Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Pocheon Art Valley is established in what used to be a granite quarry. The quarry became the site of the nation’s first shared culture and art complex in 2009. The valley has had over 1,000,000 visitors by 2014. Various programs such as a planned exhibition, weekend performance, planned performance and others are prepared for visitors. Also, Pocheon Art Valley Astronomical Science Museum officially opened on August 1, 2014 as a spot for space science, comprised of an exhibition hall for space, cutting-edge 4D video room, and astronomical observation room that offers constellation reading.


Gyeonggi-do(Anseong-si)

The word ‘Mirinae,’ from the Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지) in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, is a pure Korean word for the Milky Way. The site holds the graves of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic Saint; his mother Ursula; Bishop Ferréol, the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim; and Vincentius Lee Minsik who buried Saint Kim’s body. To be sure, this holy site is a serene and peaceful sanctum. The reason it came to be called ‘Mirinae’ is that Korean Catholics came to this place in secret to avoid persecution during the late Joseon Dynasty, and the lamplight coming from their homes in the village where they settled resembled the starlight of the Milky Way. Father Kim was executed at the age of 26 and was not permitted a funeral. But, 40 days after the execution, Vincentius Lee Minsik was able to steal away Kim’s body with great difficulty; he carried it on his back eventually burying it in Mirinae – dismissing all advisement and council that urged him against this. At the center of the site stands a grand memorial church and the Way of the Cross behind it has 15 bronze sculptures depicting the passion of Jesus being captured by Roman soldiers, crucified, suffering, passing away, and being interred. Kim Daegeon (1822~1846) Korea’s first Catholic priest and saint. He was chosen as a scholarship recipient by a French priest, and joined the priesthood at the young age of 24. Kim returned to Korea, but was captured, and executed, dying a martyr. He was blessed by the Roman Pope Pius XI on July 5, 1925, and became a Catholic saint at the canonization ceremony conducted by Pope John Paul II himself in South Korea on May 6, 1984.


Gwangju(Nam-gu)

Yangnim History & Culture Village is located in the area where Western items and ideas first entered Gwangju over 100 years ago. As such, the neighborhood has a unique collection of Western architecture mixed with traditional hanok houses. There are also many houses of Christian missionaries, who facilitated the advancement of medicine and education in Gwangju. Some areas such as Penguin Village have been decorated with murals and outdoor exhibitions to promote art and tourism, helping the elderly locals to make a living.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Andeok Valley in Gansan-ri Village is located within 2km east of Hwasun-ri. The tall trees of Evergreen Forest (designated as Natural Monument No. 377), cover the surrounding area of the valley. The road from the entrance to the waterfall offers a picturesque scenery. The view at night, when the place is lit up with lights, is nothing short of spectacular.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , The Eastern Part of the Jeju Island

Eco Land Theme Park is built in the 1km² Gotjawal primeval forest. Visitors can explore around in a train that looks like 1800s’ steam powered Baldwin train. The five Baldwin train look-alike operated in the park were specially ordered and manually manufactured in UK. In the large Gotjawal forest with railway trails, visitors can see a variety of plants, animals, and insects living in the mysterious Gotjawal forests, while touring around by the special train. It also has a lake for visitors to experience the ecosystem of the forest, take a walk, and enjoy picnic. Besides, there are many things to enjoy including Eco Bridge, Hovercraft, Eco Windmill, Picnic Garden, Kid’s Town, Eco Road, Bare Foot on Scoria, Floating Café, and topiary art works. .


Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si) , suwon

Yungneung (융릉) is the joint tomb of King Jangjo (1735-1762) and Queen Heongyeong (1735-1815). King Jangjo was the father of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty.King Jangjo was the second son of King Yeongjo, the 21st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. He was installed as a Crown Prince in 1736. As the Crown Prince, he administered the state affairs on behalf of his father and showed great capability in various fields. However, he died in 1762 after being locked in a wooden rice chest on the orders of his father, King Yeongjo.The tomb of this ill-fated Crown Prince was originally located in Baebongsan Mountain located in Yangju-gun, Gyeonggi-do. His son, King Jeongjo moved the tomb to Hwasan Mountain in Hwaseong, Gyeonggi-do and changed the title of the tomb to Hyeollyungwon (현륭원). Later, he posthumously gave his father the title King Jangjo and moved the tomb to its current place, and the title of the tomb was changed again to Yungneung.Queen Heongyeong was designated as a Crown princess in 1744. In 1795 when she turned 60 and long after her husband died, she wrote Hanjungnok (한중록), the memoirs, which is mainly about the terrible fate of her husband.The Memoirs have great historical significance, and these along with the Tales of Queen Inhyeon (Inhyeon Wanghujeon, 인현왕후전), are highly valued as pieces of royal literature.Yungneung is currently located in Annyeong-dong in Hwaseong. A stone called “Byeongpungseok” surrounds the tomb. On the stone, peony and lotus flowers are engraved. Like other royal tombs, there are two separate spaces – one raised and one lower space. In the raised space, there is the mound, “Honyuseok”, which is a rectangular shaped stone sitting in front of the mound, and 'Mangjuseok,' which is a pair of stones that sit on both sides of the mound. In the lower spaces, there are several stone statues. They include “Muninseok”, a statue of a civil officer, “Muinseok”, a statue of a military officer, and “Seokma”, a statue of a horse.Geolleung (건릉) is the joint tomb of King Jeongjo (1752-1800), the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Hyoui (1753-1821).King Jeongjo’s last wish was to be buried near his father’s tomb in Yungneung. King Jeongjo was the second son of King Jangjo and Queen Heongyeong, but in 1759, when he was 8 years old, he was designated as an heir to the throne. During his 24 year-reign, King Jeongjo influenced state affairs by implementing the “Tangpyeongchaek” (탕평책, a policy to balance the power of political factions), and he also had great accomplishments in the area of academic research by creating the “Gyujanggak” (규장각, a national royal library).Queen Hyoui was a daughter of Kim Si Muk and was installed as a partner of the heir to the throne at the age of 10. In 1776, when King Jeongjo ascended the throne, she also became Queen. She is known to have led a frugal life. In 1821, she died without an heir at the age of 69 in Jagyeongjeon, Changgyeonggung Palace.Geolleung looks very similar to Yungneung, but unlike Yungneung, it does not have a “Byeongpungseok”, which is a wide and rectangular stone that surrounds the mound and protects it. Instead, it is surrounded by “Nanganseok”, stone handrails. On every handrail, lotus flowers are engraved. King Jeongjo’s tomb is simpler and less decorated than his father’s, which reflects King Jeongjo’s respect and love for his father. Both Geolleung and Yungneung are designated as Historic Site No. 206.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

