Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Taekwondowon located in Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do, serves as a Mecca for the 70 million taekwondo practitioners in 186 countries worldwide. Covering an area of 2.31 million square meters, the park includes training grounds, hands-on program facilities, accommodations, and more.The Taekwondowon Observatory (522 square meters) is a three-story building located on a hill near the Taekwondo Strong Kick Statue. Go to the top of the observatory for a dramatic bird’s-eye-view of the crystal clear Muju area.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Located in Gurye, southwest part of Jirisan Mountain, and built during the Unified Silla Period, Cheoneunsa Temple is a branch temple of Hwaeomsa, and is one of the three great Buddhist temples on Jirisan Mountain. Situated on the sunny side of the mountain, water flows from the deep valleys just next to the temple and a majestic peak softly embraces the temple.Cheoneunsa Temple is believed to have been built by Monk Deokun from India in 828 A.D. during the 3rd year of King Heungdeok. Because it initially lay next to spring water as clean and cold as morning dew, the temple was also called Gamrosa, meaning Sweet Dew Temple. The spring water was rumored to clean one’s body and soul, leading to throngs of Buddhist monks to visit the temple. During King Chungryeol’s reign, the temple was named the Best Temple in the South.The temple was later renamed Cheoneunsa. Legend has it that while the temple was being rebuilt after the Japanese Invasion (1592-1598), somebody killed a large serpent appearing out of nowhere and, subsequently, the spring water miraculously dried up. Hence, the name Cheoneunsa, meaning Disappearance of Spring Water, was given.The temple is home to Geukrakbojeon (a Buddhist sanctuary) and a Buddhist painting called Amita Hubul Taenghwa (National Treasure No. 924). The temple is enveloped by an exquisite pavilion called Suhongru and Iljumun Gate. 


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

A small harbor town in Seocheon County on the west coast, Maryangpogu is the only place in Korea where visitors can see the sunrise and sunset on the same day. Sunrise here can only be seen for about 50 days around mid-December, which attracts many visitors around that time. There is a beautiful camellia forest alongside the sea, which has been designated as National Monument No. 169. There are about 80 camellia trees and some of them are 500-years old. The camellia flowers are in bloom from late-March to early-May and reach their peak around mid-April. Dongbaekjeong Pavilion in the forest offers a splendid view of the sunset. There are many attractions visitors can easily get to from Maryangpogu such as Chunjangdae Beach (춘장대 해수욕장), Hongwonhang Harbor (홍원항), Busa Embankment (부사방조제), Geumgang Estuary Bank (금강하구둑) and Hansan Mosi Town (한산모시타운). Hongwonhang Harbor (홍원항) is rich in marine products and the Geumgang Estuary Bank (금강하구둑) is a well-known place to watch winter migratory birds.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

After the Korean government declared Jeju Island an "island of world peace," it has since been trying to maintain its peaceful image, and has had an International Peace Center built. The Jeju International Peace Center exhibits north and south peace exchanges between international peace activists, as well as Nobel Peace Prize winners, and the works of people who have helped Korea. The 3rd gallery displays wax sculptures of world famous people who have practiced peace, such as Mother Theresa, Mahatma Gandhi, and popular Korean entertainers including Bae Yong-Jun, Lee Byeong-Heon, and Lee Young-Ae.ExhibitionsㆍExhibit 1: Scenes of Jeju Peace Motives, Cultural Heritages of the National Free Province of Jeju, Records of Peace Activists who have visited Jeju Island.ㆍExhibit 2: International Peace Index, Jeju’s Peace Practice Industry, Interchange Efforts of North and South Korea, Peace Practices during the World Cup between Korean & Japan in JejuㆍExhibit 3: 31 Wax Sculptures on display 


Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si)

Sueojangdae (守禦將臺 Defense Commander's Post) is a two-story military facility used for observation as well as for directing battles. This structure was built on the western side of Namhansanseong Fortress as one of four command posts. During the Manchu Invasion of 1636, King Injo himself helped to direct and encourage the troops from here. They held out for 45 days against a Qing force of 120,000. At Samjeondo, King Injo of Joseon had to surrender and was forced to accept vassal status to the Manchu Empire. It marked Joseon Korea's humiliating submission to Manchu Qing Dynasty.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

Daraengi Village in Namhae is famous for terraced rice paddies on a steep hill on the outskirts of Mt. Seolheul reaching almost 500 meters. The rice paddies with 108 steps (consisting of stones and soil) are very picturesque and great for taking photographs. Located in the south, the village is balmy in winter, and spring greens (such as mugwort and spinach) sprout before any other place in Korea. Environment-friendly agriculture flourishes because the sea breeze prevents insect pests.This land of friendly people and fertile soil is home to Daraengi Rice Paddy Festival every spring. The festival offers a slew of interesting programs allowing visitors to experience traditional farming and learn cultural and natural heritage in Daraengi Village: Harrowing a Field, Straw Rope Ssireum (Korean Wrestling), Rice Planting, Running on Rice Paddies, Carrying a Wooden Carrier, and colorful performance events.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

