Seoul(Gangbuk-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

Hwagyesa Temple, which falls under the Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located at the foot of Mt. Samgaksan in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Although it is located in the city of Seoul, the beautiful surrounding mountains and landscapes create a serene atmosphere to escape urban life.It was built in 1522 AD (the seventeenth year of the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty) by monk Shinwol, but was destroyed in a fire in 1618. In 1866 (the third year of the reign of King Gojong), it was rebuilt through financial support from his royal elders.The temple was built in an early architectural style and has Daeungjeon, a main sanctuary (Tangible Cultural Asset No. 65), Myeongbujeon shrine, Samseonggak pavilion, Cheonbulobaekseongjeon shrine, a temple bell pavilion, Bohwaru tower, and Hakseoru tower.A small water spring, named Oktakcheon and located in the valley (Hwagyegol) beside Hwagyesa Temple, is famous for supernatural healing powers of skin and stomach diseases. The legend says this spring was formed from crows pecking away at the rocks.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The delicious, sweet, red-bean soup called “Danpatjuk” in Korean and served at “The Second Best in Seoul” has been an all-time favorite since it opened in 1976. Not only the exterior, but the interior as well, is very simple and modest, similar to a teahouse in the '70s. This does not keep people from coming back because the unforgettable taste of the sweet red-bean soup makes them return again and again.“The Second Best in Seoul” was originally opened as a teahouse for traditional Korean medicinal tea; sweet red-bean soup being one of the main specialties on their menu list. But, nowadays, sweet red-bean soup has become the most popular menu item. Sweet red-bean soup can be enjoyed as a light meal because it fills you up quickly. In addition, the chestnuts, gingko nuts, red beans, and glutinous rice cake that are in the thick red-bean soup provide good nutrition. TIP: The name is very special, right? “The Second Best in Seoul” was named by their modest mind of making food with utmost sincerity.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Mallipo Beach (만리포해수욕장) is located at the tip of National Road #32, which traverses Taean-gun. As one of the Eight Scenic Views of Taean, it has a beautiful landscape. This beach is part of Taean Coast National Marine Park (태안해안국립공원).Thanks to its shallow waters, wide sandy beaches and modern facilities, Mallipo Beach is a great tourist destination. Swimming, fishing, camping out in a pine grove and various marine sports can all be enjoyed here.A variety of fresh seafood such as gaenggaemi muchim, grilled eel and grilled king prawn is available on Mallipo Beach. Visitors can also tour the other Eight Scenic Views of Taean including Halmi-Harabi Rock, Anmyeon Pine Forest (안면송림), Sindu Dune (신두사구), Anheungseong Fortress and Gauido Island.


Busan(Jung-gu) , Nampo-dong(Jagalchi Market)

Jagalchi Market boasts an impressive array of seafood caught both in the nearby sea and the faraway ocean. It is a beloved tourist attraction in Busan. The market was formed by the people who populated the area after the Liberation in 1945, and the Korean War. As one of the largest seafood markets in Asia, the market offers all kinds of seafood to visitors.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

The Imcheonggak Pavilion was built as a home during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1919) because of one aristocratic family’s love for the scenic beauty of the surrounding area. The most famous structure on this property is the annexed pavilion. Imcheonggak is designated Treasure No.182. Thankfully this structure was untouched during the Japanese invasion taking place from 1592-1598. An autograph of the famous Confucius scholar, Lee Hwang (1501-1570), can be found hanging outside the pavilion.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

On December 29, 1967 Jirisan Mountain (지리산) was designated Korea’s top national park. Jirisan is the largest mountain national park in the nation. You can get a full view of the Seomjingang River (섬진강), which runs alongside the mountain and into the Namhae Sea. If you’re lucky you can also spot some various plants and animals, including the Asiatic Black Bear, making Jirisan Mountain an even more interesting and inviting place to visit. As Jirisan Mountain changes with the different seasons, hikers can enjoy various aspects of the mountain’s terrain. However, there can be heavy rain and snow in the summer and winter, so some areas will be closed off in case of drastic changes in the weather and temperature. In the spring and fall, you can explore the mountain relatively freely. However, access may be limited to some areas for fear of forest fires in the dry season. If you want to hike up Jirisan Mountain it is recommended that you visit the homepage of the Korea National Park Service or contact the Jirisan Mountain Management Office before planning your trip.


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Located in Gomso-ri, Jinseo-myeon in Buan-gun County, the Gomso Salt Field is one of the few salterns in Korea that produces Cheonilyeom solar salt. Unlike other salterns, Gomso is not located by the ocean, but is situated along Gomsoman Bay, adjacent to the sea.During the Joseon Dynasty, salt fields covered the area from Julpoman Bay to Gomsoman Bay, producing salt that was sent along with rice to Noryangjin from Geonmopo (Gujin). Aside from its long history, the salt of Gomso is also known for containing 10 times more minerals than any other salt.The coast from Chaeseokgang Cliffs to Gochang, which includes Gomso Salt Field, features one of the world’s most well-developed wetlands. With some luck, visitors can even see people at work at the saltern. When the weather is hot in the summer, work is done mostly in the early morning.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hapcheon-gun)

Haeinsa Temple was built in 802 AD and is regarded as one of Korea’s three major Buddhist temples along with Tongdosa and Songwangsa. Of the numerous temple halls, most were built in the modern era, with only Janggyeongpanjeon Hall from the early Joseon Dynasty remaining in its original state. However, the temple holds great significance not only for its structure, but also for the treasure it holds inside.Janggyeongpanjeon is a wooden building housing the 13th-century Goryeo Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana), a priceless world treasure. The Tripitaka Koreana is a large set (thousands and thousands) of wood blocks that were specially treated to prevent aging and inscribed with the Buddhist canon. It is the oldest and most complete version of the Buddhist canon and is one of the most cherished Buddhist doctrinal collections in the world.Janggyeongpanjeon is comprised of two buildings Sudarajeon to the south and Beopbojeon to the north. Unadorned by decorations or paintings, the buildings carry out the sole function of storing the Tripitaka Koreana wooden tablets. The building has been praised by scientists for its effective air circulation, resistance to moisture, and temperature control – all of which have enabled the Tripitaka Koreana to survive throughout the years. Although the exact date of Janggyeongpanjeon’s construction is still unknown, the hall was built under the order of King Sejo in 1488. It has never suffered the effects of fire or war.In recognition of its architectural beauty and its extraordinary scientific preservation of the world’s only Tripitaka, Janggyeongpanjeon of Haeinsa Temple was listed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage in 1995.


Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

If you are looking for a place to enjoy some homemade-style snacks while in Korea, Mom's Cookie is a definate stop to make. Located close to Seoul Nat'l Univ. of Education Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, it's very accessible and offers a unique activity for visitors to partake in. Equipped with a friendly and cozy interior, visitors to the shop can decorate their own sugar cookies and then take them home. Many young couples and families on mommy-daughter outings frequent the shop to create special presents for their loved ones. There are even more sweets listed on the menu, with their most popular treat being brownies topped with ice cream.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard-changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of the Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day. Special Programs: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day (11:00 / 14:00 / 15:30) in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. As each ceremony follows the same procedure and lasts for thirty minutes, visitors can choose whichever time is most convenient. The ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders. Major Highlights: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. Be sure to bring a camera. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. While you cannot take pictures with the guards during the changing of guards, you can take a background picture of the guards and palace. You can also take photographs with the gatekeepers after the ceremony is over. Visit the palace and enjoy the beauty of Korean palaces following the ceremony.