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

The Lotus Lantern Festival is held every year in honor of Buddha's Birth. The festival is preceded by hanging of lotus-shaped lanterns across Seoul for several weeks, and officially kicks off with lighting of the Jangeumdang, a large lantern that symbolizes Buddhism and Buddha's Birthday, at the Seoul Plaza. The celebration continues with a wide array of Buddhist programs and activities, before ending with an impressive lantern parade in the heart of Seoul.


Daegu(Dalseo-gu)

The Daegu Chicken and Beer Festival (대구치맥페스티벌) celebrates what Koreans love to enjoy, chicken with beer, and will take place at Duryu Park in Dalseo-gu, Daegu. Called the Chimaek Festival in Korean, the term chimaek is derived from the terms chicken and maekju (meaning "beer"). Over 620,000 people attended over the course of the festival in 2014, and as many as one million are expected for the festival in 2015. This year's festival will include a music festival and industrial culture festival, making the entire festival a place overflowing with youthful energy.


Busan(Dong-gu)

Established in 2013, the Chang Kee-ryo Memorial Hall is a place honored for lifelong practice of sharing with poor neighbors and is often referred to as the Schweitzer of Korea.


Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)

Daedunsan Mountain is defined by the grandiose rock peaks of Macheondae, the summit, Chilseongbong and Janggunbong, as well as surrounding strange rocks and lush trees that make up Samseonbawi Rock, Yongmungul Cave and Geumgangmun Gate. The area spanning from Macheondae Peak to Nakjodae Peak along the northern ridge offers a magnificent spectacle, especially the sunrise and sunset views from Nakjodae. In addition, Okgyedong Valley with its crystal clear water flowing all year round is a great summer vacation spot. Meanwhile, since its official designation as a provincial park in 1977, Daedunsan Mountain Provincial Park has served as a scenic site equipped with recreational facilities including the newly installed cable cars and Geumgang Gureumdari (viaduct). A 5-minute cable car ride followed by a walk up the steep stairs leads to Geumgang Gureumdari, which is 81 meters high and 50 meters long across Imgeumbawi Rock and Ipseokdae Pedestal. The park is also home to historic temples including Taegosa Temple of Jinsan, Ansimsa Temple of Unju, and Sinsounsa Temple of Byeolgok.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Eumseong-gun)

Kkottongnae was established on November 15, 1976 by Father John (Woong-jin) Oh, the founder of religious congregation called Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. Father Oh started Kkotdongne from 1,300 won, when he purchased 5 kans (5 rooms) residence, temporarily named it as ‘Sarang House’, inspired by an old man Choi Gui-dong looking after the homeless people. Kkottongnae now has grown into internationally known institution, committed to local and overseas missionary work, charity work, and social welfare services.


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Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Buam-dong in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Art Korea is a cosmetic select shop that opened on January 1, 2013. Covering a total area of about 630 ㎡, the store sells a comprehensive collection of Korean and imported cosmetics as well as cosmetics created by Art Korea, including Yihan Carino, The Saem, Demeter, The Faceshop, Re-ofe, Mediheal, VOV, It’s Skin, Jayjun, AHC, Enprani, and Clio. With samples from brands available and staff offering consultation, the store makes it convenient for customers to compare and purchase products by skin type and concern. As a tax refund shop for foreigners, Art Korea offers convenient services including round-the-clock foreign language interpretation in English, Chinese, and Japanese. The store regularly offers various events including special discounts and gifts at the event hall in the center for group tourists and/or at the designated event hours.


Busan(Suyeong-gu)

The Busan Biennale is held in Busan Museum of Art from October to November. Visitors can enjoy the main exhibitions, special exhibitions and additional events with 380 art pieces from 30 nations.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Located on the southern part of Jirisan Mountain, Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwaeomsa Temple are among the most popular temples in the Jirisan area. Constructed by Sambeob who was a disciple of Euisang in the 23rd year of King Seongdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, it was called Okcheonsa Temple at first. Then, the Buddhist Monk, Jingam changed its name to Ssanggyesa Temple after having seeded around the temple with tea from China. The temple was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion, Imjinwaeran (1592-1598) and later rebuilt.The best time to visit this area is spring, as the 6km path from Hwagye market place to Ssanggyesa Temple is filled with blooming 600-year-old cherry blossom trees. With the myth that lovers who walk together along the cherry blossom tree path, it is also called Hollaegil (wedding path). A 40-50 minute walk along the tree-lined path leads to Ssanggyesa Temple.Across the bridge in front of the ticket office, there are two rocks engraved with the words “ssanggye” and “seokmun” each. It is said that the eminent scholar Choi Chiwon of the Silla Era had engraved the words with a cane. In the middle of the temple, one of the foremost Korean epigraphs “Jingamseonsa-daegongtabbi” is situated in front of the main building Daeunggeun. This was also written by Choi Chiwon. To the east you can find the Ssanggyesa Ma-aebul, a unique image of Buddha engraved in a hollowed out section of rock.In addition, Palyeongru is the cradle of Korean style Beompae (Buddhist music), which was initiated by the Priest Jimgam (774-850) who studied the Buddhist music in China. As Jingam composed the piece Eosan (fish mountain) by watching the fish of Seomjingang River with Paleumryul (eight tones and rhythms), this place is named Palyeongru.During the third year of King Heugdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, Kim Daeryeom visited China and brought seeds for tea trees. By royal order, he planted the seeds around Ssanggyesa Temple and this area became the first place to cultivate tea.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Semiwon is a park located in Yongdam-ri, Yangseo-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do that was founded on the principle of “natural purification.” The name “Semiwon” comes from an old proverb that says “one can cleanse his mind by looking at water and enlighten his spirit by looking at flowers.” To further emphasize the idea of literal and figurative cleansing, the park was designed with paths made out of washboards and is decorated with lotus-themed poetry and drawings.Semiwon is home to an army of water plants such as lotus flowers, water lilies, and irises, all of which are plants that are well-known for their natural purification properties. Not just a beautiful sight to behold, the plants also have an important function. The 180,000 square-meter park consists of six ponds through water is filtered and purified before flowing back into the Hangang River.Major facilities at Semiwon include the Environment Learning Center, Trial Cultivation Complex, and the World Water Lily Garden, which contains over 100 varieties of water lilies. Visitors to the park can also find water fountains, an observation deck, a traditional wind gauging device called Punggidae, and Monet’s Garden, which looks as if it came right out of the famous picture by French artist Claude Monet.