Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

The Jinpo Maritime Theme Park was opened in 2008 to commemorate Jinpodaecheop, the sweeping victory of Jinpo in the naval combat against the Japanese forces led by General Choi Mu-seon in 1380. Constructed against a scenic backdrop of the local port and the vast sea, the park houses 16 retired military crafts of 13 models. On display at the park are vintage tanks, historical artillery, combat planes, and warships including the Wibongham Ship, which was a vessel of combat during the Vietnam War. Visitors can even explore the insides of decommissioned warships. The exhibition hall inside the Wibongham Ship showcases the weapons used during the Jinpodaecheop War, artillery made by General Choi Mu-seon, and the typical life inside the warship.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Located in southern part of Mt. Chiseosan, Tongdosa Temple is famous for not having any Buddhist statues in the temple. This is because the real shrines of the Buddha are preserved here. The name 'Tongdosa' was named after the belief that mankind can be saved through Buddhism. After Monk Ja-Jang brought the shrines of Buddha from Dang China, Tongdosa Temple was built during Queen Sun-Deok's reign (646). Tongdosa Temple is said to have survived numerous wars and invasions, its Beopdeung (temple candle) has never gone out, for 1,300 years. Inside, there are 35 buildings and Pagoda's, and 14 small temples in its vicinity. The main building is designated as National Treasure No.290. The temple is similar to a museum because of the numerous relics inside. There are 19 local treasures and 794 local cultural properties inside the temple. In place of the Buddha statue, the Geumgang Stairs behind of the main building preserves the shrines of the Buddha.Mt. Chiseosan, has a beautiful view from the temple. The several hundred year-old pine trees lined up from the entrance to Ilju Gate, the small drum (used when praying in front of a Buddha figure) and bell, the sunset, the pond and the rocks and waterfalls behind the temple are grouped and called the 'Eight Famous Sceneries of Tongdosa Temple.'


Gyeonggi-do(Uijeongbu-si) , Uijeongbu

The leading Uijeongbu Budaejjigae Street (의정부 명물찌개거리) is where local restaurants began to be built in 1998. Here you can taste budae jjigae (부대찌개, ‘army base stew’, a thick Korean soup), which is made by boiling Western ingredients such as ham, sausage, canned American beans, and mixed with kimchi (traditional Korean pickled dishes made of vegetables with varied seasonings) and hot pepper paste. Budae jjigae is one of Korea’s leading fusion dishes as well as a dish that embodies the memories of the Korean War; it was named budae jiigae because it was most commonly found nearby American army bases. The soup was also called the ‘Johnson Tang’ after former American president, Lyndon B. Johnson. Jungangno, where the local-specialty soup street is located, is a virtual Mecca of street culture. Not only is Uijeongbu Budaejjigae Street a place to enjoy delicious food, the vibrant Rodeo Street is a popular gathering spot for local youths, and the hustle and bustle of Jeil Market is also just down the road.


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.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

The Hankuk Art Museum first opened its door to the public in May 1983 in Gahoedong and was later moved to its current location. Focusing on modern art and the promotion of Korean art, the gallery presents special displays and open-run exhibitions mainly featuring artwork such as Western and Korean paintings, pottery, sculpture, photos, and tapestries.The gallery is comprised of five exhibition halls including indoor and outdoor sculpture exhibition halls. There is also a library open to the public with art-related books, magazines, and videos.Hankuk Art Museum is a pioneering and time-honored leader in the field of arts education as well. In 2006 alone, around 800 people joined in programs at the gallery. Programs focus on helping locals better understand the arts and on nurturing the creativity of children.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Jinjuseong Fortress, which is historically linked to the Japanese invasion in 1592, was originally named Geoyeolseong Fortress during the Three Kingdom Period, later renamed as Chokseokseong Fortress in the Goryeo Dynasty and finally settled as Jinjuseong Fortress in the Joseon Dynasty. The reinforced stonewall has a circumference of approximately 1,760m, 5m-8m in x_height and contains three wells and springs. According to Ha Ryun’s Seongmungi in Donggukyeojiseungnam Record, the castle had been frequently destroyed by the Japanese invasion and was later reinforced by Jinju’s minister, Kim Jung-gwang during the fifth year of Goryeo Woo King’s reign (1379). During this period, the circumference was 800 bo(pace), with Uijeongmun Gate to the east, Jijemun Gate to the north, and Yehwamun Gate to the south. Outside the castle, Cheongcheon River flows in the west and Namgang River in the south and a pond lies between the castle and the trench dug during the war times. As a fortress to safeguard from the Japanese attacks, it blocked the Japanese from advancing toward Honam during the 25th year of Joseon Seonjo King’s reign (1592). Within the temple lies Chokseoknu, Kim Shi-min Memorial, Uigisa Shrine, Seojangdae, Bukjangdae, Changyeolsa shrine, Jinju National Museum, Hoguksa Temple, and an outdoor stage. 


