Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si) , suwon

Yongjusa Temple is 5-minutes walk away from Yungneung (the joint tomb of King Jangjo and Queen Heongyeong) and Geolleung (the joint tomb of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Hyoui). The temple was built by King Jeongjo to protect Hyeollyungwon (현륭원), the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado.This site was originally the location of Garyangsa Temple, which was constructed in AD854, the 16th year of King Munseong of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was very famous as it was surrounded by beautiful mountains and crystal clear waters. However, the temple was destroyed by fire during the Byungjahoran (the second Manchu invasion of Korea). During the Joseon Dynasty, King Jeongjo moved the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado (or posthumously designated King Jangjo), to this spot, and built Yongjusa Temple here to pray for the repose of his father’s soul. It is said that one night before the temple was completed, King Jeongjo dreamed of a dragon ascending to the sky holding a magic ball in its mouth. He therefore named the temple “Yongjusa”, which means the temple of a dragon with a magic ball in Korean.The courtyard of the temple contains Beomjong (the Sacred Bell of Yongjusa Temple, National Treasure No. 120), a stupa (stone pagoda), Daeungbojeon (the main hall) and Cheonboru Pavilion. Visitors to Yongjusa Temple can also find the “Bumoeunjunggyeong (부모은중경)” books, which were written by King Jeongjo on the subject of filial affection and respect for one’s parents. These days Yongjusa temple and the Yungneung and Geolleung tombs are highly valued for their cultural heritage.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Sinbuk Hot Springs opened it in April 1994 amidst beautiful streams and forests. The hot spring water comes from 600m underground includes sodium bicarbonate help creating a soft and smooth texture and the water helps anti-aging and general skin care. Along with a hot springs bath, saunas were built as well as a resting area that attracts a diverse clientele. In the area around the hot springs are tourism spots like Yeoldugaeul Valley in Deokdun-ri and Samjeong-ri Mineral Spring. Trekking is also available on the walking trail at Wangbangsan Mountain, Soyosan Mountain and the hot springs as there is a trail connecting Sinbuk Hot Springs and the middle of the mountain.


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.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Haegasa is a site named after the tale of 'Haega' in "The Heritage of the Three States." While the original Haegasa is assumed to be on Wausan Mountain at the northern end of Samcheok Beach, it has been restored on Jeusandong Beach against the backdrop of beautiful scenery. Located near Haegasa are Chuam Beach and Surobuin Park, which hosues the Dragon Ball, upon which people make their wishes.


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

You can taste the freshness of Jeju obunjak ttukbaegi that is made without any seasonings. This great taste comes from the fresh ingredients, delivered directly from Seongsan harbor in Jeju Island. Steamed cutlass fish, and mackerel with chunks of radishes are also very delicious. *Best Korean Restaurants As Designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

A mere 10 minutes away from Chungju, Suanbopark Hotel sits in the setting of Mother Nature, boasting a refined high-class environment suitable for vacations. The hotel features large, comfortable guest rooms, 6 banquet halls, a peaceful Korean/Western restaurant, modernt outdoor hot spring spas, Mekbanseok sauna, natural hot springs, indoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art Karaoke Room, night club, tennis courts, promenade path, jogging course, and other convenient facilities for your enjoyment.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

The World Taekwondo Culture Expo takes place in Taekwondo's foundational city: Muju in Jeollabuk-do. Every year, about 2,000 athletes from 31 different countries participate in various seminars and competitions at the six-day expo. International athletes will also have a chance to learn about the culture of Jeollabuk-do and Korea through touring the host cities. Registration is required for participation in the expo.


Chungcheongnam-do(Dangjin-si)

Sapgyoho Tourist Park is located in Dangjin-si, Chungcheongnam-do, near Sapgyoho Lake, a man-made artificial lake that was completed in October 26, 1979. The lake also connects with the sea and therefore has abundant maritime resources. Popular tourist sites like Anyang Hot Springs and Dogo Hot Springs also neighbor the tourist park. For its extensive views, both lake and ocean, the Ministry of Transportation appointed Sapgyoho a must visit tourist site in October 1983. The ministry is continuing to build the Sapgyoho embankment, which stretches out to 3,350m in total and is expected to create a more enjoyable area for visitors as it will have a lot to offer. Due to its growing popularity, buses depart every 10 minutes at the Seoul Gangnam Bus Terminal. Sapgyo Lake connects Asan-si and Dangjin-gun, and visitors going to the lake need to get off at Sapgyo Lake Resort Bus Stop.


Busan(Geumjeong-gu)

Geumjeongsanseong Fortress (금정산성) is located on the peak of Mt. Geumjeongsan (801.5m) in Busan. Its original name was Dongrae Mountain Fortress, but it was changed because of its location.Its length is 17,377m, and 1.5m~3m high; it is the largest fortress in Korea. But now there is only a 4 km section remaining from the original. The exact time of the fortification is not recorded, but in reference to the location and size, it is presumed to have been built during the Three Kingdoms Era (when Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla, the three dynasties, were fighting against each other). The present fortress was built in 1703, during the reign of Suk-Jong. It was built after Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion of Korea from 1592~1598) to prepare for any further invasions from Japan. It was first built with stones and was renovated in 1707. During the dark years under Japanese sovereignty it was damaged and devastated.In 1971, it was designated as private property. The West, East and South Gates have been reintegrated, and it is still undergoing the restoration process. On the fortress barbican there is Munru (watch tower). There is another watch tower called Mangru to watch for enemies. Different from other mountains, it is easy to find spring water here, and because it is a granite area, you can easily see rock caves and small and big rock peaks at Mt. Geumjeongsan.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Taean F Festival is a flower festival held annually in the Sinon-ri area in Nam-myeon. During the festival, various cultural events and flower markets are held against the backdrop of beautiful flowers. Taean F Festival holds a themed festival for each season: tulips in spring, lilies in summer, lights in winter, and autumn flowers in fall. During the lily festival in summer, the venue is covered with lilies in shades of white, yellow, plum and red. The lake in the middle of the venue will be decorated in the theme of “Byeoljubu” (traditional Korean story of the Turtle and the Rabbit). There will be rabbit village to the left, a tortoise village to the right, and a character village on the perimeter of the venue. Hands-on programs such as feeding animals, making cookies, making soap bubbles, and making masks and face painting are also available.