Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Sobaeksan National Park in South Korea is a branch of what could be called the backbone of Korea, Taebaeksan Mountain. In 1987, Sobaeksan Mountain was designated as National Park No.18. Its covers an area of 320.50 square km. The features of Sobaeksan National Park include wild flowers and royal azaleas on Birobong Peak, and the largest yew tree community is found on the northwest slope (1,200-1,350 m above sea level) between Yeonhwabong Peak and Birobong Peak. The west of Mt. Sobaeksan is steep, and streams from Nakdonggang River flow to Jukgyaecheon River, which is often used as a hiking course. Following down from Birobong Peak along Jukgyaecheon River is Seokryun Mine and Choamsa Temple. If you proceed even further, you will get to Seokcheonpokpo Falls and Seonghyeolsa Temple. Many trout live in this valley. A 4-km flat path to the southwest of Birobong Peak leads to Yeonhwabong Peak. There is Sobaeksan Optical Astronomy Observatory (SOAO) on the way to the second Yeonhwabong Peak, and a ridge called Jukryeong is on the south side of the mountain. To the east of the second Yeonhwabong Peak, there is Huibangsa Temple and Birosa Temple, both built during the time of the Silla Kingdom. Huibangpokpo Falls is considered the most beautiful waterfall of Gyeongsangnam-do Province, and is at the entrance of Huibangsa Temple. Featuring beautiful valleys and ridgelines, Sobaeksan National Park is known for its abundant wildlife and breathtaking nature.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Yongmunsan Mountain (용문산) in Yangpyeong, Gyeonggi Province, is comprised of Doilbong Peak, Baegunbong Peak, and other peaks. The resort shares the area with various cultural relics such as Yongmunsa Temple (용문사); Yongmunsa Temple’s gingko tree (용문사 은행나무); a stupa containing a relic of the Buddha, a monument of the reverend monk Jeongji; and the Yongmunsan Mountain area’s war record monument. The resort area is frequented by visitors throughout all four seasons but is especially popular in the fall because of the yellow-tinged gingko tree of Yongmunsa Temple (natural monument no. 30).A 2km trek through the valley from Yongmunsa Temple will bring you to Yonggakbawi Rock, shaped like a dragon’s horn, halfway up the mountain. 1km away from the Yonggakbawi Rock lays a huge boulder, Court Rock, on which 100 people can easily sit at the same time. There is also an amusement park that provides great entertainment for children, consisting of a rapid ride, a Viking-boat, a merry-go-round, bumper cars, a family coaster, and other rides.Thirty minutes from Yongmunsa Temple is Jungwon Valley that looks small when seen from the outside, but leads to the mountain’s summit where you can enjoy a superb view. And only another fifteen minutes walk will bring you to the three-tiered Jungwon Falls where you can enjoy the sound of crashing waters and feel the cooling mists that rise from the base of the falls.* Yongmunsa Temple’s gingko treeYongmunsa Temple’s gingko tree is the largest, most stout, and oldest ginkgo tree among all of Korea’s specimens. It enjoys a prime location in front of daeungjeon, the main hall of the temple. It is believed to be about 1,100 years old and is the biggest gingko tree in the East measuring 60m in x_height and 12.3m in circumference. 


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

At 1,708 meters high, Daecheongbong is the highest peak in Seoraksan National Park and the third highest peak in Korea following Hallasan Mountain (1,950 meters) and Jirisan Mountain (1,915 meters). It marks the point where Nae-Serok (inner Serok) meets Oe-Serok (outer Serok). Due to irregular climate and low temperatures, it is home to various stunted high mountain plants and about 50 rare plants, as well as a variety of wild birds. From Daecheongbong Peak you can view the fascinating landscape of Seoraksan Mountain in all four directions.The most popular hiking trail to Daecheongbong Peak starts from Sogongwon and passes the Biseondae and Hoeungak Pavilions. From Daecheongbong Peak, the trail continues to Seorak Waterfalls and Osaek Mineral Spring. The one-way span is about 16 kilometers and takes about 11 hours and 20 minutes. About 10 minutes from Oryeon Falls is the Yangpok Shelter where visitors can stay the night on a first-come first-served basis. The website offers more information on shelters and reservation. 


