Gwangju(Nam-gu)

Missionary Wilson’s House is a two-story brick building that sits upon the eastern foothills of Yangnimsan Mountain. Known as the oldest surviving Western-style house in Gwangju, the house is an icon of modern culture and architecture in Korea. The house was built by an American missionary named Wilson in the 1920s (exact date unknown) and was the home of the Wilson family while they stayed in Korea. When the family completed their work in Korea, they sold the house for a very cheap price with the stipulation that the house continued to be used for missionary purposes. The house fell into the possession of the General Assembly of Chonnam Presbyterian Church of Korea in 1986 and now serves as the home office for the Presbyterian Church of Korea.The square-shaped house consists of a living room, a family room, a kitchen, and a bathroom (1F), several bedrooms (2F), and storage areas and a boiler room (B1). The fact that the entrance of the house faces east is said to be a result of the prevailing architectural culture of Korea at that time. A Netherland-style house built with 55-milimeter thick, gray bricks, the first and second stories are delineated on the exterior with an eye-catching band of bricks.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Jeju Soingook Theme Park is Jejudo’s major tourist attraction, covering about 20,000 square meters of land, holding various miniature models of famous architecture from all over the world including Korea’s Bulguksa Temple, Jeju International Airport, Jageumseong Castle, Tower Bridge, Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and much more from 30 countries, totaling 100 miniature models. The theme park also provides a traditional cultural experience with Jejudo’s rock culture, folk religion, hands-on programs, an outdoor concert stage, a mini RC car stadium, and dinosaur fossils. Each corner is designed in its own unique fashion. The theme park is a combination of an exhibition hall and a cultural space where visitors can experience a variety of entertainment and culture. What is a Miniature Theme Park? All miniature objects, both human and architecture, have been made to the curate and identical proportions of the original piece and displayed on a wide space, showing the each era’s culture. Jeju’s Soingook Theme Park is a popular tourist attraction both for Koreans and foreigners alike.  


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

The city of Sokcho has a unique local culture. Sandwiched between Mt. Seoraksan and the East Sea, it experiences both the lifestyle of the mountains and the sea. It is influenced by the Abai Village, which was a settlement created by North Korean refugees during the Korean War. The unique folk cultures can be viewed at the Sokcho City Museum and the Displaced Civilians Folk Village. Visitors can also experience seasonal rituals and events, North Korean cultural programs, and other museum cultural programs.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

There are 3 legendary boundary gates at Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park, on rough mountaintops, which are reputed to be too tall for even birds to fly over.Mungyeongsaejae, which overlays Mt. Joryeongsan, has always been the highest and most dangerous mountain pass. It was cleared during the time of Kim Taejong (reign 1400~1418) of Joseon Period, and was used until a new road was built through the Ihwaryeong Gyegok Valley.The boundary gates and castle walls were raised here after the Japanese Invasion of Korea (1592 and 1598). The second boundary gate, Jogokgwan, was raised in 1594, and in 1708 Juheulgwan and Joryeonggwan were raised and were used as fortresses for national defense. They were damaged after that point, but in 1966 the No. 1, 2, and 3 boundary gates and castle walls were designated collectively as historical relic No. 147 and were later restored in 1976.Take the big road beside boundary gate No. 1 of southeastern Korea, Juheulgwan, for about 1.5km and you’ll arrive at Joryeongwon. There are only stonewalls left from the many inn-like dwellings, which were built to accommodate government officials on official tour. Past the tavern, which was restored in 1983, you’ll reach the Jogokgwan. The area around Jogokgwan is famous for its birch trees, and the Mungyeongsaejae Revolt Monument can be seen on the left side of the road.It’s 3.4km from Jogokgwan to Joryeonggwan, through a walkway with its harmonious scenery of rocks and cool streams. Instead of taking the big road, you can take the road with the sounds of stream water, to a waterfall. 30 minutes farther and you’ll arrive at Hyeguksa Temple.Hyeguksa Temple is at the edge of Juheulsan, and is the place where King Gongmin (reign 1351~1374) stayed while avoiding the peasant uprising. Past Hyeguksa Temple and the Royal Palace about 1km, you’ll reach the sacred peak of Mt, Juheulsan. The view of the winding mountain ranges from the mountaintop is spectacular. From the mountain top, past the valley, is Jogokgwan.The 3rd boundary gate is at Juheulsan (1,106m), and it takes about 4~5 hours to get to Jogokgwan from Juheulgwan. The area was designated as a Provincial Park in 1981.KBS drama studio is located in Mungyeongsaejae Provincial Park, specializing in historical dramas, and it is the largest scale studio in the world. There are three palaces and many houses from the Goryeo Period, spread over 60,000 m2.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

