Gyeonggi-do(Osan-si) , suwon


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Sogeumgang Valley located on the east side of Mt. Odaesan, and because the mountain scenery looks as if a crane ('Cheonghak') was spreading its wings, it was also called Cheonghak Dongsogeum. But after it became part of Mt. Odaesan National Park, it is now referred to by its current name, Sogeumgang Valley. It was designated as Famous Site No. 1 in 1970, and it occupies almost a quarter of the Mt.Odaesan National Park. Sogeumgang is the name used by scholar Yul-Gok of Joseon Period (1392~1910) when he wrote a book called Cheonghaksangi, and that name became its name. They say these mountains resemble Mt. Geumgangsan’s scenery, only miniaturized, hence the name Sogeumgang, meaning “small Geumgang”. Near Sogeumgang is Geumgangsa Temple, and there are the words “Sogeumgang” written by Yeol-Gok himself.Sogeumgang, starting with Mureung Valley as center, is divided lower half and upper half. The lower half is called Oesogeumgang and the upper half is called Naesogeumgang. Oesogeumgang includes the Geumgangmun, Chwiseonam, and Bibong Waterfall areas, and Naesogeum includes Samseonam, Sesim Waterfall, and Cheongsim Waterfall areas. Besides these, there are also Mureung Valley, Yeonjuam, Manmulsang and other well-known places, as well as Sipjaso pond that is shaped like a cross, Baekmabong, Okryudong, Sikdangam, and others. At the top of the mountain is Amisanseong (or Geumgangsanseong fortress), said to have been built by Mauitaeja (Silla 56th King, reign 927~935) a thousand years ago, to relieve himself of the grief of losing his kingdom. To the right of Mt Hwangbyeongsan is Noinbong Peak, and to the left is Maebong Peak. The current down from Noinbong Peak goes on for about 13 km and becomes Sogeumgang, which has many rocks, swamps, and waterfalls as well. Also, Sogeumgang has pine trees, various kinds of plants, bandal bear, woodpeckers, mountain sheep and other animals, making the area very valuable for ecology or biosphere studies. Sogeumgang is also famous for its winter snow flowers.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Travelling from Hakdong Pebble Beach to Hammok Beach, one can glimpse the quaint village of Dojangpo Maeul. This quiet fishing village is comprised of charming little houses as well as a small ferry port. The strong ocean winds can be felt from the top of the hill overlooking Dojangpo Maeul. This hill is referred to by locals as “The Hill of Wind” or “Mangneungjandi Park,” but has yet to take on an official name. This spot is one of Geojedo’s best kept secrets. The green grass spreading across the hillside is spotted with wild flowers in the springtime and has a dreamy quality to it. Little goats can even be seen taking a rest along parts of this picturesque hillside. Visitors can sit on one of the benches overlooking the magnificent vistas. “Hoejeon-mongma” (meaning Carrousel in English) is just one of the many television shows that has been filmed here. Even though this spot has attracted many fans of TV shows shot here, it is still considered one of the hidden treasures on the island of Geojedo. The spring weather of April through June is the perfect time to pack a picnic lunch and enjoy this scenic hillside. ​


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Situated in Jeongseon (Gangwon-do), Mindungsan Mountain (1,118.8m) is an unusual site when compared to other national peaks. As its name indicates (bare mountain), there are few trees near its summit. Locals also refer to it as Eoksaesan (silver grass) Mountain because of the waves of Eulalia covering its sides. The mountain remains this way because villagers burned the fields once a year to encourage the growth of wild herbs.The mountain’s gradual slope offers an enjoyable trekking experience for hikers of all levels. In mid-October, waist-high silver grass is indeed everywhere, making it challenging for hikers to view the surrounding areas. Fortunately, certain spots near the peak offer breathtaking views of the gentle ridges and flowing hillsides.Silver grass begins blooming in September and reaches peak colors between October and November. The Silver Grass Festival is held on Mindungsan Mountain every October, attracting hundreds of thousands of attendees for a wonderful outdoor hiking experience and picturesque photo opportunities. The mountain is easily accessible by train allowing visitors from near and far to enjoy the fall colors.On the outskirts of Mindungsan Mountain near Balgudeok village is Goebyeonggol Valley, which contains magnificent rock formations and limestone caves. Other nearby attractions include Hwaam Yaksu (spring water site), Auraji Naruteo famous for creating Jeongseon Arirang (a local version of the traditional folk song, Arirang), and Gariwangsan Mountain (known for wild ginseng). 


