Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex (청풍문화재단지) in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do contains a variety of cultural heritages and artifacts that were collected from the region before it was flooded in 1985 during the construction of Chungjuho Lake. Here, visitors can see Hanbyeokru Pavilion, Seokjo Yeoraeipsang Buddha, Paryeongru Pavilion, Geumanmru Pavilion, Geumbyeongheon Hall, Eungcheonggak Pavilion and the Cheongpung Confucian School as well as nearly 2,000 household artifacts. It has become an outdoor museum of the glorious culture of the upper reaches of Namhangang River.Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex also offers a beautiful driving course of about 10km along the road from Multae-ri to Jecheon. The drive course is at a crooked road coming down along the ridges of Kumsusan Moutain. This road will unveil the incredible views of unusual rock formations standing along on the Kumsusan ridges with Cheongpung Lake City flowidng down under. Also, this road has been planted with cherry blossom trees on both sides, which are glittering in the spotlight of sunshine. Beginning in mid-April, the Cheongpung Cherry Blossom will be in full bloom just around the time for the festival, which is held in the area of Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex and Cheongpungho Lake. The Cheongpung Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is to host a lantern lighting event and the Yongsinje, a ceremony for the legendary dragon, on the night before the event. The main events include folk games and athletic games where many villagers and town citizens are participating to fasten the bond of the community. Other hands-on activities include cherry blossom photo shooting competition and a local food tasting where you can taste the delicacies of the region.Hanbyeongnu Pavilion (National Treasure No. 528)The building was a government office that was built during the four-year reign of Chungsuk, king of the Goryeo Dynasty (1317), in celebration of Cheongpung-hyeon becoming Cheongpung-gun, the larger unit of the administrative district. The building collapsed due to a massive flood in 1972 and then was reconstructed in 1975 according to the original architectural style. This pavilion was constructed on a stone pillar and a column was set on the top that employs the entasis method of applying a convex curve to its surface, (or a slight convexity in its shaft). The building has a façade consisting of a total of four compartments, and three on the flank, with a column of a Korean traditional gabled building in a Jusimpo-gye style. On the right side of the building’s base, ingnang rooms on both sides of the main gate were attached with a terraced style and gambrel roofs on the top, the façade of which has five compartments, one being on the side.EungcheonggakThe purpose of the building is still unknown, but it had stood side by side on the left side of the Hanbyeongnu Pavilion. Although there is no known established date, Lee Hwang (1501-1570), the Danyang county governor at that time, started to call it Eungcheonggak in the beginning, under the reign of King Myeong-jong. There is also a written document left by Jeong Se-gyu, the governor of Chungcheong-do, who stayed at the pavilion in 1637. Government official Hyeon In-bok repaired the pavilion in 1990 during the 37-year reign of King Gojong. The original address was 203-1 Eup-ri, Cheongpung-myeon, but it was moved to its current location in 1983 due to the construction of the Chungju Dam. It is a two-story building where the first floor is a huge chunk of soil and stone. The house contains three compartments at the front, and both sides were built on a soil block with an angled roof that has eight sides. Also, a wooden staircase is attached on the left side of the building for ascending to the second floor.Geumbyeongheon (Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 34)Geumbyeongheon was previously used as a government office. Cheongpung was called Sayeori-hyeon during the three Kingdoms period of Korea, and later changed into Cheongpung-heon during the reign of King Gyeongduk of Silla. Under the reign of King Chungsuk of the Goryeo Kingdom, it became known as Jigunsa, and then later just Gun during the Joseon Dynasty under the reign of King Sejo. Hyeonjong of the Joseon Dynasty promoted it as a protectorate of the region, and later announced it as Gun again during the reign of King Gojong. In the year 1914, all administrative districts were merged into the Cheongpung-myeon system. Government official Oh Do-il started the construction of the building, and later, government official Lee Hui-jo reconstructed it in 1705 during King Sukjong’s 31-year reign. Park Pil-mun repaired the building, and Kwon Don-in made a framed picture for the building in 1726, the second year of King Yeonjo’s ruling.Geumnamru Pavilion (Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Property No.20)This place was the main gate of Cheongpung Government Office. The officer of the Cheongpung government, Cho Gil-won, named it Dohobujeoljeamun, and carved it into the stela hanging on the front of the gate during the reign of King Sunjo (1825). The office is a two-story attic containing three compartments at the front, and both sides were built on a stone foundation with an angled roof that has eight sides. Government official Hyeon In-bok started construction and later repaired it in 1956Flower