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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Born in Ulsan, Oesol Choe Hyunbae led the 'Hangeul Matchumbeop Tongiran' (the Proposal for Unified Hangeul Orthography) and published many books in order to creatively promulgate Hangeul. Those activities contributed to the establishment of the Hangeul culture and the systematic approach to hangeul.


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).


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Piagol Valley is located between Nogodan and Banya peak on Jirisan Mountain. It is named so because in the fall the leaves in the valley turn crimson red. It is also one of the ten most beautiful highlights of Jirisan Mountain. It is famous for its fall colors, but it is also a beautiful place to visit all year around. During the spring time, the royal azaleas cover the entire area, and in the summer the lush forest fills the valley. Its autumn leaves are famous enough to be used in promoting tourism in Korea, and during the winter, the snow-covered valley is also a majestic sight to behold.At the entrance to Piagol Valley, there is the largest temple in Jirisan Mountain, Yeongoksa temple, and other national level cultural treasures are found here. The valley is not steep and should be easy for anyone to reach. The path from the valley entrance to Samhongso is breathtaking. Samhong refers to three “hong”s (red) – Sanhong (mountain red), Suhong (water red), and Inhong (person red). Every year, the Piagol Autumn Leaves Festival is held here, and valley trail walk, local produce sales, and photo exhibitions, among other activities, are promoted during the festival. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park was built in 1996 to commemorate the victory of national hero, Admiral Yi Sun-sin who fought against the Japanese in the invasion of Korea from 1592~1598.Admiral Yi Sun-sin torpedoed 26 out of 50 Japanese ships gaining victory in the Okpo naval battle.A memorial hall, shrine, tower and Okporu Pavilion are located at the commemorative park. The Turtle Ship, an ironclad warship shaped like a turtle, swords crafted in the Joseon tradition, and other remains are displayed at the memorial hall. Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s picture can be seen at the shrine.On top of the 30 meter high tower and Okporu Pavilion, visitors can enjoy ocean vistas as well as a view of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.Entrance to the breakwater is not permitted for safety reasons.


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(Andong-si)

Dosan Confucian Academy was established in 1574 (7th year under the reign of King Seonjo), by the disciples and others who cherished their memories of the premier Lee Hwang.Dosan Lecture Hall was an academy where Toegye Lee Hwang taught his students and concentrated on his academic studies. In 1574 (the 7th year under the reign of King Seonjo (1567~1608)) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910), Confucian scholars established a shrine called Sangdeoksa. In 1969, it was designated as a National Treasure No. 170. After placing the mortuary and performing the sacrificial rites, they finished the Lecture Hall by building Jeongyodang (National Treasure No.210) and the West and East Wings (where scholars could study). When the Lecture Hall was finished King Seonjo bestowed the sign.When you enter the main entrance there is Dosan Lecture Hall on the right. The structure of the building is simple with the square pillars and simple structures of the girders inserted in the crosspieces. If you go up behind the Lecture Hall and pass the Jindo Gate, there is Gwangmyeongsil where books are stored. You can also find the main building, Jeongyodang and the West and East Wings.Behing Jeongyodang there is Sangdeoksa and Jangpangak, a tree to print the ‘Dosan 12 Songs’. Okjingak, which was rebuilt in 1970, is now an exhibit building for the relics of Toegye such as his stationary, furniture, and his favorite books etc.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

Suanbo Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone is a time-honored hot springs resort in Korea. Known as the first naturally yielding hot springs that started to flow 30,000 years ago, its effect is also widely recognized. Gushing out from 100 m underground, its water is weak alkaline in nature, and the temperature is 53℃. What's more, the water contains minerals and far-infrared effect. This is why a large number of people flock to the hot springs for treatment and recuperation. Currently, it is under the jurisdiction of Chungju-si City. At the center of Suanbo Hot Springs is Multang Park, with a shallow hot spring water stream, which is used as a foot bath. For those who are not able to take a bath, a foot bath is a good option. The foot bath is especially popular from autumn to spring. Most visitors to Suanbo Hot Springs stay at a hotel or motel in the area. The restaurants here serve pheasant dishes, the local specialty. Suanbo Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone is adjacent to the national road that spans from downtown Chungju-si City to Mungyeong. Sitting in the heart of the Korean Peninsula, it is easy to access from Seoul and other provincial cities. Apart from the hot springs, there is a lot to see in this area, such as Woraksan Mountain, Chungjuho Lake and Songgye Valley. It is a great opportunity to immerse ones' tired body in the hot spring water after a long hike. * Current State of Suanbo Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Anbo and Oncheon-ri, Suanbo-myeon, Chungju-si, Chungcheongbuk-do 2) Area: 9,216,210㎡ * Tourist Attractions Woraksan National Park, Chungjuho Lake, Songgye Valley, Mireuksa Temple Site, etc.


Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Hongbeopsa Temple is located in Geumjeong dugu-dong, Busan, known for its largest bronze Amida Buddha Statue (21m). Surrounded by Mt. Cheolmasan and Mt. Geumjeongsan, a beatiful scenery is revealed and it stretches to Suyonggang river, making one feel as if you were in Yeonhwajang, the ideal world, filled with lotus flowers in Buddhism. Zen and meditation classes are also provided and the meditation room is where you can find your own quiet time in the temples. The temple also exhibits a bust of Gandhi, donated by the Government of India to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India. The temple has a wealth of attractions luring increasing number of tourists every year. It also has a huge buddha's statue that you can not see another temples in Korea, India Cultural Center, Jeokmyeolbogung Palace and a beautiful ecological garden, the best place to see the natural environment.