Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si) , Namyangju

Hongyureung (홍유릉) refers to the two royal tombs, Hongneung and Yureung, which are both located in the same area. Hongneung is the mausoleum of the 26th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, Emperor Gojong (1852-1919, reign 1863-1907), and his wife Empress Myeongseong (1851-1895).Hongneung(홍릉) was first the tomb of Empress Myeongseong, and it was located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul. When Emperor Gojong died, he was buried together with the previously deceased empress and the tomb was moved to its current place.Emperor Gojong was the second son of the regent Heungseon Daewongun and ascended to the throne at the young age of twelve. In 1897, he declared Korea to be the “Daehan Empire” and established himself as the emperor. However, under unrelenting pressure from Japan, he signed the Eulsa Treaty, and as a result, the Daehan Empire was deprived of its diplomatic rights. In 1919, Emperor Gojong died in Deoksugung Palace at the age of 67.Empress Myeongseong became the empress in 1866. However, at that time, Korea was actually governed not by Emperor Gojong, but by his father, who was controlling things from behind the scenes. In 1873, when Emperor Gojong began to administer state affairs, Empress Myeongseong exercised considerable power and deeply participated in political affairs. Her diplomatic policy was in obvious favor of Russia. This angered Japan, and she was killed by Japanese assassins.Yureung (유릉) is both the last royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty and the tomb of the first Korean emperor. It is the tomb of Emperor Sunjong (1874-1926, reign 1907-1910), the 27th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, his first wife Empress Sunmyeonghyo, and his second wife, Empress Sunjeonghyo. Emperor Sunjong was the second son of Emperor Gojong and Empress Myeongseong. He was the last ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and he struggled to defend the dynasty during that era of turbulence.Empress Sunmyeonghyo died when she was still the crown princess. She was originally buried at the foot of Mt. Yongmasan. After Emperor Sunjong died, the tomb was moved to its current location, and the emperor was buried alongside Empress Sunmyeonghyo. Empress Sunjeonghyo became the second wife of Emperor Sunjong at the age of twelve. It is known that she concealed the Imperial Seal when Japan put pressure on the Joseon Dynasty to sign the Korea (Joseon) -Japan Consolidation Treaty in 1910. However, the treaty was concluded, and the Daehan Empire came to an end after being deprived of its sovereignty. Empress Sunjeonghyo is said to have maintained her dignity right up until the moment she died. She was the last empress of the Daehan Empire.Hongneung and Yureung look different from other royal tombs. When the name of the country changed from the Joseon Dynasty to the Daehan Empire, the rulers of Korea were called emperors. Therefore, the tombs of the two emperors were modeled after the tomb of the Ming Dynasty’s ruler, King Taizu (Zhu Yuanzhang). Surrounding Hongneung and Yureung are statues carved in the shape of animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions, which can’t be seen at the other royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. The stonework of Hongneung tomb was made in a traditional way, while the stonework of Yureung tomb shows a more realistic and advanced technique. 


