Gangwon-do(Wonju-si)

0Discover Museum SAN: A Hidden Gem in Korea’s Mountains Nestled in the tranquil mountains of Gangwon-do, Museum SAN (Space Art Nature) is an architectural masterpiece designed by the world-renowned Japanese architect Tadao Ando. Opened in May 2013, this museum harmoniously blends minimalist concrete structures with the surrounding natural landscape, creating a serene environment for visitors to connect with art and nature. Complementing Ando’s architecture are the captivating works of James Turrell, celebrated for his innovative use of light and space. Museum SAN offers more than just exhibitions—it’s a journey of discovery. The experience begins at the Welcome Center and takes visitors through the Flower Garden, Water Garden, Main Building, Meditation Hall, Stone Garden, and finally, the James Turrell Hall. The Main Building’s unique design, featuring square, triangular, and circular wings, reflects the architect’s philosophy of connecting the earth, sky, and humanity. Recognized as a "2024-2025 Gangwon Wellness Tourism Destination," Museum SAN is a perfect escape for those seeking relaxation and renewal. As a wellness tourism hotspot, it provides an ideal space for rejuvenation through nature, meditation, and art, offering a restorative retreat for the modern traveler. In addition to its permanent and special exhibitions, the museum offers interactive programs, including workshops and educational experiences, ensuring an engaging visit for all ages. Operating Hours * Museum: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last entry: 5:00 PM) * James Turrell Hall: 10:30 AM - 5:30 PM * Meditation Hall (January–February): 10:25 AM - 5:05 PM Admission Fees 1. Museum Ticket (Includes Outdoor Garden, Paper Museum, Art Museum): * Adults: KRW 19,000 * Children/Teenagers: KRW 11,000 * Preschoolers: Free 2. Meditation Ticket (Includes Outdoor Garden, Paper Museum, Art Museum, Meditation): * Adults: KRW 35,000 * Children/Teenagers: KRW 25,000 * Preschoolers: Not permitted 3. James Turrell Ticket (Includes Outdoor Garden, Paper Museum, Art Museum, James Turrell): * Adults: KRW 35,000 * Children/Teenagers: KRW 25,000 * * Preschoolers: Free (3:00 PM slot only) 4. Integrated Ticket (Includes Outdoor Garden, Paper Museum, Art Museum, James Turrell, Meditation): * Adults: KRW 40,000 * Children/Teenagers: KRW 28,000 * Preschoolers: Free admission to James Turrell (3:00 PM slot only); not permitted in the Meditation Hall (Children: Elementary to high school students; Preschoolers: Ages 6 and under) ★ Note: Prices and operating hours may vary. Please check the museum’s official website for the latest information. Why Visit Museum SAN? Museum SAN is more than a museum—it’s an immersive sanctuary for the mind and spirit. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a nature lover, or someone seeking a unique and serene getaway during your Korean travels, this destination offers an unforgettable experience. Plan your visit to Museum SAN and discover the perfect harmony of art, nature, and architecture. ​『 COPYRIGHTS © 강원특별자치도 경제진흥원 All rights reserved. https://www.kwellness.kr』


Incheon(Gyeyang-gu)

Gyeyangsan Mountain, which reaches an altitude of 395m, is considered a guardian and holy mountain that is representative of Incheon. The mountain’s name changed several times, according to the name changes of the region. It was previously called "Sujuak" as part of the Suju-Dohobu administrative region of the Goryeo Dynasty, "Annamsan Mountain" during Annam-Dohobu, and finally was renamed "Gyeyangsan Mountain" during Gyeyang-Dohobu.Gyeyangsan’s name originates from the area that is home to the Korean box tree, which produces cassia bark used to make cinnamon. Gyeyang Park was designated as Incheon’s first urban natural park on January 8, 1944, and since then, the mountain has gone on to become the city’s top municipal park.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

Located in the Hongdae area, the Modern Design Museum is one of the first design museums in Korea. It opened in March 2008 and exhibits historical records that are dedicated to Korea’s design development, featuring more than 15,000 items. The items displayed are mostly from the private collection of Park Arm-Jong, who is a Seonmun University professor as well as the museum’s director. He has gathered items for over 20 years and has arranged them in such a way that visitors can get a very good idea of Korea’s modern design history. Under the theme of “The Big Dipper, 7 stars lighting up the night sky,” exhibitions are categorized into different periods of time. Section 1: Inception Stage (Introduction of Modern Western Culture. 1876-1910), Section 2: Stationary Stage (Slump of Traditional Korean Culture and the Beginning of the Corporate Era. 1910-1945), Section 3: Incubating Stage (Beginning of Understanding the Utility of Design. 1945 – 1961), Section 4: Early Developing Stage (1961 – 1976), Section 5: Developing Stage (Systemizing Design and Development through International Sports. 1976 – 1988), Section 6: Take-off stage (1988 – 2000), and Section 7: Maturing stage (2000s and after).


