Busan(Dongnae-gu)

Opened on June 10, 1994, the Busan Marine Natural History Museum is the first and largest museum of its kind in Korea. The museum features some 25,000 marine specimens from over 100 countries around the world, including rare living species and those native to Korea. The museum opened a second exhibition hall in April 2003, and launched the Busan Fishing Village Folk Museum on February 23, 2007. Marine life on display in the museum The major exhibits of Busan Marine Natural History Musem include the largest existing man-eating clam, arapaima (the largest living freshwater fish), oarfish (a legendary fish that is said to live half of the month in the mountains and the rest in the sea), whale fish (the largest living of the fish species), jumbo squid (the largest of sthe quid species), a blade bone fossil of a dinosaur, piranha (an omnivorous freshwater fish that inhabits South American rivers), sturgeon (toothless bony fish species, whose eggs are often eaten as caviar), water monitor (the second largest species of lizards), alligator snapping turtle (giant turtle with strong teeth and a violent temper), spur-thighed tortoise (the third largest turtle in the world) and more!


Seoul(Eunpyeong-gu)

Jingwansa Temple, located to the west of Seoul, is one of the four major temples around Seoul along with Bulamsa, Sammaksa, and Seunggasa temple located to the east, south and north respectively. The temple was dedicated to Preceptor Jingwan in 1010 BC by King Hyeonjong, the 8th king of the Goryeo Dynasty.During the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong built a library in Jingwansa for Confucian scholars to visit and read. The temple was reduced to ashes during the Korean War, but since Preceptor Jingwan lead as head priest in 1963, the temple buildings have been restored and renewed over the past 30 years to the present day condition.The temple consists of Daeungjeon (Hall of Sakyamuni), Myeongbujeon (Hall of Judgment), Nahanjeon, Chilseonggak, Nagawon, Hongjeru, Dongjeonggak, Dongbyeoldang, Yosache and others. Daeungjeon, the centerpiece of the temple, enshrines the god Sakyamuni (the main statue of Buddha) along with Mireukbosal and Jehwagalhwabosal on each side. Myeongbujeon is dedicated to Jijangbosal, Domyeongjonja, mudokgwiwang and Sipdae daewang while at Nahanjeon, the gods of Sakyamuni, Mireukbosal, Jehwagalla bosal, and Simnyungnahansang are enshrined.The temple is not only neighbor to the beautiful surrounding of Bukhansan National Park, but also contains an impressive collection of cultural and historical properties. It also provides a quiet place for urbanites to enjoy all the while sharing the teachings of Buddha.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

The city of Suwon established the Suwon Hwaseong Museum to present the history and culture of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, an important Korean cultural asset and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.The museum has two permanent exhibition spaces: ‘The Exhibition Hall on Construction of Fortress’ (construction process of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the development of the city) and ‘The Cultural Center’ (illustrates various historical events related to the fortress such events held during the 8-day visit of King Jeongjo in 1795).In addition, the museum runs a ‘Children’s Experience Center,’ where children can learn ancient measurement systems, try on royal court costumes, and more. The Suwon Hawseong Museum not only displays relics from Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (one of Korea’s most impressive historical heritages); it also gives visitors an opportunity to experience and explore.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

After Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, the former president Lee Seungman and his wife lived in their house called Ihwajang. Even though he moved out of the house after he was elected the first president of Korea, he used to return and visit for walks in the garden. After he relinquished his appointment as president, he stayed here for a while before coming to America as an exile.Ihwajang house consisted of the bonchae, or the main building, which was where Lee Seungman and his wife’s living quarters were, jogakdang(president’s office area) and other buildings. Jogakdang, the president’s office area, is a small and narrow building but it is an important historical place where he had a conference to form the first Korean ministry. Ihwajang house shows the change of Korean traditional house under Japanese control. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Daehangno Street, known as the street for young people, is the former location of Seoul National University. In the 1980s, many theater groups started moving to Daehangno, and it soon developed into a cultural center. In a short period of time, movie theaters, live-cafes, regular cafes and pubs sprung up, and it grew into an entertainment district. Its popularity is still maintained by famous small theaters such as Parangsae (Blue Bird) Theater and Hakjeong Theater, and some 30 additional theaters have concentrated here to contribute in keeping Daehangno as the root of performance art in Korea. The center of Daehangno, Marronnier Park, has frequent live acts and dance performances by young people. This is why Daehangno is called the “Play Mecca” and “Young Street” as well. Another reason Daehangno became so popular with young people is the various interesting sights and food to be found here. Many restaurants, fast food joints, cafes, and bars are concentrated here, making it convenient for people to find something to do after plays and live-performances. Its unique atmosphere and space continues to be loved by many young people.