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Located along the national highway between Jecheon and Wonju, Baeron Holy Ground has great spiritual significance as it served as the fountainhead of the spread of Catholicism in Korea. During the early years of Catholicism in Korea, Catholics fleeing from the Sinhae Persecution (1791) came to this place, formed a community, and made their faith deeper. A man named Hwang Sa-yeong (Alexander, 1775–1801) hid in a tunnel and wrote letters about the situation of the Joseon Catholic Church on silk fabrics, but was captured and martyred in 1801. Baeron is a historic place where Joseon’s first theological school, St. Joseph Theological School, was founded, but the school was eventually shut down. The graves of Fr. Tomas Choe Yang-eop (1821–1861), Korea’s second Roman Catholic priest, and the Martyr Hwang Sa-yeong Memorial Tower can be seen at Baeron Holy Ground. Baeron Holy Ground is surrounded by rugged mountains such as Guhaksan Mountain and Baegunsan Mountain and Chiaksan Mountain. The mountain path from the holy ground eventually leads to Bakdaljae Natural Forest.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Daejanggyeongpan (the Tripitaka Koreana) is stored inside the four wooden buildings of Janggyeongpanjeon located within the Haeinsa Temple in Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Daejanggyeongpan is the world’s oldest Buddhist canon, and has been designated as the 32nd national treasure of Korea. It is also known as Palman Daejanggyeong (Eighty Thousand Tripitaka), because a total of 84,000 Buddhist scriptures are engraved on some 80,000 wooden printing blocks. The complete collection was made over the period of 16 years starting in 1237 (24th year of King Gojong’s reign) to appeal for spiritual help in overcoming the national crisis of the Mongolian invasions. Janggyeongpanjeon which houses the Tripitaka Koreana was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1995.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Gangguhang Port is a large harbor in Yeongdeok, Gyeongsangnam-do Province. Osipcheon Stream, which is well known as a place for sweetfish-fishing, runs from Mt. Juwangsan in Cheongsong and empties into the sea at Gangguhang Port. Gangguhang Port is the main marketplace for Yeongdeok Daegae crabs and since there are so many places selling crabs near the port, the area is called "Daegae Street." Most recently, a large sculpture of a sailboat was put in place near the port, becoming a landmark for tourists. Gangguhang Port was a film location for many dramas and movies and is also famous for its driving course that winds along the coast and through the fishing community (Road #918 between Gangguhang Port and Chuksanhang Port).


Gyeongsangnam-do()

Geojedo Island is Korea's second largest island with breathtaking scenery. At Jangpyeong-ri, simply pass the great bridge and you will be led directly to Geojedo Island, which boasts the bulk of the South Sea's tourist attractions. Haegeumgang, Mongdol Beach and Oedo Island Paradise Island are the most popular sites among them.Haegeumgang, an island made of rocks, belongs to Hallyeo Marina National Park and is also called the Geumgang of the South Sea. It is famous for both its sunsets and sunrises, and its unique rock formations. Also, Hakdong Mongdol Beach, made of pebbles called Mongdol, has camellias and fairy pits in spring, and comes alive as a beach resort in summer. Oedo Paradise Island, which recently became a popular site, is called the ‘Paradise of Korea’ because of the 3,000 kinds of decorated trees and the Mediterranean style buildings that stand upon this 264 square km land. This island is a poplar site for filming soap dramas due to the combination of the exotic atmosphere and sea.Geojedo Island is historically a significant place. Memorial services are held annually in memory of General Lee Sun-Shin at the Okpodaecheop (war) Memorial Park, built in memory of the battle of Okpo(1592.5.7 - 5.8). Geojedo Island also had the biggest prisoner-of-war camp during the Korean War, and the camp has been restored as a historical relics site. 


Gangwon-do(Cheorwon-gun)

Rafting refers to riding swift currents using thick rubber boats (I.B.S). Places where you can enjoy rafting in Korea are Hantangang River in Cheorwon, Naerincheon Stream in Inje, and Donggang river in Yeongwol. The most ideal spot is without a doubt the Hantangang River in Cheorwon. The river, situated about an hour and a half away from Seoul, is deep and clear, and filled with naturally formed Giamgoeseok rocks. Touring the picturesque area will surely leave lasting memories.


Busan(Seo-gu)

Provisional Capital Memorial Hall was established to teach the meaning of Korean historical gloomy period by preserving and presenting the historical scenes of the provisional government during 6.25 Korean War. Also, visitors can be aware of Korean forefather’s spirits to overcome a national crisis, as well as wishes for unification and prosperity.