Gyeonggi-do(Pyeongtaek-si) , Pyeongtaek


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun)

Only 40 minutes from Seoul, the Jungmisan Observatory is located within the Jungmisan Recreational Forest 437km above the sea level. In addition to the beautiful natural scenery, the main draw of this particular location is that there is no other place close to Seoul that has such clean air and thereby offers such an excellent view of space and the stars. From Seoul (on a good day) you might expect to see 3 stars, while at the Jungmisan Observatory you can typically view over 3,000 stars.Jungmisan Observatory is the first experience learning center to provide astronomy experience programs for infants and young children. In-house instructors help children gain a deeper understanding of space and basic astronomy by leading them through a variety of programs. The observatory has also made its mark on the community at large by introducing astronomy experience programs from advanced nations to further contribute to the public’s knowledge of this branch of science.The observatory houses a forest eco experience center, outdoor observatory field, four-wheel mountain ATV experience center, camping site, water fun site, and more. During the public school vacation period, the observatory holds an astronomical science camp.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Neungkang Sotdae Art Museum in Neunggang-ri of Jechun-si City in Chungcheongbuk-do Province is a museum of 'sotdaes,' which are ancient prayer poles with a duck or bird-shaped figurine on top that were usually placed at the village entrance. Many of these artifacts can be found inside and outside of a modern structure at the museum site, which is located near the vast Chungju Lake. Other nearby tourist attractions include Neunggang Valley that is situated at the foot of Geumsusan Mountain and surrounded by lush pine forests, rocky cliffs, streams and waterfalls. There is also Jeongbangsa Temple, which is told to have been built by the renowned Buddhist priest, Uisang, during the Silla Kingdom.


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 


Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)

Located in Wanju, Jeollabuk-do, Moaksan Provincial Park (모악산도립공원) lies south of Jeonju, an ancient city with thousands of years of history. With an elevation of 793.5 meters, Moaksan, or Mt. Moak, towers over the east of Geumman Pyeongya (delta) extending between the Mangyeonggang and Dongjingang rivers. It is situated in the central part of the Noryeong Mountains. Designated as a provincial park in 1972, the park is home to Geumsansa, a temple that has within its walls national treasures and many regional cultural properties. Its scenic views transform with the turn of the seasons. Because of the mountain’s proximity and easy-access, many climbers and hikers visit all the year round.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

The ‘V’ in V-Train stands for "valley," as it travels through the remote mountainous areas of Gangwon-do and Gyeongsangbuk-do. It is also referred to as the "Baby Baekho (white tiger) Train" due to the white tiger motif on the train's exterior as it runs through the Baekdudaegan mountain range. The train moves at the speed of 30km per hour, but excluding the Cheoram Route where train normally slows down to 27.7 km per hour, allowing passengers to have a time to enjoy the view outside. To provide clear views of the cliffs and valleys along the ride, a large portion of the train walls, excluding the ceiling, have been made into glass windows. Passengers can open and close the windows as they please to let in fresh mountain air.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Cheongnyangsan Mountain Provincial Park was regarded during older times as a place where many famous high priests and scholars resided. At Cheongnyangsan Mountain, the Giam cliff forms 12 peaks and the Nakdonggang River flows through it. On this mountain stands the Cheongnyangsa Temple, which was built by Buddhist monk, Won-hyo (617 ~ 686.3.30) during King Munmu’s (reign 661~681) third year of reign during the Silla Period (BC57~AD935). There are also various temples, Gwanchang Falls, and many other attractions nearby. Behind the Provincial Park’s boulder is a monument with a poem inscribed on it by the famous scholar Toegye I Hwang (1501~1570) of the Joseon Period called Cheongnyangsanga. When Toegye was planning to build Dosanseodang, a school for the teachings of Confucianism, he had a tough time deciding on whether to build it there at Cheongnyangsan Mountain, or the alternate spot, where it was eventually built, on a decision made at the last minute. Aside from Toegye I Hwang, Won-Hyo and Ui-Sang (625 ~ 702), the Buddhist monks, Gim-Saeng (711 ~ 791), a master of calligraphy, Chi-won Choi (857 ~ ?), a scholar, and many others came to this mountain to cultivate their arts. Their presence still lingers in legends, being retold to this day. Osandang is believed to have been built by the disciples of Toegye at the spot where Toegye conferred with literary men, and is one of many relics found here, among them the Cheongnyangsan Mountain Castle, which is believed to have been built by King Gongmin (reign 1351~1374) of Goryeo Period, to escape the rebellions of the peasantry.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

Jeju Shilla Hotel Casino has 429 rooms, 6 restaurants and bars, 7 convention halls, indoor & outdoor swimming pools, men’s and women’s saunas, fitness room, bowling alley, billiards ball, racket ball court, tennis court, game plaza, travel agency, car rental service, photo shop, souvenir shop, duty-free shop, and many more. It is a casino of the highest quality. Its atmosphere is traditional western, and offers Roulette, Black Jack, Baccarat, slot machines among others. It is for foreigners only, and you can enjoy the uniquely European style of the casino as you play the various games.


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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Located in Mt. Cheongnyangsan Provincial Park, Cheongnyangsa Temple was built by the great monk Wonhyo in 663, the 3rd year of King Munmu of the Silla Kingdom. According to the principles of feng shui, the area is an ideal place for a temple – with the 12 mountain peaks surrounding the temple like the petals of a lotus flower.The temple is home to two precious historical remains; one is the board of Yuribojeon that King Gongmin of Goryeo wrote upon and the other is Jibul. Yuribojeon is the building where Yaksa-yorae-bul (the Medicine Buddha Statute) is housed and Jibul is a Buddha statute made of paper that was painted with gold.At the back of the temple is Bosalbong Peak looking out towards Mt. Cheongnyangsan. A 30-minute walk along the hiking trail will lead you to Eungjinjeon, a hermitage with a beautiful view where the great monk Wonhyo once stayed. Behind Eungjinjeon stands Geumtapbong Peak and the sheer cliffs below. The peak was named Geumtapbong (meaning ‘golden pagoda’ in Korean) since it looks like a nine-story pagoda with pine trees growing around the base. In the autumn, the beautiful red, gold and orange hues of the maple trees are a true sight to behold.