Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si)

The Haengjusanseong Fortress (행주산성, historic site no. 56) atop Deogyangsan Mountain was the site of a major Korean victory against the enemy during the Japanese invasion 400 years ago. Women also participated in the dramatic battle, carrying stones in their aprons (haengju in Korean). The original date and purpose of the fortress’ construction remains a mystery, but it is believed the construction dates back to the ancient Baekje period, as many relics from that era have been excavated by archeological surveys. Inside the fortress is Chungjangsa, a shrine paying tribute to General Gwon Yul who led the victorious effort. Transportation to the fortress has become much more convenient with the opening of the Jayuro road and the completion of the Haengju Bridge, making the fortress a popular destination on holidays.* Haengju Great Victory FestivalReligious ceremonies and many other cultural events are held on March 14 every year in memory of General Gwon who won the battle and saved the nation.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

The Sea Train is a tourist train, travelling along the Western sea, comprised of four divided cabins including two special rooms, one standard room, and one family room. The first and second cabin feature a special themed cabin, equipped with movie-watching system and seats facing the windows. The third car is for family members prepared with table seats, general subway-alike seats, and a cafeteria. The fourth cabin is for groups featuring three-seated and two-seated chairs. The Sea Train has plenty of things to see as it was decorated with a marine theme, including trick art images of clams, ocean creatures and shark as well as unfolded ocean views looking through the windows. Also, monitors equipped inside the room broadcasts music and games that will provide a fun entertainment while in the train. Another interesting feature of the train is the colorful lights that will change its color to green, red, and blue while passing through a tunnel.


Gangwon-do(Hoengseong-gun)

Wellihillipark is about 1 hour and 30 minutes away from Seoul in a region that often experiences heavy snow, thus making great skiing conditions. The 6.5 million square meters Wellihillipark offers state-of-the-art facilities including gondolas that are able to transport 20,000 skiers per hour, and an automatic snow-making system. The resort has all the latest ski facilities, including an intermediate level wave course and mogul course, and an enormous half-pipe and fun park for snowboarders. Those looking for an even bigger thrill can try the ‘Big Buster’ bobsledding course. There are also bobsleds and snow tubes for children. Wellihillipark not only has great ski slopes, but also provides condos, golf facilities, and more. Complimentary shuttle buses to and from the resort are also offered by the resort. Please refer to the official website or make a phone inquiry for more information.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

The Daeseong-dong Tombs Museum displays artifacts unearthed from the four excavations of the Daeseongdong Tumuli. Highlighting often overlooked relics of the Geumgwan Gaya, the museum has three ground floor exhibit halls and several underground auxiliary facilities. Main exhibits include a life-sized statue of a mounted solider and a statue of a warrior, both of which were recreated based on bones excavated from the tumuli of Yean-ri. The museum relies heavily on the use of videos and dioramas to help visitors explore all that the museum has to offer.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Samyang Beach is not well-known among tourists, enabling it to keep its clear waters compared to other beaches, as well as its sparkling black sand. As the black sand's therapeutic effect, especially on neuralgia and obesity, has become more known, visitors can often be seen lying down on the beach and burying themselves in the black sand.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

The Great Master Wonhyo first built this temple in 683 where he practiced asceticism. After that, he called the mountain Bogwangsan (보광산) and the temple Bogwangsa (보광사). Later, King Taejo Lee Sung-gye began the Joseon Dynasty after he prayed for a hundred days at this temple. Thanks to this, King Hyeonjong in 660 deemed the temple as a main prayer space and changed the name of the mountain to Geumsan and the temple is named as Boriam. Nestled at the top of Geumsan Mountain, Boriam Temple is a picturesque temple embracing the beautiful mountain surroundings and the Namhae sea. Inside of the temple, Jwaseondaebawi Rock where the Great Master Wonhyo sat in meditation catches one’s eye, as well as Ssanghongmun (쌍홍문) which is a cave that is one of 38 scenic views in Geumsan Mountain. Boriam Temple along with Naksansa Hongryeonam Temple in Gangwon-do and Bomunsa Temple in Ganghwa-gun, Incheon are one of three noted praying temples in Korea. * Cultural Asset Boriam Three-story Stone Pagoda (Gyeongsangnam-do’s Tangible Cultural Asset No. 74): The stone pagoda is similar to stone pagodas of the Silla Period but it is considered to be built in the early Goryeo Period.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Suncheonman Bay Eco-Museum was established to provide a research & education facility to preserve the area’s natural habitats. The year-round structure is open to the public and houses an exhibition hall, gallery, theatre, and seminar rooms. Visitors can also stop by the nearby wetland observatory to learn more about the region’s ecology. Inside the museum there are a variety of learning material and even video feeds sharing continuous live footage of migratory birds. The two-story gallery also features a history of the forming of Suncheonman Bay and a range of flora and fauna exhibits. Suncheonman Bay is accessible from Yeosu Airport which has flights from both Kimpo (Seoul) and Jeju Airport.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple, located in Gayasan Mountain, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, is home to Palmandaejanggyeong (Tripitaka Koreana) designated as a World Cultural Heritage and is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Korea. As the temple is the only place that has Tripitaka Koreana, the temple stay has its unique program where you may actually appreciate the world cultural heritage with your own eyes, experience woodblock printing and Chamseon (Zen meditation), which is a traditional meditation method of Buddhism in Korea. You may also learn the Buddhist teaching by touring the small hermitages and temples around the Gaya Mountain with Haeinsa as its main temple.


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

The Sudeoksa Temple, which has played an important role in the history of Korea’s Buddhism, is located in the Deoksungsan Mountains. The main building of the Sudeoksa Temple, the Daeunjeon, has been preserved in its original condition. This was first constructed in 1308 and has been designated a national treasure. Between 1528 and 1803 it was repaired four times, but fortunately kept its original beauty. As well as the Deungjeon, the Sudeoksa Temple houses many cultural treasures, such as the Sudeoksa 3-storey stone pagoda.


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.