Gyeongsangnam-do(Sacheon-si)

Located in Sacheon, Gyeongnam Province, and home to the huge Elephant Rock that resembles an elephant drinking water, Namildae Beach (남일대해수욕장) is a popular vacationing spot all year round thanks to its clean water and soft sand. The thick surrounding forests and Jinneol Observation Deck, as well as many fishing spots, add to its popularity. During the summer season, the beach is the site of both a singing competition and a film festival. Vacationers can also visit Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridge (창선-삼천포대교), the biggest bridge in Asia, and see Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park (한려해상국립공원) on a ferry cruise.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoncheon-gun)

Before the Korean War, trains used to run along the Gyeongwon Line, transporting people and goods between Seoul and Wonsan, but now they turn back at Sintan-ri station. There is no longer a railline running past the old Cheorwon station and across the armistice line, from Sintan-ri station to Pyeonggang. North Korea changed the name of the Gyeongwon Line that connects Pyeonggang to Sepo, Gosan, Tongjiwon, Wonsan, and Gowon to the ‘Gangwon Line’ many years ago. Near Sintan-ri station is a signpost that says, ‘We want to be back on track,’ symbolizing that this area is the northernmost point of the Gyeongwon Line in South Korea, resonating with a sense of sadness for South Koreans over the continuing division of the peninsula.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Yeongdong-gun)

The waters that carved Mulhan Valley (물한계곡) in Yeongdong, Chungcheongbuk-do originate in the upper reaches of the Hancheon Village stream. In summer, many tourists visit the valley while the nearby Mt. Minjujisan, Samdobong Peak and Mt. Gakhosan are popular among hikers year-round. The scrub, azaleas and royal azaleas along the ridges display their magnificent beauty throughout the year and beautiful waterfalls flow through the area, including Okso Falls, Uiyonggol Falls and Eumjuam Falls. The harmonious valley contains Janggun Rock, many thick forests and even swamplands, offering a wide array of spectacular and splendid sights.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Mubongsa means “A sacred place where phoenix used to dance,” and is a small and Buddhist temple. It is conveniently and accessibly located near one of the city’s top attractions, Yeongnamnu Pavilion, which has a spectacular view of the Miryanggang River, the bamboo forest below, and the park and the downtown area on the other side of the river. Perched high on the cliffs above the upper reaches of the river is Aranggak Pavilion. Take the flight of stairs from this pavilion to reach the famous Yeongnamnu Pavilion and Mubongsa Temple. Enshrining the Seokjoyeoraejwasang (seated stone Buddha statue; Treasure No. 493), the temple has long been a popular site among poets and painters for its picturesque landscape. * Mubongsa Seokjoyeoraejwasang, a well-known relic of Mubongsa Temple Mubongsa Seokjoyeoraejwasang (seated stone Buddha statue of Mubongsa Temple) is a well-preserved statue of the Buddha from the late Unified Silla Era. The 97-cm-tall statue was designated as National Treasure No. 493 on June 24, 1969.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Cheoneunsa Temple is located on Dutasan Mountain in Miro-myeon, Samcheok-si, Gangwon-do. At the tail end of the Goryeo Dynasty, Lee Seung-hyu, a renowned scholar, wrote ‘Jewangungi’, an epic for the Korean people at Cheoneunsa temple. After the temple burnt down during the Korean War, the temple was renovated. The temple houses Beophwagyeong (Lotus Sutra Statue) among other cultural significant artifacts. Also, the surrounding area is where the capital of Goryeo Dynasty was located, a number of relics such as pieces of Celadon and blue roof tiles are unearthed.


Gangwon-do(Hwacheon-gun)

Peace Dam was built over the period of 15 months from February 1988 to May 1988 with funds donated by the general public in response to North Korea’s construction of Geumgangsan Dam and a potential flooding attack. The flood control dam has proved its worth during the floods of 1995, 1996, and 1999 and it has become a major tourist destination over the years. Located In the vicinity of Peace Dam is Bimok Park, which is the origin of the famous national song “Bimok.” In addition to the war monuments inside the park, there are around a dozen wooden crosses with rusty iron helmets placed on top within the barbed wire entanglements around the hill, thereby reminding visitors of the national tragedy of the Korean War. The county of Hwancheon hosts the Bimok Cultural Festival from June 3 to June 6 every year at Bimok Park, Bungeoseom Island by the town’s riverside, and the surrounding areas. The four-day festival offers a variety of events such as song contest, memorial ceremony of poetry reading, bimok tree cutting contest, rice ball eating contest, army life experience, military music parade, and more. Crossing over to Yanggu County from Peace Dam, there is a national security education place comprised of attractions like the 4th Underground Tunnel and Eulji Observatory. Paroho Lake Battlefield Tourist Park is also worth a visit after looking around Peace Dam. Also known as the “ocean within mountains,” Paroho is a manmade lake created as a result of Hwacheon Dam constructed in 1944. The lake is home to over 70 different species of freshwater fish such as mandarin fish and carp. It also holds a sorrowful history of burying at sea a whole three divisions of the Chinese Forces in defending the lake during the Korean War. The name Paroho, meaning “enemy breaking lake,” was given after the late president of Korea Rhee Syngman visited the place and designated a plaque in his own handwriting in memory of obtaining victory in fierce battle. There is an observatory, a security hall, and a stone monument engraved with the poetry of Wolha Rhee Taegeuk (1913-2003).


Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si)

Youngeun Museum was established in November, 2000 in the natural forests of Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. The museum is largely composed of two sections: an art museum and a studio. Youngeun Museum is considered a museum of contemporary art as it focuses on the research, preservation, and exhibition of modern art works. It is the first museum of its kind to also operate studio space for artists and has consequently received praise in the art world as a forward-thinking museum. Thanks to the museum’s focus on creating new works of art, the museum has become a gathering place where artists, writers, critics, and the general public can interact with one another and appreciate the art-making process. Visitors can engage in various forms of art at the Youngeun Museum, ranging from plastic arts to performing arts. There are also educational programs that allow guests to watch or even experience how art is made. By providing these innovative programs, Youngeun Museum aims to spread art among the masses.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Sainam Rock, located in Sainam-ri, Daegang-myeon, is one of eight scenic areas in Danyang, and is located in the southeast side of Danyang-gun, along with Sangseonam Rock, Jungseonam Rock, and Haseonam Rock of Seonam Valley. The Sainam Rock is a rugged outcropping with an inspiring x_height of 70 meters, and the deep blue Namjocheon Stream passes in front of it, located in the southern part of Danyang-gun. Most visitors to Danyang Eight Scenic Views tend to come to the rock as their first destination due to the good condition of the road. Also, Unseongugok Valley flows in front of Sainam Rock. The rock was picked as the most picturesque place among the Eight Scenic Views. On the cliff, there is a phrase carved by Utak’s own handwriting, as well as old pine trees on a rock floor that is reminiscent of the Haegeumgang River. Sainam was named after the great scholar Yeokdong Utak during Goryeo Period. He had taken up a public service to assist a king in a position called sain (사인), and then he retired to his hometown of Danyang, starting out teaching young students. For this story, a governor of Danyang named the rock Sainam to commemorate his achievement during King Seongjong of the Joseon Dynasty.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Micheongol Valley starts from the Yangyang area and ends right before Guryongnyeong Pass. With not many visitors here, the valley is left in a pristine condition. The area is famous for its rich forest, clean water, uniquely shaped rocks, wild flora and fauna, underground mineral water tap, cultural heritages of the ancient kingdom Silla, locally produced honey and other forest products. The Micheongol Valley Recreational Forest is 5,652,000㎡ in size filled with broadleaf trees. At the entrance of the valley is the Seollimwon temple site, which was originally established under the reign of King Beopheung of Silla Kingdom and then closed off at the end of Goryeo Dynasty. Other relics include a stone lamp, 3-story pagoda, Honggakseonsa Monk Pagoda, and a Stupa. With Donghaean Beach and Seoraksan National Park located nearby, Micheongol Valley makes a perfect destination for tourists.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

Munheon Confucian School was established to pay tribute to the memory of Lee Gok (1298-1351) and Lee Saek (1328-1396) who were well-respected for their writings and character. The school was originally built in the 27th year of the reign of King Seonjo (1594) of the Joseon Dynasty, but was burnt down during the Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of Korea 1592-1598). It was rebuilt in Hansan Gochon in the 3rd year of King Gwanghaegun (1610) and in 1611 was awarded the “Munheon” sign by the government, thereby becoming a legislated private institute. Mortuary tablets of five Confucian scholars including Lee Jong-hak, Lee Ja, Lee Gae as well as Lee Gok and Lee Saek were enshrined at the school. The school recently added the tablet of one more scholar, named Lee Jong-deok, and holds a service annually for the 6 Confucian scholars in March and September (according to the lunar calendar). Muheon Confucian school consists of two parts: an educational area and a shrine. When you walk in the school through Oesammun Gate, you’ll see a garden and an auditorium and library at the far end where training takes places. The shrine is located past Naesammun Gate behind the auditorium and is surrounded by a wall.