Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

The Byeokgolje Reservoir in Gimje is the oldest irrigation facility in Korea. According to the Samguk Sagi (history of the three kingdoms), Byeokgolje was first built in the 21st year of the reign of King Heulhae (330 AD) of the Silla Kingdom. However, this region belonged to the Baekje Kingdom at that time, so some counter that the embankment was actually built in the 27th year of King Biryou (330 AD) of the Baekje Kingdom. Historians agree however that the reservoir was mended by King Wonseong of Silla in 790 AD and by King Hyeonjong and King Injong of the Goryeo Dynasty in 1143 AD. In 1415, King Taejong of the Joseon Dynasty rebuilt the whole facility, but it was washed away in heavy rains five years later in the 2nd year of King Sejong. Only about three kilometers of the reservoir embankment remain intact today. Moreover, the original embankment underwent major transformations in 1925 when the Dongjin Land Improvement Association remolded it into a channel for carrying water to nearby fields. In 1975, an archeological study of the sites where the two floodgates once stood revealed that highly refined measuring techniques had been used in the original construction of the reservoir. Thus, despite its many changes, Byeokgolje not only holds significance as Korea’s oldest manmade reservoir, but also as a historical relic that points to the highly developed engineering technology of the past.


Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)


Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si)

Baran Spa in Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do uses salt springs water from 700m underground. The water is rich in minerals, and is known to have many health benefits. The Spa features several different facilities including a sauna, ultraviolet steam spa, jade spa, and bulgama (fire pot) spa.


Jeollanam-do(Yeongam-gun)

The historic Dogapsa Buddhist Temple is located within the Wolchulsan National Park and in 1984, was designated Provincial Cultural Property No. 79. At an elevation of 376m, the site offers spectacular views of the surrounding area, so impressive it carries the nickname ‘Sogeumgang River’, meaning “Small Geumgang River” of Jeollanamdo-Province. Founded by Buddhist Monk Doseon during the later years of the Silla Kingdom, the temple houses many historic and cultural treasures, most notable of which is Haetalmun Gate (gate of emancipation); designated as National Treasure No. 50 and one of few remaining original Korean structures. In addition, there are the Maaeyeoraejwasang (National Treasure No.144) and Seokjoyeoraejwasang (National Treasure No.89) sitting Buddha statues, the Mokjomunsu•Bohyeondongjasang (Treasure No. 1134), the Doseonsumibi (Jeollanam-do Tangible Cultural Property No.38) and the Daeungbojeon, or ‘main temple hall.’ An added bonus is the walkway lined with cherry trees leading to Dogapsa Temple. During the spring season, the 1km path offers a fabulous touch to the pristine surroundings. Nearby attractions are Wolchulsan National Park, Historical Site of Dr. Wangin, Yeongam Pottery Museum and Gurim Village.  


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

The Jaun Seowon Confucian Academy is home to the tablets of Yulgok Yi I, a great scholar of the Joseon Dynasty. Yulgok was born in his mother’s childhood home in Gangneung in 1536, the 31st year of King Jungjong’s reign. The site is home to the Memorial Hall (free admission) where artifacts related to Yulgok and his mother Sinsaimdang are on exhibit. The tomb of Yulgok Yi I is located to the west of the Memorial Hall and sits above the tomb of Sinsaimdang with the tombs of other relatives. It is unique that the tomb of Yi I is above that of his mother. The site is home to the memorial hall building as well as the family tombs, tombstones, Sammun and Munseongmun gates, Yulgok Education and Training Center, a lawn plaza, pond, mineral spring, and a room where memorial services are held. In early October every year, the Yulgok Culture Festival, a major festival of Paju, is held beginning with the ritual service offered in memory of Yulgok.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)


Gyeonggi-do(Guri-si)

Guri City worked to improve the water quality of Jangja Lake (장자호수) in order to form the Jangja Lake Park (장자호수공원) and in the process an ecological zone was created. A 3.6 km tree-lined walkway runs through the park, and is frequented by people enjoying an outing or getting some light exercise. Concerts, exhibitions, and other events are held on the outdoor stage on weekends and the park is widely used as a place to relax by local residents. * Size - Area 107,385m², average water depth 2.2m (0.2m~4.7m), and walkway 4.6km


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si) , Yeoju

Situated in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, the Silleuksa Temple Resort (신륵사관광지) features countless relics and remains, awe-inspiring scenery, the Geumeun Sand Zone, and Silleuksa Temple. Silleuksa Temple is also referred to as the byeokjeol (‘walled temple’ because it has a pagoda made entirely of bricks). The pagoda was erected by the renowned Buddhist monk Wonhyo during the Silla Kingdom, and is visited by many who are drawn to the beautiful natural scenery along the banks of the Namhangang River, which is served by convenient transportation. Geumeun Sand Zone Shade is provided by the roughly 200 zelkova trees that are 30 to 50 years old. There are also washrooms, water supply facilities, and parking areas, making the area a good place for camping and swimming by the river’s banks. The area also features boating facilities and offers visitors the chance to collect some of the uniquely shaped stones that are scattered along the riverside. Along the shoreline, visitors will find a shopping center, rest facilities, a video arcade, amusement facilities (16 attractions in addition to a Viking-ship ride), and other facilities to satisfy the various tastes of visitors to the resort. Silleuksa Temple District With lodging available at the Silleuksa Temple Resort, the district is winning attention as a tourist destination, along with the tomb of King Sejong and the Moga Buddhist Museum, the area between Yeoju Bridge to Silleuksa Temple is an inviting place for romantic walk. There is also a natural reed field along the river, a putting green, parking areas, lodging, restaurants, local product stores, water fountains and a sports park.


Chungcheongnam-do()

Hwangnyongsa Temple is attached to the Taegojong Order of Buddhism. No information is available on when the temple was built, but it is thought to have been built by the descendants of Hwang Hee (1363-1462), who returned to his hometown to avoid political strife in the mid Joseon era, wishing for national peace and the prosperity of the family clan. The temple had been taken care of by Hwang Hee’s descendants for generations, but at one time became ruined. The temple had been rebuilt in modern days. The current buildings were re-constructed by Monk Beobin in 1985. Inside, there are Buddhist buildings like Daeungjeon, Gwaneumjeon, Samseonggak, and Beomjongnu. New additions include the three-storied stone pagoda and the Three Buddha statues in front of Daeungjeon Hall. The oldest relic from the temple is the standing Gwanseeumbosal Buddha statue in front of the Three Buddha Statues. The statue is considered to be about a hundred years old.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Nestled at the foot of Maraesan Mountain (alt. 385.2 m), Chungminsa Temple (Historic Site No. 381) was built by Lee Sieon (unknown - 1624), and was commissioned by Lee Hangbok (1556-1618) after the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese Invasion) upon King Seonjo's (1601) command. The shrine was forced to be demolished by Japan in 1919, and only two sections remained. In 1947, they were then rebuilt by local residents in the end. It was designated as Historical Site No. 381 on June 1, 1993. * Chungminsa Hamabi (stone statue) At the entrance of Chungminsa Temple, Hamabi (stone stuatue) is set up with a 1.4 m-x_height, 42 cm-x_width, and 10 cm-thickness, with the word "Hamabi" written on the stone, meaning "expressing one's respect", and in front of the palace is a Confucian shrine, the birthplace of the sages that symbolizes the temple's significance. This stone used to be 100 m away but was moved to its current site when a detour road was built.