Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Seongryugul Cave is located where Wangpicheon Stream intersects with Seonyusan (Mt. Seonyu). Surrounded by arborvitae and designated as Natural Monument No. 155, it is a limestone cave that stretches over 472m; it is adorned with a beautiful array of stalactites and stalagmites. Connected to Wangpicheon Stream, the cave consists of five ponds and twelve squares. It is also the habitat for abundant fish. The cave was initially called Seonyugul because it was a beautiful site for mountain gods to stay and rest. Its current name originated during the Japanese Invasions of Korea (1592-1598). During the war, Buddhist statues housed in the nearby temple were relocated to the cave; hence the name, Seongryugul (Cave Where Buddha Stays). The cave is shaped in a linear, horizontal form, and a variety of squares within it—Yeonmudong Seoksil, Eumhacheon Ojakgyo, Yongsinji, and Yongsinji—showcase exquisite beauty. The most famous attraction in the cave, though, belongs to Sambulsang (Three Buddhist Statues) which looks like three Buddhas standing side by side.  


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

Hongwon Port, located near Chunjangdae Beach, is a popular place for enjoying sea fishing and delectable meals of fresh raw fish. In addition to its culinary appeal, the port offers the picturesque scene of long stretches of shoreline guarded by two beacons in red and white.Located only 10 minutes away by car is Maryang Port, which is one of the rare places where visitors can see both the sunrise and sunset. Maryang Port is the third most popular spot along the west coast after Anmyeondo Island and Daecheon Beach and is particularly loved by couples. Though Hongwon Port is perhaps not as scenic as Maryang Port, Hongwon is bigger and has more fishing boats (thanks to its small tidal range), resulting in a livelier atmosphere and cheaper sashimi prices.There is also a beautiful camellia hill, called ‘Dongbaekjeong’ located nearby. When the camellias are in full bloom, short-tentacled octopuses are in season at Hongwon Port. However, gizzard shad is by far the most popular seafood caught in the waters off the port. There are even old Korean sayings that stem from the popularity of the gizzard shad, which is said to be most abundant and delicious in the fall. According to the sayings “In the head of Gizzard Shad caught in autumn are three bags of sesame” (referring to the worth of the fish) and, “The smell of grilled gizzard shad brings the runaway daughter-in-law back home” (in reference to its taste).Hongwon Port (along with Gwangyang Port in Jeollanamdo) is the prime spot for gizzard shad. Each autumn the port holds the Gizzard Shad Festival, a festival that has plenty of events & delectable fish dises. While at the festival, visitors are also encouraged to check out the Seocheon Museum of Marine & Natural History and Dongbaekjeong. The stuffed specimens at the museum are worth the visit and the view of the Maryang Port from atop the museum is unbelievable.Representative festival of Hongwon Port: Gizzard Shad FestivalHongwon Harbor hosts the Jeoneo (gizzard shad) Festival every October. During the festival fresh gizzard shad is served up in a variety of ways (including salads mixed with spicy marinated Jeoneo, cucumbers, sesame leaves, and parsley) and the village comes alive with fish-catching activities, performances, and fireworks.Jeoneo is known as a good hangover food and a good diet food because it is low in fat and high in protein. Also said to be good for the skin, this tasty fish appeals to a wide audience (as evidenced by the diverse crowds that visit the festival each year).


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

Donggang Museum of Photography, Korea’s first-ever public photo museum, opened in July 2005. Housed in a building with one basement level and two ground levels, the museum has a permanent exhibition hall and two special exhibition halls. There is also an outdoor gallery and a lecture hall.Some of the museum exhibits include donations by photo artists who participated in the Donggang Photo Festival, an event held since 2002, together with donations by winners of the Donggang Photo Award. Visitors will also find photos highlighting the natural and cultural heritage of Yeongwol and about 800 photos taken by town residents. Another noteworthy addition is the exhibition of 130 classic cameras, a must for camera enthusiasts and aficionados.


