Gyeongsangnam-do(Hamyang-gun)

A lush tapestry of cool mountain valleys, majestic waterfalls, and towering peaks, Jirisan National Park has the proud distinction of being Korea’s first official national park. The Jirisan Mountain Range extends across three of Korea’s southernmost provinces: Jeollabuk-do, Jeollanam-do and Gyeongsangnam-do. The mountain is home to 6 temples in the Gyeongsangnam-do area alone (Ssanggyesa Temple, Daewonsa Temple, Naewonsa Temple, Beopgyesa Temple, Chilbulsa Temple and Silsangsa Temple) and is revered in part for its stunning scenery. The Chilseon and Hansin valley areas are particularly well known for their beauty and are frequented by tourists throughout the year.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

Goryeong was the old capital of Daegaya (42-562 AD), a city-state of the Gaya confederacy that once spanned the region now occupied by Gyeongsangnam-do Province to the south of the Korean peninsula. The city of Goryeong played such a central role in the development of the confederacy that many artifacts and historic sites of the Daegaya period can still be found there today. Some of the most prominent landmarks are the 200 gobuns (ancient tombs) that lie along the southeastern slope of Jusan Mountain in Goryeong. In ancient times, the higher and larger a tomb, the higher the social status of the person buried inside. Given this tradition and historical evidence, the largest tomb in the south has been identified as Geumnim Wangneung (Royal Tomb of King Geumnim); the other large tombs are also presumed to be those of the kings of Daegaya. The large royal tombs (over 20m in diameter) dominate the mountain ridge (the highest point) while mid-sized and smaller tombs can be found on the mountain slopes and foothills. Historical research on Daegaya began with the excavation and partial identification of the ancient tombs of Goryeong by research teams from Kyungpook National University and Keimyung University in 1977. Excavators discovered a great number of relics—gilt-bronze crowns, swords, armor, and trinkets of gold, silver, and jade—that shed light on the flourishing culture of Gaya. To continue to encourage interest in the history and culture of Daegaya, officials of Goryeong-gun County established the Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall at the foot of Jusan Mountain in Gobun-gun, Jisan-dong. The exhibition hall depicts the social structure of the era through ancient customs such as burying servants alive with their dead masters.


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)

Constructed in the eighth year of King Gyeongdeok of the Shilla Dynasty (749), Mihwangsa Temple is located on the west side of Mt. Dalmasan (489m), the Mt.Geumgangsan of Southern Sea, and is situated the furthest south of all temples in the Korean peninsula. The beautiful sunset and the view of the graceful Mt. Dalmasan from the temple attracts numerous tourists. The foot of the mountain found behind the temple blends well with the suitable-sized temple and the appearance of Daeungbojeon gives out an aura of comfort and tranquility. The cornerstone of Daeungbojeon is carved with sea creatures, such as turtles and crabs that cannot be observed elsewhere. Moreover, you can enjoy observing various stone and statues, such as Gwebul (national treasure no. 1342), where people pray for rain during the dry season. Other attractions include 18th century murals on the walls of Daeungbojeon and Unginjeon, and Buddhist statues such as bosal, nahan, dongja and shinjangsang.


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

Guwau Village is located below Pijae Hill (also called Samsuryeong) at the entrance to Maebongsan Mountain. The village got its name because its topography resembles the scenery of nine cows peacefully lying around. The Alpine Botanical Garden is located 800-900 meters above sea level and protects the endangered alpine plant species from disappearing. The botanical garden also offers visitors an opportunity to conveniently observe some rare flowers and plants. In August, when the sunflowers are in full bloom, the Taebaek Sunflower Festival is held at Guwau Village. In addition to celebrating the area’s wide array of colorful flowers, the festival also has a variety of attractions such as a drawing exhibition, a photo exhibition, and an environmental sculpture exhibition using repurposed materials.


Ulsan(Ulju-gun)

Petroglyphs refer to the paintings in which objects and symbols are carved, pecked, and colored on rocks, huge cliffs and cave walls. Some of these rocky paintings are from as early as the late Paleolithic Era, but mostly they are seen from the New Stone Age, Neolithic Era and Bronze Age in which times these paintings were abundant. The upper part of the rock shows various animals including deer pecked into the rock, and the lower part of the rock has writing and drawings of humans, and animals made by penciling. As for the upper part, it is thought to have been made throughout the New Stone Age and Bronze Age to express their consciousness for abundance. In comparision, the painting of a cavalcade, a sailing boat, a dragon, a horse, and a deer and about 300 writings on the lower part of the rock were considered to be done by people during unified Silla, showing their belief of the area as a holy ground.  


Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Hongbeopsa Temple is located in Geumjeong dugu-dong, Busan, known for its largest bronze Amida Buddha Statue (21m). Surrounded by Mt. Cheolmasan and Mt. Geumjeongsan, a beatiful scenery is revealed and it stretches to Suyonggang river, making one feel as if you were in Yeonhwajang, the ideal world, filled with lotus flowers in Buddhism. Zen and meditation classes are also provided and the meditation room is where you can find your own quiet time in the temples. The temple also exhibits a bust of Gandhi, donated by the Government of India to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Korea and India. The temple has a wealth of attractions luring increasing number of tourists every year. It also has a huge buddha's statue that you can not see another temples in Korea, India Cultural Center, Jeokmyeolbogung Palace and a beautiful ecological garden, the best place to see the natural environment.  


Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si) , suwon

Yongjusa Temple is 5-minutes walk away from Yungneung (the joint tomb of King Jangjo and Queen Heongyeong) and Geolleung (the joint tomb of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Hyoui). The temple was built by King Jeongjo to protect Hyeollyungwon (현륭원), the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado.This site was originally the location of Garyangsa Temple, which was constructed in AD854, the 16th year of King Munseong of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was very famous as it was surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal clear waters. However, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Byungjahoran (the second Manchu invasion of Korea). During the Joseon Dynasty, King Jeongjo moved the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado (or posthumously designated King Jangjo), to this spot, and built Yongjusa Temple here to pray for the repose of his father’s soul. It is said that one night before the temple was completed, King Jeongjo dreamed of a dragon ascending to the sky holding a magic ball in its mouth. He therefore named the temple “Yongjusa”, which means the temple of a dragon with a magic ball in Korean.The courtyard of the temple contains Beomjong (the Sacred Bell of Yongjusa Temple, National Treasure No. 120), a stupa (stone pagoda), Daeungbojeon (the main hall) and Cheonboru Pavilion. Visitors to Yongjusa Temple can also find the “Bumoeunjunggyeong (부모은중경)” books, which were written by King Jeongjo on the subject of filial affection and respect for one’s parents. These days Yongjusa temple and the Yungneung and Geolleung tombs are highly valued for their cultural heritage.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)


Incheon(Seo-gu) , Incheon Center

In 1999, the area of Geomdan carried out the excavation for cultural relics. As a result of the excavation, various relics and remains from the Bronze Age and Old Stone Age to the Joseon Period were found and as a result the Geomdan Prehistory Museum was built on November 27, 2008. The Museum showcases the lifestyle of prehistoric times and also has hands-on programs.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si) , Yeoju

The Mok-A Museum, designated as intangible cultural asset No. 108, was established by Park Chan-su with the purpose of handing down traditional Buddhist art and traditional woodcraft techniques. The four-story museum contains an outdoor sculpture park.The exhibition displays that remain include Buddhist statues, paintings and sculptures, as well as the works of director Park Chan-su, including many Buddhist woodcrafts. The outdoor sculpture park displays Buddhist statues such as Mireuksamjondaebul, Birojanabul, Baeuigwaneum, and a three-story pagoda.