Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Seokpo Observatory is located in Seokpo village, a small fishing town at the northernmost point of Buk-myeon on Ulleungdo Island. Ulleungdo Island has three popular scenic lookouts, one of which is Seokpo Observatory to the north. Created in 1905, the observatory was used by the Japanese through 1945 to monitor movements of Russian warships. Seokpo Observatory offers views of the East Sea between Ulleungdo and the Korean Peninsula. The observatory has an 8-sided pavilion with lookout deck and telescope from which views of picturesque Jukdo and the majestic coastline of Buk-myeon are available. The area is also nearby the 3 popular attractions of Gongam (an elephant-shaped rock), Gwaneumdo, and Samseonam. Below the observatory is Seokpo Resting Area and a trekking course connecting Seokpo Observatory and Naesujeon Sunrise Observatory.


Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si)

The Hwaseong Fossilized Dinosaur Egg Site (화성 공룡알 화석지) was discovered on an island in the tidal plain south of Sihwaho Lake (시화호). The island was revealed when seawaters were blocked during a land reclamation project. As a sedimentary layer formed during the Cretaceous period of the Mesozoic Era (dated around 83 million to 85 million years ago) was eroded by weathering, around twenty 50-60 cm diameter nests and roughly 130 dinosaur eggs ranging in size from 11 to 14 cm, located at six to seven sites, were discovered. It is anticipated that more fossils will be discovered once a thorough investigation is carried out and more land is reclaimed. Most dinosaur eggs are oval shaped and dark red. Considering the properties of the fossilized shells, the eggs that have been discovered so far are assumed to belong to four-legged herbivorous dinosaurs with a long neck and tail, and two-legged herbivorous dinosaurs, including the Hadrosaur. A wide range of plant fossils were also discovered alongside the fossilized eggs, leading to expectations that the formerly lush environment may yet be restored. The discovery of the Fossilized Dinosaur Egg Site in Hwaseong has greatly expanded the scope of Korean paleontology; previous paleontological discoveries were exclusively limited to fossilized dinosaur footprints. This significant discovery has attracted many internationally renowned scholars who have visited the site in Hwaseong. The site is closed to individuals in order to preserve its integrity. But, you can visit the area by joining the fossil site exploration programme offered by a locally operating environmental group.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The name of the temple is believed to have originated from the fact that it is located in the south of Gajisan or Seokansan. Built in 824 A.D. (during the 16th year of King Heondeok’s reign), the temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598) and rebuilt in 1674 (during the 15th year of King Hyeongjong’s reign). Since then, it has gone through rebuilding several times. Consisting of 30 buildings, the temple is home to many Buddhist nuns. Seongnamsa Three Story Pagoda (Local Tangible Cultural Property No. 5) was built in 824 A.D. by Monk Doui, reflecting his wish of protecting the country from foreign invasions. The pagoda was initially placed in front of Daeungjeon, but moved to the current location in 1973. Other notable relics in the temple include the Statue of Monk Doui (National Treasure No. 369), Three Story Sarira Pagoda, and Stone Water Tank (Cultural Property Material No. 4).  


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

The Oksun Bridge was constructed to alleviate increased traffic that resulted from the Chungju Dam and Chungjuho Lake. Spanning a distance of 450m, the bridge is part of a driving course winding around Chungju, Jecheon and Danyang as well as Gudambong and Oksunbong Peaks. Views from the bridge of the surrounding mountains and cliffs are known to be quite remarkable. 


Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

Unjusa Temple is unlike other temples in that it has unusual Buddha statues and pagodas – it is often referred to as a mysterious temple. The founder of Unjusa Temple is not known but it is speculated that it was built during the Silla Period (BC 57~935).Unjusa does not have a Geumgangmun or Cheonwangmun, which are very often seen in Buddhist temples. The first thing you see when you enter Unjusa is the 9-story stone pagoda (National Treasure no. 796). The tower, again, does not have intricate designs, and is very simple. As you walk past the 9-story pagoda, you come to a forked road. Turning left, you will see Chilseong Rock. Because it resembles the 7 stars of the Big Dipper, some people argue that the rock is imitating the constellation. Follow the same road further and you will see two Buddha statues, called Wabul, where Buddha is resting on its side, lying down. These statues are, among the ones in Unjusa Temple, the most intricate in design and execution. Go up a bit further, and you will see the Siwibul Statue standing. Pass Siwibul Statue through the thick groves, and you will come to a series of 7-storey and 5-storey stone pagodas. What makes the stone pagodas of Unjusa Temple interesting to examine is that they each boats several unique designs and features.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Goesan-gun)

Ssanggok Valley, which is located in Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun, is 10.5km long stretching from Ssanggok village to Jesurijae.The valley is surrounded by Mt. Bobaesan, Mt. Gunjasan and Mt. Bihaksan and clear water flows all year down the walls of a series of unique rock formations.Thanks to its scenic beauty, many Confucian scholars used to visit here to enjoy literature and nature.Ssanggok Valley is composed of nine valleys and each has its own unique atmosphere.The first valley, Holongso, flows into a swamp area with many old pine trees nearby creating a picturesque view. The second valley is called Sogeumgang and it is said that its appearance changes with every season. Tteokbawi (rice cake rock) Valley gets its name from the shape it takes on, which is like a sliced rice cake. Similar to the first valley, Munsuam Valley, the fourth valley also has water flowing over uniquely shaped rocks with many old pine trees and flora. The fifth valley has quite a view of parallel rocks on both sides, while the sixth valley offers magnificent vistas of water flowing into a pool formed by the rocks. The water cascading down a huge boulder is said to look like the pleats of a woman’s skirt unfolding at the seventh valley. The eighth valley gathers water into a pond shape from the waterfall; legend says that fairies bathe here. The ninth valley is wide and refreshingly cool even during the hottest summer months. 


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Hanpungnu Pavilion is the site where the noted poets of the past use to frequent to appreciate nature and the arts. The pavilion was burned down by Japanese soldiers in 1592 (25th year of King Seonjo’s reign) and rebuilt in 1599 (32nd year of King Seonjo’s reign). During the Japanese colonial period, the pavilion served as a base for propagating Buddhism. After the liberation of Korea, it was moved to Yangsan-myeon town in Yeongdong-gun and was renamed as Geumhoru. In 1971, the people of Muju moved the pavilion to its current location of Dangsan-ri in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province. Hanpungnu is one of the most famous pavilions in the southwestern region of Korea, along with Hanbyeokdang of Jeonju and Gwanghallu of Namwon. It is also known to have the most picturesque exterior among the three famed pavilion.


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Located in Jungpyeong-dong at the family village of the Pyeongsan Shin clan, the Seobyeok House was originally created when Hanchang Shin, a scholar from late Joseon Dynasty, got married and moved out of his parents’ house. The house was expanded by Chigu Shin in 1739 (15th year of the reign of King Yeongjo). The house and is built in a rectangular shape with 6 rooms in the front, 4 rooms on the sides and a courtyard in the middle. This style was a popular housing structure among the upper-class in the late Joseon Dynasty. The house was designated Folk Cultural Asset No. 101 of Gyeongsangbuk-do on November 30th, 1993.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Gariwangsan Mountain in Gangwon-do is one of the major mountains that make up the Taebaek Mountain Range. It is home to numerous alpine tree species, as well as wild flowers and herbs. Its slopes are gentle enough to allow for pleasant hiking. The mountain natural recreation forest is located at the Hoedong-ri Village entrance. It has paths that are lined with thick, tall trees that almost cover the sky. It also has several conveniene facilities.