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

From the seashore of Yeosu to Hongdo Island, Heuksando Island, Geomundo Island and Baekdo Island out west, Dadohaehaesang National Park covers about 1,700 small and large islands and various rocks. In the park, the blue sky and the ocean blend well with white sandy beaches, adding to the picturesque atmosphere.During the Silla period, the King of the Sea, Jang Bogo established the maritime world and during the Goryeo Dynasty, the area was a trading path with the Yuan and Song Dynasties. Also, it was the battlefield where Admiral Yi Sun-shin defeated the invading Japanese navy. Likewise, historical sites remains in many places.Among those islands, Hongdo Island and Heuksando Island are famous for tourists. In particular, one of Korea’s greatest fishery grounds is located in Heuksando Island.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

A small and quiet beach, Jeungsan is close to Chotdae (Candlestick) Bawi Rock in Chuam Beach, which is famous for its breathtaking sunrises. With an average depth of 1 to 2 meters, it attracts numerous vacationers in the summer. Nearby is Suro Buin Park where visitors find the Dragon Ball structure that grants peoples’ wishes. In winter, the sea and seagulls combine to create a romantic winter scene.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Samcheok Hot Spring Hotel is located in Samcheok-si, where it is famous for the mystery cave along the Donghae (East Sea). With alkaline hot spring available all year long, this is the perfect recreation area for anyone who wants to have a healthy and relaxing stay. Samcheok Hot Spring has various hot spring sites, featuring the largest hot spring facilities with hot spring water from Eastern and Southern areas of Gwangwon-do. Spacious parking facilities and a seaside driving course are available, and the newly extended expressway has granted easier access to this city. The hotel tries to fulfill their slogan “Kindness, Cleanliness, and Service” to help their guests to enjoy a more comfortable and exciting stay.


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

The Geumgang Migratory Bird Observatory is located at Geumgang Estuary (Gunsan-si), one of the country’s most representative sites for migratory birds. With Geumgangho Lake, wide spreads of farmland, and an abundance of reeds and tidelands, the estuary draws flocks of migratory birds each winter.From the Migratory Bird Observatory, the first of its kind in Korea, visitors can watch birds in their natural habit. For an even deeper look at the patterns of these feathered travelers, the museum has on display bird specimens and exhibits depicting the hatching of bird eggs. Other facilities include the Geumgang Bird Park and the Ecological Center.In autumn of every year, the Gunsan International Migratory Bird Festival takes place at the Geumgang Migratory Bird Observatory, Geumgangho Lake, and Saemangeum area. One of the most popular programs at the festival is the bird-watching tour. The sight of tens of thousands of migratory birds flying overhead is truly astounding. The tour runs from the festival period all the way until the end of February.


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

Cheongnyeongpo Cape (청령포), located on the upper stream of Namhangang River in Gwangcheon-ri, Nam-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, is known as the place of King Danjong’s exile. The area was designated as Scenic Site No.50 in December 2008. King Danjong (r. 1452-1455, 6th King of the Joseon Dynasty) was banished from the kingdom after being overthrown by his uncle, King Sejo. King Danjong was exiled on Cheongnyeongpo Cape, surrounded on three sides by water and a steep, wall-like rock called Yugyukbong on its west side. The cape is so isolated that it can only be reached by ferry. On Cheongnyeongpo Cape, visitors can see Geumpyobi Headstone, created during Danjong's exile; and Danmyoyujibi, set up during the reign of King Yeongjo. Both landmarks help convey the cape’s interesting past. Other historic sites include Manghyangtap Pagoda, Nosandae Observatory, and Gwaneunsong Pine Grove (Natural Monument No. 349). Cheongnyeongpo Cape is where King Danjong, the 16-year-old dethroned king, lived a tragic life in exile filled with tears and heavy sighs. The site however, is now known for its well-preserved scenery and the beauty of the nearby Seogang River.