The ritual grounds of King Taejo and Muhakdaesa and the castle wall built on the outer skirts of Seoul, stretching from the Sajik Tunnel to Jahamun, can still be found on the grounds of Mt. Inwang. Many people enjoy hiking from path that begins at the Sajik Tunnel and leads to the peak of the mountain then walk along the castle wall and finally arrive at Buamdong. The hiking course is also connected to the road situated before Cheongwadae so hikers can walk to historical locations such as Palpan road, Hyoja road, and Gyeongbok Palace. The hiking path located behind Sajik Park leads to Hwanghakjeong, where archers from the Joseon Dynasty once honed their marksmanship. The Hwanghakjeong was originally located in the Gyeongbok Palace but was relocated to the mountain. From the top, a panoramic view of the surrounding area, with the Gyeongbok Palace in the center, spreads as far as Mt. Nak, Mt. Nam, and Mt. Baegaksan.The hiking route along the caste wall is popular for the beautiful scenery hikers enjoy while climbing the mountain. When following the path located inside the caste wall, a set of stone steps will appear after passing Changuimun. After climbing the steps the path branches out to the outer part of the walls. The path stretches for 200m and leads to a set of rocks that were once used for building castles during the regimes of King Taejo, Sejong, and Sukjong. The thick dark-colored moss on the stones is a sign that indicates the long history of Seoul. The path also leads to the Tangchundae Castle. The castle was built with the purpose of reinforcing the capital’s defenses after the Japanese invasion in 1952 and the Manchu war of 1636.Mt. Inwang stands at a x_height of 338.2m and the mountain covers Honghedong, located in Seodaemungu, and Muakdong, Nusangdong, Ogindong, and Buamdong, located in Jongnogu. The unique and colossal rock formations and the view of Seoul and Cheongwadae are only a few of the many charms of Mt. Inwang.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Designated as a natural monument, Gosu Cave is a limestone cave situated in Danyang-gun. This extensive cave is 1,300 meters deep, and is well known for its beauty. The name Gosu comes from the fact that in the past, the area was filled with thickets of tall grass. Rough stone instruments were excavated at the cave entrance, which revealed that this area was home to prehistoric human beings.Inside Gosu Cave, the temperature remains around 15℃ throughout the year. There are reportedly about 25 different kinds of animal life inhabiting within the cave. Some of the rocks resemble animals or human figures, such as Lion Rock, Octopus Rock, Eagle Rock, and even the Virgin Mary Rock. About 120 various shapes of stalactites and stalagmites found here are valuable remains to researchers and scholars. As the cave is colder than most would expect, and you have to often move along holding onto metal railings, it is highly recommended that you wear warm gloves in the winter.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeongeup-si)

Naejangsa Temple is located in the midst of the beautiful Mt. Naejangsan National Park. The temple is said to have been built by the Buddhist monk Yeongeunjosa in the year 636 of the Baekje Dynasty. Once a large temple with over fifty buildings, Naejangsa was completely destroyed throughout the course of Jeongyujaeran (second Japanese invasion in 1597) and the Korean War (1950-1953). The present temple is largely the result of reconstruction efforts completed in the 1970s. One of the most prized treasures at the temple is the Ijo-dongjong Bell, considered a major cultural asset.Naejangsan Temple is a representative temple of Jeollabuk-do Province along with Geumsansa Temple on Moaksan Mountain. Surrounded on all sides by towering peaks, Naejangsa Temple boasts a picturesque landscape that is particularly striking in the fall when the mountains turn crimson with autumn leaves. Nearby attractions include Baegyangsa Temple, Bangjangsan Mountain, Jangseongho Lake, and Damyangho Lake.


Seoul(Gwanak-gu)

Horim Museum, founded by Yun Jangseop, displays about 10,000 remains. These remains can be found in four galleries: Archaeology Gallery, Ceramics Gallery, Metal Art Gallery, and Painting and Book Gallery. The museum has two floors above ground and one underground. There is also an outdoor exhibit area, coffee shop and a souvenir shop. Displays include 3,000 earthenware pieces, 4,000 pottery pieces, 2,000 paintings and books, and 600 pieces of metal art. Approximately 44 remains are authorized national treasures.


Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)

Everyone needs a break and Paradise Spa Dogo is the ideal recuperation hot spring. Opened by Paradise Group, the spa is a large-scale leisure facility in the heart of the hot spring center of Asan, Chungcheongnam-do. Boasting a relaxing environment of 24,622㎡, the spa can comfortably accommodate up to 5,000 people at one time. The facility includes a Bade Pool for water massage treatments, a large pool with year-round warm sulfur hot spring water, and a variety of water recreation options. Particularly popular is the outdoor event spa, which is run with seasonal themes: in winter, special spas of Acanthopanax, ginger, and mandarin orange peel are open for enjoyment. Those visiting over the weekend can also participate in kimchi-making, persimmon-picking, and farm life programs. A spa visit can also be combined with a trip to one of the many nearby tourist attractions such as Hyeonchungam Temple, Oeamni Folk Village, Onyang Folk Museum, Sinjeongho Lake, and the Maeng Sa-seong House.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , TheWestern Part of the Jeju Island

Hyeopjae Beach (협재해수욕장) is located on the west side of Hanrim-eup, and is part of Hanrim Park. The beautiful white color of the sand comes from the large amounts of crushed seashells that have been mixed in with the sand. The long seashore stretches for 9 km and has cobalt colored seawater and evergreen forests scattered around the vicinity, making the scenery very beautiful. Just off the beach is Biyangdo Island. The white sandy beach is about 20 meters long, and the water is 1.2 meters deep with no sudden drops. In the evergreen groves, there are plenty of convenient facilities and campgrounds for visitors to use.Hanrim Park nearby, provides interesting tour sites such as a subtropical arboretum, Hyeopjaegul Cave, and Ssangyonggul Cave. The seashore to the southwest of Hyeopjae Beach connects to another beach called Geumreung Beach, and both beaches combined are also called Hyeopjae Beach. From any beach on Jejudo Island, you can always see Mt. Hallasan. It is a great place for a relaxing family vacation.