Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Goryeogung Palace Site on Ganghwado Island is the site of the royal palace where the people of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) resisted the Mongolian invasion for 39 years. In June 1232, King Gojong moved his capital to Ganghwa on account of its natural and strategic advantages. The construction of the government office and the royal palace in Ganghwa was completed in 1234. Ganghwado Island holds historical significance as the place where metal type was developed and where the Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana printing woodblocks) were made during the Goryeo dynasty. Upon the conclusion of the peace treaty with Mongolian forces in May 1270, the capital was moved back to Gaeseong (present-day Gaeseong in North Korea), and the royal palace in Ganghwa was subsequently destroyed.In the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), Haenggung (the king’s temporary palace) was constructed on the same site as the Goreyo palace. During the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea) in 1637, the palace was conquered by the force of Ching dynasty of China. Afterward, Ganghwa Yusubu (Ganghwa governor’s office) buildings were built on the palace site. Nowadays, the only structures that remain are the Dongheon main office (built in 1638) and Ibangcheong administration office (built in 1654). The palace and its subsidiary buildings were restored in 1977.


Busan(Dongnae-gu) , Dongnae Hot Spring Zone・Busan University

Located at the foot of Mt. Geumjeong (alt. 802 m), Geumgang Park stretches over a 3 million-square meter plot of land filled with lush forest and craggy cliffs and broken up by winding creeks. Regardless of the time of the year, a constant stream of people come to visit the many historical and cultural sites in the region, which once served as a base of operations for the government during the Joseon Dynasty.The area was referred to as Geumgangwon before becoming a park in June, 1973. On July 1st, 2004, the park once again made the news, as the entrance fee was abolished and the park was made free to the public.In addition to more typical sports facilities like badminton courts, the park also boasts carnival rides such as cable cars, bumper cars, and more. Visitors are also encouraged to stop by tourist sites such as the Busan Folk Tradition Arts Center, the Busan Marine Natural History Museum, and the Busan Botanical Garden.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Situated in the gallery district in the back alley of Samcheong-dong (east of Gyeongbokgung Palace), the World Jewelry Museum houses 3,000 jewelry pieces from 60 countries, which have been collected over 30 years. Of which, 1,000 have been selected for display. The first floor contains an Amber Wall that goes back as far as 50 million years, the Golden Hall (El Dorado), the Necklace Hall, and the solemn Alter of the Cross. The second floor holds a mask wall, rings, beads and ivory as well as modern jewelry.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

The tomb of General Kim Yusin (595-673) is Historic Site No. 21. It is located in a scenic area thick with pine trees, on the eastern hill of Songhwasan Mountain.Known as the Hero of the Silla Kingdom, General Kim Yusin was the great grandson of King Guhae, the last king of the Geumgwan Gaya Dynasty, and the son of Seo Hyeon, a great general of the Silla Kingdom. Yusin joined the Hwarang (aristocratic youth military corps) at 15 and began dreaming of ways to unify the peninsula’s three kingdoms.Kim Yusin gained his political foothold by establishing a strong relationship with nobleman Kim Chunchu and made a name for himself through his valor on the battlefield.When Kim Chunchu eventually succeeded to the throne as the 29th king of the Silla Kingdom (changing his name to King Muyeol), Kim Yusin rose through the ranks and was eventually promoted to the extraordinarily high-ranking position of Sangdaedeung in the year 660 (7th year of King Muyeol’s reign). Kim Yusin then went on to defeat the Baekje Kingdom in cooperation with the Tang Dynasty, also later conquering the Goguryeo Kingdom in the year 668.The Tang Dynasty turned against Silla after the collapse of Goguryeo, but was defeated by Kim Yusin’s army in cooperation with the armies of Goguryeo and Baekje. With the fall of the Tang, Kim Yusin finally realized his dream of unifying the three kingdoms and was appointed the highest government post in Silla in honor of his heroic achievement.The tomb of General Kim Yusin is a large tomb measuring roughly 30m in diameter. The relief carvings of 12 Oriental zodiac gods (half man, half animal) stand guard around the tomb, brandishing weapons. The elaborately decorated tomb is second in grandeur only to those of royalty, further underscoring Yusin’s major contribution in unifying the three kingdoms.The path to this tomb is also a sight not to be missed. The street leading up to the tomb is called Heungmu-ro, and has been selected as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Streets in Korea. The street is full of cherry blossoms in spring and is famous for being a great place to take a walk or go for a drive.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Mapo Bridge connects Yonggang-dong, Mapo-gu and Yeouido-dong (Yeongdeungpo-gu) and is 1,400m long and 25m wide (6-lane road). The construction of the bridge first started in February of 1968 and was completed in May of 1970. At the time of its completion the bridge was named “Seoul Bridge,” which was later changed to “Mapo Bridge” in 1984. The bridge was the fourth bridge to be built over the Hangang River following the construction of Hannam Bridge.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Airport

