Gyeongsangbuk-do(Seongju-gun)

Located in Seongju-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Gayasan Wildflower Botanical Garden is Korea’s first wildflower garden. It is a home to nearly 630 different plant species, including wildflowers and trees that are worth preserving, and the wildflower garden serves as a valuable space for botanical research. Outdoor Garden The outdoor garden offers the magnificent scenic landscape of Mt. Gayasan, organized into the following five themes. 1) Shrubbery Nearly 30 different species of shrubs and wild flowers have been planted here. You can enjoy these beautiful plants from early spring to winter. 2) Chrysanthemum Garden Nearly 15 different species of chrysanthemums and wild flowers are in bloom until late fall. 3) Rhizocarp Garden Nearly 50 different species of wild flowers including Bleeding heart (Dicentra spectabilis), German Iris (Iris nertschinskia), daylilies (Hemerocallis thunbergii) and hostas (Hosta longipes) bloom from spring to fall. 4) Gayasan Native Plant Garden Nearly 120 indigenous species of wild flowers have been planted here. 5) Wildflower Educational Garden Nearly 50 different species of short wildflowers are planted on the roof of the museum, where visitors can view and compare a variety of wildflowers. Greenhouse The greenhouse features warm-temperate trees and wildflowers. Enjoy the sweet fragrance of flowers regardless of the season. 1) Edible Plant Garden Nearly 20 different species of edible plants including tangerine trees and loquats are available. 2) Medicinal Herb Garden Nearly 25 different species of plants that provide medicinal herbs are available. 3) Fragrant Flower Garden Nearly 30 different species of sweet fragrant flowers such as laurel (daphne), Indian oleander (Nerium indicum) and the Gaya or Japanese nutmeg-yew (Torreya nucifera) are planted here. 4) Ornamental Plant Garden Nearly 30 different species of beautiful ornamental plants including coral ardisia (Ardisia crenata), pachysandra (Pachysandra terminalis), Japanese ardisia (Ardisia japonica), poison bulb (Crinum asiatica) and Chinese ground orchid (Bletilla striata) are found in this garden. 5) Aquatic Botanical Garden Nearly 20 different species of aquatic plants, consisting of shallow water plants, free-floating plants, and floating-leaved plants, including water lily, bishop’s weed (Houttuynia cordata) and water snowflake (Nymphoides indica) are found in this garden. 6) Fern Garden Ferns are spore-propagated plants that have no blooming flowers. Nearly 40 different species of fern plants including western brackenfern (Pteridium aquilinum var. latiusculum) and groundpine (Lycopodium clavatum var. nipponicum) and warm-temperate native plants such as Leveille (Dendropanax morbifera) and Machilus chunbergii make up this garden.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Located 87.4km away from Ulleungdo Island, and formed entirely from volcanic rock, Dokdo is an isolated island off the east coast of Korea bearing a latitude of 37°14' north and a longitude of 131°52' east. Collectively, both Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo once belonged to a country named Usanguk. According to geographical records, Usanguk became part of the Silla Kingdom (57B.C. ~ 935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla. Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained significant strength during this period to overtake Usanguk.In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon Dynasty, there are passages by Kim Jaju describing Dokdo, which was referred to as Sambongdo at the time. Dokdo was initially called 'Sambongdo', 'Gajido' or 'Usando', but the name was later changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name 'Dokdo' was first used in 1906 by the Headman of Ulleung County Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do.After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Suk Jong (1674-1720), records that An Yong-bok went to Japan twice in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory. He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to Dokdo.Dokdo is comprised of two main islands: Dongdo, or East Island which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Island, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island formed due to weathering and erosion.Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the island, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.Presently there are security guards on Dokdo that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. For more information on traveling Dokdo, click here!


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Sangju-si)

Gyeongcheondae Terrace (경천대) is said to be the most beautiful spot along the nearly 510km-long Nakdonggang River (낙동강). Gyeongcheondae Terrace, with its sheer cliff walls and scenic landscape, is imbued with a sense of serene mystery and harmony. It has also been called Jacheondae. It is located above Muujeong Pavilion, which was built during the Joseon Period. In Gyeongcheondae, you will find Yongso Pond, which has a legend concerning a general who died during the Imjinwaeran (the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592) and an ancient manger. Gyeongcheondae Terrace offers a spectacular view of the winding Nakdonggang River and beautiful rock formations peeking through the pine trees’ branches. It features an observatory, an artificial waterfall, Gyeongcheondae Children’s Land, and campsites and is the location of the mega-hit TV series, ‘Sangdo.’


