Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Girimsa Temple is located in Mount Hamwolsan in Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju. The temple was built in the Silla era and, with 16 buildings, is the second largest temple after Bulguksa.Legend has it that the temple was originally built by the Venerable Gwang-yu, a sage from India, in the early part of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was reportedly called ‘Imjeongsa’ at first, but was later changed to ‘Girimsa’ after undergoing expansive renovations by Monk Wonhyo. It is still unclear exactly what year the temple was built in.Girimsa is divided into two main areas. The first is the area around Daejeokgwangjeon Hall where the statue of Birojanabul is enshrined. The second is the area around the majestic 500-year-old bo tree (a kind of large fig tree) that is home to a wooden pagoda, the Seongbo Museum, Samsingak, Mangbujeon, and Gwaneumjeon halls. The Daejeokgwangjeon Hall was first built during Queen Seondeok's reign, and was rebuilt six times since its original construction. Its simple but majestic architecture is characterized by baeheullim (aka, entasis columns) and a Dapoyangsik (Dapo-style) single-tiered gabled roof.Girimsa is famous for Ojongsu, water that is said to have five different tastes. It consists of gamrosu, which is best for making tea; hwajeongsu, which supposedly gives comfort to the drinker; janggunsu, which makes the body stronger; myeongansu, which gives clear vision; and otaksu, which is said to sparkle so brightly that it attracts all the birds of the air. During Japanese colonial rule, the source of janggunsu, literally meaning ‘water of a general,’ was reportedly blocked off by Japanese soldiers, who were afraid the water would give the Korean people the strength to overthrow them. Except for janggunsu, water still continues to flow from each source.On the way to Girimsa temple is the Golgulsa Temple, well known for its 12 grottos. Golgulsa was originally a hermitage (monastery) of Girimsa. After becoming an independent institution, it became the center of Seonmudo practice in Korea. The temple aims to promote the art of seonmudo on a national and international level.* Major Cultural Properties Lacquered Seated Mercy Bodhisattva of Girimsa Temple (Treasure No. 415)Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (Treasure No. 833)Sojo Birojana Samjonbul (Treasure No. 958)Sutras kept inside the Vairocana Buddha of Girimsa (Treasure No. 959) 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Ontrepieum, meaning "to bloom flowers in a garden," is situated in Andong's Cultural Tourism Complex. With an area of approximately 30,000 ㎡, it consists of a 1,500-㎡ tropical green house, a 6,600-㎡ herb garden, farming land, an animal performance theater, a nature experience section, and other areas. The tropical greenhouse features tropical and subtropical plants, including herbs, coffee and palm trees. Over 17,000 trees planted in the park, along with its water fountain and photo zones, make it the perfect place for a fun weekend getaway, not to mention that it has been used as a filming location. It is a fantastic place to take some photos with a unique feel. The Andong Cultural Tourism Complex also has a couple of attractions nearby, including a KBS studio, the Korea Folk Museum, the Water Museum and Arts and Crafts Museum.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Suncheon Bus Terminal provides both intercity and express bus services connecting multiple cities in the country.


Busan(Saha-gu)

An excellent place to see exhibitions and learn about and experience ecology, the Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center is located in Saha-gu, Busan. The center consists of three floors with the first floor home to an information office, a maintenance office, an educational room, and a volunteers’ room. The second floor is home to exhibition rooms, an experience zone, a small library, and an observatory. Audio-visual rooms are located on the third floor. The center runs a variety of experience programs so that visitors may explore the estuary, observe plants and insects, walk around tidal flats and reed beds, and make wooden sculptures. In addition, visitors can observe birds and compare the eggs and beaks of various birds. The center is open from 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is closed on Mondays and New Year’s Day. The Nakdong Estuary Eco-Center, in turn is full of excellent amenities: picnic grounds, a botanical garden, a hiking trail, an observatory, abundant resting spots, an outdoor learning center, and lush trees.  


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Approximately 6km northward from downtown Gangneung, Gyeongpo Provincial Park is surrounded by a slew of both natural and cultural attractions (Gyeongpodae, Gyeongpo Lake, and Gyeongpo Beach). Gyeongpo Lake, in particular, is home to precious species such as swans and mallards. Known as one of the most scenic locations in Gangwon-do for a long time, Gyeongpodae is a fascinating spot to enjoy the first full moon of the year; the serene Gyeongpo Lake used to attract fishing enthusiasts in droves, but fishing is now prohibited due to natural preservation purposes. Within the park are Gyeongpo Beach (one of the cleanest beaches on the East Coast), elegant Gyeongpo Lake, Gyeongpodae, Banghae Pavilion, Hohae Pavilion, Gyeongho Pavilion, and Gyeongyangsa (Gyeongyang Temple). Visitors can enjoy the attractions all year long with cherry blossoms in the spring, swimming in the summer, fishing, and walking on the beach in the winter. Restaurants near the park offer unique local food such as fresh sashimi (including the famous Squid Sashimi), spicy fish stews, and Chodang Tofu.  


Busan(Dongnae-gu)

Dongnaeeupsong Fortress Site is a representative fortress that combined the mountain and flatland. Built around late Goryo and early Joseon period, the fortress was a fierce battleground during Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592. After the battle the fortress was abandoned until being renovated in 1731, making the fortress bigger than before. The fortress had many gates with additional half circle rock wall to protect the gate. During the Japanese occupation, most of the wall was damage with only the walls along Naansan Mountain remaining. After year 2000, Busan-si has attempted to excavate the remains and conserve and restore the fortress site.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

The Animation Museum is the only animation museum in Korea. The exhibition hall on the first floor shows the origin, development and types of animation, techniques and process of making amination, history of the development of animation-related equipment, and the history of Korean animation. On the second floor are Chuncheon Hall, US Hall, Japan Hall, Europe Hall, and Other Regions Hall (Asia and other regions), where visitors can get to know the history of animation throughout the world. In addition, various activity programs await visitors, like watching 3D animation films, experiencing audio effects/dubbing and shooting stop-motion animation.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Bongnae Waterfall is three-tiered with a x_height of 25 meters. The flowing, cool water brings a slight chill to the area surrounding the falls, especially in summer. As a major tourist attraction, Bongnae Waterfall is also the only source of drinking water for residents in Ulleung-eup. Most of the water used in restaurants and inns in Ulleung-eup come from Bongnae Waterfall.Two sites near the falls are well worth visiting: Punghyeol (natural air vents from which cool subterranean air blows) and the Forest Retreat. Punghyeol is located between Jeodong-ri and Bongnae Waterfall. During the peak of summer, chilly winds of about 4 Degrees Celsius blow from the rock openings and is often known as the “natural air-conditioner”. Next to Punghyeol is a thick forest of cedar, which makes a wonderful vacation spot during summertime.※ Note: This area is restricted due to unexpected incidents of landfall. Visitors are strongly advised to check for up-to-date information on unrestricted areas and accessible time from the official website or via phone-inquiry. 


Chungcheongnam-do(Nonsan-si)


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.