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Gyeokpo Port, located on the mainland of Jeju, is the departure point to Wido and Wangdeungdo Islands. Seawall fishing and rock fishing can both be enjoyed at the same time here. A wide rock belt is formed in the sea at the front of Gyeokpo creating lots of boat fishing sites (the main catch being black porgy and armorclad rockfish). Fishing spots include the sea west of Dongho Island, near Ssanyeo, the sea north of Daehyeongjedo Island and near Sumeunyeo. Big black porgy can be caught from the seawall and armorclad rockfish by fishing with rod (mostly in October). The sea south of Wido Island, one hour by boat from Gyeokpo, is famous for boat fishing to catch yellow drum. The sea north of Anmagundo is one of the best places for trolling to catch Japanese/Spanish Mackerel. Sadangdo Island has recently emerged as the best rock fishing site in the Gyeokpo region. Sadangdo Island is the largest island among those around Gyeokpo and has an abundance of good fishing spots. The waters are around 5m deep in all areas around Sadangdo Island. Wangdeungdo Island is a relatively new site as a number of 40cm-long big black porgy have been caught here recently. When the muddy tide goes out and clean water rises, black porgies start to bite.* Fishinf Spots: sea in front of Gyeokpo, Gyeokpo-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Gyeongjeong Beach is famous for its serene and clean water with gentle waves. It is also used as an aqua farm for growing such marine products as sea cucumbers, abalones and sea squirts. The beach side road is a perfect driving course with the view of the horizon.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Yi Sunsin Plaza is located in Jungang-dong, Yeosu-si and contains the history and achievements of General Yi Sunsin. The plaza is the starting point for the history culture tourism belt and the surrounding artifacts and in May hosts the Turtle Ship Festival. The main attraction in the plaza is the life-size turtle ship which visitors can not only view from the outside but also the inside. There are also various performances on Saturdays in the plaza. 


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Gangwon-do Forestry Museum, located within the Gangwon-do Provincial Flower Garden, is the nation's first space dedicated to forests. It serves as a cultural space for people to draw nearer to nature, as well as creates new forest culture spaces. Divided into four exhibition rooms, visitors can see research tools and methods used by foresters. In January 2004, a brand new 4D experience video room was opened, giving a message on the importance of the forest and environment on our lives. * Opened October 31, 2002


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Located in both Seungju-eup and Songgwang-myeon of Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do, Jogyesan Mountain (조계산, 884.3m) has two famous Buddhist temples on it, Seonamsa Temple and Songgwangsa Temple. This is a relatively low mountain with rounded corners and a soft tranquility. Around Seonamsa Temple you’ll find several peaks such as Wolchulbong Peak, Janggunbong Peak and Gitdaebong Peak as well as the Ilweolseok boulder. This area is always crowded with visitors all year round due to the famous temples of Songgwangsa Temple and Seonamsa Temple. There are hikers as well coming purely to walk up Jogyesan Mountain which has gentle paths with short hills and flat paths, making it great even a picnic.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Gangneung Boksa Village blooms with peach blossoms each spring. The village is criss-crossed by Hacheon and Sillicheon Streams, which can be crossed by log bridges built long ago by the residents. These precious log bridges are sometimes removed for protection during the rainy summer season, and then put back out when the streams calm down. Boksa Village provides a wonderful glimpse into the rural agricultural lifestyle of Korea. Visitors can pick their own fruit directly from the tree to enjoy right away, as well as make a scarecrow or spread green tea fertilizer around the trees to help them grow. The festival is also the venue for an annual peach blossom festival in April, and a scarecrow festival in August.


Chungcheongnam-do()

Musangsa Temple (est. March 2000) is an international Zen Temple created by Monk Sungsan exclusively for foreigners. The temple aims at promoting Korean Zen Buddhism among foreign monks and nuns while encouraging non-Buddhist priests and religious leaders to experience Zen. Located at the foot of Gyeryong Mountain, the temple is surrounded by a forest of pine trees, giving visiting Zen practitioners a chance to experience the genuine natural beauty of Korea. To date, over 600 foreigners from 30 different countries have visited the temple to learn more about Zen meditation. Twice a year (once in the summer and once in the winter) a 3-month program is held for foreign monks and nuns to come and practice Ganhwaseon, a type of Zen Buddhism. Travelers and other foreigners are also welcome to participate in shortened versions of the program, which are typically one week in length. During meditation/program periods, public visits are limited. Buddhist services are held every week. Services presided over by monk Musim are open to the general public and are held in English.