garden - Gujeolcho, Halla Gujeolcho, Haeguk, Kalimeris, Broom chrysanthemum Flower road- Bridal Wreath Tree Roads, White Azaleas Road, Wild Ryal Azaleas Road, Satsuki Azaleas Road, Azalea Road.Cheongpung Husalli Old HouseThis was one of the private houses located in 105 Husan-li, Cheongpung-myeon, but it was later moved to its current location due to the construction of the Chungju Dam. The structure of the house resembles the Korean symbol “ㄱ”, facing east-south and having a daecheong, a cool wooden-floor style hall, on the center. On the right side of the daecheong, there are two small bedrooms. The toenmaru, a narrow wooden patio, is higher than average and has a fireplace underneath it. On the left side of the daecheong is the master bedroom. On the east side of the master bedroom, a special room is located to hold memorial rites for ancestors. It has a unique structure that is most commonly found in the central regions of Korea during the late Joseon Dynasty.Cheongpung Dohwari Old House This was a private house built in the late Joseon Dynasty. The house used to be located in Dohwa-ri, Cheongpung-myeon, but was later moved to its current location due to the construction of the Chungju Dam. The structure of the house resembles the Korean symbol “ㄷ”. In the center of the house is a daecheong, which consists of three compartments. A bedroom, kitchen, and storage room are located on its left side, and another two bed rooms and a kitchen consisting of two compartments are on its right side. The kitchen has signature features that are typically found in the private houses of the Taebaeksan Mountain Range, equipped with a round log chimney and a lattice window that is lit by torchlight. It is suspected that the house had an annex added to the front of the house.YeollijiYeolliji (연리지) and yeollimok trees are famous here. If two trees grow in close proximity for a long time, they grow together, which is called yeolli, meaning “inoculation” in Korean. These trees are often compared to the concept of affectionate love, and are widely known as a “love trees,” since the two trees become united into one. They are also called either yeolliji (when the branches are connected) or yeollimok (when the trunks are connected). The yeolliji is far rarer than the yeollimok because the branches scarcely ever face each other, and even if they did, it would be easily shaken by the wind, thus making it harder to draw close to each other. Legend has it that in ancient China, birds called biikjo were often likened to the yeolliji tree. Biikjo means “a pair of birds,” a male and female that cannot fly apart from each other, as each has only one eye and one wing. It’s only when they are together that they can fly. The poet named Baekgeoi compare this with the great love story of the age, the affair of the last Tang emperor in China and his beautiful concubine, Yang Guifei (Yang Kwei-fei). In his book “Janghanga,” the couple was described as a pair of biikjo in the sky and yeollimok on the earth.Stone Standing Buddha (National Treasure No.546)The Stone Standing Buddha has the x_height of 341cm, the sculptural form when viewed as a whole seems to be found in late into the Unified Silla (10th century). The peaceful face of Buddha was shaped with the chubby cheeks and compassionate gaze in his eyes. The statue has a deep and long philtrum between the nose and lips and both ears that cast down to the shoulders. ‘Samdo’ referring to the three training stages of Buddhist monks, was engraved in his neck and his left hand is pointing down to the ground. The Buddha is wearing underwear with the tonggyeon Buddhist traditional clothes covering the shoulders on the top of it, which has a V-shaped knot on his belly that rests down to the chair. After building Chungju Dam, its original location was flooded and moved to its current location in 1983 and was restored here. Cheongpung Paryeongnu Pavilion Tangible Cultural Property No. 35 (Designated on December 21, 1976) Paryeongnu Pavilion is a two-story gate that connects to the village of Cheongpung in the Joseon Dynasty. Below is in the form of a door and has a tower on its top. Min Chisang, the governor of the village at that time during the reign of Gojong (1863-1907), named the pavilion Paryeongnu, inspired by the poem that described the most spectacular eight sceneries of Cheongpung. The gate has 3 compartments on the front and 2 on each side as well as 8-sided roofs. The banisters surround the gate with walls and have a wooden floor inside. Apart from Paryeongnu Pavilion, Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex is filled with many cultural heritages such as Geumnamru, Eungcheonggak Pavilion and Geumbyeongheon.Cheongpung Hwangseongni Old house This house was originally a private housing in 164 hwangseok-li, Cheongpung-myeon and moved to its current location after the construction of Chungju Dam. The structure of the house consists of anchae, the main building located at the center and munganchae, the gate section. Anchae has the four compartments and two on the side with an eight-sided tiled roof on the top called giwa. Starting from west side of the house, a kitchen, master room and small bed room are stood in a row. The master room and the room next to the kitchen are facing toenmaru, a narrow wooden porch running along the outside of a room. Another toenmaru is placed at the end of sarangbang, the guest room.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

