Seoul(Seongdong-gu)

Running through the central part of the Korean Peninsula, the Hangang River flows from Gangwon-do towards Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeonggi-do, through Seoul and continues on to the Yellow Sea. The river has witnessed the history of the Korean people for over five thousand years, through good and bad times. The riverside parks offer a nice retreat for the citizens of Seoul. The Namhangang River (South Hangang River), which is the main source, originates from Taebaek-si in Gangwon-do. The water runs north through Goljicheon Stream in Samcheok-si and then passes through Gwangdong Dam before flowing into Songcheon Stream. Songcheon Stream starts from Hwangbyeongsan Mountain (1,407 meters) in Jeongseon-gun and flows into Joyanggang River. After joining Odaecheon Stream, it flows south into Donggang River, which in turn flows into Seogang River. Then after joining Dalcheon Stream in Chungju-si, Seomgang River and Cheongmicheon Stream, the river combines with the branch streams of Yanghwacheon, Bokhacheon, and Heukcheon before it finally joins Bukhangang River (North Hangang River) in Yangsu-ri.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Jumunjin Breakwater was built to protect the coastline from the effects of erosion and longshore drift. It became a popular attraction after its first appearance in the television drama "Goblin" (2016) as many visitors look forward to taking photos of a scene reanactment from the drama.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Naksan Park gets its name from its camel hump-like appearance. In Korean ‘nakta’ means camel and ‘san’ means mountain. So people refer to the park as Nakta Park or Naksan Park. The mountain is a solid granite bedrock. The Joseon royal family enjoyed the natural beauty of the granite mountain, but during the Japanese Colonial Period, a hasty manner of urban planning resulted in the demolition of most parts of the mountain. In an effort to save the remaining green belts, Naksan was designated as a park on June 10, 2002. Located in the center of the Seoul, this historical and beautiful park allows its visitors to view the magnificence of the entire city.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Suwon River cuts across Hwaseong Fortress from the north to the south. Water gates were installed on the north and south walls to allow the river to flow through. Hwahongmun Gate is the north water gate of the fortress, containing seven arches, constructed in varying sizes, to let the water through. The central opening is larger than those toward the outside, making it easier to control the flow of water.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Hahoe Village is home to descendants of the Ryu clan of Pungsan and is well-known for its traditional houses. Birthplace of renowned scholars of the Joseon Period such as Gyeomam Ryu Un-ryong and Seoae Ryu Seong-ryong, the village became even more famous after Queen Elizabeth of England visited on April 21, 1999.Hahoe Village (translating to “Village Enveloped by Water”) gets its name from Nakdong River, which flows around the town’s perimeter. The village is located at the foothills of Hwasan Mountain, an offshoot of Taebaek Mountain that rises up to the east. The center of the village is populated by large tile-roofed houses belonging to the Ryu clan, adding their own unique charm to the surrounding thatched roofs.Hahoe Village boasts exquisite scenic sights: the elegant Nakdong River flowing around the village, the magnificent Buyongdae Cliff, endlessly unfolding sandy beaches, and lush, ancient pine trees. Visitors can take the boat to Buyongdae Cliff for a panoramic view of the village.In addition to breathtaking scenery, Hahoe Village offers delectable local delicacies. Try the Andong Soju (distilled alcoholic beverage), Heotjesabap (a type of Bibimbap eaten by the nobles), Andong Gangodeungeo (salted mackerel), and Andong Guksu (a kind of noodle dish).Nearby attractions include Bongjeongsa Temple (built during the Silla Period), Gosan Seowon (Confucian Academy), Gwiraejeong, Gyemyeongsan Mountain Recreational Forest, Hakgasan Mountain Recreational Forest, and Waryongsan Mountain.Hahoe Village, along with Yangdong Village in Gyeongju, was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List under the category of “Historic Villages in Korea” on July 31, 2010.Andong Mask Dance Festival is held every autumn. 