Discover Eurwangni Beach: A Must-Visit Destination in Incheon Experience the Beauty of Incheon at Eurwangni Beach If you are planning a trip to South Korea, Eurwangni Beach in Incheon should be at the top of your list. This picturesque beach is renowned for its crescent-shaped white sand shores and lush pine forests, making it one of the most beautiful and serene spots in the region.  The Charm of Eurwangni Beach Eurwangni Beach is characterized by its unique half-moon shape, surrounded by dense pine trees and striking rock formations. The beach stretches approximately 700 meters in length and has an average water depth of 1.5 meters, making it ideal for families with children. The shallow waters and gentle slope ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The beach is particularly captivating at low tide, when the shoreline expands significantly, revealing vast sandy areas perfect for building sandcastles and exploring. The scenic beauty of the pine trees and rocky outcrops at either end of the beach enhances the overall experience, offering a picturesque setting that is perfect for relaxation and photography. Activities and Amenities Eurwangni Beach is not only about its natural beauty; it also offers a wide range of activities and amenities to ensure a memorable visit. Here are some of the highlights: - Tidal Flat Exploration: At low tide, visitors can explore the tidal flats, a fun and educational activity, especially for children. - Water Sports: The beach provides opportunities for various water sports, including banana boating and jet skiing. - Fishing: Sea fishing is another popular activity that visitors can enjoy. - Picnicking and Camping: Families and groups often set up tents and have picnics, making use of the ample space and beautiful surroundings. - Restaurants and Cafes: The area around Eurwangni Beach is dotted with numerous seafood restaurants and cafes. Here, you can enjoy fresh local seafood while taking in the stunning views of the beach and the setting sun. - Sunset Viewing: The beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with hues of orange and pink, creating a magical atmosphere. Accessibility and Best Time to Visit Eurwangni Beach is conveniently located near Incheon International Airport, making it easily accessible for international travelers. It is also just an hour and a half drive from Seoul, making it a perfect day trip destination. The best time to visit Eurwangni Beach is during the summer months, from late June to early September. During this period, the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities. However, it is also the peak season, so the beach can get quite crowded. For those who prefer a quieter experience, visiting in early September, when the crowds start to thin out, is recommended. Conclusion Eurwangni Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, fun activities, and convenient amenities, making it a must-visit destination in Incheon. Whether you are looking to relax on the sandy shores, explore the tidal flats, enjoy water sports, or savor delicious seafood, Eurwangni Beach has something for everyone. Plan your visit to this beautiful beach and create unforgettable memories on your trip to South Korea. Visit Eurwangni Beach and immerse yourself in the serene beauty and vibrant activities that make it one of Korea's premier coastal destinations.


