Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Yeonghwiwon and Sunginwon are burial mounds once designated for princes and consorts. The social hierarchy was very strict during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and it influenced the patterns of the royal tombs. The tombs for kings and queens called ‘neung’ are larger and more luxurious than tombs for princes and consorts called ‘won.’Yeonghwiwon houses the tomb of Queen Consort Sunheon (1854-1911), King Gojong’s concubine and Sunginwon is for King Yeongchin’s son, Ijin (1921-1923). The composition of the two tombs is similar, but Yeonghwiwon is larger than Sunginwon. The first sight when entering the burial grounds is the red gate (the red color denoting holiness). Beyond the red gate is a sacrificial building where the memorial rites were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are stone sculptures called japsang, which are carved into the shapes of animals such as monkeys and are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is located. The tombstone indicates who lies in the mound. The stone figures guarding the king’s tomb are memorable. A sacrificial building called "jasil" is now used as maintenance office and is worth visiting. The eaves, latticework and wooden floor are so well preserved that visitors can truly get an authentic feeling when walking through the premises.Yeonghwiwon & Sunginwon boast splendid views in the fall when the leaves change colour. The promenades and the stonewalls of the entrance are beautiful. Its tranquil and pleasant atmosphere attracts many families and the couples. 


Daegu(Dong-gu)

Located in the center of Gyeongsang-do, Daegu International Airport is a convenient local transportation hub that provides access to most parts of the country. It is the only international exchange center in Gyeongsangbuk-do (Gyeongbuk). The cities of Gyeongsan and Yeongcheon are about 30 minutes from the airport, which serves as a major hub in Yeongnam region. Popular Gyeongbuk-area attractions including Gyeongju, Andong, and Pohang, are 90 minutes away. The airport’s main building is shaped like a soaring crane, with an interior theme based on a poem by Joseon-era scholar Yun Seon-do called “Owooga” (a song for five friends: water, rock, pine tree, bamboo, and moon).  


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Gyeongpodae (경포대) is famous for the view of the moon on the 15th day of the first lunar month, and is located 6 km north from the center of Gangneung. It is a large, tall pavilion, and its architectural feature- a “paljak” roof, is the most common form used in Korean buildings. It has been designated as Regional Cultural Asset No. 6. Its structure is divided into 6 sections in the front, and 5 sections at the side, with 28 pillars surrounding the pavillion. Located inside is the Gyeongpodaebu, which was written by Yul-Gok when he was only 10 years old. It writes about the slow and leisurely movement of the heavens, making it even more distant, and the clear, bright moon shimmering in the darkness. There is also a poem written by Suk-Jong (1095~1105), the 15th king of the Goryeo Dynasty, and many other literary records and poetry of famous artists like Ha-Mang Jo’s (1682~1747) Sangryangmun.In the Geyongpodae area there are 12 other Pavilions, including Geumnanjeong, Gyeonghojeong, Banghaejeong, Haeunjeong. You can enjoy Gyeongpodae, and its place in the surrounding nature, just as you would enjoy seeing artwork at a museum. It is best to visit between March and October.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