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Gilsangsa Temple is located in the Seongbuk-dong neighborhood of northern Seoul. The temple was built on the site of a fancy restaurant called Daewongak. The restaurant owner donated her property to the revered Buddhist monk Venerable Bupjeong (1932-2010), who turned the property into a temple that opened in 1997. Although Gilsangsa has a relatively short history, it is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul so it attracts many local and international visitors alike. The temple also serves as a downtown cultural space by offering a variety of Buddhist programs like temple experience, classes on Buddhist teachings, and templestay. The temple features Gilsang Seonwon (zen center) and the House of Silence, which are special halls dedicated to practicing meditation. While Gilsang Seonwon provides meditation rooms for Buddhists with experience in meditation, the House of Silence is open to the general public at liberty to pursue personal meditation. Gilsangsa also has a branch temple in Paris.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , SinJeju

Samdasoo is volcanic bedrock water produced and bottled by the Jeju Special Self-Governing Province Development Corporation. Jeju-do Island records the highest level of rainfall in Korea and 46% of the total rainfall permeates underground to form the vast groundwater resources. Samdasoo factory is located in Gyorae Village, where the precipitation is so high that it is impossible to farm on this part of island. The village is also the only site on Jeju-do Island with authorization to draw mineral water. The factory tour program begins with the screening of an 8 minute-long promotional video. At the Jeju Water Promotional Hall, visitors can learn more about the nation’s leading water brand, such as the history and birth of Jeju water, the geologic characteristics of the island, and the formation of volcanic bedrock water.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Locaed in Iui-dong, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon Museum consists of one basement level and two above-ground levels, spanning over an area of 6,535㎡. The museum houses approximately 33,000 relics which are donated or purchased in Suwon Museum of History, Calligraphy Museum of Korea, planned exhibition hall and other exhibition hall. Suwon Museum of History covers an area of 489㎡ and presents the old scene of Yeongdong Market Street in around 1960’s. Hwachunok, attributed to the spread of Suwon galbi (ribs) that is famous in Suwon. Children can learn and experience our past life and adults can remind of the old times at this museum. Calligraphy Museum of Korea is the first calligraphy museum build by local governments. Important calligraphy relics like the works of Yang Taekdong who was a calligrapher in May 2003 in Suwon. The hall features a large scale of area (624㎡) and its display case were made with cutting-edge device and high class of design. Exhibitions includes Geumseokmun (metal writing), Beopseo (calligraphic specimen of renowned artists of the past), renowned calligraphers during Joseon Dynasty, Eopil (the writings of King), Seogan (letters), contemporary renowned calligraphers, Sagunja (four gracious plants), Munbangsau (four important things of study) and others. Also, an approximate 327㎡ scale of planned exhibition hall is open to be held exhibitions with specific themes every year and available for general visitors to use the hall. In addition, the museum offers educational programs for visitors as well as large scale of calligraphy festival for all of calligraphers alike. Saun Lee Jong Hak Archives is a archive room of 241㎡ and 63㎡ of a material hall to house 20,000 pieces donated from Saun Lee Jonghank (1927-2002). He devoted his life to collecting materials related Yi Sun-sin, Japanese invasion materials, and Dokdo Island. The collected materials are donated to The Independence Hall of Korea, Donghak Peasants Revolution Memorial Hall, Hyeonchungsa Shrine and others. In particular, Dokdo Museum was established in Ulleungdo Island based on the Dokdo Island-related materials. Also, he significantly attributed to the academic field by publishing materials, which are thought to be valuable but not well-known, himself with his own money.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Established and run by the Goeun Foundation, the Goeun Museum of Photography and the Goeun Contemporary Photo Museum are located in Haeundae, Busan and are the first photography museums founded outside of the capital city of Seoul. The museums aim to offer more cultural opportunities to visitors by collecting real and valuable works representing both Korean and international artists. The venue also acts in the discovery and support of new and up-and-coming artists. Goeun Museum of Photography has an exhibit room on the 2nd floor, as well as a seminar room and a photo library on the 1st floor. Goeun Contemporary Photo Museum has 3 different spaces for exhibitions, mainly concentrated on contemporary photo works.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)

Deokjinjin was the key strategic point of the outer castle wall used for defending the Ganghwa Straits during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). It was originally a military camp commanded by an official with the rank of Cheomsa under the command of the Korean naval base. In 1677, an official with the rank of Manho was assigned to this camp along with 26 military officials, 100 soldiers, 2 battle ships, and other military equipment. In 1679, the Namjangpodae and Deokjinpodae batteries were stationed here. Deokjinjin Camp was the scene of fierce battles that took place during Byeonginyangyo (the French invasion in 1866) and Shinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871). The battlements and gatehouse of Deokjinjin that had all been destroyed during Sinmiyangyo were restored in 1977. At the Namjangpodae Battery, cannons used by the Joseon military have been reproduced and installed for display.