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).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Yongchu Gyegok Valley is located in Mt. Daeyasan and it is the unique place where the water does not dry up throughout the year. Mt. Daeyasan, which is located in Wanjang-ri, Gaeun-eup, Mungyeong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, is formed of sharp peaks and all different types of Giamgoeseok, and the waters that flow through the valleys do so all year long. It borders Chungbuk Goesan-gun and Gyeongbuk Mungyeong-si, and is located in Mt. Daeyasan (931m). The three-tiered Yongchu Pokpo Waterfall, located in Yongchu Gyegok Valley, is a legendary pace where two female dragons flew up to the sky. Yongchu Gyegok Valley is divided into Upper Yongchu and Lower Yongchu. The place where the water falls out of the granite foundation down to where the heart-shaped pond is, is Upper Yongchu, and below that point is Lower Yongchu. On either side of Yongchu, there are two large markings on the granite boulders, which are said to be dragon scale markings, made as they rose up to the sky. Even when other places are suffering from droughts, water flows abundantly here. Above the Yongchu Waterfall, past the base rock about 20 minutes away, you will reach Wolyeongdae. It was named after its breathtaking view of the moon reflected on the water flowing through the rocks in the valley below. Near Yongchu Gyegok Valley there is the Seonyudong Gyegok Valley, also called Seonyu Gyegok (a place of 9 sceneries) where the Okgyesu River runs through two great rocks, which look as if it is artificially split.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Seonbichon Village (선비촌) in Yeongju, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the cradle of Korean Confucianism, is where the spirit and cultural heritage of Korea’s classical scholars, referring to those who were intellectually and morally capable of leadership within their chosen fields, is preserved. The village is the perfect place to learn about traditional Korea, and is famous for its classical scholars’ loyalty and filial piety.Seonbichon Village offers a variety of fun and exciting exhibitions, participatory events and traditional culture hands-on programs.* Site area - 57,717㎡* Building area - 2,651㎡* Facilities – 7 tile-roofed houses, 5 straw-roofed houses, 1 tower, 2 pavilions, 2 Jeongryeogak pavilions, 1 Seonghwangdang Altar, 1 storehouse, 1 look-out shed, Jeojageori Market* Susinjega (수신제가)– Kim Sang-jin’s House, Haeudang Old House, Ganghakdang Village School‘Susinjega’ refers to moral training and home management. You can realize the classical scholars’ self discipline amidst the ancient buildings and experience the traditional Korean educational system in person.* Ipsinyangmyeong (입신양명)– Duam’s Old House, the Head House of Indong Jang Clan‘Ipsinyangmyeong’ means rising in the world and winning fame. Within these old houses you can take a look at the lifestyle of the classical scholars in Yeongju, who were engaged in diverse activities, acting as high-ranking officials.* Geomuguan (거무구안)– Kim Mun-gi’s House, Manjukjae House, Pavilion‘Geomuguan’ means forgoing comfort and convenience in life. Within these old buildings, you can witness the integrity and spirit of classical scholars who strove to live idyllic and pastoral lives while criticizing the petty focuses of society.* Udobulubin (우도불우빈)– Kim Se-gi’s House, Kim Roe-jin’s House, Jang Hwi-deok’s House, Lee Hu-nam’s House, Kim Gyu-jin’s House, Servants’ Quarters of Duam’s Old House‘Udobulubin’ refers to pursuing a faithful and upright life even in poverty. These old houses offer a glimpse at the humble and pure life of classical scholars who were not ashamed of being poor.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Situated in Jeongseon (Gangwon-do), Mindungsan Mountain (1,118.8m) is an unusual site when compared to other national peaks. As its name indicates (bare mountain), there are few trees near its summit. Locals also refer to it as Eoksaesan (silver grass) Mountain because of the waves of Eulalia covering its sides. The mountain remains this way because villagers burned the fields once a year to encourage the growth of wild herbs.The mountain’s gradual slope offers an enjoyable trekking experience for hikers of all levels. In mid-October, waist-high silver grass is indeed everywhere, making it challenging for hikers to view the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain spots near the peak offer breathtaking views of the gentle ridges and flowing hillsides.Silver grass begins blooming in September and reaches peak colors between October and November. The Silver Grass Festival is held on Mindungsan Mountain every October, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees for a wonderful outdoor hiking experience and picturesque photo opportunities. The mountain is easily accessible by train allowing visitors from near and far to enjoy the fall colors.On the outskirts of Mindungsan Mountain near Balgudeok village is Goebyeonggol Valley, which contains magnificent rock formations and limestone caves. Other nearby attractions include Hwaam Yaksu (spring water site), Auraji Naruteo famous for creating Jeongseon Arirang (a local version of the traditional folk song, Arirang), and Gariwangsan Mountain (known for wild ginseng). 


