Jeollanam-do(Gangjin-gun)

Kim Yun-sik was born on this site on January 16, 1903 as the first-born of two sons and three daughters. Under the pen name Yeongnang, he was active in literature until his death on September 29, 1950. Among the 80 poems he published, more than 60 were written in this place where he lived a life resisting Japanese imperialism and refusing to change his name to a Japanese name. After he moved to Seoul in 1948, his birthplace was resold several times, but the county of Gangjin-gun bought it in 1985 to restore it to its original state with a thatched-roof. The site features many of the poet’s writing materials and the site has a small well, camellia trees, jangdokdae (a platform where large clay pots used for storing food are kept), persimmon trees, and a peony garden.


Gangwon-do(Hongcheon-gun)

Located in Odaesan National Park, Sambong Recreational Forest (삼봉자연휴양림) is filled with large acicular trees like fir and broad-leaved trees like birch. Lenoks, a species of fresh-water fish that are considered a Korean natural treasure, found only in the cleanest water, thrive in the waters of the deep valley running through the park. The park is surrounded by three peaks – Gachilbong (1,240m), Mt. Eungboksan (1,155m), and Sasambong (1,107m). In the middle of the area surrounded by the three peaks, rests the Sambong Mineral Spring (삼봉약수), whose waters attract many visitors. The spring’s waters are said to ease stomach complaints. The park is also popular since visitors can go leaf peeking in autumn while enjoying the mountains and sea at the same time in summer.  


Gangwon-do(Wonju-si)

Wonju Station is located in the city of Wonju, the most inland section of Gangwon-do region. The station is located near downtown Wonju and is a hub of city transportation. Many passengers arriving in Wonju take public transit to visit Chiaksan Mountain, beautiful year-round. Wonju citizens can take the train to visit the capital, head to the northern section of Gyeongsangbuk-do, or enjoy a winter vacation on the snowy slopes of the Taebaek mountains. The station has been in operation since April 1940


Busan(Haeundae-gu)

The Haeundae Grand Hotel is a five-star hotel situated in Haeundae, an extremely popular tourist destination known for its beautiful beaches and hot springs. The hotel has a variety of leisure and sport facilities, but is most popular for its hot springs sauna. The hotel sauna is supplied by special, natural hot spring water that is only found at the nearby beaches. Rich in calcium, the spa water is said to be excellent for your skin, increasing the skin’s overall softness and smoothness. Spa water used at the Haeundae Grand Hotel Hot Spring Sauna is pumped up directly from the natural hot spring water using a series of underground pipe systems installed in Busan between 1952 and 1955. While it's difficult to pinpoint exactly when the Haeundae Hot Springs were first discovered, records of the hot springs have been found dating back to the Silla Kingdom (during which the springs were referred to as the "Gunam Hot Springs") saying that Queen Jin Seong visited the hot springs as a means to treat her smallpox. One hundred years ago, the hot springs were also said to be a cure for leprosy and drew afflicted citizens from neighboring towns. Though the springs were once closed off due to frequent invasions by Japanese raiders, efforts have successfully been made to revive the hot springs of Busan, once again making them a popular spot for many visitors. In addition to the sauna, guests at the Haeundae Grand Hotel can also use the hotel’s jjimjilbang, which is comprised of various rooms such as a germanium room, a gravel room, an oxygen room, and an Elvan (quartz) room that has large heated beds made from a mixture of gems and stones. The jjimjilbang also has other heated beds made from Elvan and red clay.  


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Baeksasil Valley in Seoul is a historic site (Baekseokdongcheon, Famous Site No. 36) that rests amid untouched natural surroundings. The valley is a habitat to a diverse amount of animals, including salamanders, frogs, minnows, and crayfish. There are also wild boar sitings from time to time so be careful. The preservation value of this area is especially high as the valley is home to a large colony of salamanders, which are indicator species of the clean water and a protected wildlife species of Seoul. Baeksasil Valley is a tucked away treasure in the bustling city. The path along the area’s thick forest and natural valleys provides an excellent getaway. Since the area is a habitat to several protected species, visitors are asked to refrain from dipping their feet in the valley’s waters while exploring the scenery. The entrance to the valley is located past the Sanmotungi Café.


Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)

Okjeongho Lake (옥정호), in Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, was once a popular place for fishing. But since it was designated as a water supply source protected area, fishing has been prohibited. The picturesque lake is large in scale with a total volume of water amounting to 430 million tons. The Okjeongho Dam blocks the upstream of Seomjingang River, which flows through the Noryeong Mountains in Imsil-gun (county), and supplies the Jeongeup on the other side. There are the Unam Bridge and Byeorakbawi (boulder) in the area. The early morning view of the thick fog lingering above the still water is especially breathtaking to see in autumn.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gimcheon-si)


Chungcheongnam-do()

A branch of Magoksa Temple, which is the 6th local temple of the Jogyejong Order, Yeongpyeongsa Temple has six traditional buildings and three small hermitages. Janggunsan Mountain, where the temple is located, is small but full of energy. According to Feng Shui, the mountain is a perfect location for a temple because it is shaped like a dragon curled along the Geumgang River. Yeongpyeongsa is a tranquil place that captures the purity of the temple’s Buddhist practice, with fresh air and clean water that offer a habitat for fireflies, crawfish, and black snails. On the way in, visitors are greeted by a multitude of wildflowers vying for their attention: the columbines and the prairie crocuses in spring, the white lotuses in summer, and the Siberian chrysanthemums in autumn. * Major event – Mount Janggunsan Siberian Chrysanthemum Festival