SkinAnniversary Beauty Town is a beauty complex offering visitors a chance to experience the diverse facets of the Korean beauty culture. It is the world’s biggest beauty town, boasting an impressive area of 15km2 and a capacity of 2,000 guests. Guests can partake in a variety of beauty care activities at affordable prices including Korean skincare treatments and Hally-style makeup. There is also a trick art gallery/photo zone and a buffet-style restaurant full of dishes that are good for the skin.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Yongmunsa Temple (용문사) is located about 9km northeast from Yongmun station on the Jungang line. It was built during the Silla Kingdom and reconstructed during the reign of King Sejong of the Joseon Dynasty. It was badly damaged during the Korean War, but was restored and now consists of three buildings, the main hall, daeungjeon, and the bell tower. Its courtyard contains the largest gingko tree in the East, which is 1,100 years old, measures 60m in x_height and 14m in circumference and is designated and protected as natural monument no. 30. Legend says the great Buddhist monk Uisang, who lived during the Silla Kingdom, stuck his staff in the earth, and the tree grew out of the simple staff.


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

The Korean Bamboo Museum opened in March 1998. It is a comprehensive complex that preserves, exhibits, produces, and allows people to experience bamboo products. It was established to provide a resting area for visitors to Damyang, and to promote the unique bamboo arts of the Damyang region. The museum has five exhibition halls. It has a collection of around 2,555 bamboo products, all of which are on display, ranging from products dating back to the Joseon Dynasty, to modern-day products, as well as other foreign items. The bamboo arts of Damyang have a history of 500 years, starting from the early Joseon Dynasty. The bamboo products are of high quality and known for their tenacity and resilience, since the only bamboo used is custom-made by craftsmen.    


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Beomnyunsa Temple, located at the foot of the Munsusan Mountain in Yongin, Gyeoggi-do, consists of the Hall of Sakyamoni, the Hall of Paradise, the Hall of Kwan-yin, the Hall of Josa, Samsunggak Shrine, Beomjonggak Shrine, Yosachae, and a place of mediation for Buddhist nuns.The sizable 130-pyeong Hall of Sakyamoni was built in an open form of the Chinese character "亞" ("ah") in a Southern Buddhist style. The hall, made of indigenous red pine tree from Baekdusan Mountain, contains a 53-tonne stone Sakyamoni Statue (three times bigger in size than the Buddhist statue in Seokguram Grotto) and a 33-tonne stone Munsu Bohyeon Buddhist Saint Statue. On the left wall are 104 Sinjungnim (guardians of Buddhist law) as well as a Dongjin Boan Buddhist Saint Statue. There are also 1250 Buddhist saint statues, symbolizing the devotion of Buddhist followers.The temple also holds a three-story stone pagoda from the late Unified Silla Era, and is registered as Cultural Asset No. 145.As of March 2009, the temple also began offering a temple stay program.


Jeollabuk-do()

Byeonsanbando National Park is a 35km stretch encompassing five townships along the coast. Designated as a national park in 1988, it is the only national park in the country that has both a seashore and mountainside. The park is divided into two large sections: the shore area, called Oebyeonsan (Outer Mt. Byeonsan), and an inland area called Naebyeonsan (Inner Mt. Byeonsan). Chaeseokgang Cliffs and Byeonsan Beach are the main tourist attractions of Oebyeonsan. Located to the west of the Byeonsan Peninsula, Chaeseokgang Cliffs includes the rock wall and the sea. The sedimentary rocks formed by the waves over a long time look like piles of hundreds of thousands of books. With its fine sand, Byeonsan Beach is one of the top three beaches on the west coast. The pine forest along the beach attracts the most visitors. There are also many attractions at Naebyeonsan such as Jiksopokpo Waterfall and Gaeamsa Temple. Mt. Naebyeonsan (459m) is especially known for its waterfalls, valleys, and lush woodlands.In Byeonsanbando National Park, there are three famous highlights, collectively referred to as "Sambyeon." The first is Byeonjae, the long and straight pine trees. The second is Byeonran, the wild orchids. The third is Byeoncheong, the natural honey produced from the slopes of Mt. Byeonsan. It is very fragrant and sometimes used for medicinal purposes.Perhaps the most notable feature of Byeonsanbando National Park is that you can enjoy the sea and the mountains both at the same time. The islands and sunset from the peak of the mountain make for a perfect backdrop. Many people come to see the sunset at Byeonsan Peninsula every year.