The primary attraction on the coastal road is the shore line of Dongmak Beach connecting Janghwa-ri in the town of Hwado-myeon (located south of Ganghwado Island) with Dongmak-ri. Visitors can comfortably enjoy the sunset after parking their cars on the roadside or in the parking lot of a nearby restaurant. Another great spot to enjoy the sunset is the high ground of Buno-ri. In Seokmodo Island, the best spots to enjoy the sunset are Minmeoru Beach and Janggu Neomeo Port. The beach of the island has a bow-like shape, and when the tide ebbs, a vast foreshore appears with all kinds of sea animals such as clams, crabs, trumpet shells, corb shells and more, making the island an excellent spot for children.>> Click to check out the tide time


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

Taehwagang River cuts across Ulsan City from the east to west and originates in the valley between Ssalbawi of Gijisan Mountain and Tapgolsaem of Baekunsan Mountain. The 47.54km river passes through downtown Ulsan and empties out into Ulsan Bay, which is connected to the East Sea. Not just a symbol of pride for the people of Ulsan, the river has long since been a precious commodity that has played a pivotal role in Ulsan town culture and history. The Tadhwa River is home to 'Sipridaebatgyo' and the 'Taewha River Observatory.' Sipridaebatgyo is one of the bridges spanning the river and symbolizes the whale and white heron (symbols of Ulsan). Taewha River Observatory, on the other hand, gives visitors a chance to explore the ecology of the river and watch the area’s migratory birds. There are several convenient facilities near the river such as the bamboo forest park, grassy fields, a pampas grass colony, trails, and exercise facilities. The riverside area is a famous habitat for migratory birds and is a popular leisure spot for Ulsan citizens. Located near the riverhead is Gaji Mountain; the city park near the mountain is another recreational region and is dotted with cultural assets.


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si) , Ilsan

First built in 132 during the Baekje Era (BC 18-AD 660), Bukhansanseong Fortress, located inside Bukhansan Mountain National Park, was rebuilt as a stone fortress in 1711, during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The walls are 7 meters high, and 8km long. Bukhansanseong Fortress functioned as resting place for kings in emergencies when they had to abandon their palaces in the capital city and retreat. Therefore, Bukhansanseong Fortress was built to stand totally independent of the capital city.There are 15 gates to guard the fortress. With its 120 rooms, it was not as magnificent as the king’s palace, but enough for an emergency mountain palace. Especially making use of the ridgeline continuing on south from Baegundae Peak, Bukhansanseong Fortress was built to take advantage of the rough terrain and the cliffs of its surrounding area.The fortress has the fortification style representative of the Joseon Period, and its traditional architecture blends in beautifully with Bukhansan's scenery, famous for its lovely granite shapes. The fortress enclosure allows you to follow its walls on a leisurely walk. In the fall, the leaves turning color on the mountain make the fortress very picturesque.


Jeollanam-do(Yeongam-gun)

The district of Jeollanam-do is located on the western coast, bordering Jangheung-gun in the east, a narrow bay in the west, Haenam-gun and Gangjin-gun to the south, and Naju-si to the north. Its entire area spans over a 565.9 ㎢, with a population of almost 60,000 (as of January, 2015) and is divided into of 121 ri, 9 myeon,and 2 eup. Its county office is in Dongmu-ri, Yeongam-eup. * Nature Having Noryeongsanmaek Mountain range descending from the top of Cheonwangbong Peak (alt. 809 m), Wolchulsan Mountain forms the mountain ranges in the southeast. The northwest district features flatlands unfolding toward the vicinity of the Yeongsangang River and Yeongsanho Lake, and the southeast area mainly features rolling hills. Nearly 20 streams, including Yeongamcheon Stream, begin in the vicinity of Wolchunsan Mountain and other nearby mountains, passing by the plains and joining up with the Yeongsangang River. The river eventually flows into Seohae (West Sea) through an estuary at the mouth of the Yeongsangang River in Samho-myeon. * Culture The Yeongbo Cultural Event is a folk event held by each myeon (township) of Yeongam-gun every 5th of May. Also, Yeongbo Aehyanghoe, organized and held in Deokjin-myeon, has been giving awards for filial children since 1979, and also holds a gukak (traditional Korean music) festival to honor the independence movement of Hyeongjebong Peak in May 1931 by inviting of survivors and bereaved families. During the feast, various folk games take place, as well as Jehyang (an ancestral ritual). Wangin Culture Festival is also held in the area of Yeongam to view the achievements of Dr. Wangin, who spread knowledge, culture, and art of Japan using Chunhyangdaeje, Doil Parade, Dopoje juldarigi (tug-of-war), Yeoseoksan Ssangpae nongak (farming music), as well as food exhibitions from each eup and myeon units. Folk games of this area include hwaetbul nori (torch parade), yut nori (Korean board game), juldarigi (tug-of-war), and ganggangsullae (Korean circle game). In particular, ganggangsullae is mainly done by women at night on the day of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and it is said to have originated during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion). Also, there are other ancestral rites such as Dangsanje, Sanje, Mireukje, Saeamje, Saemje, Chonje, Jeonghoje, and others that are held at dawn on the 15th of January on the Lunar calendar.