Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

As the only natural energy source available in Korea, coal played its part as an important fuel for the industrial development of the nation. Now that the country relies more on cleaner energy sources, the demand for coal has been in steady decline and the coal industry is gradually losing its significance. The Taebaek Coal Museum is a place where you can learn about the history of Korea’s coal industry through the well-organized exhibitions.* The exhibitions will win the attention of visitors because:i) the unique story-telling method of the exhibitions is both interesting and eye-catching;ii) the exhibitions are presented in a way that facilitates the visitors’ understanding and take advantage of a spacious venue;iii) excavation and coal-collecting techniques are demonstrated by means of videos and mannequins;iv) various technologies are integrated into the simulation system, including special lighting, sound effects, and other mechanisms to enhance reality. 


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Seogwipo Natural Recreation Forest is found along the east of 1100 Road which stretches across west of Hallasan Mountain, connecting Jeju-si and Seogwipo-si’s Jeju Jungmun Resort. Forests composed of various plant species fill the reserve along while serving as a habitat for rare animals such as pheasants, roe deer, etc. Modern and convenient forest lodgings, water activities, and walking trails are available for visitors to enjoy. There is also an observatory deck that offers a bird’s-eye view of Jeju World Cup Stadium, Jeju Convention Center, and Gwanghan Jungmun Tour Resort that stretches over 3.5 million ㎡.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

Sinbulsan County Park is located in parts of the Sangbuk and Samnam districts of Ulju (County). The massive area encompasses 11.66 square km and is home to one of the most impressive peaks in the Yeongnam mountain range found in the southeast of Korea. The park’s hiking trails interconnect with those of neighboring Gangwolsan and Yeongchwisan Mountains and attract a large number of hikers year-round. Near the peak of Silbulsan Mountain sits a fortress with breathtaking views of silver grass. Water starts high above the clouds at Danjobong Peak and trickles down through streams and waterfalls to join the deep mountain valleys. One of the better known attractions in Silbulsan Mountain is Hongryu Falls which offers impressive views from its gentle cliffs. Also nearby the mountain are Deungeok Hot Springs and a number of restaurants for hikers to visit and enjoy after a full day on the mountain.  


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Located approximately halfway between Yeosu-si City and Jeju Island, Geomundo Island is part of the Dadohae Maritime National Park. It is divided into Dongdo, Seodo, and Godo Islands, all of which offer scenic views of quaint towns and surrounding nature. Also, Geomundo is the access point for the famous Baekdo Island group, a spectacular array of uninhabited rock pinnacles attached with numerous legends. Island History Geomundo Island's history dates back to the bronze era with the discovery of a stone sword on one of the islands. Subsequent discoveries of coins from the Han Dynasty (206BC-220AD) that were used for more than 700 years up to 621AD have also been found. Discoveries of celadon from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) have also been located on Geomundo’s islands. Geomundo had been commonly known as Godo until the British sailors arrived on the island in 1885, and put claim to the island in order to construct a naval port to fight off the Russian fleets. They named it Port Hamilton. Soon, Admiral Jeong Yeochang came to Geomundo to challenge the audacity of the British, and, in turn, was struck by the high literacy level of the islanders. He recommended to the then ruler that the island be renamed ‘Geomun,’ meaning ‘great literacy.’ The British sailors eventually perished, but their graves can be found in a well-preserved cemetery on the island.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheongyang-gun)

Mt. Chilgapsan, located in Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, was designated as a provincial park in 1973. This mountain, 561 meters above sea level, has been called “The Alps of Chungcheongnam-do.” Mt. Chilgapsan area has many peaks, a thick forest and a beautiful valley. Each season has its own unique atmosphere. There are romantic cherry blossoms in spring, vivid green leaves in summer, autumn tints in fall and a snow-covered landscape in winter. Mountaineers visit all year round and can choose from seven courses.


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The beach from Jujeon to Gangdong is a big tourist destination in Ulsan. A small fishing village and gently rolling mountains rest in the back drop of this black pebble beach, one of the few in all of Korea. At night, the lights of fishing boats make quite a scene as they reflect against the water. This is a great area to dine on fresh seafood.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The Jeju Horse Park offers a venue to understand Jeju’s horse culture in an easy and fun way. The park has kept intact a 600-year nomadic cultural history of nomadic cultures at the site of the Gasi-ri village which used to house Gammajang, the place for raising the best horse during Joseon Dynasty. The park includes the Jeju Horse Museum, Ttarabi horseback riding place, Maeum Cafe, Mongol Ger Guesthouse, camping site, art shop, and an experience place to focus on the Project for a New Cultural Space Creation through the support of the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs. The Jeju Horse Museum was the first national museum created by a village and its main theme covers the history and culture of the village is also regarded as a new kind of community business model. * Opened on September 8, 2012


Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Geumjeongsanseong Fortress (금정산성) is located on the peak of Mt. Geumjeongsan (801.5m) in Busan. Its original name was Dongrae Mountain Fortress, but it was changed because of its location.Its length is 17,377m, and 1.5m~3m high; it is the largest fortress in Korea. But now there is only a 4 km section remaining from the original. The exact time of the fortification is not recorded, but in reference to the location and size, it is presumed to have been built during the Three Kingdoms Era (when Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, the three dynasties, were fighting against each other). The present fortress was built in 1703, during the reign of Suk-Jong. It was built after Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of Korea from 1592~1598) to prepare for any further invasions from Japan. It was first built with stones and was renovated in 1707. During the dark years under Japanese sovereignty it was damaged and devastated.In 1971, it was designated as private property. The West, East and South Gates have been reintegrated, and it is still undergoing the restoration process. On the fortress barbican there is Munru (watch tower). There is another watch tower called Mangru to watch for enemies. Different from other mountains, it is easy to find spring water here, and because it is a granite area, you can easily see rock caves and small and big rock peaks at Mt. Geumjeongsan.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

The Gochang Pansori Museum was established in the old residence of ‘Dongni’ Sin Jae-Hyo (a musical theorist and arranger and a sponsor of Pansori) with the aim of honoring the great Pansori singers of the past (including Sin Jae-Hyo) and preserving and developing the indigenous tradition of Pansori. Of the original rooms of the residence only Sarangchae (an annex where men used to study or welcome guests) has been renovated and is open to the public. Right next to Sarangchae is the Dongni Gugakdang (Korean Traditional Music Hall).Over 1,000 pieces related to Pansori and great local singers are on display at the museum, included personal possessions once owned by Sin Jae-Hyo (penname ‘Dongni’). For those interested in learning more about the traditional art of Pansori music or experiencing high-quality Pansori, the Gochang Pansori Museum is a must-visit travel destination.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Bordering Cheolwon (Gangwon-do Province) and Pocheon (Gyeonggi-do Province), Myeongseongsan Mountain is renowned for its beautiful fall foliage and fields of silver grass. It is also surrounded by a lake that attracts many visitors throughout the year.