Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

On July 29, 1998, the Gimhae National Museum was opened in order to research and preserve the cultural heritage of the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The museum is at the foot of Gujibong Peak in Gimhae-si, the spot where the kingdom is believed to have been founded. The museum exhibits the cultural assets of Gaya, as well as cultural relics from the prehistoric age in the Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do areas, and the cultural heritage of Byeonhan, which was the foundation for the growth of Gaya.Compared to other ancient kingdoms, relatively few historical records on Gaya remain. For this reason, relics and remains that have been unearthed through archaeological excavations need to be studied in order to gain an understanding of the ancient kingdom. In this sense, the Gimhae National Museum is a specialized museum used by professional archaeologists as well as the general public. 


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The sunrise along the East Coast can be viewed earliest at Ganjeolgot Point in Daesong-ri, Seosaeng-myun, Uljin-gun. The breathtaking view of the sunrise can be seen a minute earlier than Homigot Point in Yeongilman Bay and five minutes earlier than Jeongdongjin in Gangneung. Ganjeolgot Point is in the spotlight as a new tourist attraction along with Jinha Beach and Seosaengpo Fortress. The lighthouse is located 20 minutes away from the entrance to Ulsan Nambu Ring Road. When acacias bloom along the coast from Ulsan to Haeundae Beach in Busan, the road is filled with its subtle perfume. This road is perfect as a driving course with the combination of beautiful white acacia trees in the hills and the occasional appearance of the sea. Enjoy the tremendous scenery of the invigorating sea and the misty view of the hills. Although it is only 20 minutes away from Ulsan Nambu Ring Road, the scenic beauty contributes to the exotic look.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This was the location of the palace fortress during the Shilla Dynasty (57 BC ~ AD 935). The fortress takes after its name, which, literally translated, means 'a crescent moon shape on top of a hill'. The famous history books of Samgukyusa mention that Shilla’s 4th King Seoktalhae (AD 57~80) thought this area was an ideal spot for the fortress and bought the land from a nobleman. The 2nd King Namhae (AD 4~24) impressed by Seoktalhae’s actions, took him in as his son-in-law, later, becoming the 4th king. The area was then under Shilla’s rule for 900 years, the last king being the 56th, Gyeongsoon (AD 927~935).Although the magnificent grandeur of the palace is now just an empty lot, it has been told that this area was filled with imperial buildings during the Shilla Dynasty. Currently, the region of Wolseong has a freezer made out of rocks called Seokbinggo, an archery range, horse-riding field, and a traditional playground, which resembles the grounds of the Joseon Period (the dynasty that ruled the Korean peninsula from 1392-1910). 


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.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Boeun-gun)

This 600-year-old pine tree stands at the entrance to Mt. Songnisan (속리산) in Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do. This old tree, designated as Natural Monument No. 103, is 15 meters in x_height and 4.5 meters in girth. Its branches stretch 10.3 meters to the east, 9.6 meters to the west and 10 meters to the north. Shaped like an open umbrella, this pine tree has long been the symbol of Mt. Songnisan, and has even been awarded the title of a Jeongipum grade official of the Joseon Court. * Legend King Sejo visited Onyang Hot Spring and Mt. Songnisan in 1464 to cure an illness. While passing under this tree, he looked up and saw that his royal sedan chair was about to be ensnared in the tree’s branches. As he called for his bearers to look out, the branches suddenly lifted for the royal procession to proceed. On his way to Seoul, King Sejo was also able to take shelter from a rain shower under this tree. Therefore, he bestowed upon the tree the ministerial rank of Jeongipum.


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(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.


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park stretches over 20,952㎡ with beautiful coastal vistas. This park has become well known for its incredible scenery of the sunrise from the East Sea. Especially, views of the sun rising between the pine trees are famous.Sokch Seorak Sunrise Park has long been called 'naemulchi,' which dates back to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The scholar named Song Si-yeol stopped off this area on his way to Geojedo Island for an exile and named the area 'naemulchi' as a village was sunk under water by heavy rain.Inside the park are Jamboree Memorial Tower, an outdoor theater, a tourist information center, and many great places to take a walk along the seashore. Additionally, there are around 30 pieces of sculpture lining the view the of ocean for all to enjoy.


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.


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Namyangju

Gapyeong Sledding Hills are open throughout the year. It normally operates from the beginning of December to early March. Unlike other sledding Hills using artificial snow, Gapyeong has artificial grass under its snow as well as the characteristic of having the sun behind the hill so that the snow does not melt. Thus, operating hours are prolonged by 1 month until the end of winter on natural snow.Gapyeong Sledding Hills features two slopes for adults and two for children. With the set up of the ‘horizontal baby-walker (moving walker)', going up the hill is easy just by standing on the sled. Next to the children’s slope, there is a separate snow house and a place for snowball fights.In addition, visitors can experience the unique fun of summer sleighing with the operation of the Water Sledding Hills in summer from the middle of July to October.Gapyeong Sledding Hills also operate the ‘Ice Sledding Hills’ during winter, and it is available with no extra fee.When coming from Seoul, take the bus to Hyeon-ri from the Seoul Sangbong Bus Terminal and get off at Deokhyon-ri Gapyeong Sledding Hills.