Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

The Oreung Tombs (“oreung” meaning “five royal tombs”) have been officially designated Historic Site No. 172 and are the final resting places of four kings of the Park clan—King Park Hyeokgeose (founder of the Silla Kingdom), King Namhae, King Yuri, and King Jabi—and one queen (Queen Aryeong, wife of King Park Hyeokgeose). To the east of the royal tombs lies Sungdeokjeon Shrine, which holds the ancestral tablet of King Park Hyeokgeose. Behind the shrine is the Aryeongjeong Well, said to be the birthplace of Queen Aryeong.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Seokguram, located on Tohamsan Mountain, is the representative stone temple of Korea. The official name of Seokguram, National Treasure No. 24, is Seokguram Seokgul. Designated as a World Cultural Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, it is an artificial stone temple made of granite. The construction was started by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774) in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (742-765) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC - AD 935) and it was finished twenty-four years later in 774, during the reign of King Hye-Gong (765-780).Seokguram is known to have been built with Bulguksa Temple. According to the history book Samgukyusa of the Goryeo Dynasty (the country that unified the Korean peninsula at the end of the Silla Kingdom, 918-1392), Kim Dae-Seong had Bulguksa Temple built for his parents in his current life, and Seokguram Grotto for the parents of his former life.Inside the round-shaped main hall are the Bonjon Statue, Bodhi-sattva and his disciples. The Bonjon figure wearing a generous smile is seated on the stage engraved with a lotus flower design. The rounded ceiling looks like a half-moon or a bow and has a lotus flower decorated cover on it. As the sunrise from this spot is quite beautiful, many people climb the mountain at daybreak.


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.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Originally, it was an island, but now having installed the bulwarks of Yeosu Port all the way to Odongdo Island (오동도), visitors can simply walk along the breakwater. There are 70 species of wild flowers that flourish here, a hill commemorating the plantation of the very first tree and a spacious grassy field making this place great for ecological education.The Odongdo Island of Yeosu is one of the most spectacular spots to appreciate camelias. The camelias on Odongdo Island begin to bloom in November and color the entire island in scarlet until April the following year. Indeed, during this period the entire island looks like a huge camelia blossom. The promenade that stretches across the entire island is popular with couples. You can have fresh catches from the sea prepared for your meal.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Bunhwangsa Temple was built during the year 634 and the third year of Queen Seondeok's rule, the 27th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. Prominent Buddhist priests Wonhyo and Jajang have resided at the temple.As the temple has a long history, it once held many historical relics but most of them have been lost due to the Mongolian invasion and the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592. The remaining relics are Mojeon Stone Tower, Hwajaengguksabibu (A memorial stone placed in memory of Wonhyo, a renown Buddhist priest from the Silla Kingdom), Samnyongbyeoneojeong (A well in which the three dragons that protected Silla were believed to reside), and Danggan Pillars.Mojeon Stone Tower, the 30th National Treasure reaching a x_height of 9.3 meters, was built using bricks carved from andesite rocks. While the tower is presumed to be originally a 7-9 story structure, only 3 stories remain today. Danggan Pillars, two stone pillars that stand 3.6 meters high, are located at the entrance of Punhwangsa Temple. Danggan refers to flagpoles made of either wood, metal or stone that were used to hang flags which signified Buddhist festivals so that even people far away would be aware of them. The pillars are supported by stone turtles, a unique feature as most pillars do not possess such characteristics. There are also statues of Buddha displayed in the yard of Gyeongju National Museum. These statues were found in a well situated 30 meters north of the rear wall of Bunhwangsa Temple.


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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Located in Hapcheon, Gyeongnam Province, the 1,108-meter-high Hwangmaesan Mountain (황매산) encompasses the three peaks of Habong, Jungbong and Sangbong. Since the reflection of the mountain is also mirrored on the water of Hapcheon Lake, the mountain is also called ‘Sujungmae’ (literally meaning ‘ume (Japanese apricot) blossom under water’). In spring, azalea and rhododendron blossoms take over the entire mountain; in summer, you can enjoy the refreshing valley area; in the fall, the sound of birds singing is everywhere; and in winter, harsh winds swirl around the snow-capped Dongnipbong Peak.By starting the course from Sanjae and continuing past Mujigaeteo, Sungyeol Rock of Hwangmae Fortress and Guksadang hikers can take in the view of the alpine rhododendron-covered mountainside. 


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Naganeupseong Folk Village is located in Jeollanam-do Province, and contains a town castle that is over 18,000 Pyeong (1 pyeong = 3.3 sq m) in size. Within the east, south and west of the castle, about 100 families still reside, and the castle area has been very well preserved. You can observe the daily dwellings indigenous to the south provincial area such as the kitchen area, the clay rooms, and Korean-style verandas. There are also 9 houses designated as important cultural resources, and numerous straw-roof houses as well. The folk village’s other source of pride is the monument of General Im Kyeong-Eop (1594~1646). At every first full moon of the new year, they hold a ritual ceremony and celebration at the general’s monument, with games such as seesaw jumping, swings, and other folk activities.When you enter the front gate of Naganeupseong Folk Village, on the east side of the castle (called “Nakpung-ru”), you see a straight road leading to town. Follow along this road and you will come across the General Im Kyeong-Eop Monument, resource center, and other interesting sites. You may also walk to the end of this road, climb up to the castle itself, and walk along the castle wall to the south. The entire castle is exceptionally well-preserved, and you can view the whole town from the top level.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Osaek Mineral Spring is situated 20 kilometers west of Yangyang and 7.5 kilometers southeast from Hangyeryeong. The water, which springs from three base rocks by a brook, is carbonated and rich in iron. Up to 1,500 liters of iron-rich water spring out on a daily basis. Osaek became well known due to the splendid landscape leading up to the mineral spring and its location on the way to the summit of Seoraksan Mountain.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

The city of Chuncheon is surrounded by Uiamho, Chuncheonho, and Soyangho lakes and is widely known as Hobanui Dosi (Lake City). Much like the Hangang Riverside Park is a representative landmark of Seoul, the Gongjicheon Resort is a beloved treasure of Chuncheon.Within Gongjicheon Resort at the end of Gongjicheon Bridge you’ll find “The Street of Gold Scales,” a themed avenue based on the novel “Hwanggeumbineul” (The Gold Scales) by Korean author Lee OiSoo. Lee, a native of Chuncheon, drew much inspiration from Gongjicheon Stream and Uiamho, using the two locations as the setting of his bestselling novel “Hwanggeumbineul.” In recognition of the author’s literary works, the themed street is decorated with paintings, poems, and stories about the author.Not just a place of interest for scholars, the area is also a favorite among nature lovers. The ring-road walkway by the lake is a favorite spot for weekend excursions and the nearby Sculpture Park, fountain, ferry boat, lakeside park, and outdoor performance stage offer plenty to see and do. In the surrounding area you’ll also find the Dohajugyo Bridge of King Jeongjo the Great, the War Memorial, Children's Hall, and a monument commemorating the participation of Ethiopia in the Korean War.