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

On a site of about 80,000m² (24,200 pyeong), 64 Tang Dynasty-style buildings including the imperial palace and 52 Goguryeo-style buildings have been built to create a themed film park that recreates Goguryeo from 1,300 years ago. Visitors to this theme park can enjoy a variety of historic experiences as well as learn traditional culture facts at one's leisure.The name 'Seorak Cinerama' comes from a compound word made up of the first few syllables of 'cinema' and the last few of 'drama'. The outdoor film studio is a new-concept open set and rated to be one of the nation’s biggest film studios, run by the Hanwha Resorts Group.As the home of the nation’s largest set of Goguryeo-style and Tang Dynasty-style buildings, tourist can travel back in time and experience a variety of folk games such as archery, and horseback riding.The venue was also used as the outdoor set location for the popular KBS drama ‘Daejoyeong’, SBS drama 'Faith', and MBC drama 'The King's Doctor'. 'Great King Sejong' was also filmed here, featuring the largest Goguryeo fortress, the Imperial Palace of the Tang Dynasty, government offices, the rear gardens of Cheukcheonmuhu, village of the nobles, Goguryeo Buheungundongji, and Goguryeo’s commoners’ village. 


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Joanne Bear Museum located in Jungmun Resort Complex in Seogwipo-si, on Jeju-do Island is a gallery exhibition hall for Joanne Oh, a world-famous teddy bear artist. The museum, which boasts the motto “nature and environmentalism", showcases teddy bears that are made of all-natural materials. The eco-friendly pieces mimic the natural beauty of Jeju Island and give visitors a feeling of comfort and refreshment.Joanne Bear Museum features a variety of teddy bears, polar bears, and 'joon bears' that were created based on the character of Bae Yong-joon, a famous Hallyu star. Due to the ‘joon bear’s world-wide acclaim, the museum is frequently visited by many Japanese tourists.At the museum, visitors can watch Joanne Oh’s teddy bear making process in person. The museum offers other conveniences as well: a café on the second floor and a backyard garden. Visitors are even permitted to go to the rooftop to enjoy the view. A variety of cultural events are also offered to double your fun. Those who wish to have a ‘joon bear’ of their own may purchase a mini joon at the museum’s souvenir shop.Joanne Oh, as a teddy bear artist, has given much thought on her role in saving polar bears from endangerment. As a result, she has designed a family of polar bear teddies and launched a campaign called STPB (Save the Polar Bear). She continues to seek to expand her efforts to preserve nature and help the environment. 


Busan(Suyeong-gu)

