Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si)

The origin of the city name, Joan, comes from the meaning "a place where birds dwell peacefully." Namyangju Joan was designated a "slow city" in 2010 and was the first "slow city" in the Seoul metropolitan area. The city has a well-paved bike road along the Namhangang Riverbank connecting Paldang to Yangpyeong through Daeseongri. The city also has the Slow City Trail, starting from Ungilsan Station and passing through Majin Fortress and Sujeongsa Temple before arriving at Songchon Independence Park.Each of the twelve villages in Namyangju is known for a different local treasure, ranging from lotus fields to cultural heritages. Joan-myeon in particular has received compliments for its local communities, eco-friendly and organic farming, natural environment, traditional culture, and well-managed fisheries.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This 1.4m-high rock-carved Bodhisattva was carved on the southern rock standing right above Chilburam Rock on Namsan Mountain, which may be regarded as a repository of relics and artifacts including Buddha statues spanning the Three Kingdoms Period to the late Unified Silla Period. Judging from the three-sided bejeweled crown he’s wearing on his head, this is clearly a Bodhisattva statue. He looks as if he is sitting on a cloud; while the closed eyes in the plump face give the impression he is lost in deep thought. He seems to be watching mankind from his world above the clouds. He is holding a flower in his right hand and his left hand is held up to his chest as if he is preaching. His robe is very thin, revealing the curves of the body, and hangs down to the base of the pedestal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which consists of both the dugwang (light radiating from the head) and hte singwang (light emanating from the Buddha’s body), is also the shrine for the statue, so the image of the Bodhisattva looks more prominent. It is presumed that this rock-carved Bodhisattva was made during the late eighth century during the Unified Silla Dynasty.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Korea Hot Spring Festival will be held in Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do at Baekam Spa and Deokgu Spa. The festival kicks off with an opening parade, celebrating performances and other events. Uljin Geumgang Songi Mushroom Festival and Seongnyu Cultural Event will take place during the same period as Korea Hot Spring Festival.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)

Experience Cheongdo Provence Photo Land's Starlight Fairytale Town at night during the Lighting Festival. Children will enjoy seeing life-sized fairytale characters, while adults will enjoy the romantic and beautiful atmosphere with the soft lights.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

"New Year Festival, Seol" is an event held by the National Folk Museum of Korea. Kick start this year by joining New Year Festival Seol. In celebrating the year of the monkey, the museum will present varied programs that are themed with monkeys as well as offering traditional folk experiences, Seollal cultural programs and a special exhibition. Over 30 programs will run for 5 days, offering plenty of opportunities to learn about Seollal customs and get a deeper understanding on the meaning of Seollal. Admission to the museum is free of charge and no reservation is required for most of the activites. Seollal traditions include fortune telling and wishing for good luck in the New Year. Start off the New Year with the National Folk Museum, and have a happy and abundant year. More detailed information is available on the official website.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Naewonsa Valley is just below Naewonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain. The valley is surrounded by Jeongsoksan Mountain to the northeast, Wonjeoksan Mountain to the south, and Cheonseongsan Mountain to the southeast. The water running through the numerous valleys between these mountains has formed streams like Yongyeoncheon and Sangricheon from Naewonsa Valley which are the source of Yangsancheon Stream. Naewonsa Valley was formerly Sogeumgang (little Geumgang), meaning that its beautiful scenery is comparable to that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also known as the “mystical valley” as crystal clear water flows all year round. The word “Sogeumgang” is distinctly engraved on one side of the cliff and large rocks stand in layers throughout the valley. Some of the rocks are called “byeongpung bawi,” literally meaning folding screen rocks, as they are stretched out much like folding screens. The valley and the surrounding mountains are a popular summer vacation spot and a well-known hiking destination during the spring, fall, and winter. Muk (acorn jelly) made with acorns gathered from this area not only tastes great, but is also very healthy. Nearby attractions include Tongdosa Temple, Hongnyong Falls, Tongdo Fantasia, Tongdo Finest Country Club, and Haewoon Youth Training Institute. *About Naewonsa Temple* Located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain, Naewonsa Temple was is one of the 89 branch temples surrounding Daedunsa Temple, which was founded by the great monk Wonhyo (617-686) during the Silla Dynasty. Originally called Naewonsaji, the temple was burned down during the Korean War. It was rebuilt by a Buddhist nun named Suok in 1958 and it became known as the prayer center for the nation’s greatest Buddhist nuns. ※ Entrance into the upper region of Naewonsa Valley is restricted.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)

Located in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Bisl Pottery Studio is run by potter Kim Byeong-Yeol. An old abandoned school was renovated into a serene studio where you can make your own pottery while taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Through the teaching of Byeong-Yeol, you'll be able to make your own clay cup, plate, or ornament. There are also hands-on programs such as natural dyeing and seasonal produce harvesting (potatoes, sweet potatoes, persimmons and strawberries). The studio exhibits artwork such as Gyeoljeongyujagi, a type of pottery decorated with a mixture of glaze and gold powder. Other works of art include those painted with persimmon juice! In summer, the Bisl Pottery Studio is especially popular among families as a vacation destination since there are accommodations and an outdoor swimming pool providing relief from the summer heat. There is also a large playground, where visitors can play sports and make campfires.


Jeollanam-do(Yeonggwang-gun)

The sandy beaches of the half-full moon shaped island have around 200 pine trees that form a dense forest creates a calming effect. The water is shallow, around 1~2m near the beach. With its clear waters the beach is considered one of the best three beach resorts in the south-western part of Korea. The setting of the sun covers the entire area from atop Geumjeongsan Mountain to the small islands in the distance. Near the beach area there is a coastal drive way with a wonderful view of the coast. Dombaeseom island, famous for ocean fishing, and Chilsando Island, which is so named because of seven hills that are shaped like each other, are lined up more or less in a row.


Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)

Let's Go See Pilbong Good combining Pilbong Nongak (farmer's music) inscribed in the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity and a variety of traditional cultural experiences contributes to the development of the regional community culture beyond generations and ages. The community-oriented tradition seeks communication, friendship, harmony and sharing between urban and rural societies, dreaming of the globalization of Korean traditional culture. Especially, Pilbong Nongak highlighting farmer's generous and affectionate life helps the audience think about the value of the traditional music and upgrades Pilbong to the place that people want to revisit and creates a rebirth of the Korean culture.