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Marado is a small island situated at the southern end of Korea. It is about 11 km away to the south from Moseulpo Harbor in Daejeong-eup. Marado Island is 4.2 km long, but only 39 m at its widest, shaped like a sweet potato, and inhabitants fish and provide Minbak (homestay) for tourists for a living.Because there is no water on Marado Island, people get their water from gathering rain water, and they use solar cells to generate what electricity they have. In 1883, three families first came to the island and began living here. At first they lived off the food growing there, but once the food became scarce, they burned the mountain thick with trees to create field for farming. It was said that all the snakes and frogs died in that fire, and thus no snakes and frogs are found in Marado Island even until now. The island is famous for sea fishing. There is a ferry to Marado Island once or twice a day from Moseulpo Harbor.


Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)

Located in Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, Moaksan Provincial Park (모악산도립공원) lies south of Jeonju, an ancient city with thousands of years of history. With an elevation of 793.5 meters, Moaksan, or Mt. Moak, towers over the east of Geumman Pyeongya (delta) extending between the Mangyeonggang and Dongjingang rivers. It is situated in the central part of the Noryeong Mountains. Designated as a provincial park in 1972, the park is home to Geumsansa, a temple that has within its walls national treasures and many regional cultural properties. Its scenic views transform with the turn of the seasons. Because of the mountain’s proximity and easy-access, many climbers and hikers visit all the year round.


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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

The Ye-an branch of the Gwangsan Kim clan’s founder, Sir Hyo-ro Kim created this village Descendents of the family have resided in the village ever since. In 1974, when the Andong Dam was constructed, the village was moved from Ye-an Myeon, Andong to Waryong Myeon, Andong in its original form. Located between these two points are the designated national cultural heritage sites of Takcheongjeong Pavilion and Hujodang Annexed House. On display at the Sungwongak Pavilion Exhibition Hall are rare archives from the family’s history. Some of these documents on display include family records, estate documents and servant records. Among these writings, there are 7 varieties of ancient writings showing up in 429 pieces. There are also 13 varieties showing up in 61 records that are designated treasures. Takcheongjeong Pavilion The pavilion was constructed in 1541 by the Ye-an branch of the head of Gwangsan Kim clan. The pavilion is unique from others in that it is rather stately. It remains a highly treasured and important cultural landmark. During the Joseon Dynasty, noted calligrapher Ho Han named the pavilion 'Takcheongjeong.' Hujodang Annexed living quarters This house belongs to the head residence of the Ye-an branch of the Gwangsan Kim clan. The exact age of the house in unknown but it was built by Bupil Kim who lived from 1516~1577. This structure was built separately from the main house. The annexed living quarters were divided into interior and exterior areas. The exterior quarters were used for the male head of the household as a place for relaxation or social gatherings. The interior quarters were used as a place for elderly women or girls of marriage age to stay. Hujodang Annexed living quarters were exterior quarters.


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

Punch Bowl in Yanggu-gun Gangwon-do is a highland basin situated 400-500 meters above sea level. The name "Punch Bowl" comes from the basin's resemblance to a large punch bowl. The town has around 1,700 residents, and is the only town that is located inside the Civilian Access Control Line. Along with the nearby Daeamsan Mountain, Punch Bowl was once a ferocious battlefield during the Korean War. Several monuments were erected in memory of the deceased souls, while some remnants of the War still remain in the basin. Since the War, civilian access has been limited to Punchbowl and Daeamsan Mountain, allowing the natural environment in the area virtually unscathed. Rare flora and fauna reside in the area, and on top of the Daeamsan Mountain is Yongneup Swamp (Natural Monument No.246), Korea's one and only high moor and time-honored treasure trove for the ecosystem. Also, there is the 4th Infiltration Tunnel that was unearthed in March 1990. Unlike the rest of the tunnels (1st, 2nd and 3rd Tunnels), visitors can go into the tunnel riding in a cable car. From the Eulji Observatory nearby, visitors may enjoy the view of the four peaks of Naegeumgang area including the Birobong of Geumgangsan Mountain. To enter the tunnel and the observatory, visitors must fill out an entry application at the Yanggu Unification Center.


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

Donggang Museum of Photography, Korea’s first-ever public photo museum, opened in July 2005. Housed in a building with one basement level and two ground levels, the museum has a permanent exhibition hall and two special exhibition halls. There is also an outdoor gallery and a lecture hall.Some of the museum exhibits include donations by photo artists who participated in the Donggang Photo Festival, an event held since 2002, together with donations by winners of the Donggang Photo Award. Visitors will also find photos highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of Yeongwol and about 800 photos taken by town residents. Another noteworthy addition is the exhibition of 130 classic cameras, a must for camera enthusiasts and aficionados.