Located between Haeundae Beach and Gwangalli Beach, the Millak Waterfront Park is the first park in Korea to combine the oceanfront with public rest and leisure facilities. The park (about 33,000㎡) can accommodate up to 40,000 people and boasts convenience facilities such as gardens, shaded rest areas, and benches. The 3,040㎡ platform from which visitors can overlook the beach also serves as a place where people can dip their feet in the ocean when the tide is high.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 5) is a mud fortress located on top of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m) in the northern part of Buyeo. The fortress is estimated by some to have been built around 538 AD (16th year of King Seongwang) to protect Sabi (now Buyeo), which was once the capital of the Baekje Kingdom. Other historians, however, believe that the fortress was already in place by 500 AD (22nd year of King Dongseongwang) and modified in 605 (6th year of King Muwang) into the structure we see today. In either case, some parts of the fortress were reconstructed during the Unified Silla Kingdom period (676-935 AD) and modified again in the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) eras.Busosan Mountain was once considered the guardian mountain of Buyeo and is home to historic landmarks from the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). In addition to Busosanseong Fortress, some of the most famous sites on the mountain include Baekhwajeong Pavilion, Sajaru Pavilion, Banwollu Pavilion, Yeongillu Pavilion, Samchungsa Shrine (dedicated to three loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom), Gungnyeosa Shrine, Goransa Temple, Gunchangji (military warehouse site), and Suhyeoljugeoji (site of pit houses for the Baekje soldiers). The mountain is also home to Nakhwaam Rock where, according to legend, 3,000 women of the Baekje Kingdom threw themselves into the river below after the collapse of the empire.Historic Sites of Busosan Mountain■ Samchungsa ShrineSamchungsa Shrine is just a short hike from Sabimun, the main gate of Busosanseong Fortress. The shrine holds the portraits and memorial tablets of Seongchung, Heungsu, and Gyebaek, who were known as the three most loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom. Memorial services are held for these great patriots during the annual Baekje Cultural Festival each October.■ Yeongillu PavilionYeongillu Pavilion was built on the site of Yeongildae, an observation platform located on the easternmost peak of Busosan Mountain. Kings and members of the royal family of the Baekje Kingdom once used this spot as a place from which to watch the sun rise above Yeoncheonbong Peak on Gyeryongsan Mountain, plan state affairs, and pray for the peace of the kingdom and their subjects.■ GunchangjiAlso known as “Mallichang,” Gunchangji is the site of a warehouse that was used to store grain for military use. Remnants of burnt grain were discovered at the site in 1915.■ SuhyeoljugeojiSuhyeoljugeoji, only a short distance from Gunchangji, was once the site of a pit house for soldiers of the Baekje Dynasty. The thatched-roof pit houses that stand on the site today have been reconstructed based on historical evidence uncovered during site excavation. Measuring 1m in depth with walls of wood and straw, the pit houses are neighbored by an exhibition hall that stands on the original excavation site.■ Sajaru PavilionSajaru Pavilion, located on the highest peak of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m), is said to represent the cosmic powers of yin and yang together with Yeongillu Pavilion in the east. Adorned with a nameplate written by Prince Uichinwang Yi Gang (1877-1955), Sajaru commands an ethereal view of the moon and has long since been the source of poetic inspiration. The pavilion was also the site of discovery of the famous Geumdong-seokga-yeorae-ipsang (Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha, Treasure No. 196).■ Baekhwajeong PavilionBaekhwajeong Pavilion, perched on the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock, was built in 1929 by a poets’ society called Bupungsisa to commemorate the story of the famous rock. According to the historical tale, the women of Baekje flung themselves off the cliffs of Nakhwaam to their deaths after the kingdom collapsed to keep themselves from being defiled by the men of the insurgent kingdoms.■ Gungnyeosa ShrineGungnyeosa Shrine is located a short distance from Taejagol (Crown Prince Valley) to the northeast of Banwollu Square. Established in 1965, the shrine honors the Baekje women who leaped to their deaths from the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock in 660 when the empire was conquered by the allied forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty of China. Commemorative rites are held at the shrine every October during the Baekje Cultural Festival.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Gyeongju National Park is a bevy of cultural preserves dating back to the Silla Kingdom. Unlike the other parks located in the area, this park is segmented into individual districts. However, admission fee covers entry to the entire park because the districts are segmented for the government administration. Because Gyeongju itself is a historic city with many important historic sites and relics, Gyeongju is divided into 7 districts, and the park is divided accordingly. The Namsan area of Gyeongju is called the Namsan District. This is where many stone Buddhist statues, stone pagodas and about 100 temples sites are found. Here you can find Poseokjeong Pavillion, which was part of the living quarters the king had prepared outside of the palace for feasts. The Namsan District contains many relics spread about the area. You might feel like you took a ride on a time machine to a Buddhist temple of the past. Another district is the Tohamsan Mountain District. Here you will find the most famous tourist sites of Gyeongju, Bulguksa Temple. Bulguksa Temple was built in 535, during the reign of King Beopheung (514~540) of the Silla Kingdom and is located at the edge of Tohamsan Mountain. In front of Daeungjeon, there is Dabo Pagoda (10.4m high) to the east and the 3-story Seokga Pagoda (8.2m) to the west. These two pagodas are known as the most artistically constructed Korean stone pagodas, domestically and internationally. On the east side of Tohamsan Mountain is Seokguram, which is called the principal Korean Buddhist statuary. Within the Daebon District, a district of Gyeongju National Park, is King Munmu’s Sujungreung. Nearby the King Munmu’s Sujungreung Tomb there is the Gameunsaji 3-Story Stone Pagoda, which was built to honor King Munmu. In downtown Gyeongju there is a palace built on a half-moon shaped hill called Banwolseong and there is also the oldest stone relic in the east, called Cheomseongdae Observatory (9.2m high). Cheomseongdae Observatory was built and used as an astronomical observatory during the reign of Queen Seon-Deok (reigned 632~647). Between Cheomseongdae and Wolseong is the Gyerim Forest, where Kim Al-Ji (65~?), the progenitor of the Kim family, was born. The name Gyerim was also once used as the country name of Silla. Half a kilometer west of Cheomseongdae is Hwangnamdong where Jeonmachong is located. Anapji Pond, which was built to serve noble guests and where feasts were held, is also located in downtown Gyeongju. Gyeongju National Museum is located in Inwang-dong, Gyeongju, where the relics from 1,000 years of the Silla Kingdom are preserved.