline guarded by two beacons in red and white.Located only 10 minutes away by car is Maryang Port, which is one of the rare places where visitors can see both the sunrise and sunset. Maryang Port is the third most popular spot along the west coast after Anmyeondo Island and Daecheon Beach and is particularly loved by couples. Though Hongwon Port is perhaps not as scenic as Maryang Port, Hongwon is bigger and has more fishing boats (thanks to its small tidal range), resulting in a livelier atmosphere and cheaper sashimi prices.There is also a beautiful camellia hill, called ‘Dongbaekjeong’ located nearby. When the camellias are in full bloom, short-tentacled octopuses are in season at Hongwon Port. However, gizzard shad is by far the most popular seafood caught in the waters off the port. There are even old Korean sayings that stem from the popularity of the gizzard shad, which is said to be most abundant and delicious in the fall. According to the sayings “In the head of Gizzard Shad caught in autumn are three bags of sesame” (referring to the worth of the fish) and, “The smell of grilled gizzard shad brings the runaway daughter-in-law back home” (in reference to its taste).Hongwon Port (along with Gwangyang Port in Jeollanamdo) is the prime spot for gizzard shad. Each autumn the port holds the Gizzard Shad Festival, a festival that has plenty of events & delectable fish dises. While at the festival, visitors are also encouraged to check out the Seocheon Museum of Marine & Natural History and Dongbaekjeong. The stuffed specimens at the museum are worth the visit and the view of the Maryang Port from atop the museum is unbelievable.Representative festival of Hongwon Port: Gizzard Shad FestivalHongwon Harbor hosts the Jeoneo (gizzard shad) Festival every October. During the festival fresh gizzard shad is served up in a variety of ways (including salads mixed with spicy marinated Jeoneo, cucumbers, sesame leaves, and parsley) and the village comes alive with fish-catching activities, performances, and fireworks.Jeoneo is known as a good hangover food and a good diet food because it is low in fat and high in protein. Also said to be good for the skin, this tasty fish appeals to a wide audience (as evidenced by the diverse crowds that visit the festival each year).


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

Starting from Subun-ri, Jangsu-gun of Jeollabuk-do, Geumgang River flows from the east to the west passing through Chungcheong-do and the northern region of Jeollabuk-do before it reaches the Yellow Sea at Gunsan. In the old days people had to cross the river from Gunsan to Janghang by boat but over the years an estuary has formed at the mouth of the some 400-km-long river so that today people now come and go in their cars between the two cities.Geumgang estuary became a famous tourist attraction because of its majestic beauty but it has changed quite a bit compared to how it was before. Waves of reeds stretch along the riverside, and behind it are some hills that include Dolsan Mountain at about 100m and the more substantial Mt. Oseongsan at 230m. Come November a flock of swans fly into the estuary. It is truly a sight to behold. As well as being the breeding grounds for swans, the estuary has become a sanctuary for many rare birds including oyster catchers (Haematopus ostralegus) and Saunder’s gulls (Larus saundersi). So, visitors in winter can feast their eyes on the many birds that have made the estuary their home.


