Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Baeksasil Valley in Seoul is a historic site (Baekseokdongcheon, Famous Site No. 36) that rests amid untouched natural surroundings. The valley is a habitat to a diverse amount of animals, including salamanders, frogs, minnows, and crayfish. There are also wild boar sitings from time to time so be careful. The preservation value of this area is especially high as the valley is home to a large colony of salamanders, which are indicator species of the clean water and a protected wildlife species of Seoul. Baeksasil Valley is a tucked away treasure in the bustling city. The path along the area’s thick forest and natural valleys provides an excellent getaway. Since the area is a habitat to several protected species, visitors are asked to refrain from dipping their feet in the valley’s waters while exploring the scenery. The entrance to the valley is located past the Sanmotungi Café.


Busan(Dongnae-gu)

Many years ago there was a restaurant (‘Jobang Nakji’) in front of the textile company Joseon-Bangjik (‘Jobang’) that was widely known for its tasty Nakji Bokkeum (spicy stir-fried baby octopus). Though the restaurant is now gone, Wonjo Jobang Nakji has recreated the original taste of the famous neighborhood restaurant and was even presented with the ‘‘Korean Traditional Cultural Preservation Award’ by the Korean Traditional Culture Preservation Committee.


Jeollanam-do(Gangjin-gun)

Gangjin has many scenic landscapes with Wolchulsan Mountain to the north and the sea of Gugangpo dotted with numerous islets and wetlands to the south. It is also home to beautiful mountains, rivers, and plains that add to its scenic beauty and natural features. The Baengnyeonsa Temple and Dasan Chodang to the west of Gangjinman Bay, and the reeds along the coastline are a beautiful sight to behold. Also, the National Highway No. 23 that runs along the eastern border of the Gangjinman Bay, past the town of Gangjin-eup to Maryang, is famous for its many spectacular sights. Above all, it is highly recommended to hike up the Cheonilgak Pavilion in front of the Dasan Chodong Dongam (east hermitage) for a panoramic view of Gugangpo’s coastal waters. The hiking trail that traverses Mandeoksan Mountain leads to Baengnyeonsa, which is a temple with breathtaking ocean view.


Daejeon(Seo-gu)

Good Morning Residence Hotel Hue, located in Daejeon Metropolitan City, offers guest rooms equipped with cooking facilities, washing machine, and various household appliances for guests seeking a short- or long-term stay, as well as a business service. The hotel is run as a serviced residence - a new concept of accommodation midway between house and hotel according to the motto, ‘We provide best convenience to tourists at a very reasonable price’. The surrounding attractions include Daecheongho Lake, Yuseong Hot Springs, and Hanbat Arboretum, which are ideal recreational and relaxation spaces for guests seeking a much-needed break from their hectic routines.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Deokhangsan Mountain (1,071m) is located between Singi-myeon and Hanjang-myeon in Samcheok-si. Hwanseongul Cave, Daeigul Gave and the neighboring area of Deokhangsan Mountain have been designated as Natural Monument No. 178 (Samcheok Daei-ri Cave area). In addition, the surrounding area of the cave is designated as a country park as well as National Important Folk Data No. 221,222 and 223.


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

The Iksan Ipjeomni Ancient Tombs are a group of ancient Baekje-era tumuli located 100m above sea level on the northeast brow of Chilmokjae Hill in Ipjeom-ri, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The burial ground covers an area of more than 18,520 square meters and is officially listed as Historical Site No. 347. To date, a total of eight tumuli have been excavated, all of which are chamber tombs. Surprisingly enough, the tombs were first discovered in 1986 by a high school student. While digging for arrowroot, a young man from a local high school found some pieces of gold that resembled a hat. He quickly notified the authorities and it was soon discovered that the pieces of gold were in fact valuable ancient artifacts. An emergency excavation was conducted and the eight tumuli were uncovered, but unfortunately all of the tumuli except Tomb No. 1 had been severely damaged. Tomb No. 1, which is still in relatively good condition, boasts an entrance measuring an impressive 16m in x_height and 2m in x_width. Inside the tombs archaeologists found valuable relics from the Baekje Dynasty including earthenware, jewelry (a gilt-bronze hat, gold earrings, glass beads, etc.), harnesses and ironware. Given the shapes and the types of the pieces found, historians estimate that the tumuli were built in the 5th century. Since the gilt-bronze hat is similar in shape to those found in Japan, experts believe that there was an active exchange between the Baekje people and the people of Japan.


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

On the foot of Mt. Cheomchalsan (485m), bordering Ssangyesa Temple to the North, sits Ullimsanbang. The building was once a home to the famous artist, Heo Yu during his last years, after his master Kim Jeong-hee (1789~1856), a noted scholar, passed away. Ullimsanbang is named after the romantic scenery of the mountain peaks nearby the Mt. Cheomchalsan appearing hazily amidst the foggy mist. According to Heo Yu’s writings, ‘Mongyeonrok’ once had various flowers and trees blossomed, but it had long been abandoned beyond recognition before undergoing restoration by his grandson, Heo Geon (1907~1987) in 1982. Surrounding the Mt. Cheomchalsan, Ullimsanbang has a C-shaped tile-roofed house containing a workroom among numerous bedrooms. It houses a wooden cottage at the rear and the So-Chi (Heo Geon’s pen name) Memorial to the right. Many of Heo family’s artworks are displayed here. At the middle of the courtyard, a crape myrtle stands gracefully on a small six-meter island floating on a pond of lilies. *Ullimsanbang was one of the filming locations for the movie, Scandal(2003). The scene where the three main actors were on a boat ride was shot here.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoncheon-gun)

Imjingang River starts from Pyeonggang-gun and Icheon-gun in North Korea and flows south crossing the demarcation line between the two Koreas. Imjingang River then passes Yeoncheon-gun and Paju-si before finally reaching the Yellow Sea. Although the history has separated the two nations geographically, people from both nations equally enjoy fishing near Imjingyo Bridge and Gunnamgyo Bridge. Around the time of Kogu (곡우; One of the 24 seasonal divisions of the lunar calendar that occurs around April 20 every year.), people near these bridges to take part in catching nuchi-gari (누치가리). Plug casting is a commonly used method here as the water moves quickly.


Jeollabuk-do(Namwon-si)

Hanil Park Motel in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do Province, is located in front of Namwon Terminal. It is popular among tourists who use public transportation. Surrounding tourist sites include Gwanghalluwon Garden, Namwon National Gugak Center, and Manin Cemetery of Righteous Fighters. There are many popular local dishes such as Namwon Chueotang (Namwon-style Loach Soup). Tourists can enjoy the Chunhyang Festival, Gorosoe Yaksu Festival, and Baraebong Peak Royal Azalea Festival in different seasons.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongcheon-si)