Incheon(Ongjin-gun)

Yeonpyeongdo Island is a small island resided by fishing communities. Despite the tragic incident of November 2010 shelling from North Korea, this bucolic island offers many natural and cultural attractions. Island History The earliest known history of Socheongdo Island comes from Chungmin-sa Temple, which was built to commemorate the island's once abundant but now extinct fish species called Yellow corbina (Sciaenidae). This fish was related to the family of fish commonly called drums, croakers, or hardheads for the repetitive throbbing or drumming sounds they make. When the economy flourished thanks to profitable fishing, the Socheongdo port was congested with fishing boats, so much that it was said that one could cross from one island to the next by walking over boats. The species of fish is depleted, and the island remains as quiet with views of North Korea. In November 2010, Socheongdo Island was hit by the fatal shelling from North Korea that killed two civilians and two soldiers. In recent months, the island has made an attempt to recover its tourism industry and to develop security tourism by blending its newer military presence at tourist attractions.


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

The O2 Ski Resort has a particularly good location in Taebaek City, Gangwon Province, which not only receives the first snowfall in Korea, but also has the longest snow season. The ‘town-style’ O2 Resort is located only ten minutes from downtown Taebaek and has a wide variety of sightseeing opportunities and entertainment options. The nearby locations of the Hangang and Nakdonggang Rivers provide particularly soft and natural snow, which is great for skiing. Even beginners can enjoy the 3.2km long course, which stretches all the way from the peak (1,420m high) to the base of the mountain. This mountain is so high that skiers literally ski down through the clouds! The 02 Resort has been specially designed for families. All ski courses start and end at the same place, enabling skiers of all levels to ski together. There is also sledding slopes and a children's park.


Chungcheongnam-do(Hongseong-gun)

Namdang Port is one of the representative ports of the West Coast along with Baeksajang Port in Taean. Known for catches of prawn, cockle, flat fish, rock fish and other types of seafood, the port draws visitors all year round. You’ll often see people out scouring the shoreline of the port for cockles, which are usually enjoyed as cockle shabu shabu or chargrilled cockle, top local delicacies.In September and October, many tourists flock to the port for the Daeha (prawn) Festival. The Namdangri Daeha Festival is a chance to eat and buy fresh prawn at reasonable prices and participate in programs that celebrate the fishing community. Favorite events include an ancestral ritual to pray for a plentiful catch, a fishing boat parade, singing contests, streets markets, and a ssireum (Korean wrestling) competition.Nearby attractions include the bamboo grove of Jukdo Island (10 minutes’ away by ferry) and Yongbongsan Mt., which is only a 40 minutes’ drive. Old houses of historical figures are also located in the area and include the residences of General Choi Young of the Goryeo Dynasty, Seong Sam Mun (a scholar official of the Joseon Dynasty), and General Kim Jwa Jin and Han Yong Un (independent activists).


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Rafting is a challenging recreational activity in which a team of six to eight people navigates fast-flowing rivers. Rafting not only offers excitement, but also gives an overview of the natural landscape. Training for rafting provides participants with an opportunity to gain self-confidence, learn to cooperate with their teammates, and relieve stress.Naerincheon Stream in particular is considered one of the top three rafting spots in Korea along with the Hantangang River and Donggang River. Consisting of over ten rapid sub-streams, Naerincheon is the only stream in Korea that runs from south to north.The stream stretches over 6km from Wondaegyo to Gosari Resting Spot; its narrow x_width and pointed rocks offer one of the most exciting and challenging rafting experiences. Rafts are often turned upside down, and each sub-stream is connected to the others, offering little time for rafters to make each maneuver.Naerincheon Stream Rafting is also known for its excellent amenities, like its modern shower facilities with warm water. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Oksanseowon Confucian Academy (Treasure No. 525) was built to commemorate the scholarly achievements and virtues of Confucian scholar Yi Eon-jeok (1491-1553). Built in 1572 in the fifth year of King Seonjo’s reign, the school was named Oksanseowon in the seventh year of the king’s reign. It is included as one of the 47 Confucian Academies ruled out of the Confucian Academy abolition by Heungseon Daewongun. Even though the building structures don’t carry significant meaning in an architectural aspect, it was built with a distinguished space arrangement method. Dokrakdang, which was Yi Eon-jeok’s house as well as study room, are situated 700m far from the Confucian Academy.


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si) , Ilsan

The Latin American Cultural Center - Museum was established by former Ambassador Yi Bok-Hyeong, who served as a diplomat in Latin America for approximately 30 years, and his wife, Hong Gap-Pyo, in an effort to raise awareness and understanding of the Latin American region among Korean people. The center has a museum, an art gallery and a sculpture park: the museum showcases Latin American artifacts made of soil, stone and wood, masks and other folk art crafts of the Maya, Inca and Aztec; the art gallery features contemporary artwork pieces including paintings and sculptures by contemporary artists, and holds art exhibitions on a regular basis; and the sculpture park displays masterpieces of artists mostly from Latin America (Mexico, Venezuela, Brazil, Chile, Peru, El Salvador, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Portugal), along with indigenas (artifacts from India) and promenades of Coyoacán (the historic borough in Mexico City).


Seoul(Nowon-gu)

Hwarangdae Railroad Park is a 400 meter long light park featuring 10 different themed courses with various lit sculptures.


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

The largest irrigation facility in Korea, Byeokgolje Reservoir (Historic Site No. 111) is considered the birthplace of Korea’s rice-farming culture. All that remains of the reservoir today are a three-kilometer long embankment that spans from Sinyong-ri to Wolseung-ri in Buryang-myeon, Gimje-si and a monument that was erected in 1415. The Byeokgolje Museum of Agricultural Culture exhibits around 250 artifacts related to rice farming; located within the same complex is an experience center where visitors can discover the many properties of irrigation facilities first-hand.


Gyeonggi-do(Gimpo-si)

The fortress on Munsusan Mountain (문수산, 376m) was built in 1694, the 20th year of the reign of King Sukjong, the 19th king of the Joseon Dynasty, to defend Gwanghwado, particularly from marine invasion. The fortress walls span 6km in length, 4km of which remain un-restored. Surrounded by beautiful scenery, the top of the fortress commands a spectacular view spanning from North Korea to the Hangang River inlet, and from Samgaksan Mountain to the sea off Incheon in the distance. It can be called Geumgangsan Mountain in Gimpo as it boasts superb scenery throughout all four seasons. (For all Koreans, Geumgangsan Mountain in North Korea symbolizes a ‘beautiful mountain’)