Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

With a 5-star hotel, high-rise condominium buildings, ski-slopes, and top-class golf courses, the mountain peak recreational complex of Phoenix Park provides various recreational and amusement facilities for a great vacation. The resort is located approximately 1 hour and 50 minutes from Seoul in Pyeongchang, a county in Gangwon province. Pyeongchang is a major winter sports region in Korea and it has been declared as the host city of the 2018 Winter Olympic Games. Phoenix Park has become one of Korea’s most famous resort complexes since its appearance in the extremely popular drama ‘Winter Sonata’. The resort has a total of seventeen slopes, four of which are approved by the FIS (International Ski Federation), and has superb snow quality. Particularly popular is the ‘Panorama Slope’, which is at an impressive 2.2km length and has an average x_width of 46meters. Eight ski lifts, state-of-the-art gondolas, and six conveyer belts transport visitors around the park quickly and efficiently. Phoenix Park has many excellent accommodation options, including the main condo (famous for its unique design), the Euro Villa Condo (which was the filming location for Winter Sonata), a youth hostel, and a luxury hotel. In addition, the outdoor swimming pool, 18-hole members only golf club, and the 9-hole public golf club mean that visitors can have fun at Phoenix Park all year round! Phoenix Park Ski Resort is an environmentally friendly resort, created with the minimum possible disruption to surrounding nature. For more information on the Phoenix Park Ski Resort and subsidiary facilities, please visit the homepage or call the ski resort helpline.    


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Bulguksa Temple is the representative relic of Gyeongju and was designated as a World Cultural Asset by UNESCO in 1995. The beauty of the temple itself and the artistic touch of the stone relics are known throughout the world.Bulguksa Temple was built in 528 during the Silla Kingdom, in the 15th year of King Beop-Heung's reign (514-540). The temple was originally called ‘Hwaeom Bulguksa Temple’ or ‘Beopryusa Temple’ and was rebuilt by Kim Dae-Seong (700-774), who started rebuilding the temple in 751 during the reign of King Gyeong-Deok (r. 742-765) and completed it in 774 during the reign of King Hye-Gong (r. 765-780). Upon completion, the temple’s name was changed to Bulguksa.Bulguksa Temple underwent numerous renovations from the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) to the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), but was burned down during the Imjin War (Japanese Invasions, 1592-1598).Reconstruction started again in 1604 during the 37th year of King Seon-jo’s reign (Joseon Dynasty) and was renovated about 40 times until 1805 (during the reign of King Sun-Jo, 1790-1834). After this time, the temple suffered serious damage and was often the target of robbers.In 1969, the Bulguksa Temple Restoration Committee was formed and in 1973, Mulseoljeon, Gwaneumjeon, Birojeon, Gyeongru, and Hoerang (all of which had previously been demolished) were rebuilt. Other old or broken sites (such as Daeungjeon, Geungnakjeon, Beomyeongnu and Jahamun) were repaired.Even today, Bulguksa Temple is home to many important cultural relics such as Dabotap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 20), Seokgatap Pagoda (National Treasure No. 21) Yeonhwa-gyo & Chilbo-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 22), Cheongun-gyo & Baegun-gyo Bridges (National Treasure No. 23), the Golden Seated Vairocana Buddhist Figure (National Treasure No. 26), the Golden Seated Amita Figure (National Treasure No. 27), and Saritap Pagoda (Treasure No. 61).


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.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Busan Cinema Center is the venue of the Busan International Film Festival, which is a major world film festival. There are theaters of different sizes in the 3 buildings of the center, named Cine Mountain, BIFF Hill, and Double Cone. The center runs a tour program as well as film-related lectures. Known as the cinema paradise of Korea, the center is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Busan.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The Bosingak Belfry was used during the Joseon Dynasty to keep the time. There were four gates in Seoul that allowed people in and out. At 4 a.m., the bell would ring 33 times and then the gates were opened. At 10 p.m. the bell would ring 28 times and the gates would close. The bell served as a siren. The original bell melted in that spot due to a fire accident. In 1468, the bell was remade and still exists today. However, for preservation purposes that bell now sits in the national museum. The bell that replaced it in Jongno was made in 1985 with contributions from the public. The Bosingak Belfry was built by the Seoul Municipal Government in 1979 and is restricted on normal days. Currently, a daily bell-ringing ceremony is conducted at Bosingak. A special ceremony is held on new Year's Eve where the bell is rung 33 times in front of large crowds.  More Info.Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony- Period: All year round (not available on Mondays)- Time: 11:30-12:20 (Bell-ringing from 11:40/ once a day) Bosingak Bell-Ringing Experience- Application: Online Reservation (Korean)- Foreign visitors may participate in the program on Tuesdays (onsite registration).


