Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Uirimji (originally called “Yimji”) is a reservoir that was created during the Samhan Era hundreds and hundreds of years ago. Due to its deep-seated history it is one of the most famous reservoirs in Chungcheong-do (also known as the ‘Hoseo Region’) and was designated Monument No. 11 of Chungcheongbuk-do.The reservoir is 1.8km in circumference and 151,470m2 in water surface area and has a water level of 8-13m. It supplies water to around 289.4 jeongbos (unit) of farmland and was one of the 3 major reservoirs of the Samhan Era along with Byeokgolje of Gimje and Susanje of Miryang. With a water gate built of onggi (earthenware), Uirimji is also a valuable historical site for studying farming methods from long ago.The reservoir and is one of the main tourist attractions of the Jecheon region. In the area around the reservoir are the Yeonghojeong Pavilion (erected in 1807 in the 7th year of King Sunjo) and the Gyeonghoru Pavilion (built in 1948). The traditional beauty of the structures is accented by the neighboring ancient pine and willow trees and the 30 meter-high waterfall. Nearby attractions include the Pine Field Park, National Archery Field, and Parkland.Among the local specialties of the region are Gongeo fish (a.k.a. Bingeo) which can only be seen during the spawning season that takes place during the spring thaw. Enjoyed only for a small time window each year, the fish is largely popular among tourists visiting the area.


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

Situated in Donghae (Gangwon-do), Mukho Port (opened in 1941) and used to be the most prolific trading port on the east coast, but with the steady change in the economy, it has become a center of fishing.A large wholesale seafood market at the port offers a wide array of seafood from squid to mackerel, as well as mackerel pike, crabs, and sea squirts. From early in the morning on weekends, merchants across the country gather at the market to purchase fresh seafood. Mukho Port, in particular, is renowned for squid along with Jumunjin Port. The port, which is the largest squid market on the east coast is busy every day with boats stuffed to the brim with squid.The port is surrounded by the Mukho Lighthouse and Mukho Lighthouse Park. There are three ways to get to the park: a suspension bridge (which appeared in the popular Korean drama Shining Inheritance), a road, and Lighthouse Pathway. Lighthouse Pathway is decorated with artistic murals (with verses) and colorful signs.Donghae Regional Maritime Affairs & Port Office has made strong efforts to transform Mukho Port into a pleasant park for both tourists and residents by establishing broad squares, promenades, and leisure facilities; by 2012, the port will be the home of the largest coastal guard base after completing a port extension. 


Busan(Haeundae-gu)

The Valentine Hotel is located near Haeundae Beach, Busan, where tourists can relax and enjoy leisure activities all year round. Although the immediate image of Haeundae might be that of a crowded beach in summer, tourists flock to the area throughout the year for the International Film Festival, fireworks festival, and international conferences, as well as for business purposes. The hotel provides the best services to help guests to create precious memories on the beach with their loved ones. Busan’s delicious local dishes are also highly recommended.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Organized to promote the excellent qualities of Korea’s traditional paper Hanji, the previous Jeonju Paper Culture Festival was renamed the Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival. As the name suggests, the festival’s main specialty is paper, featuring all kinds of products made from Hanji as well as contests, exhibitions, hands-on programs for visitors, and a traditional market.


Incheon(Ongjin-gun)

Daecheongdo Island is home to some of the best beaches in Korea. Also, there are some good hiking courses on the island that offer great views above the golden beaches and rocky shores. A smaller and less populated island compared to the neighboring Baengnyeongdo Island, Daecheongdo is a perfect pastoral getaway. Island History Daecheongdo Island was said to be first inhabited during the Neolithic Age (9500-4500 BC), but the earliest known history periods begin during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 AD), when the island was used as a place of exile. The first known case of an exile was recorded sometime during the reign of Chinese Emperor Togon-temur (1320-d.1370) from the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. It was said that he was exiled on Daecheongdo for meddling in a plot arranged by his stepmother. He supposedly arrived on the island with 100 relatives, and built a palace here. The next known record relates to the island's abundance in medicinal herbs including mulberry mistletoe (Loranthi Ramulus), which was used to cure the illness of Queen Munjeong (d.1565), the wife of King Jungjong (d.1544). There is no record of island inhabitation until 1793, when King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), authorized the inhabitation and cultivation of the island. During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945), there were as many as 10,000 people living on the island due to its popularity as a major port. Today, there are about 1,500 people who sustain a living from tourism and fisheries.


