Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Namyangju

Located in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do Province, Jaraseom Island is an island formed on the Bukhangang River as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam in 1943. The name ‘Jaraseom’ comes from the fact that it faces a hill that resembles a Jara (Korean word for soft-shelled turtle). Jaraseom consists of four islands called Dongdo, Seodo, Jungdo, and Namdo, and has various leisure and park facilities. Visitors can find a car camping site and the filming location of the popular TV drama series 'Iris' on Seodo (west island), and an eco-cultural park with a grass plaza of over 100 meters in diameter on Jungdo (central island). There is also an ecosystem theme park called Ehwawon Garden at the westernmost tip of the Jaraseom Campground. A popular camping spot, Jaraseom Island is also widely known as the venue of the annual Jaraseom International Jazz Festival.


Daejeon(Dong-gu)

Daejeon Station is located in the center of the country, and is a key stop on the Korea Railroad (KORAIL) line. The station opened January 1, 1905, when the railway between Seoul and Busan opened. Located in the old downtown area on the southeast side of Daejeon, the station serves as a railway transportation hub. All the passenger trains bound for Korea’s major cities including Seoul, Gwangju, Dongdaegu (East Daegu), Busan, Ulsan, and Pohang pass through this station. In front of the station is Daejeon Subway Station.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Mallipo Beach (만리포해수욕장) is located at the tip of National Road #32, which traverses Taean-gun. As one of the Eight Scenic Views of Taean, it has a beautiful landscape. This beach is part of Taean Coast National Marine Park (태안해안국립공원).Thanks to its shallow waters, wide sandy beaches and modern facilities, Mallipo Beach is a great tourist destination. Swimming, fishing, camping out in a pine grove and various marine sports can all be enjoyed here.A variety of fresh seafood such as gaenggaemi muchim, grilled eel and grilled king prawn is available on Mallipo Beach. Visitors can also tour the other Eight Scenic Views of Taean including Halmi-Harabi Rock, Anmyeon Pine Forest (안면송림), Sindu Dune (신두사구), Anheungseong Fortress and Gauido Island.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Lee Hyo-seok Culture Village is the setting of the beautiful Korean story “When Buckwheat Flowers Bloom,” and also home to the author, Lee Hyo-seok (pen name Gasan). Registered as National Culture Village No. 1 in 1990 by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the village is the setting of the annual Hyoseok Cultural Festival in autumn. The village is made up of the birthplace of Lee Hyo-seok, a watermill house, thatch-roofed housing, Gasan Park, Lee Hyo-seok Memorial Hall, and restaurants serving food made with buckwheat. The birthplace of Lee Hyo-seok was originally a thatched-roof house, typical of the housing in Gangwon-do. However, it has been rebuilt into an ‘L’-shaped house with two large trees growing in the front yard. Lee was born on February 23, 1907, one of five children to parents Lee Si-hoo and Kang Hong-kyung. Lee Hyo-seok’s wife, Lee Kyung-won was an aspiring artist. The couple had two sons and two daughters, but the second son passed away in 1940, just two years before his father, Lee Hyo-seok.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Mungyeong is known for its exquisite ceramics. While each piece has its own individual shape and design, as a whole, ceramics of Mungyeong are highly regarded because of their historical and cultural value. Mungyeong is home to a number of master craftsmen as well as Sagijang (referring to craftsmen making chinaware), who have been officially designated Intangible Cultural Property by the Korean government. As a renowned kiln site producing Buncheongsagi (grayish-blue celadon) since the early Joseon Period, Mungyeong still offers outstanding ceramics that reflect the essence of traditional craftsmanship. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Known as a popular fishing spot and recreation site, Andongho Lake is an man-made lake created by obstructing the upper stream of the Nakdonggang River, as part of the government’s Four Major Rivers Restoration Project. Andong Dam is the second largest dam in Korea, following Soyanggang Dam. The x_height of the dam is 83 meters and the length is 612 meters. The landscape surrounding Andongho Lake is nothing short of magnificent. There is a dock for the boats on the lake, which is also popular as a fishing destination. Bass caught here are especially strong and tasty. An international bass fishing tournament is held here every year. There are also tourist attractions nearby, such as the Dosanseowon Confucian Academy and Andong Hahoe Folk Village. Andongho Lake is known for its incomparable scenery, and is considered one of the most famous tourist sites in the Hoban Region. The nearest tourist sites include Dosanseowon Confucian Academy, Seokbinggo (Stone Ice Storage). There are plenty of other sites to visit as well, such as Andong Folk Village and its museum, where the historical Korean drama "Taejo Wang Geon" was filmed. Unfortunately, during the construction of Andong Dam, part of the village was submerged due to displaced water. The folk cultural properties there were safely moved to a nearby area by the auxiliary dam of Andong and turned into an open-air museum of folk culture.


