Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)

Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site was first discovered in 1976 during a surface examination around Ganghwado Island undertaken by the Ganghwado Island Academic Research Team of Dongguk University. The site was designated as Historic Site No. 259 in 1977. Seonwonsa Temple was built by General Choi Wu in 1245 (the 32nd year of King Gojong’s reign during the Goryeo dynasty), which was right after the transfer of the capital to Ganghwado during resistance against the Mongolian invasion. The temple was meant to be a spiritual mainstay in fighting against Mongolia. It used to be one of the two largest temples in Korea along with Songgwangsa Temple. However, the temple was completely destroyed during the early Joseon era, leaving only the site itself. The famous wood blocks of Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana), currently housed in Haeinsa Temple at Hapcheon, are said to have been originally stored in Seonwonsa Temple. It is believed that the carved wood blocks were taken from Seonwonsa to Heungcheonsa Temple during the Joseon era and again moved to Haeinsa Temple during the reign of Sejo. Located on a mountain slope, the presumed location of the building site extends 250 meters from south to north and 170 meters from east to west.


Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si)

The origin of the city name, Joan, comes from the meaning "a place where birds dwell peacefully." Namyangju Joan was designated a "slow city" in 2010 and was the first "slow city" in the Seoul metropolitan area. The city has a well-paved bike road along the Namhangang Riverbank connecting Paldang to Yangpyeong through Daeseongri. The city also has the Slow City Trail, starting from Ungilsan Station and passing through Majin Fortress and Sujeongsa Temple before arriving at Songchon Independence Park.Each of the twelve villages in Namyangju is known for a different local treasure, ranging from lotus fields to cultural heritages. Joan-myeon in particular has received compliments for its local communities, eco-friendly and organic farming, natural environment, traditional culture, and well-managed fisheries.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Bugak Skyway Palgakjeong Pavilion exudes a tranquil, serene beauty regardless of the season. The pavilion, which sits on Bugaksan's 1,652,900m² (500,000 pyeong) area at an altitude of 345m, was built in a traditional Korean style to give a hint of history. Site area: 6,883㎡ (2,085 pyeong)Building area (Palgakjeong Pavilion): 652㎡ (197 pyeong)


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Dongjin Irrigation Folk Museum is established thanks to the members of Korea Rural Community Corporation who visited various farming areas to gather agriculture-related folk materials. Also, donations and active reactions from residents contributed to making the museum a vivid educational site for agricultural history. The Gimje area is a root of Korea's farming culture, as the place where rice farming begin 2,000 years ago, allowing visitors to meet old and new farming methods and tools together. Its folk materials related to irrigation and farming facilities and living tools provide visitors with the chance to learn the history of farming development in one place.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Bangadari Mineral Spring is a crisp and healthy water source located in the woods off the Yeongdong Highway. The mineral spring contains over 30 kinds of healthy minerals including carbonic acid and iron, which are known to be especially effective in treating stomach disorders, anemia, and neuralgia. The 1-kilomter long path leading from the entrance to the mineral spring site is great for taking a stroll as it is surrounded by fir trees.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This 1.4m-high rock-carved Bodhisattva was carved on the southern rock standing right above Chilburam Rock on Namsan Mountain, which may be regarded as a repository of relics and artifacts including Buddha statues spanning the Three Kingdoms Period to the late Unified Silla Period. Judging from the three-sided bejeweled crown he’s wearing on his head, this is clearly a Bodhisattva statue. He looks as if he is sitting on a cloud; while the closed eyes in the plump face give the impression he is lost in deep thought. He seems to be watching mankind from his world above the clouds. He is holding a flower in his right hand and his left hand is held up to his chest as if he is preaching. His robe is very thin, revealing the curves of the body, and hangs down to the base of the pedestal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which consists of both the dugwang (light radiating from the head) and hte singwang (light emanating from the Buddha’s body), is also the shrine for the statue, so the image of the Bodhisattva looks more prominent. It is presumed that this rock-carved Bodhisattva was made during the late eighth century during the Unified Silla Dynasty.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Naewonsa Valley is just below Naewonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain. The valley is surrounded by Jeongsoksan Mountain to the northeast, Wonjeoksan Mountain to the south, and Cheonseongsan Mountain to the southeast. The water running through the numerous valleys between these mountains has formed streams like Yongyeoncheon and Sangricheon from Naewonsa Valley which are the source of Yangsancheon Stream. Naewonsa Valley was formerly Sogeumgang (little Geumgang), meaning that its beautiful scenery is comparable to that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also known as the “mystical valley” as crystal clear water flows all year round. The word “Sogeumgang” is distinctly engraved on one side of the cliff and large rocks stand in layers throughout the valley. Some of the rocks are called “byeongpung bawi,” literally meaning folding screen rocks, as they are stretched out much like folding screens. The valley and the surrounding mountains are a popular summer vacation spot and a well-known hiking destination during the spring, fall, and winter. Muk (acorn jelly) made with acorns gathered from this area not only tastes great, but is also very healthy. Nearby attractions include Tongdosa Temple, Hongnyong Falls, Tongdo Fantasia, Tongdo Finest Country Club, and Haewoon Youth Training Institute. *About Naewonsa Temple* Located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain, Naewonsa Temple was is one of the 89 branch temples surrounding Daedunsa Temple, which was founded by the great monk Wonhyo (617-686) during the Silla Dynasty. Originally called Naewonsaji, the temple was burned down during the Korean War. It was rebuilt by a Buddhist nun named Suok in 1958 and it became known as the prayer center for the nation’s greatest Buddhist nuns. ※ Entrance into the upper region of Naewonsa Valley is restricted.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)

Located in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Bisl Pottery Studio is run by potter Kim Byeong-Yeol. An old abandoned school was renovated into a serene studio where you can make your own pottery while taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Through the teaching of Byeong-Yeol, you'll be able to make your own clay cup, plate, or ornament. There are also hands-on programs such as natural dyeing and seasonal produce harvesting (potatoes, sweet potatoes, persimmons and strawberries). The studio exhibits artwork such as Gyeoljeongyujagi, a type of pottery decorated with a mixture of glaze and gold powder. Other works of art include those painted with persimmon juice! In summer, the Bisl Pottery Studio is especially popular among families as a vacation destination since there are accommodations and an outdoor swimming pool providing relief from the summer heat. There is also a large playground, where visitors can play sports and make campfires.


Jeollanam-do(Yeonggwang-gun)

The sandy beaches of the half-full moon shaped island have around 200 pine trees that form a dense forest creates a calming effect. The water is shallow, around 1~2m near the beach. With its clear waters the beach is considered one of the best three beach resorts in the south-western part of Korea. The setting of the sun covers the entire area from atop Geumjeongsan Mountain to the small islands in the distance. Near the beach area there is a coastal drive way with a wonderful view of the coast. Dombaeseom island, famous for ocean fishing, and Chilsando Island, which is so named because of seven hills that are shaped like each other, are lined up more or less in a row.


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

Jindo Island (진도) is the principle island among the cluster of 230 islets in the south western part of the Korean peninsula. The island is blessed with an abundance of fertile land therefore much of it is used for agriculture. The sea around it is teeming with fish and wildlife. The island has many park reserves like the Dadohae National Marine Park, historical relics and sites; and you can find traditional artistic performances everywhere. With the Jindo Bridge construction completed, the island is connected to the mainland. Every year during the month of February on the Lunar Calendar, the sea parts, mimicking the parting of the sea by Moses. Many tourists come to watch this rare spectacle. There are mascots found around the island that symbolize the friendly image of the Jindo dog, which happens to be natural treasure no.53.