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.  


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

Chosun Minhwa Museum finished construction in 1998, in Waseok-ri, Gimsatga-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, Gangwon-do and opened on July 29, 2000. The museum contains about 3,000 folk paintings (minhwa) from the Joseon era and is comprised of a hands-on program hall where visitors can paint a minhwa on a wood plate and the chunhwa (obscene painting) exhibition which is eligible for only adults. In addition to this museum, Gimsatgat Culture Hall and Indian Art Museum are also in Yeongwol.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Hantaek Botanical Garden, located in Oksan-ri, Baekam-myeon, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, is divided into an East Garden and West Garden. The East Garden is comprised of 25 uniquely-themed gardens that together measure 70,000 pyeong (about 231,420 square meters). The West Garden is a natural habitat for research and conservation purposes and is not open to the public.Hantaek Botanical Garden holds a wide range of festivals, events, educational training programs and other activities while nurturing 9,000 different species of flowers in a clean, natural environment. Inside the garden are Korean restaurants, a souvenir shop, and a plant shop.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Sansuyu Village is like a messenger of spring, with its beautiful yellow sansuyu flower (cornus) in full bloom, and springtime picnickers coming in droves to Jirisan Mountain to capture this beautiful moment. In the summer, Surak Falls shows off its color. In the fall, Sansuyu feature delicious berries. And in winter, it boasts amazing views of snow-covered Manbokdae Peak, making it a great place to relax and enjoy the scenery. Also, Sansuyu Village offers a couple of good exercise spots located near at Jirisan Mountain called Dullegil Road, which includes old trekking trails and an old walking trail called Daedongyeojido. Through exploring Jirisan Mountain's hiking trails and taking a dip in its hot spring, you can rejuvenate your spirit and overall wellness.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Mungyeong Confucian Museum is located right next to Mungyeong Ceramics Center at the entrance of Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park. It's a great place to learn all about Confucian culture. The hall consists of two floors with four exhibition halls, as well as a Confucian Culture Experience Room and Archive Library. Exhibition Hall No.1 represents the main space called Sarangbang (a room for male guests in the past) where Confucian scholars worked on poems, paintings, and writings; Exhibition Hall No.2 displays exquisite embroidery pieces that symbolized the culture of women in the past; Exhibition Hall No.3 showcases local Confucian scholars and their works in Mungyeong along with a formative art piece reproducing a Confucian school. Focusing on the culture and art of Confucian scholars, Exhibition Hall No.4 displays the Confucian Culture of Mungyeong and its history; this hall also shows two replicas of Juamjeong (Juam Pavillion) and a local-drinking ritual (called Hyangeumjurye). Visitors can also try their hand at wooden blook printmaking and rubbed copy at Confucian Culture Experience Room. Overall, visitors can really get a feeling for the essence of Confucian culture at Mungyeong Confucian Museum. The area around the center offers outstanding tourist attractions: Mungyeong Campground, Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park (film set for the show King Sejong the Great), Mungyeong Coal Museum, Mungyeong Ceramics Center, and Mungyeong Hot Spring. As a transport hub linking the Yeongnam in Korea’s southeast with Seoul, Mungyeong was a renowned Confucian town with dedicated Confucian scholars. During the reign of King Taejong in the early Joseon Period, Mungyeong Confucian School was established to educate students in Mungyeong-eup, and Geunam Seowon (a Confucian academy) was also built in 1655 during the 6th year of King Hyojong's reign.  


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Yeosu Station began operations on December 25, 1930 as an ordinary station on the new railway connecting Gwangju and Yeosu. Later, the site was used as a venue for Yeosu World Expo, so the station was moved to Deokchung-dong and renamed as Yeosu Expo Station on October 1, 2011.