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

The name ‘Yedang Reservoir’ was created by combining the first syllable of Yesan-gun and Dangjin-gun since the reservoir supplies water to farmland in both of these places. For the last 40 years, this area has been known as the best place for fishing in central Korea, home to a variety of freshwater fish including crucian carp, common carp, eel, snakehead, Korean bullhead and mudfish. The fish are biting almost year-round (from early spring to late fallm, as well as ice fishing in winter). 


Jeollabuk-do(Sunchang-gun)

Located approximately 1.8 kilometers from the entrance of Gangcheonsan County Park, Gangcheonsa Temple was built by Monk Doseon in the first year of Queen Jinseong of Silla (887 AD). In the third year of King Chungsuk of Goryeo (1316 AD), the temple saw the addition of a five-story stone pagoda, built by Monk Deokhyeon. At its peak, the temple was said to have had 12 hermitages and housed 1,000 monks. It was burned down during the Imjin War (1592-1598 AD), leaving only the pagoda, but was rebuilt a few years later by Monk Soyo during the 37th year of King Seonjo (1604 AD). Unfortunately, the temple was burned down again in the Korean War, but was once again restored to its original state in 1959. Cultural assets found at the temple include Chungsinri & Namgyeri Seokjangseung (stone totem pole), the Sunchanggaeksa building, and the Sunhwari three-story pagoda. Nearby tourist attractions include Geumseongsanseong Fortress, Yongso Waterfall, Gangcheonho Lake, Damyangho Lake, Chuwolsan Mountain, Huimunsan Mountain, and Naejangsan National Park.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The Africa Museum of Art was established with the purpose of hosting various art festivals and providing the grounds for researching various art themes. A major principle of the gallery is to promote works of art that actively attempt to explore the human mind.


Gangwon-do(Hongcheon-gun)

Located at the foot of Jongjasan Mountain in Hongcheon, Gangwon-do, Healience Zen Village is considered the Korean first wellness center, surrounded by nature. It is also becoming known as a well-aging healing resort. Owned by Lee Sihyeong who is a noted psychiatrist and a best-seller author, the resort offers various scientific and well-planned programs such as their health experience, menu to strengthen immunity, and professional instructors. There is a digital-detox program which helps to relax one’s brain and body with the removal of the internet, cell-phones and other electronic devices. Ten man-made trekking courses and various eco-friendly facilities are also available on-site.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sacheon-si)

Sacheon Airport is located in Sacheon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do, and is also referred to as “Jinju Airport,” serving the city of Jinju as well. Nearby attractions include Jirisan Mountain and Hallyeohaesang National Park. The airport serves 165,000 aircrafts and over 1,000,000 passengers yearly, and is able to hold 300 cars at the parking lot.


Jeollanam-do(Yeonggwang-gun)

The Bulgapsa Temple (불갑사) of Yeonggwang, Jeollanam-do, was the very first Buddhist temple to be built in Korea. Monk Marananta, who was the first Indian monk to spread Buddhism in Korea, is said to have established the temple here around the year 384, during the reign of King Chimnyu.The main hall (daewungjeon) in Bulgapsa has been designated as national treasure No. 830. The motifs on the doors of the hall are famed for their beautiful designs. The temple also has other buildings of distinction such as the Manseru, Myeongbujeon and Ilgwangdang, a Neolitsea sericea tree designated as natural treasure No. 112. The temple is also famous for a magic lily which blooms in the late summer. The path into the Bulgapsa Temple is ideal for a restful walk and contemplation.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Nagan Folk Recreation Forest is situated in Nakan-myeon, Suncheon, conveniently accessed by trains (two railway lines, Jeolla Line and Gyeongjeon Line) and two highways (Namhae Highway and Honam Highway). Just two kilometers from the historic Nagan Fortress Folk Village, Nagan Folk Recreation Forest boasts exquisite surroundings. Some famous attractions near the forest are Songgwangsa Temple, Seonamsa Temple, Juamho Lake, and Sangsaho Lake, offering opportunities to appreciate ancient temples and the glow of the setting sun over the lakes. Perhaps more famous nearby attractions, though, are the breathtaking rows of reeds at Suncheon Bay and Nagan Fortress Folk Village, the home of cultural festivals and events.Lying on a local highway between Suncheon and Naksan, this forest is surrounded by mountains and a river with a homely garden atmosphere. The two beautiful mountains, Geumjeonsan (667.9m) and Obongsan (591m) snuggly envelop Nagan Folk Recreation Forest. On rainy days, visitors can enjoy spectacular falls of water at Virgin Falls (Cheonyeo Pokpo in Korean) within the forest.Every year, Nagan Fortress Folk Village hosts Nakan Folk Culture Festival (a main festival held in Suncheon from end of April to early May) and Namdo Food Festival (October) while Yeosu, another nearby city, holds Azalea Festival and Turtle Ship Festival (from April to May) and Boseong, Boseong Green Tea Festival and Illimsan Royal Azalea Festival (May).