Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Changuimun was often called Jahamun. It was one of four mini gates in the north surrounding the castle town Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. But because one of the four main gates, Sukjeongmun, was closed, Changuimun became a favorite north gate. Hence, people also called Changuimun the North Gate. It is the only gate among four mini gates that is still in its original state. Although it is small, almost 50m², in terms of size, it looks very firm and sturdy. While Dongsomun Gate, one of four mini gates, is decorated with a phoenix, Changuimun Gate is adorned with a wooden chicken along its rafters. The reason behind the wooden chicken was that the chicken was believed to be the nemesis of the centipede. People believed that installing the wooden chicken was important to overcome the harmful spirit of the centipede. 


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Uirimji (originally called “Yimji”) is a reservoir that was created during the Samhan Era hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Due to its deep-seated history it is one of the most famous reservoirs in Chungcheong-do (also known as the ‘Hoseo Region’) and was designated Monument No. 11 of Chungcheongbuk-do.The reservoir is 1.8km in circumference and 151,470m2 in water surface area and has a water level of 8-13m. It supplies water to around 289.4 jeongbos (unit) of farmland and was one of the 3 major reservoirs of the Samhan Era along with Byeokgolje of Gimje and Susanje of Miryang. With a water gate built of onggi (earthenware), Uirimji is also a valuable historical site for studying farming methods from long ago.The reservoir and is one of the main tourist attractions of the Jecheon region. In the area around the reservoir are the Yeonghojeong Pavilion (erected in 1807 in the 7th year of King Sunjo) and the Gyeonghoru Pavilion (built in 1948). The traditional beauty of the structures is accented by the neighboring ancient pine and willow trees and the 30 meter-high waterfall. Nearby attractions include the Pine Field Park, National Archery Field, and Parkland.Among the local specialties of the region are Gongeo fish (a.k.a. Bingeo) which can only be seen during the spawning season that takes place during the spring thaw. Enjoyed only for a small time window each year, the fish is largely popular among tourists visiting the area.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

If the Korean peninsula is seen as a tiger shape, Homigot in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do forms the tail. As the venue for Homigot Sunrise Festival, the Sunrise Square in Homigot features various facilities including monuments, a flame holder, and a performance stage. The brilliant yellow and golden garden at the entrance blooms in April and May. Hand-shaped bronze sculptures have been installed at the waterfront and the beachfront. The palms of the hands face each other, symbolizing harmony and coexistence. The flame originating from the sunlight at Byeonsan Peninsula was used in various international sporting events. Homigot Lighthouse and Lighthouse Museum are located near Homigot Sunrise Square.


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

The valuable cultural heritage of traditional Korean architecture scattered throughout the nation is on display at a one-tenth or one-fifth scale in this museum.


Incheon(Ongjin-gun)

Daecheongdo Island is home to some of the best beaches in Korea. Also, there are some good hiking courses on the island that offer great views above the golden beaches and rocky shores. A smaller and less populated island compared to the neighboring Baengnyeongdo Island, Daecheongdo is a perfect pastoral getaway. Island History Daecheongdo Island was said to be first inhabited during the Neolithic Age (9500-4500 BC), but the earliest known history periods begin during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 AD), when the island was used as a place of exile. The first known case of an exile was recorded sometime during the reign of Chinese Emperor Togon-temur (1320-d.1370) from the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. It was said that he was exiled on Daecheongdo for meddling in a plot arranged by his stepmother. He supposedly arrived on the island with 100 relatives, and built a palace here. The next known record relates to the island's abundance in medicinal herbs including mulberry mistletoe (Loranthi Ramulus), which was used to cure the illness of Queen Munjeong (d.1565), the wife of King Jungjong (d.1544). There is no record of island inhabitation until 1793, when King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), authorized the inhabitation and cultivation of the island. During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945), there were as many as 10,000 people living on the island due to its popularity as a major port. Today, there are about 1,500 people who sustain a living from tourism and fisheries.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Located at the entrance of Sanjeong Lake, Pyunggang Botanical Garden opened in May 2006, and was designated as a habitat for preservation by the Ministry of Environment. The garden has on exhibit both native plants and around 5,000 species of plants from around the globe. Additionally, the garden features an exquisite collection of 1,000 different alpine plants that normally reside on an altitude of 2,000 meters.The scope of the garden is comprehensive, but it is divided into 12 themed areas, including a Rock Garden, where the largest alpine plants in Asia are concentrated; a Wetland Center, which mimics the natural ecology of a wetland region; a Pond Garden consisting of roughly 50 ponds lined with gorgeous flowers; a Moss Center where moss that grows in deep valleys and forests can be seen; and a Grass Square, which serves as a green common year round. The Pyunggang Botanical Garden, serves an important role in preserving rare plants, but is also creating a new botanical garden culture, and serving as a center for public ecological education.※ Non-smoking area/cooking and drinking is strictly prohibited.Collecting plants, bugs, soil and stone without authorization is banned.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Dokdo Museum was built in 1995 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Korea. It exhibits the collection of Lee Jong-hak, the first director of the museum, as well as donations by groups associated with Dokdo.The exhibit provides a historical overview of Dokdo, from the Three Kingdoms Era to the present. It also focuses on disproving Japan’s claim to Dokdo and its use of the name “Sea of Japan” to describe Korea’s East Sea. Gallery 1 features materials and maps showing Dokdo as being part of Korean territory before the Sino-Japanese War; Gallery 2 displays Japanese maps showing Dokdo as being a Korean territory, and Gallery 3 displays materials on activities of Ulleungdo Island residents to defend Dokdo during the Korean War. In the outdoor Dokdo Museum, which is currently under construction, natural stones and plants indigenous of Ulleungdo Island can be enjoyed. 


Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si)

The Traditional Food Town around Namhansanseong Fortress has nearly 70 restaurants offering rice, dotori-muk (acorn jelly), tojong-dak (chicken), and other traditional dishes. The place embraces almost 300 years of Korean history and the restaurants were built in traditional hanok-style around Namhansanseong Fortress, a military stronghold built during the period of the Three Kingdoms (57 BCE-668 CE).


Jeollanam-do(Mokpo-si)

Located on the coast of Yonghae-dong in Mokpo, Gatbawi is a natural sandstone and tafoni formation near the mouth of the Yeongsangang River, where freshwater runs into the sea. Gatbawi is named after its shape, which is said to look like a man wearing a traditional Korean hat called a “gat” (“bawi” meaning “rock”). The rock is actually made of two individual formations: one measuring 8m high and one 6m high. Valued not only for its aesthetics, Gatbawi Rock is of high geological value as a “natural sculpture” that was formed as a result of years of weathering. The rock formation was officially recognized as Natural Monument No. 500 on April 27, 2009.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Nestled at the hillside of Chusan-dong where one can see the entire view of Changwon-si, Moonshin Art Museum houses Moon Shin’s art pieces and keeps his spirit intact. The artist resided in France for many years, returning to his hometown in 1980, and worked hard to establish the museum throughout 15 years. The museum finally opened in 1994 after his endless effort. Unfortunately, Moon Shin died one year after opening the museum, donating the museum to his loving hometown in his will. Following his will, the Moonshin Art Museum was donated to Changwon-si in 2003 and has since been operating as a city gallery. Changwon-si also established Moonshin Round Museum in October 2010, exhibiting 116 Moonshin plaster circle art pieces. Moonshin Art Museum is comprised of Exhibition Hall 1 & 2, outdoor exhibition hall and Moonshin Round Museum, showcasing a total of 3,900 pieces, including plaster round pieces, sculptures, drawing, tools, paintings, oil-paintings and keepsakes.