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

Arts Council Korea is to host 2016 ARKO Contemporary Orchestra Music Festival for Yangak (Western music) on January 26, 2016 at 20:00 at Concert Hall of Seoul Arts Center, lead by Choi Suyeol and played by Gyeonggi Philharmonic Orchestra. ARKO Contemporary Orchestra Music Festival (a.k.a. Achangje) tries to find up-to-date art pieces reflecting Korean composer’s innovative creativity and plays a big role in creative Korean music. First performed through Achangje, the performances are again performed at other locations nationally and internationally, including European countries.These music pieces are sure to be cherished for many years by audiences. This performance will be operated based on pre-reservation policy so register for tickets at music@arko.or.kr with a name, contact information and the desired number of tickets.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Junam Reservoir features a large migratory bird sanctuary spread throughout three reservoirs (Sannam, Junam, and Dongpan), and is one of Korea’s top nature-watching areas for visitors. It operates Ramsar Culture Center, ecology educational hall, bird-watching site and Junam Environment School free of charge and a guide tour is available to explore the reservoir with ecological explanations. In addition, a lotus field and flower road can be visited in the reservoir.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Sogeumgang Valley located on the east side of Mt. Odaesan, and because the mountain scenery looks as if a crane ('Cheonghak') was spreading its wings, it was also called Cheonghak Dongsogeum. But after it became part of Mt. Odaesan National Park, it is now referred to by its current name, Sogeumgang Valley. It was designated as Famous Site No. 1 in 1970, and it occupies almost a quarter of the Mt.Odaesan National Park. Sogeumgang is the name used by scholar Yul-Gok of Joseon Period (1392~1910) when he wrote a book called Cheonghaksangi, and that name became its name. They say these mountains resemble Mt. Geumgangsan’s scenery, only miniaturized, hence the name Sogeumgang, meaning “small Geumgang”. Near Sogeumgang is Geumgangsa Temple, and there are the words “Sogeumgang” written by Yeol-Gok himself.Sogeumgang, starting with Mureung Valley as center, is divided lower half and upper half. The lower half is called Oesogeumgang and the upper half is called Naesogeumgang. Oesogeumgang includes the Geumgangmun, Chwiseonam, and Bibong Waterfall areas, and Naesogeum includes Samseonam, Sesim Waterfall, and Cheongsim Waterfall areas. Besides these, there are also Mureung Valley, Yeonjuam, Manmulsang and other well-known places, as well as Sipjaso pond that is shaped like a cross, Baekmabong, Okryudong, Sikdangam, and others. At the top of the mountain is Amisanseong (or Geumgangsanseong fortress), said to have been built by Mauitaeja (Silla 56th King, reign 927~935) a thousand years ago, to relieve himself of the grief of losing his kingdom. To the right of Mt Hwangbyeongsan is Noinbong Peak, and to the left is Maebong Peak. The current down from Noinbong Peak goes on for about 13 km and becomes Sogeumgang, which has many rocks, swamps, and waterfalls as well. Also, Sogeumgang has pine trees, various kinds of plants, bandal bear, woodpeckers, mountain sheep and other animals, making the area very valuable for ecology or biosphere studies. Sogeumgang is also famous for its winter snow flowers.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

This is a Korean cuisine located in Daehak-ro , Seoul.Sundaeguk (Korean sausage soup) is a Korean traditional soup with sundae (Korean pork sausage).The best menu at this restaurant is Blood Sausage and Rice Soup.


Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Surfyy Beach is a 1 kilometer-long surf designated beach, just north of Hajodae Beach in Yangyang. It's the first of its kind in Korea and has the most trainers and approximately 1,000 surfboards while also operating Surf School. Training is available for all different levels from beginners to advanced, and for those only looking to surf, board and wetsuits are available for rent. Surf yoga, longboard, snorkeling and other programs are also available. The beach has various zones including bean bag zone, hammock zone, chilling zone, and sunbed zone for visitors to enjoy. There are also pub & lounge, camping facilities and more for visitors convenience.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Mungyeong Confucian Museum is located right next to Mungyeong Ceramics Center at the entrance of Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park. It's a great place to learn all about Confucian culture. The hall consists of two floors with four exhibition halls, as well as a Confucian Culture Experience Room and Archive Library. Exhibition Hall No.1 represents the main space called Sarangbang (a room for male guests in the past) where Confucian scholars worked on poems, paintings, and writings; Exhibition Hall No.2 displays exquisite embroidery pieces that symbolized the culture of women in the past; Exhibition Hall No.3 showcases local Confucian scholars and their works in Mungyeong along with a formative art piece reproducing a Confucian school. Focusing on the culture and art of Confucian scholars, Exhibition Hall No.4 displays the Confucian Culture of Mungyeong and its history; this hall also shows two replicas of Juamjeong (Juam Pavillion) and a local-drinking ritual (called Hyangeumjurye). Visitors can also try their hand at wooden blook printmaking and rubbed copy at Confucian Culture Experience Room. Overall, visitors can really get a feeling for the essence of Confucian culture at Mungyeong Confucian Museum. The area around the center offers outstanding tourist attractions: Mungyeong Campground, Mungyeong Saejae Provincial Park (film set for the show King Sejong the Great), Mungyeong Coal Museum, Mungyeong Ceramics Center, and Mungyeong Hot Spring. As a transport hub linking the Yeongnam in Korea’s southeast with Seoul, Mungyeong was a renowned Confucian town with dedicated Confucian scholars. During the reign of King Taejong in the early Joseon Period, Mungyeong Confucian School was established to educate students in Mungyeong-eup, and Geunam Seowon (a Confucian academy) was also built in 1655 during the 6th year of King Hyojong's reign.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

At the Baegam Hot Springs Special Tourist Zone, visitors can enjoy both the lush mountain terrain of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range and the magnificent scenery of the East Sea. The hot springs of Baegam are one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region and are visited by travelers from across the nation. The water temperature reaches as high as 53 degrees Celsius and contains various minerals and elements, including a strong alkaline content. This makes the water effective in treating neuralgia, arthritis and apoplexy. Recently, it was reported that the water is also beneficial for those with atopic dermatitis, thereby attracting the elderly and families. Recreational facilities for children are also available. The hot springs are located at the foot of the 1,004-meter-high Baegamsan Mountain. The mountain trails lead to Yeongyang and Bonghwa and are frequented by hikers. Densely covered with pine trees, the mountain also has plenty of deep valleys. Sinseon Valley, where, according to legend a dragon once lived, has an abundance of water flowing in different directions. The Baegam Hot Springs Festival takes place annually in early August. On weekends during the festival period, visitors can enjoy street performances and other programs. In the vicinity are Jukbyeon Port and Hupo Port, which are known for snow crabs, and Mangyangjeong Pavilion and Wolsongjeong Pavilion where one can enjoy a beautiful view of the sea. [Baegam Hot Spring Special Tourist Zone] Areas Covered: Onjeong-ri and Sotae-ri, Onjeong-myeon, Uljin-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do Area size: 1,740,000㎡ Tourist attractions: Hot Spring Town, Baegamsan Mountain, Seohwasan Mountain, etc.  


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Sky Motel has clean facilities and is convenient for transportation as it is only 5-10 minutes on foot from Yeosu Ferry Terminal and 10-15 minutes by car from Yeosu Station or Yeosu Bus Terminal. The motel also has a great surrounding environment as it is adjacent to the sea. The motel features traditional Korean-style ondol rooms (heated floors and sleeping mats), as well as western-style rooms. The rooms are equipped with big-screen TVs, water purifiers, and refrigerators. The peak season is from July 15 to August 20, during which time there is an additional change of 10,000 won per room.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Saecheonnyeon Road in Gangwon-do Province is a 4.8㎞ road along the eastern coast of Korea. It features unique rock formations, a pine tree forest, and the Tower of Wishes, built with thousands of stones that have been engraved with names of over 30,000 people. Every New Year's Day, a sunrise festival takes place on the Road, and people pray their wishes upon the Tower.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Halleyo Maritime National Park was designated as a National Park in 1968. It is composed of parts of the southern coast and Namhaedo Island and Geojedo Island of the southern coast. Hallyeo Maritime National Park is famous for Odongdo island, which is covered with camellias and subtropical plants, and boasts beautiful sunrises and sunsets over Haegeumgang of Geojedo, Bijindo Island – famous for its native plant, Palsonyi Tree. Hansan Island is especially important because this is the grounds where General Lee Sun-Shin won the Imjinwaeran (War by Japan’s invasion of Korea in 1592).Hallyeo Maritime National Park is well known for the beautiful sea, islands and pristine seashores. Since there are many sites to visit, many visitors come in summer on vacation, and others return in spring or autumn on excursion trips. Among these sites, Geoje Haegeumgang river and Oedo Island Marine Tourism Farm, also known as the Paradise of Korea, are highly popular tourist courses.