Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

The 4 km valley between the entrance of Mt. Gayasan National Park entrance and Haeinsa Temple is called Hongryudong Valley. It was named so because the leaves turn so crimson that the water of the valley reflects the color and appears crimson as well. This is the place where Chi-Won Choe, after returning from Dang China to Silla (BC57-AD935) found Korea in disarray. It was too much to bear for him so he retired to live privately with poetry until his death. There are 19 famous places in Hongryudong Valley, including major cultural assets like Jongsangjeong Pavilion, Nakhwadam, and Bunokpok. The scenery of Nongsanjeong Pavilion, where Chi-Won Choe read poetry and played baduk, is especially beautiful. On the opposite side is a rock where you can see the handwring of Chi-Won Choe. The Yongmun Falls, located in the north end of the valley, has beautiful scenery with its harmonious blend of silk like falling water and Giamgoiseok (fantastic rocks and stones). The scenery of Hongryudong Valley changes every season, and it is the finest part of Mt. Gayasan. It is famous for the azaleas in full bloom during the spring, and for the thousand-year-old pine trees and broad-leaved trees growing thickly throughout the valley and the cool, clear water that runs through it during the summer. In the fall, the nearby pine tree forests and broad-leaved trees tinge in color and accentuate the crimson foliage of autumnal leaves, making the crimson reflection of the leaves in the valley water look like a rising flame, and showing why the valley was named Hongryudong Valley.  


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Seuldo Island is located off the coast of Ulsan City in the southeastern part of the Korean Peninsula. Its name, Seuldo ("seul" meaning the Korean stringed instrument geomungo), was given as the sound of wind and waves hitting the rock island is said to mimic the sound of geomungo. In fact, the sound of waves hitting the island is so good that it is called seuldomyeongpa or the resounding of waves. The island is also known as Siruseom ("siru" meaning an earthenare steamer) for its resemblance to the upside down siru, and Gomboseom ("gombo" meaning pockmarks) for its stones with holes in them appear as gombos. On the island, there is an unmanned lighthouse dating back to the late 1950s. The main economic activity on the island is fishery. In 2010, the TV drama "Fire of Desire" was filmed on the island.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheongyang-gun)

The Jangseung Park on Chilgapsan Mountain is the largest preservation area for "jangseungs," the ancient wooden or stone totem poles that were usually placed at the village entrance to ward off evil spirits. It was established in May 1999 to counter the dwindling awareness of the artifacts, and houses some of Korea's tallest jangseungs (11.5m) as well as replicas of indigenous totem poles from across the world. Today, it continues to host the Annual Mt. Chilgap Jangseung Festival, and serves as an important site of Korean history learning.


Jeollanam-do(Gangjin-gun)

Muwisa Temple is located on Wolchulsan Mountain in Wolha-ri, Seongjeon-myeon, Gangjin-gun, Jeollanam-do. The temple has at least 1,100 years of history as it was established sometime before the early 10th century under the name Muwigapsa. The temple houses many significant Buddhist treasures: Geungnakbojeon Hall (National Treasure No. 13), Amitayeorae-samjon-jwasang (three seated Buddha statues; Treasure No. 1312), Muwisa Seongakdaesa-pyeongwang-tapbi (stele accompanying pagoda of Buddhist priest Seongakdaesa of Muwisa Temple; Treasure No. 507), and several Buddhist mural paintings including Amitayeorae-samjon-byeokhwa (National Treasure No. 313), Baegui-gwaneumdo (Treasure No. 1314), and Naebyeok-samyeon-byeokhwa (Treasure No. 1315).


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Songkang Canoe School is located in Naerincheon Stream and offers educational programs and tours led by a professional training team certified by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. Also, the school operates a store that sells imported kayak and canoe equipment.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

The Baegamsan Mountains are also known as the ‘White Rock Mountains’, since their peaks are covered in white-coloured rocks. These mountains are also famous for receiving plenty of snow during the winter season. If you hike up to the mountain peak early in the morning, you may catch a glimpse of the gorgeous sunrise over the East Sea. The hiking trail starts from in front of the Baegam Hot Springs Hotel. Hikers follow the southern ridges and continue through the pine tree forests to reach the top of the mountain. From the top of the mountain, you can admire beautiful views of the East Sea and the tall mountains that stretch to the west and the north. Below the peaks are the Gomosanseong Fortress, Halmaesanseong Fortress, and Baegamsanseong Fortress. After admiring the beautiful wildlife from the peak of Baegamsan Mountain, enjoy the spas at the Baegamsan Hot Springs Resort, which is located just at the foot of the mountain.  


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Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress (Seosaengpo Japanese Fortress) is a stone fortress typical of the Japanese style popular in the later part of the 16th century. It was built under the leadership of Japanese General Kato Kiyomasa in 1592-1593 at the beginning of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592-1598). The main fortress is located on a mountaintop 200 meters above sea level, a second fortress is halfway down the mountain, and a third fortress is located at the bottom of the mountain. The whole fortress is rectangular shaped. The fortress wall is 6 meters high and slants at an angle of 15 degrees. In 1594, a Buddhist monk named Samyeong-daesa came to Seosaengpo Waeseong Fortress four times to negotiate for peace, but he failed each time. In 1598, the fortress was taken over by Korea with the assistance of General Magwi of the Ming Dynasty. A year later, Changpyodang Shrine was built in honor of the 53 Koreans who died during battles against the Japanese invading forces. However, the shrine was destroyed during the Japanese imperialism period and no trace of it remains. It is possible to tell from Seosaengpo Jinseongdo (a map drawn up in 1872) that the fortress was also partially used by Korean forces.


Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

Unjusa Temple is unlike other temples in that it has unusual Buddha statues and pagodas – it is often referred to as a mysterious temple. The founder of Unjusa Temple is not known but it is speculated that it was built during the Silla Period (BC 57~935).Unjusa does not have a Geumgangmun or Cheonwangmun, which are very often seen in Buddhist temples. The first thing you see when you enter Unjusa is the 9-story stone pagoda (National Treasure no. 796). The tower, again, does not have intricate designs, and is very simple. As you walk past the 9-story pagoda, you come to a forked road. Turning left, you will see Chilseong Rock. Because it resembles the 7 stars of the Big Dipper, some people argue that the rock is imitating the constellation. Follow the same road further and you will see two Buddha statues, called Wabul, where Buddha is resting on its side, lying down. These statues are, among the ones in Unjusa Temple, the most intricate in design and execution. Go up a bit further, and you will see the Siwibul Statue standing. Pass Siwibul Statue through the thick groves, and you will come to a series of 7-storey and 5-storey stone pagodas. What makes the stone pagodas of Unjusa Temple interesting to examine is that they each boats several unique designs and features.


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). 


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa Janghwa-ri Tidal Flats in Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon is well-known among photographers as a great spot to view the sunset from. Along with Dongmak Beach, this area has one of the most beautiful tidal flats and views of the sunrise in the western sea. The place provides different views depending on the rise and ebb of the tide.