Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun)

Jungmisan Recreational Forest (중미산자연휴양림) unfolds at the end of a lovely drive along the famous Nongdachi-gogaegil road (the highest ridge road in the vicinity of Seoul). The forest boasts a striking landscape of thick groves of trees and a view overlooking Namhangang River. Some mornings, the forest’s log cabins are veiled by a thick fog, further adding to the beautiful natural ambience. Rising 834 meters above sea level, Jungmisan Mountain is a popular sunrise destination frequented by throngs of hikers every year. Thick forests of pine trees create a rooftop of branches from spring to fall. Being surrounded by tall mountains of Baegunsan, Yumyeongsan, and Yongmunsan, Mount Jungmisan feels like it is in the inner mountainous region of Gangwon-do, although it is close to Seoul. The forest has log cabins that can accommodate groups of 4, 7, or 16 people as well as campsites that seem to complement the surrounding natural environment. Visitors can enjoy a comfortable walk through the trees on a trail that winds through the heart of the forest. The recreational forest is located in Yangpyeong County, which is known as an environmentally-friendly town of suburban residences, vacation homes and inns. Nearby tourist attractions include the Mount Jungmisan Astronomical Observatory, Wild Flower Botanical Garden, the birth house of Lee Hang-ro, and Yongmunsa Temple.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Spread out over an area of 558.68㎡, this museum is a collection of exhibits highlighting the historic heritage of Tongyeong-si. It holds around 1,000 pieces of lifestyle articles and literature items, as well as photos of Tongyeong from the prehistoric era, Gaya Confederacy, Silla Kingdom, Goryeo Dynasty, Joseon Dynasty, and the modern times. In addition, there are materials related to 12 gongbang (workshop) and the Japanese Invasion of Korea. Visitors can also watch video clips showing the process of making craftworks including najeonchilgi (mother-of-pearl craft making) and somokjang (wood furniture making), as well as videos introducing intangible cultural assets such as the Ogwangdae (five mask performers' dance drama) and Seungjeonmu (victory dance).


Jeollanam-do(Gwangyang-si)

Only recently discovered by the public, Eochi Valley (어치계곡) is the deepest and most picturesque valley of Baegunsan Mountain’s four valleys. There are many waterfalls, large and small, along the 7km valley. The scenic beauty is comparable to that of the valleys in Jirisan Mountain. The sound of the waterfalls and chirping birds are pleasant to the ear. Also, there is Orodae Peak (오로대), where the soothing murmur of cool running water and singing birds welcome visitors throughout the day.  


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

Cheongsando Island has beautiful scenery made by mountains, ocean, and the sky, all matching in shades of blue and deep green. The island is located 19.2km from Wando Island, reachable in approx. 50 minutes by way of ferry. The island is often visited by travelers who enjoy trekking, as well as photographers seeking to capture the eye-catching vistas of this southern island. Anyone can now take a day-trip to the island, thanks to more ferry travels made between Wando and Cheongsando Passenger Terminals. The island was designated as Dadohaehaesang (Marine Archipelago) National Park on December 23, 1981, and became the first Asian Slow City (or 'Cittaslow Town') on December 1, 2007. Not only that, the Korea Tourism Organization and CNN Broadcast Network have also selected Cheongsando Island for inclusion in the "50 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Korea."


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Mubongsa means “A sacred place where phoenix used to dance,” and is a small and Buddhist temple. It is conveniently and accessibly located near one of the city’s top attractions, Yeongnamnu Pavilion, which has a spectacular view of the Miryanggang River, the bamboo forest below, and the park and the downtown area on the other side of the river. Perched high on the cliffs above the upper reaches of the river is Aranggak Pavilion. Take the flight of stairs from this pavilion to reach the famous Yeongnamnu Pavilion and Mubongsa Temple. Enshrining the Seokjoyeoraejwasang (seated stone Buddha statue; Treasure No. 493), the temple has long been a popular site among poets and painters for its picturesque landscape. * Mubongsa Seokjoyeoraejwasang, a well-known relic of Mubongsa Temple Mubongsa Seokjoyeoraejwasang (seated stone Buddha statue of Mubongsa Temple) is a well-preserved statue of the Buddha from the late Unified Silla Era. The 97-cm-tall statue was designated as National Treasure No. 493 on June 24, 1969.


Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si)

Youngeun Museum was established in November, 2000 in the natural forests of Gwangju, Gyeonggi-do. The museum is largely composed of two sections: an art museum and a studio. Youngeun Museum is considered a museum of contemporary art as it focuses on the research, preservation, and exhibition of modern art works. It is the first museum of its kind to also operate studio space for artists and has consequently received praise in the art world as a forward-thinking museum. Thanks to the museum’s focus on creating new works of art, the museum has become a gathering place where artists, writers, critics, and the general public can interact with one another and appreciate the art-making process. Visitors can engage in various forms of art at the Youngeun Museum, ranging from plastic arts to performing arts. There are also educational programs that allow guests to watch or even experience how art is made. By providing these innovative programs, Youngeun Museum aims to spread art among the masses.


Jeollanam-do(Gokseong-gun)

Dorimsa was built during the Silla Period (57 B.C.-935 A.D.). It lies on Seongchul Peak at Mt. Dongak (approximately 4km to the west of Gokseong-eup). Monk Wonhyo built the temple in 660 during the 7th year of King Muyeol. It houses Bogwangjeon (a Buddhist sanctuary) and many buildings such as Eungjindang, Jijangjeon, Yaksajeon, Chilseonggak, and Yosachae. The temple possesses the precious Buddhist painting called Gwaebultaeng created in 1683 during the 9th year of King Sukjong. The mountain surrounding the temple is Mt. Dongak (literally Movement of Music) because the sound of music reverberated across the entire mountain when Monk Wonhyo embarked on building the temple. In front of the temple is a beautiful valley surrounded by many odd-shaped rocks. The area shows traces of visits by some of the best scholars, writers and painters since the Joseon Period (1392-1910). Water flowing deep from Mt. Dongak, which stretches over 735 meters in x_height, converges into Dorimsa Valley and forms a dazzling landscape amidst magnificent waterfalls and lush pine forest. Naturally, the temple and its vicinity attract many visitors year-round.


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Soyangho Lake (소양호), one of the biggest manmade lakes in Korea, along with Chungjuho Lake (충주호), was created in 1973 when the world’s fourth largest dam, Soyang Dam, standing 123 meters high, was constructed. The 60-kilometer watercourse connecting Chuncheon and Inje is a route along which you can enjoy the beautiful hills and streams of Naeseorak. In the Inje section, upstream of the lake, there are various species of fish such as carp, crusian, leather carp, mandarin fish and pond smelt, attracting many tourists and fisherman. Fishing spots are found in areas such as Gunchukgyo Bridge, Bupyeong, Gwandae-ri, and Sangsunaeri Fishing Pier. Also, from December and March when a portion of the lake near Gunchukgyo Bridge freezes, you can bore holes through the ice sheet and enjoy ice-fishing for pond smelt.  


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Micheongol Valley starts from the Yangyang area and ends right before Guryongnyeong Pass. With not many visitors here, the valley is left in a pristine condition. The area is famous for its rich forest, clean water, uniquely shaped rocks, wild flora and fauna, underground mineral water tap, cultural heritages of the ancient kingdom Silla, locally produced honey and other forest products. The Micheongol Valley Recreational Forest is 5,652,000㎡ in size filled with broadleaf trees. At the entrance of the valley is the Seollimwon temple site, which was originally established under the reign of King Beopheung of Silla Kingdom and then closed off at the end of Goryeo Dynasty. Other relics include a stone lamp, 3-story pagoda, Honggakseonsa Monk Pagoda, and a Stupa. With Donghaean Beach and Seoraksan National Park located nearby, Micheongol Valley makes a perfect destination for tourists.


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Bangtaesan Mountain, located in Inje-gun, Ganwon-do, sits on the border between Inje-gun and Hongcheon-gun. Its long ridges and deep valleys make the mountain outstanding in its beauty. Being in a place where it’s not easy to get to, the mountain’s natural elements are in pristine condition. Water flows from Jugeokbong Peak (1,443m) and Guryongdoekbong Peak (1,338m) through Achimgarigol Valley and Jeoggarigol Valley. There is a wide variety of species that live in the mountain, such as lenoks, catfishes, boars, hares, roe deers and squirrels. Southwest of Jugeokbong Peak, the highest peak of the mountain, is the Gaein mineral water spring that is famous for its pungent taste and carbonated water. With cool weather in summer and colorful autumn foliage in fall, Bangtaesan Mountain is a perfect place to enjoy the natural beauty of South Korea. Bangtaesan Recreational Forest also offers sleeping accomodations for visitors.