Incheon(Namdong-gu) , Incheon Center

Incheon Grand Park is an urban nature park located in Jangsu-dong, Namdong-gu, Incheon. The park is surrounded by Gwanmosan Mountain and Sangasan Mountain. Spanning across 727 acres of land, Incheon Grand Park is the only large-scale natural green park in Incehon. The park provides a pleasant atmosphere for citizens to escape city life and enjoy natural surroundings. Opening date  April 13, 1996 Closed  [Park] N/A (Open all year round) [Zoo & Botanical Garden] Mondays Natural Preservation Areas (closed to public)  2.6km of Gwanmosan mountain path, 1.9km of Geomasan mountain Operating Hours  March-October 05:00-23:00 November-February 05:00-22:00 Parking Facilities  Available (Main Gate Parking Lot: 2,685 spaces / Manuigol Parking Lot: 275 spaces) * Parking fee collection time March-October 07:00-21:00 November-February 08:00-20:00 Admission Fees  Free Available Facilities  Outdoor theater, artificial turf grounds, skating rink, botanical garden, bicycle trails, lake, sledding hill, children's zoo, observatory, etc. Facility Utilization Fees  [Bicycles] Solo Bike: 2,000 won / 500 won for each additional 10min Tandem Bike: 5,000 won / 1,000 won for each additional 10min Group Bike: 10,000 won / 2,000 won for each additional 10min [Sledding Hills] Adults 7,000 won / Teenagers 5,000 won / Children 4,000 won  Restrooms  Available Facilities for the Handicapped  Free wheelchair rental services (09:00-17:00) * Identification card required. Parking Fees  Small cars: 3,000 won / Large cars: 4,000 won Baby Stroller Rentals  Free rentals available (60 baby carriages located at the park's information center.) * Identification card required to rent Pets  Permitted (Pets must be leashed and cleaned up after)


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Dapsimni Antique Art Street is where the travelers can stumble upon good old paintings, antique furniture and pottery, as well as, a variety of household items. These antique shops used to scatter all around the area of Cheonggyecheon Stream 8(pal)-ga, Itaewon, and Ahyeon-dong, wand has now gathered up around dapsimni areas since the mid-1980s. There are about 140 shops lined up along the streets.It is quite fun to browse through antiquities including wooden candlesticks, grandfather clocks, old picture frames, which are usually hard to find in usual stores. This is also the reason to that explains why it not only attracts Koreans but also international visitors to this street. Shops in Insa-dong, also known for the sale of antiqes, typically and mainly sell good quality and expensive antiques, while dapsimni is known for a wide assortment of small items with reasonable prices, starting from a few one thousand won.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Jungmun Resort

Located within Jungmun Resort, Yeomiji Botanical Garden (여미지식물원) is the best botanical garden in Asia with a unique southern atmosphere. The indoor garden contains approximately 2,000 rare tropical and subtropical plants throughout the Flower Garden, Water Lily Garden, Jungle Garden, Subtropical Fruits Garden, Cactus and Succulent Garden, and Observation Platform. The outdoor garden offers Jeju Native Garden, as well as Korean, Japanese, Italian and French folk gardens. The tour train accommodating 60 persons travels between Indoor and Outdoor Garden. The Jungmun Tourist Complex, Cheonjeyeon Falls, as well as a clear view of Mt. Hallasan, and the nearby coast and Marado Island can all be observed from the thirty-eight meter high observation platform.


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

Cheonbuldong Valley is the main Valley of Seorak Mountain and is also called Seorak Valley. It was named Cheonbuldong because the many peaks on either side look like a lineup of a thousand Buddhist statues. It is also called Cheonbuldong because the peaks also look like Buddhist saints offering food sacrifices to Buddha. If you follow the waterway of Waseondae for about 300m, you’ll arrive at Biseondae. Travel 12 km further from here and you will arrive at Daecheongbong. There’s also Biseondae Munjudam, Ihodam, and the steep Guimyeonam. On the opposite side, an hour’s walk past Chilseongbong, attached to Hwachaebong, is Chilseonggol’s forked road from which you can reach Oryeon Falls, Yangpok, Cheondang Falls and other valleys with exceptionally beautiful sceneries. The path used to be rough and difficult, but because of new facilities and a mountain villa, you can more easily climb and see the scenery of Cheonbuldong. Many people who go hiking at Seorak Mountain seek this place out because of the convenient transportation provided by Seorak-dong’s Sogongwon, which becomes the starting point for many mountain climbers, and there is an endless line of hikers and tourists who come to visit during mid October when the autumnal leaves start turning color.