Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)


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.


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.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

The Jungwon Tappyeongni 7-story stone tower (National Treasure No. 6) is often referred to simply as “Jungangtap” (“Central Tower”) because of its location at the center of Korea. Standing at a x_height of 14.5 meters, the tower is presumed to have been built during the Unified Silla Period. An outdoor sculpture park (the first of its kind in Chungcheongbuk-do Province) has been established in the grassy area around the tower and contains 26 sculptures created by Korean sculptors. The larger Jungangtapsajeok Park is accented by gazebos, small fountains, a hiking path, and is home to the Chungju Museum, an outdoor museum, a musical fountain, 10 sculptures and etc. The park’s convenient facilities have made it a popular leisure retreat for the citizens of Chungju as well as an educational site for children. Chungjujojeongji Dam, located north of Jungangtapsajeok Park, is another popular retreat for the locals.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

The name of Heungguksa Temple means “if the country prospers, the temple does well.” The temple was established to pray for the country to flourish. Located on Yeongchwisan Mountain, Heunaguksa was founded by Bojo Guksa in 1195.Within the compound are other buildings including Wontongjeon, Palsangjeon and Daeungjeon (Main Hall). The temple’s main hall (Treasure 396) is open in its structure and equipped with Korean traditional doors. A Buddhist painting named Hubultaenghwa is designated as Treasure No. 578. At the entrance to the temple is a rainbow-shaped stone bridge called Honggyo Bridge (Treasure No. 563), which is widely known as a distinguished work of art.On Yeongchwisan Mountain, azaleas begin to bloom in early April and completely take over the mountain by the end of the month. Azalea blossoms create an extravagant view along the ridgeline of Yeongchwibong Peak (439m above sea level) and Jillyebong Peak (510m above sea level). During this period, the Mount Yeongchwisan Azalea Festival takes place.


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.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

The historical border of the Silla and Baekje Kingdoms, Rajetongmun Gate of Seolcheon-myeon, Muju was formed from a rock cave in Seokgyeonsan Mountain. The tunnel is approximately 3m in x_height and 10m in length, and divides the villages of Sindu Maeul into Dugil-ri, Seolcheon-myeon and Inam Maeul in Socheon-ri. During the Three Kingdoms Period, the rocky ridges of Seokgyeonsan Mountain drew the boundary of Silla's Mupung in the east with Baekje's Seolcheo to the west. Tracing the history from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Goryeo Dynasty, the cultures and traditions of the two regions were markedly different. If curious about the difference, one could simply stop by Seolcheon on market day, where the Muju and Mupung local dialects and customs can easily be distinguished. People used to cross Seokgyeonsan Mountain by a footpath along the rocky ridge to travel between Seolcheon and Mupung. During the Japanese occupation, a new road was created by turning a cave into a tunnel through the mountain so cows and horse carts could freely pass from Muju to Gimcheon. General Kim Yoo Shin from the Silla Kingdom, the hero of unification of the Three Kingdoms, often passed by the gate, later giving rise to the gate's nickname, Tongilmun (literally "Unification Gate"). The gate is number one on the list of 33 scenic sites in Gucheon-dong.


Gyeonggi-do(Anyang-si)

The Kwanak Arboretum of Seoul National University located in Anyang-si, is a central research institution that collects, grows, preserves, exhibits, and studies plants native to Korea and other plants native to the northern hemisphere. The institution focuses on educational exchanges and cooperatives with relevant institutions both home and abroad.


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.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangju-si)

The Songchu Resort (송추유원지) is 3km south of Songchu station and is easy to access. Consisting of 4km-long valleys, it has a swimming pool, a fishing spot and other facilities. Seasonal fruits from local farms such as strawberries, pears, peaches and grapes sate the appetites of visitors. Designated as a national park, the area is characterized by its beautiful natural scenery, undulating valleys, and a three-tiered waterfall. ※ Camping and cooking is banned in the Bukhansan National Park area.