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

The interior of Shinsung Resort boasts European ambience and its exterior and surrounding gardens are both spectacular and exotic. The spectacular view of the seashores of Jeju and the Hallasan Mountain from afar are simply one of many joys of staying at Shinsung Resort. This facility is nearby the World Cup Stadium, Jungmun Beach Resort, Jeju Convention Center, Yeomiji Botanical Garden and the Jungmun Resort and can accommodate 340 guests per night.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Constructed over a 16-month period from 1931 to 1932, the undersea tunnel in Tongyeong is Asia’s first submarine tunnel. For its construction, the sea water was blocked at both ends, the tunnel was dug underground, and was paved with concrete. The Korean word “Yongmundalyang” engraved at the entrance of 483 meter long, 5 meter wide tunnel means “the entrance of an undersea tunnel that connects island to land.”  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The Culture, Design & Tourism Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Government (History & Cultural Heritage Division) has been holding the “Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony” since November 21, 2006. The program takes place at noon daily (except Tuesdays) and gives locals and international visitors the experience of ringing the bell 12 times. The program is run regularly and foreigners can also participate in the special program without the need to register. Foreign visitors can come before 11:40 a.m. and apply on-site at Bosingak Belfry, where participants will be able to experience a bit of Korean culture through the ceremony.[Origin of Bosingak Bell Ringing] Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentThe Bosingak Bell was rung to signal the opening and closing of the four Main Gates (Sungnyemun, Heunginjimun, Sukjeongmun, and Donuimun) and the four Small Gates (Hyehwamun, Sodeokmun, Gwanghuimun, and Changuimun) in the capital city since the fifth year of King Taejo (1396) during the early Joseon Dynasty. Bell ringing at dawn was called “Paru” and bell ringing in the evening was called “Injeong.”* The bell was named Bosingak Bell in 1895 during the 32nd year of King Gojong. The belfry was originally called Jongnu (bell pavilion). ---------------Paru – ringing the bell 33 times (dawn)- Ogyeong Samjeom: The bell was rung 33 times at around 4 a.m. to signal the end of the night curfew and the start of the new day. The eight gates to the capital will be opened during this time.- The practice of ringing the bell 33 times can be traced to Buddhism; the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy manifests herself in 33 different forms in order to save mankind.---------------Injeong – ringing the bell 28 times (evening)- The bell was rung 28 times at around 10 p.m. to signal the end of the day, the closing of the gates and the start of the curfew.- In ancient times, people divided the universe into the four gung’s of East, West, South, and North. Each gung was further divided into seven, therefore forming 28 gu’s (28 su’s) of constellations. This resulted in the tradition of ringing the bell 28 times.※ Injeong refers to reporting to the 28 su’s of the sun, the moon, and the stars of the universe, while paru reported to the 33 “skies” led by Jeseokcheon (shamanic deity) to seek blessings for national prosperity and the welfare of the people, all of which are related to Buddhism.※ Bell ringing on the eve of New Year’s Day is meant to symbolize the end a year, and as a way wish for blessings, good health and the happiness of the citizens for the brand new year.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Jongno 3-ga, the center of Seoul, Hotel GS provides the best service to tourists aiming clean, comfortable and cozy resting place. The free bar in the lobby offers simple breakfast such as toast and cereal. Hotel GS is located in the halfway between Jongno 3-ga station and Euljiro 3-ga station giving traffic convenience, and it is easy to visit tourist attractions like Gyeongbokgung, Secret Garden of Changdeokgung, and Namsan Tower as well as shopping districts like famous duty-free shops, Namdaemun Market, Myeongdong, Dongdaemun Market, and there are museums and Insa-dong nearby.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

Located in the new center of culture in downtown Gwangju (also known as ‘Little Europe’) Firenze Hotel is a quality hotel with state-of-the-art facilities and a tasteful European interior decor emphasizing ‘smooth and modern design.’ The banquet room called ‘Althea’ (the national flower of Korea) is a great place for important meeting between friends, family, or business colleagues.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Motel Mirabo located in Buyeo-gun, Chungnam is surrounded by famous spots that you can find in textbooks. Jeonrimsaji in Buyeo is well-known as the national treasure No. 9, and you can feel the breath of Bekje alive from Muryeong Royal Tomb. You can feel the spirit of general Gyebaek from the historic site of general Gyebaek, and it would be the best place to teach the children living history. It is the best place for a family history tour. If you visit Buyeo, it is recommended to try boiled rice with lotus leaf.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Daemyung Sol Beach Hotel & Resort is a resort of Spanish architecture built in one of the most pristine areas in Korea, East Sea (Donghae) and Seoraksan Mountain. The resort offers a chance to feel the beauty and romance of the Spanish Mediterranean while staying in Korea. The resort is a high-class resort. Spa therapy using natural hot spring water and sea water, a themed café and restaurant, and a promenade along the beautiful East Sea provide guests with comfortable and relaxing recreation. Subsidiary facilities include restaurants and Aqua World, a modern-style indoor water park. Aqua World includes a sauna, fitness center, and sea water therapy center. A buffet restaurant offers diverse menus prepared by former 5-star hotel chefs. Menus include sashimi, sushi, and other dishes made of fresh fish caught in the nearby sea, while a fusion restaurant offers various foods of different countries ranging from nicely presented Korean set meals, to Chinese foods bearing the authentic taste of Beijing, to neatly organized Japanese food, all prepared with the finest ingredients.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

The Yangpyeong Wild Flower Arboretum has several major facilities. The Nature Ecology Museum showcases a natural ecology model structure with educational videos. The Nature Learning Center has about 200 different types of endangered wild flower species, while the Herb Garden has 50 different types of herbs. Other attractions include the swampy ground, Tteodeureongseom Island, riverside driveway, tropical arboretum, research center. The Arborteum offers a number of hands-on experience programs as well.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si)

Located in Tanhyeon-myeon of Paju-si in Gyeonggi-do, Picaso Hotel is a nine-story building with rooms of various themes. The fresh air and gorgeous scenery helps draw in guests. The nearby Heyri Village is another attraction, as well as Paju English Village, Tongildongsan and Provence Village. Breakfast is free the restaurant and the hotel is also equipped with a large parking lot capable of accomodating large groups.