Daejeon(Jung-gu)

Ppuri (Family Root) Park, located between Bomunsan Mt. and Banghwasan Mt. in Chimsan-dong, Jung-gu, Daejeon-si, is a park created under the theme of filial piety, one of the overriding values of Korean society. Opened on November 1, 1997, the park occupies a plot of land measuring 109,091 m² and is filled with unique sculptures and art pieces that remind visitors of their family ties. The sculptures at the park hold a special meaning for Koreans, as each of the 136 sculptures represents each of the different last names of Korea. On the front of each sculpture is the history of the family (name) and on the back is a description of the sculpture itself and other relevant information.Other main points of interest at Ppuri Park include the Deep-rooted Spring (symbolizing the 12 jisin/12 gods of the earth), waterfront stage, grass square, traffic safety education center, recreational forest, and natural observatory. Another must-visit attraction is the Samnam Memorial Tower, which represents the harmony and cooperation between the Honam (western region) and Yeongnam (eastern region) of Korea.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Standing grandly above the rocky cliffs of Namkang River is Chokseongnu Pavilion, arguably one of the most beautiful ‘nugaks’ (multi-storied building without walls) in the Yeongnam region. Chokseongnu (historically known as ‘Jangwollu’) has undergone 8 renovations since its establishment in the 28th year of King Gojong (1241, Goryeo Dynasty) and was once used as a stronghold for defending Jinju Palace in times of war. During times of peace, it was used for holding state examinations.Although the structure was burnt down during the Korean War, it was restored in 1960 through the efforts of the Jinju Historical Site Preservation Society. The design of the roof is similar to that of an octagon and the stone pillars were built with rocks collected from Mt. Chokseok, located in Changwon-si. The wood used for the structure was brought from Mt. Odae, situated in Gangwon-do. Noticeable features of Chokseongnu are the four engraved signboards and a board that holds the works of renowned poets and calligraphers.From the tall structure, visitors can catch a bird's-eye view of the rest of the Jinju Fortress and of the surrounding area.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

Mugaksa Temple, originally located in Yeouisan mountain, was a place where soldiers from Sangmu Military School went for peace and harmony. When Sangmu Military School relocated and part of Yeouisan Mountain became a 5.18 Memorial Park, the temple's location became part of the Park. Mugaksa Temple's location within the downtown area of Sangmu new town, Gwangju's biggest financial and administration district, puts it at a similar level as Bongeunsa Temple in Seoul as an urban Buddhism Temple. There are book café, lotus gallery, and traditional tea house "Sarangche" within the temple, breaking down the image of religion and adding more culture and arts to a place where citizens can go to meet and relax. "Treasure Island" Flee Market opens every Saturday, evolving it from European style to more Korean style market. The temple continues to receive interest as a tourist attraction and an educational place for students.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

The Royal Tomb of Queen Heo in Gusan-dong, Gimhae is the final resting place of Queen Heo, the wife of King Kim Suro, the founder of Garak. The tomb dates all the way back to the Gaya Era and has been officially designated National Historic Site No. 74. Unlike many other ancient tombs located on Korea’s flatlands, the large earthen mound sits high upon a hill. Reinforced in the front with stone and surrounded by a low stone fence, the tomb is marked with a headstone and stone tablets erected in 1647 (25th year of King Injo’s reign). Some of the stone used at the tomb is said to have come all the way from India. Together with the Tomb of King Suro, the tomb area was expanded in the 28th year of King Sejong’s reign (1446) to include several auxiliary buildings: Sungboje, Oesammun, Naesammun, and Hongsalmun. Records indicate that the tombs were robbed over a century later during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasion, 1592-1598).