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si) , Icheon

Located in Icheon City, Gyeonggi-do, the Pig Museum is the first of its kind in Asia. Village chief and an expert of pig artificial insemination Lee Jong-yeong founded the museum in November 14, 2011. Some 5,000 pig-related articles from 18 different countries are on exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy pig performances and participate in hands-on experience programs such as making sausage.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Sogeumgang Valley located on the east side of Mt. Odaesan, and because the mountain scenery looks as if a crane ('Cheonghak') was spreading its wings, it was also called Cheonghak Dongsogeum. But after it became part of Mt. Odaesan National Park, it is now referred to by its current name, Sogeumgang Valley. It was designated as Famous Site No. 1 in 1970, and it occupies almost a quarter of the Mt.Odaesan National Park. Sogeumgang is the name used by scholar Yul-Gok of Joseon Period (1392~1910) when he wrote a book called Cheonghaksangi, and that name became its name. They say these mountains resemble Mt. Geumgangsan’s scenery, only miniaturized, hence the name Sogeumgang, meaning “small Geumgang”. Near Sogeumgang is Geumgangsa Temple, and there are the words “Sogeumgang” written by Yeol-Gok himself.Sogeumgang, starting with Mureung Valley as center, is divided lower half and upper half. The lower half is called Oesogeumgang and the upper half is called Naesogeumgang. Oesogeumgang includes the Geumgangmun, Chwiseonam, and Bibong Waterfall areas, and Naesogeum includes Samseonam, Sesim Waterfall, and Cheongsim Waterfall areas. Besides these, there are also Mureung Valley, Yeonjuam, Manmulsang and other well-known places, as well as Sipjaso pond that is shaped like a cross, Baekmabong, Okryudong, Sikdangam, and others. At the top of the mountain is Amisanseong (or Geumgangsanseong fortress), said to have been built by Mauitaeja (Silla 56th King, reign 927~935) a thousand years ago, to relieve himself of the grief of losing his kingdom. To the right of Mt Hwangbyeongsan is Noinbong Peak, and to the left is Maebong Peak. The current down from Noinbong Peak goes on for about 13 km and becomes Sogeumgang, which has many rocks, swamps, and waterfalls as well. Also, Sogeumgang has pine trees, various kinds of plants, bandal bear, woodpeckers, mountain sheep and other animals, making the area very valuable for ecology or biosphere studies. Sogeumgang is also famous for its winter snow flowers.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Cheongnyangsan Mountain Provincial Park was regarded during older times as a place where many famous high priests and scholars resided. At Cheongnyangsan Mountain, the Giam cliff forms 12 peaks and the Nakdonggang River flows through it. On this mountain stands the Cheongnyangsa Temple, which was built by Buddhist monk, Won-hyo (617 ~ 686.3.30) during King Munmu’s (reign 661~681) third year of reign during the Silla Period (BC57~AD935). There are also various temples, Gwanchang Falls, and many other attractions nearby. Behind the Provincial Park’s boulder is a monument with a poem inscribed on it by the famous scholar Toegye I Hwang (1501~1570) of the Joseon Period called Cheongnyangsanga. When Toegye was planning to build Dosanseodang, a school for the teachings of Confucianism, he had a tough time deciding on whether to build it there at Cheongnyangsan Mountain, or the alternate spot, where it was eventually built, on a decision made at the last minute. Aside from Toegye I Hwang, Won-Hyo and Ui-Sang (625 ~ 702), the Buddhist monks, Gim-Saeng (711 ~ 791), a master of calligraphy, Chi-won Choi (857 ~ ?), a scholar, and many others came to this mountain to cultivate their arts. Their presence still lingers in legends, being retold to this day. Osandang is believed to have been built by the disciples of Toegye at the spot where Toegye conferred with literary men, and is one of many relics found here, among them the Cheongnyangsan Mountain Castle, which is believed to have been built by King Gongmin (reign 1351~1374) of Goryeo Period, to escape the rebellions of the peasantry.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Located to the east of Mt. Baegamsan, Baegam Hot Springs is a unique opportunity for those seeking a relaxing alternative to Seoul’s busy lifestyle. The facility’s 48℃ alkaline water contains a great deal of lithium, and has been historically remembered long since the time of Shilla dynasty. Baegam Hot Springs takes up a large portion of Hot Springs town and boasts numerous convenient facilities, including lodging places. Baegam Hot Springs’ soft and transparent water is known for its therapeutic effects against neuralgia, chronic arthritis, and arterial sclerosis. Nearby highlights are Mt. Baegamsan –famous for its pine forest and clear sand- and Gusan Beach, visitors can enjoy hiking and sea-bath at one stop. 


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

Located 23km northwest from Yewan, the Chunguisa Relics Site was constructed in 1968 to pay tribute to Yun Bong Gil, who was martyred during the independence movement.On April 29, every year, an event to commemorate Mr. Yun’s patriotism takes place. His relics were designated as National Treasure No. 568 and now are on display here.