The Meoru Wine Cave in Muju is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape and various cultural heritages. The wine tunnel in this cave matures, stores, and sells meoru (Korean wild grape) wine, which is a representative local specialty of Muju-gun County. The cave is composed of the Wine House and the Secret Gate of meoru wine. The two-story Wine House has the Banditbul Agricultural Specialty Shop and the Wine Café that also sells traditional teas. The Secret Gate includes a wine café, wine tasting room, and a wine storage area.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Jinnamgwan Hall (National Treasure No. 304) was the naval base of Jeolla-do Province during the Joseon Dynasty. Admiral Yi Sun-shin used this site as his headquarters, and at that time there was a watchtower called Jinhaeru. The original building burned down during the Jeongyujaeran (the second Japanese invasion in 1597), and Admiral Yi Si-eon constructed a large guesthouse (official residence) with 75 rooms on the burnt down site of Jinhaeru in 1599, a year after the conclusion of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). At the hall entrance is a small museum outlining the history of Jinnamgwan and the Imjinwaeran War, and the famous Yeosu Stone Statue (Tangible Cultural Asset of Jeollanam-do No. 33) is located within the precincts of the hall. Nearby attractions include Jasan Park, Odongdo Island, Dolsan Bridge, Chungminsa Shrine, and Manseongni Beach.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Daegwallyeong Recreational Forest, known as Korea’s famous pine tree forest, is full of pine trees that are about 17m in x_height and 36cm in circumference. It was designated as a suitable resting place to enjoy as it’s harmoniously situated in a valley surrounded by lush vegetation. There are comfortable lodging accommodations, and convenient facilities on the premises. Many family and couple visitors come here for the verdant scenery that includes a wild flower garden, yellow earth thatched cottage, a water mill, and a charcoal iron pot site. However, if plan to stay overnight at its lodging facilities it is good to bring food and washing utensils since there isn’t a convenient store nearby.As for lodging facilities, there are the Forest Cabins and forest Lodge. Rates at the Forest House range from 32,000 won to 110,000won depending on the size and the forest cultural recreation center ranges from 50,000won to 98,000won.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Set 1400 years ago, the drama, ‘Seodongyo’, showcases the love between the king of the Baekje Dynasty and the princess of the Silla Kingdom. It was filmed in Chungnam Buyeo-gu at the Seodongyo Theme Park. The theme park offers a variety of highlights such as the royal residences of Baekje and Silla, the place where the nobles held their banquets, the commoners’ village, and the village of the nobles. Visitors can also engage in various experience programs including jegichagi (a game played by kicking around a shuttlecock), swings, character necklace making, trying on drama costumes, and more.Entry into the theme park is possible from 9:00am to 6:00pm on Mondays through Fridays and at 9:00am to 9:00pm during the weekends. Admission for adults ages 18 and over is 2,000 won, and 1,500 won for children below the age of 18.* Set Location1) The Royal Residence of the Baekje King – two stories on the outside, one story on the inside2) The Residence of Jwapyeong Buyeoseon – luxurious residence for high-ranking officials3) The Silla Palace – 2 buildings comprise the Silla Palace4) The Royal Village – the Baekje Royal Residence and the residences of the commoners5) Taehaksa – serving as an institute of science and technology6) Hwanghwagung – the Queen’s residence7) Taejagung and Aeyeonji – a lotus pond filled with lotus flowers, symbolizing the love of Seodong8) Seodongjeong, Seonhwajeong – the pavilion located to the back of the Baekje Royal Residence9) Daepungsu set – downtown, noblemen houses, gisaeng house