King Naemul was the 17th monarch of the Silla Kingdom (in power from 356 to 402) and became the second king of the Kim family name. King Naemul was known as the first king to initiate the king title of ‘Maripgan’ and was known for spreading cultural advancements from China to the Korean people. When the allied forces of Baekje and Japan attacked, he asked Gwanggaeto the Great of Goguryeo for help and led the people to victory, contributing to the increased strength of the Silla Kingdom. After his rule, the throne was exclusively ceded to members of the Kim family clan. The royal tomb of King Naemul is a large mound (2.2m in diameter and 5.3m in x_height) that sits on the northern hill of the Confucian school of Gyeongju. The edge of a natural stone is exposed around the bottom of the mound, pointing to the fact that the inner chamber tomb was made of stone. In the historical document Samguk Sagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), no records are found about the tomb, but the Samguk Yusa (Memorabilia of the Three Kingdoms) describes the king’s tomb as being located in the southwest of Cheomseongdae, which is consistent with the tomb’s location.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Located on Mireuksan Mountain, one of Korea's top 100 mountains, Hallyeosudo Viewing Ropeway is the only dual-cable automatic circulating gondola system in Korea. At 1,975 meters long, it is the longest tourist ropeway in the nation. The ropeway is made up of 47 gondolas and one freight unit. Traveling at an average of 4m/sec, it takes approximately 9 minutes to reach the summit station from the ground station. From the top of Mireuksan Mountain, one can see the historical venue for the Great Battle of Hansan below and even see as far Hallyeohaesang National Park (from Hansando Island to Yeosu), Japan's Daemado Island, Jirisan National Park's Cheonwangbong Peak, and Dolsando Island.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple was built in 802 AD and is regarded as one of Korea’s three major Buddhist temples along with Tongdosa and Songwangsa. Of the numerous temple halls, most were built in the modern era, with only Janggyeongpanjeon Hall from the early Joseon Dynasty remaining in its original state. However, the temple holds great significance not only for its structure, but also for the treasure it holds inside.Janggyeongpanjeon is a wooden building housing the 13th-century Goryeo Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana), a priceless world treasure. The Tripitaka Koreana is a large set (thousands and thousands) of wood blocks that were specially treated to prevent aging and inscribed with the Buddhist canon. It is the oldest and most complete version of the Buddhist canon and is one of the most cherished Buddhist doctrinal collections in the world.Janggyeongpanjeon is comprised of two buildings Sudarajeon to the south and Beopbojeon to the north. Unadorned by decorations or paintings, the buildings carry out the sole function of storing the Tripitaka Koreana wooden tablets. The building has been praised by scientists for its effective air circulation, resistance to moisture, and temperature control – all of which have enabled the Tripitaka Koreana to survive throughout the years. Although the exact date of Janggyeongpanjeon’s construction is still unknown, the hall was built under the order of King Sejo in 1488. It has never suffered the effects of fire or war.In recognition of its architectural beauty and its extraordinary scientific preservation of the world’s only Tripitaka, Janggyeongpanjeon of Haeinsa Temple was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1995.


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

Biyangdo Island can be seen directly from Hyeopjae Beach, which is located northwest of Hanrim Port. The word Biyang means to fly over, and indeed, legend has it that Biyangdo Island actually flew over from China more than 1000 years ago. The tiny island, accompanied by Hallim Park, Hyeopjae Beach, and Hallim Port, create a truly picturesque landscape. At the peak in the middle of the island are two craters that form a basin, which is home to a colony of Villbrunea frutescens, the only natural colony in Korea. The island is also home to over 80 fish and various marine plants.Biyangdo Island is a popular destination for both summer fishing and as a place for a light hike. Although Biyang Peak is not high (only 114m above sea level) it still offers visitors an opportunity to overlook the breathtaking landscape from Mt. Halla to various volcanic mountains (called Oreum in Jeju dialect), dazzling coastal lines, and the glittering waters of Hyeopjae Beach. There are a small number of houses scattered around a quay at the foot of Biyang Peak, as well as an old unmanned lighthouse, adding flavor to the island.Visitors can get to the island by passenger boat departing from Hallim Port and operating two times a day at 9:00 a.m. and 15:00 p.m. Please note, however that during holidays and weekends, it operates only once a day, at noon. It takes approximately 15 minutes from Hallim Port to Biyangdo.* Hallim Port: +82-64-796-7552 


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Chuncheon Puppet Theater is the only theater in Korea that features puppet shows for children. It offers upscale puppet performances from various countries and special events through its annual Chuncheon International Puppet Festival in August. In addition to the theater, there is also a Puppet Workshop where children can make puppets as well as a Puppet Museum with exhibitions of various puppets from around the world.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Chuncheon Culture & Art Center (CCAC) is a leading performing and visual arts center located in the city of Chuncheon. The auditorium holds up to 1,004 seats including 989 regular seats and 15 seats for people with disabilities. Various performances and exhibitions are held throughout the year in order to offer diverse cultural experiences to the citizens.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

The Chuncheon Museum was first opened in the exhibition room of the Children’s Center in Samcheon-dong in 1995 thanks to the efforts of the Chuncheon Fine Art Association to make Chuncheon a city of culture and arts. The museum offers local artists a venue to actively present their works, serving as a stimulant for expanding the popularity of culture and arts and enriching the lives of citizens. The Chuncheon Museum is a relaxing and easily accessible cultural space to enjoy art in the Chucheon area.