Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)

Situated in Boryeong (Chungcheongnam-do), spacious Gaehwa Art Park (181,819m2) is a theme art park that houses a variety of parks and attractions: to name a few, Mosan Fine Arts Museum, Birim Park, Yukpilsi Park, Hwain Music Hall, and Herb Land. Herb Land, in a large greenhouse, is home to a wide array of foliage plants, aquatic plants, freshwater fish, amphibians, and insects, an excellent learning center for children; Yukpilsi Park displays stone statues on which works of famous Korean poets are inscribed, making it an ideal place for couples and family visitors. The park boasts over 1,000 sculptures, statues, and monuments as well as seven ponds on which stone sculptures and lotus flowers float. It is a fascinating place to take pictures. A walking trail enveloping park, stretching over 2.5km, is flanked by endless monuments displaying famous Chinese poems. The park, in addition, offers various programs through which to make herbal soap, wooden crafts, or ceramics, ride a banana boat, or go rowing.  


Incheon(Bupyeong-gu) , Bupyeong

Endorsed by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Korea.


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

The Geumgang Migratory Bird Observatory is located at Geumgang Estuary (Gunsan-si), one of the country’s most representative sites for migratory birds. With Geumgangho Lake, wide spreads of farmland, and an abundance of reeds and tidelands, the estuary draws flocks of migratory birds each winter.From the Migratory Bird Observatory, the first of its kind in Korea, visitors can watch birds in their natural habit. For an even deeper look at the patterns of these feathered travelers, the museum has on display bird specimens and exhibits depicting the hatching of bird eggs. Other facilities include the Geumgang Bird Park and the Ecological Center.In autumn of every year, the Gunsan International Migratory Bird Festival takes place at the Geumgang Migratory Bird Observatory, Geumgangho Lake, and Saemangeum area. One of the most popular programs at the festival is the bird-watching tour. The sight of tens of thousands of migratory birds flying overhead is truly astounding. The tour runs from the festival period all the way until the end of February.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Seongryugul Cave is located where Wangpicheon Stream intersects with Seonyusan (Mt. Seonyu). Surrounded by arborvitae and designated as Natural Monument No. 155, it is a limestone cave that stretches over 472m; it is adorned with a beautiful array of stalactites and stalagmites. Connected to Wangpicheon Stream, the cave consists of five ponds and twelve squares. It is also the habitat for abundant fish. The cave was initially called Seonyugul because it was a beautiful site for mountain gods to stay and rest. Its current name originated during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598). During the war, Buddhist statues housed in the nearby temple were relocated to the cave; hence the name, Seongryugul (Cave Where Buddha Stays). The cave is shaped in a linear, horizontal form, and a variety of squares within it—Yeonmudong Seoksil, Eumhacheon Ojakgyo, Yongsinji, and Yongsinji—showcase exquisite beauty. The most famous attraction in the cave, though, belongs to Sambulsang (Three Buddhist Statues) which looks like three Buddhas standing side by side.  


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Deungjan (등잔, Korean lamps) that used to light up the nights in Korea, and have all but disappeared into the ‘back streets’ of history, have now been gathered together in one place – the Korean Deung-Jan Museum (한국등잔박물관) – where their enchanting flames are once again illuminating Korea. Based on materials that were collected for roughly 40 years by the now octogenarian Dr. Kim Dong-hwi, the Korean Deung-Jan Museum was established in September 1997 as a theme museum of Gyeonggi Province in Neungwon-ri, Mohyeon-myeon, Yongin City, Gyeonggi Province. The museum was built to mimic the image of the fortress walls in Hwaseong, Suwon, and as a result the building bears a resemblance to a lighthouse. The first and second floors of the building, which has one underground floor and three floors above ground, are exhibition halls. The basement floor is a rest area for seminars and a wide range of performances. There is also an outdoor exhibition space that measures around 2,644 m2 and includes native rocks, various types of trees, and a pond.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

If you go south from Seoknamsa Temple coming off Mt. Gajisan, you will arrive at Deokhyeongjae, and if you continue walking south, you will see Baenaegol (valley), within which you will find the Paraeso Falls. Because of the rugged road leading toward these scenic falls, they have remained somewhat hidden and off the beaten track. The captivating falls cascade downward from a x_height of 15 meters, spraying white clouds of mist as the waters reach the bottom. The falls feed into a wide pond below, 100 meters in diameter. The falls and surrounding valley are a popular attraction during the summer for those hikers eager to escape from the summer heat and to enjoy a therapeutic walk in the nearby natural forest.  


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , The Eastern Part of the Jeju Island

Located in Jongdal-ri (Gujwa-eup, Jeju City), Yongnuni Oreum (also called Yonganak, literally meaning ‘Dragon Eye Mountain’) is a parasitic volcano almost 250 meters in x_height. Various craters and lava hills mingle together, and the front side of the mountain shows picturesque landscapes, typical in Jeju oreums with an abundance of lush grass. The outskirts of the mountain are full of natural plants such as Ranunculus japonicus, Pulsatilla koreana, and Elsholtzia splendens.The name, Yongnuni Oreum, is derived from the fact that the mountain looks like the shape of a dragon lying down. The large crater in the middle of the hill looks like a place where a dragon used to lay. Some people have argued that the name comes from the crater looking like a dragon's eye when seen from the air. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Junam Reservoir features a large migratory bird sanctuary spread throughout three reservoirs (Sannam, Junam, and Dongpan), and is one of Korea’s top nature-watching areas for visitors. It operates Ramsar Culture Center, ecology educational hall, bird-watching site and Junam Environment School free of charge and a guide tour is available to explore the reservoir with ecological explanations. In addition, a lotus field and flower road can be visited in the reservoir.


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(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)