Daejeon(Jung-gu)

Hyundai Gallery is located in the heart of Daejeon. The City Hall, Court of Law, and Police Station etc. are some of the important establishments concentrated in the area. The Exhibit Hall on the B1 floor of Hyundai Gallery is 70 Pyeong (1 pyeong = 3.3 square meters), and is the preferred locale for talented artists exhibiting their work. Private invitation exhibitions are usually held. The exhibited works are ones that reflect modern art trends, and show the art world of progressive artists. The lighting is very impressive, and highlights the exhibited items beautifully. The simplicity of its design allows you to focus on and enjoy the artwork even more. There is a historic art gallery near the Hyundai Gallery, and the third largest lake in Korea called Daecheongho Lake. If you want to enjoy the tranquil beauty of a large lake, head over to this place. The water is very clean, and is host to many different types of fish. 


Seoul(Yangcheon-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

Yongwangsan Mountain, also known as Eomjisan, is geologically located at entrance of a land referred to as “Cheonhojibeol,” located across an artificial waterfall. The mountain’s name “Yongwangsan” (meaning Dragon King Mountain) derived from an old tale of a king who dreamt of becoming killed. He then shot an arrow to an old man with spiritual powers living in a village at the foot of Eomjisan Mountain. The king stated “I knew that the old man would someday turn into a dragon and threaten my throne. Therefore I killed the dragon.” The words dragon (“yong”) and king (“wang”) were combined to form its current name, Yongwangsan Mountain.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Uisangdae (의상대) is located on a seaside hill, on the way to Hongnyeonam Hermitage’s Gwaneumgul Cave from Naksansa Temple. It is a small temple, believed to have been built by Great Monk Uisang (625-702) during King Munmu’s reign (661-681) during Silla Period, on the spot where Uisang used to meditate while building Naksansa Temple. The current pavilion was built in 1925.Hongnyeonam Hermitage is a place you shouldn’t miss when you visit the octagonal Uisangdae. Believed to be built 5 years after Naksansa Temple, it is also where Great Monk Uisang used to meditate. It was named Hongnyeonam ('Hong' meaning 'red' and 'Ryeon' meaning 'lotus flower') because there is a legend that a red lotus flower bloomed in the sea during Great Monk Uisang’s seven days of prayer. It is built against the cliff beside a rocky cave, making it part of a great scenery, and the sunrise from Uisangdae is absolutely spectacular.Songgang Jeongcheol, who was a poet from the mid Joseon Period (1392-1910) expressed his feeling on the spectacle of sunrise from Uisangdae like this: “After the pear-tree flowers have fallen and when the cuckoo cries sadly, beyond the hill east of Naksan Mountain at Uisangdae, I get up in the middle of night to see the sun rise. The auspicious clouds look like they are blooming, and the sun look as if it is being held up by six dragons. As the sun rises majestically from the sea to the sky, the whole world shakes and the sun rises swiftly, shining more brightly than a thousand candles.” That is how much wonder the view of sunrise from Uisangdae has created from long ago.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

"Neglected for Royal Ascendance"Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉) is the tomb of Queen Consort Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (1392-1398), founder of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, this tomb was not well-maintained compared to other royal tombs because of a power struggle. The queen consort had many children, which naturally induced a battle for the throne. Usually the son of the first wife is the successor of the throne, but Queen Consort Sindeok was determined to have one of her sons ascend the throne instead. However, the successor, King Taejong, killed all her sons and developed an extreme abhorrence towards the queen consort. When she died, King Taejong issued an order to not maintain and preserve her tomb. Therefore, the tomb is rather unkempt and the layout and composition is different from other royal tombs.Upon entering the red gate, the sacrificial building can be seen in front of the tomb along with a pavilion and tombstone. Stone sculptures of sheep and tigers watch over the tomb. A major difference between this tomb and other royal tombs is exhibited in the path from the red gate to the sacrificial building. Usually the path is a straight line, but at Jeongneung Royal Tomb, it is crooked and bent. Furthermore, the color of the sacrificial building is dull and faded.Even though the tomb symbolizes the turmoil and wrath of political struggles, many couples and families come to Jeongneung Royal Tomb for a stroll because of its peacefulness and natural surroundings.