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Located in Jeollabuk-do province, Hanbyeokdang Pavilion has been designated Tangible Cultural Property No. 15. In 1404, a civil official from the Joseon Dynasty built this structure as a country house. Hanbyeokdang was built at the foot of Seungamsan Mountain with beautiful views of the Jeonjucheon River below. A large highway has since been built nearby taking away from the natural beauty. In the past, many writers often sought out Hanbyeokdang Pavilion to find inspiration in their writing. The pavilion is well known for the beauty of the mountain mist flowing down the mountain, thus making it one of the 8 must sees in Jeonju. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Gangguan Port Geobukseon is life-size reconstruction of a Geobukseon ship constructed by the South Korean Navy and commissioned by the Seoul Metropolitan Government to commemorate the patriotic spirit of Admiral Chungmugong Lee Sun-Sin. The 2.2-billion-won project was completed in the downstream area of the Hangang River (part of the DMZ), which previously had limited public access. After that, the area was opened to the public for the first time in 52 years (since the division of the peninsula) to allow the Geobukseon Ship to travel from Hangang Park to Tongyeong-si. The area is also the location of Admiral Lee's victory in the Great Battle Hansan, and the ship’s final destination to be on public display. * Size Entire length: 34m, ship length: 25m, ship x_width: 10m Top speed: Approx. 7 knots Ship x_height: 6m Displacement: 185 tons Materials: Wood (hull made from fiber reinforced plastics) The length of mast: 11.5m


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple was founded during the third year of King Ae-Jang's reign (802), by two monks Suneung and Ijung. The name "Haein" originates from the expression Haeinsammae of Hwaeomgyeong (Buddhist scripture), which means truly enlightened world of Buddha and our naturally undefiled mind.Along with the Tripitaka Koreana (National Treasure No.32) and Janggyeongpanjeon (National Treasure No. 52), 15 more public treasures and some 200 private treasures are enshrined at Haeinsa Temple, which has been appointed as a universal cultural heritage since December, 1995 for its many cultural properties and historical remains. Iljumun, Daejeokgwangjeon and the Tripitaka Koreana are recognized as famous treasures. Iljumun Gate was the first gate that every sattva must pass to become a Buddha and considered as a representative work of ancient architecture. Daejeokgwangjeon, the grand sanctuary, and the three-story stone pagoda in the yard possess the majestic appearance of the one thousand-year-old temple. Since the 23rd year of Goryeo Dynasty (year 1236), it took 16 years to finish the Tripitaka Koreana, the most famous national treasure of Haeinsa Temple, which was made as a wish to overcome the national crisis caused by Mongolia Invasion. The printing blocks are 68cm wide, 24.5cm long, 3 cm thick with wood fixed at each end to maintain balance and lacquer was applied to prevent corrosion. Silver magnolias growing near the South Sea and Geojae area were cut down, soaked in sea water for several years and then dried to make these printing blocks. The blocks are a result of the king and his people's effort to repulse the Mongolian army with support from Buddha. The 81,340 blocks include 6,791 volumes.* More Attractions: Hapcheon 8 gyeong, Haeinsa Temple, Gayasan Mountain, Hongryudong Valley (Crimson Stream Village Valley), Namsanjeilbong Peak, Hambyeongnu Tower, Hwanggye Falls, Hwangmae Mountain Mosanjae, Lake Hapcheon, Baek-ri Cherry Blossom Road


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

Nongoldam-gil Street refers to the road going uphill from Mukho Port to Mukho lighthouse. 30 years ago, Nongol was the representative port of pollack and squid, but about 20,000 residents left town as fishing resources dwindled. For now, nearly 4,000 people are living in the town whose atmosphere became empty and silent.To improve the ambience of the town, Donghae Cultural Center applied for a project named ‘Mukho Deungdae Damhwa’ to the Ministry of Cultures, Sports and Tourism. In August 2010, the center started visiting older people living in Nongol Village to find out their life story and then painted their stories on the walls throughout the village’s alley. Members who majored in art made the sketches and the elderly in their 60-70s colored the sketches to create the mural street of Nongol Village. The starting point of the street has various frames hanging on the wall which depict the history and process of the village.