Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Located 87.4km away from Ulleungdo Island, and formed entirely from volcanic rock, Dokdo is an isolated island off the east coast of Korea bearing a latitude of 37°14' north and a longitude of 131°52' east. Collectively, both Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo once belonged to a country named Usanguk. According to geographical records, Usanguk became part of the Silla Kingdom (57B.C. ~ 935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla. Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained significant strength during this period to overtake Usanguk.In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon Dynasty, there are passages by Kim Jaju describing Dokdo, which was referred to as Sambongdo at the time. Dokdo was initially called 'Sambongdo', 'Gajido' or 'Usando', but the name was later changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name 'Dokdo' was first used in 1906 by the Headman of Ulleung County Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do.After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Suk Jong (1674-1720), records that An Yong-bok went to Japan twice in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory. He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to Dokdo.Dokdo is comprised of two main islands: Dongdo, or East Island which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Island, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island formed due to weathering and erosion.Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the island, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.Presently there are security guards on Dokdo that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. For more information on traveling Dokdo, click here!


Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)

Situated in a dense forest in Sangwangsan Mountain (altitude: 307m) and located 6km away from Haemi-myeon, Gaesimsa Temple is one of four temples in the province of Chungcheongnam-do. The path from a parking lot to the temple site is quite remote and curved, but beautiful especially in the spring when the cherry blossoms are in bloom.The temple was built in 1484 during the 15th year of King Seongjong and designated as Treasure No. 143. Visitors can easily recognize the temple, as it uses bent tree trunks for pillars.


Chungcheongnam-do(Nonsan-si)

Gyebaek (? - 660) was a general in the ancient Korean kingdom of Baekje. This historic site is not far from Hwangsanbeol, the last battlefield of General Gyebaek who fell defending Baekje at the end of its days. Allied troops from Silla and Tang attacked Tanhyeon and Baekgang, strategic sites held by Baekje, in 660 (the 20th year of King Uija’s reign). General Gyebaek and his 5,000 soldiers fought against General Kim Yu-sin and his 50,000 soldiers. General Gyebaek successfully defeated the allied troops four times, but was ultimately unable to overcome the insurmountable numbers brought to bear by his foe. The Baekje army was finally defeated, and the last general of Baekje, Gyebaek, died in the battle.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangju-si) , Namyangju

The Lighting Museum, the only one of its kind, is dedicated to the art, culture and history of lighting. The 2-story museum is divided into several different sections: Traditional Lighting Hall, Modern Lighting Hall, Lighting Art Hall, Color & Lighting Experience Hall, and Lighting Art Experience Hall.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Located in 34, Gangchon-ro, Namsan-myeon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do, Gangchon Station is one of train stations in Gyeongchun Line. It is situated between Gimyujeong and Baekyang-ri. The metropolitan subway line, Gyeongchun Line, started operating on December 21, 2010 and rapid train used to stop at the station even during weekdays since August 2011. However, the rapid train is no more operating due to the introduction of ITX-Cheongchun Train.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Daejeonghyanggyo is a Confucian school during Joseon Dynasty. Although the exact date of construction is uncertain, it is estimated that the building was built at around the same time as Daejeonghyeon in 1416. The school was originally located inside Bukseong. It moved outside Dongmun and then moved again to the site of Seoseong. It was moved to Dansan Oreum where it remains to this day. At present, Daejeonghyanggyo Confucian School consists of Daeseongjeon, Myeongryundang, Dongjae, Seojae Shinsammun, Daeseongmun, Dongmalmun and Dongjeongmun. Daeseongjeon was remodeled in 1669, 1688, and 1752. Myeongryundang was rebuilt in 1772. After several instances of remodeling and rebuilding, Daeseongjeon was remodeled again in 1993. The Confucian school was designated as Jeju Tangible Cultural Asset No. 4 in August 1971.


Chungcheongnam-do(Dangjin-si)

'Solmeo' gets its name from a small cluster of pine trees. The first Korean priest, Saint Kim Dae-gun Andrea was born here on August 21, 1821 and continued to live until he was seven to escape from persecution by following his grandfather to Handeok-dong, Yongin (Golmaemashil). Furthermore, it is where four generations of ancestors such as his great-grandfather Kim Jin-hu (martyred in 1814), great uncle Kim Han-hyun (1816), father Kim Jae-jun (1839), and priest Kim Dae-gun himself (martyred in 1846) lived.He was chosen as a theological student in Golmaemashil and studied in Macao. In 1846, he was ordained as priest by Bishop Ferréol in Shanghai, Kim Ga Hang Cathedral. After his return to Korea, he worked in Yongin until September 1846 when he was tried, executed and died a martyr when he was only 26. Pope Johannes Paulus II appointed him a saint during his visit to Korea in May 1984. In Solmoe, Priest Kim Dae-gun’s statue and a memorial stands underneath the pine trees and his remains are placed inside the nearby cathedral.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Jeju Country Club, which was the first club to be opened in Jeju, is located 560m ground above sea level. You can enjoy the uniqueness of the fields blooming with Bo-tree flowers in the spring, eoksae flowers in the fall, as well as enjoying golf in the summer. With Mt. Hallasan in the background, the golfer can enjoy the wide-open grassland in harmony with the ocean. It has also hosted the ‘Johnny Walker Skins game’ in 1995, with the world’s best golfers.


Jeollanam-do(Jangheung-gun)

Cheongwansan Provincial Park is located on Cheongwansan Mountain, which is considered one of the best mountains in southwest Korea, along with Jirisan, Naejangsan, Wolchulsan and Naebyeonsan mountains. The name of Cheongwan comes from the fact that the surrounding boulders resemble a thorny crown worn by an emperor. In autumn, fields of silver grass unfold around the mountain peak, allowing for the Cheongwansan Silver Grass Festival to take place on Yeondaebong (silver grass plain). Also, from the top of the mountain, several grand landmarks like Dadohae archipelago, Wochulsan Mountain and Mudeungsan Mountain in nearby cities can be seen. On a clear day, visitors can even see Hallasan Mountain on Jeju-do Island. In the middle of the mountain is Cheongwansa Temple, which houses precious cultural properties including Cheongwansa Three-Story Pagoda (Treasure No.795), Cheongwansa Seokdeung (stone lantern), Five-Story Pagoda, and Jangheung Tapsansaji Seokdeung (stone lantern). Finally, the park features lodging facilities, multiple hiking trails, as well as various convenience and recreational facilities such as Cheongwansan Natural Recreation Forest and Cheongwansan Literature Park by the 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.