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located inside Gyeongbokgung Palace, the National Folk Museum of Korea presents over 4,000 historical artifacts that were used in the daily lives of ordinary Korean people. Here you can fully immerse yourselves in previous domestic and agricultural lifestyles, and learn about Korea’s cultural beliefs. The National Folk Museum of Korea has three permanent and two special exhibitions as well as a library, souvenir shop, and other subsidiary facilities.


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

Gwongeumseong Fortress is the site of a castle ruins called Mt. Seoraksan, and it is also known as Mt. Onggeumsan Castle, or Toto Castle. It is located on the steep Dol Mountain of Mt. Seoraksan Sogongwon area. It is believed to have been built by the 23rd King of the Goryeo Period (918~1392), Gojong (1213~1259 reign). It is also called Gwon-Kim Castle, as there is a legend that two generals named Gwon and Kim, built the castle to avoid war.At the left side of Sogongwon, past the Biryonggyo Bridge over the ravine, there is a path which leads to Gwongeumseong Castle, but it takes over an hour of travel through a steep, rocky path (2.5km), so cable cars are used. The cable car was installed by Dr. Gi-Sup Lee in 1971 and is still used by many tourists. It is operated from 7 a.m. to 6 or 6:30 p.m., departs every 7 minutes, and you can only purchase round-trip tickets at the ticket counter for that day. At the plateau of Gwongeumseong Castle there are 80 sections of rocks and you can see the East Sea and city of Sokcho. Also, to the west, you can see all kinds of fantastic rocks and stones which make up the Seoraksan Mountains.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Paldalmun Gate is the southern gate of Hwaseong Fortress, designated National Treasure No. 402. A crescent shaped 'ongseong' (defensive secondary wall to prevent the main gate from being broken down with logs) is built on the outside of the door. On the right wall of the gate is a nameplate which contains the names of the people involved in the construction of the gate. The Paldalmun Gate is unique in that it is detached from the rest of the gates, and located in the middle of the busy city. The reason for this is because commerce took roots around the gates before its reconstruction, making it impossible to build in that area.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Situated on the southern tip of the Korean Peninsula, Hallasan is 1,950m in x_height and is the highest mountain in South Korea. Formed from volcanic activity, the mountain is a dormant volcano made mostly of basalt. Home to the magnificent Baekrokdam (lake-filled crater), the mountainside is covered with alpine flora and lush trees. The mountain is characterized by majestic cliffs, steep slopes, interesting rock formations, and, in particular, myriads of colorful azaleas. There are over 360 small mountains (uniquely-shaped volcanic mountains called “Oreum” in Jeju dialect) surrounding Halla Mountain that offer new delights to visitors with the coming of each new season. Along with Hallasan, the oreums were officially named the Hallasan Natural Protection Area (Natural Monument No.12) in 1966. There are six hiking trails along Hallasan. Seongpanak Trail on the east and Gwaneumsa Trail in the north go all the way up to the summit (Baekrokdam). Those looking for a less rigorous hike are advised to take the shorter trails reaching midway up the mountain. All trails are relatively short (less than 10km) and can be hiked in less than a day. Visitors are advised, however, to start early in the morning if planning on hiking up to the summit and to check official operating hours, as some trails are only open during certain hours of the day. Keep reading for information on some of the most popular trails. * Gwaneumsa Trail (North)—Summit Trail Gwaneumsa Trail offers hikers the best view of Hallasan’s deep valleys and stunning terrain. Midway along the trail is Guringul (a lava cave) and Tamna Valley. Tamna Valley is especially beautiful during the fall when the leaves are changing and during the winter when the entire area lays under a dusting of snow. * Seongpanak Trail (East)—Summit Trail This relatively long, gently sloping trail is perfect for beginners. Lush broadleaf trees give shade from the beating sun and in spring the azaleas bloom and turn the mountainside into a dazzling array of color. * Eorimok Trail (Northwest) This short trail is another relatively easy trail for beginners. In spring, the nearby meadows are adorned with red royal azaleas. From the stone pathway to Mansedongsan visitors can catch a breathtaking panoramic view of the countryside and the island’s signature Oreums. * Yeongsil Trail (Southwest) As the shortest trail in Hallasan, this trail boasts Yeongsilgiam (a spectacular cliff with series of unusual rock formations). It is covered with azaleas and royal azaleas in spring and vibrant autumn foliage starting in October.  


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheonan-si)