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.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

The Isabu Leo (Lion) Park was established in memory of Isabu, a renowned admiral who served during the Silla Kingdom and was known for his pioneering spirit. Around 70 wood sculptures chosen from national craft competitions (held from 2008 to 2010) decorate the park grounds, which measure an impressive 27,930㎡. The park contains a year-round sled park and a bamboo forest and affords a magnificent view of the East Sea.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Buseoksa Temple is considered a 'masculine' temple. It differentiates itself from other temples by its huge size and the scenery is refreshing and beautiful. Buseoksa Temple was built in 676, when King Munmu (661~681) ruled the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. ~ A.D. 935), by the founder Uisang (625~702) after he received orders from the King. Later in the 7th year (1016) of the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) was in the reign of King Hyeonjong (reign 1010 to 1031) Great Buddhist Monk Wonyung (964~1053) renovated Muryangsujeon (National Treasure No.18). It was renovated several times afterwards.The legend of lady Seonmyo and Uisang is famous. The two met when Priest Uisang went to Dang (Dynasty of China) to study. When Uisang told Seonmyo he would go back to his country, Seonmyo jumped into the sea and drowned. After death, she became a dragon. Seonmyo followed Uisang to Silla to protect and be with him. When Uisang ran against a crowd that had gathered to stop him from building Buseoksa Temple, Seonmyo brought up stones in the air three times. The stone that floated stands on the left side of Muryangsujeon. Because a wide, flat stone had floated above the ground, the temple was named Buseoksa Temple.At the entrance of Buseoksa you will see 108 steps between Cheonwangmun gate and Anyangmun gate. The number of steps represents redemption from agony and evil passions through 108 cycles. You will find Buseoksa Temple's Three Story Tower when you pass the Iljumun and Cheonwangmun gates. Above the tower you will see Beomjongru. When you pass Beomjongru, you can see a pavilion called Anyang, which means 'entrance to Heaven'. Go past Anyang Pavillion and you will reach the main building of Buseoksa Temple, Muryangsujeon, which boasts beautiful curved lines of the building structure.Muryangsujeon is a wooden building made in the Goryeo Dynasty. Inside you will find National Treasure No.45, Sojo Yeorae Seated Figure. There are more National Treasures and relics inside such as the Josadang (National Treasure No.19), Josadang Wall Painting (National Treasure No.46) and the Stone Lantern (National Treasure No.17) in front of Muryangsujeon.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley is located near Dongdaemun Shopping Complex and the many restaurants have operated anywhere from five to thirty years. Before the restaurants, people working at the shopping complex lived along the alley and would prepare dak kalguksu (chicken noodle soup). Over time and as the economy improved, this dish became quite normal while the focus shifted from the noodles to the chicken itself. Now, visitors can enjoy this local dish in the place where it all started.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Jinju National Museum is located within Jinju Castle. After opening in 1984, it reopened in 1998 under the name of “Imjin Waeran Specialty Museum”. The exhibits of the museum are based on Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion in 1594), instead of having a purely local flavor. Jinju is the site of the greatest battle of Imjin Waeran, the battle of Jinju Castle, which is why there are many relics about the war at the museum, such as Chokseokru. On the 1st floor you can see literature, paintings and listen to music about the war. You can see the record of POWs and the progress of the war, in the point-of-view of westerners. The exhibited relics were excavated from around the country, and even include relics from Japan, giving you a more complete picture, and the theme based arrangement of the exhibits make it easier to understand the war as a whole. Along the passage you can see many items depicting the major events of the war. There is an exhibit hall called Du-Am Hall with about 179 relics, mainly paintings, pottery, and craftwork, which were donated by Mr. Du-Am. On the 2nd floor you can actively experience the progression of the events in the war. The relics are arranged chronologically, classified by soldier, class, and weapons, etc. The exhibit hall starts with the exhibit on the outbreak of the war, and ends with the book Ichungmugong, which contains the will of General Yi Sun-Sin. You can also see a large-scale model of Geobukseon (Turtle Ship), which was the pride of the Korean Navy at the time.