Seoul(Jongno-gu)

"New Year Festival, Seol" is an event held by the National Folk Museum of Korea. Kick start this year by joining New Year Festival Seol. In celebrating the year of the monkey, the museum will present varied programs that are themed with monkeys as well as offering traditional folk experiences, Seollal cultural programs and a special exhibition. Over 30 programs will run for 5 days, offering plenty of opportunities to learn about Seollal customs and get a deeper understanding on the meaning of Seollal. Admission to the museum is free of charge and no reservation is required for most of the activites. Seollal traditions include fortune telling and wishing for good luck in the New Year. Start off the New Year with the National Folk Museum, and have a happy and abundant year. More detailed information is available on the official website.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Cheollipo Beach (천리포해수욕장) is located north of Mallipo Beach in Taean. While smaller and less modern than Mallipo Beach, Cheollipo is a very cozy port. Because of the smooth slope and clean water, this beach is a great place for fishing. Visitors can also catch various shellfish and collect seaweed. Geographically, no separate breakwater is required. Cheollipo Beach is recommended for those who want to enjoy the beauty of a remote port and peaceful ocean as opposed to swimming.


Jeollanam-do(Goheung-gun)

Victoria Hotel is nestled in a perfect area overlooking Balpo Beach. This makes the location perfect for getting some rest and relaxation between the beach and the forest. The crisp, clear air makes the moon seem brighter and more vivid at night. A surprising portion of guests are actually Russian scientists from the nearby Naro Space Center. The hotel owner's daughter-in-law, who speaks English, provides interpretation services for these Russian guests. When going out to the terrace, guests can hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and encounter other visitors out for a stroll along the path from the hotel to the beach. There is a total of 55 guestrooms, ranging from two-person rooms to 12-person rooms. Nearby attractions include the Naro Sace Center, Geumtapsa Temple, and a Bija tree (nutmeg tree) forest, all of which are worth a look.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

Gangbyeonpunggyeong is a gallery café, nestled along the Nakdonggang River, facing Goryeong across from the Hwawon Resort in Daegu. The neat and beautiful interior goes well with the ambience of Nakdonggang River as well as the organized garden. A noted artist directly runs the café which offers food as well so visitors can enjoy quality art pieces while having a delicious meal.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

It is a place where you can enjoy various Korean side dishes. This restaurant's signature menu is kimchi stew. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Andong-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do.


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Dongjin Irrigation Folk Museum is established thanks to the members of Korea Rural Community Corporation who visited various farming areas to gather agriculture-related folk materials. Also, donations and active reactions from residents contributed to making the museum a vivid educational site for agricultural history. The Gimje area is a root of Korea's farming culture, as the place where rice farming begin 2,000 years ago, allowing visitors to meet old and new farming methods and tools together. Its folk materials related to irrigation and farming facilities and living tools provide visitors with the chance to learn the history of farming development in one place.


Jeollanam-do(Yeonggwang-gun)

The sandy beaches of the half-full moon shaped island have around 200 pine trees that form a dense forest creates a calming effect. The water is shallow, around 1~2m near the beach. With its clear waters the beach is considered one of the best three beach resorts in the south-western part of Korea. The setting of the sun covers the entire area from atop Geumjeongsan Mountain to the small islands in the distance. Near the beach area there is a coastal drive way with a wonderful view of the coast. Dombaeseom island, famous for ocean fishing, and Chilsando Island, which is so named because of seven hills that are shaped like each other, are lined up more or less in a row.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This 1.4m-high rock-carved Bodhisattva was carved on the southern rock standing right above Chilburam Rock on Namsan Mountain, which may be regarded as a repository of relics and artifacts including Buddha statues spanning the Three Kingdoms Period to the late Unified Silla Period. Judging from the three-sided bejeweled crown he’s wearing on his head, this is clearly a Bodhisattva statue. He looks as if he is sitting on a cloud; while the closed eyes in the plump face give the impression he is lost in deep thought. He seems to be watching mankind from his world above the clouds. He is holding a flower in his right hand and his left hand is held up to his chest as if he is preaching. His robe is very thin, revealing the curves of the body, and hangs down to the base of the pedestal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which consists of both the dugwang (light radiating from the head) and hte singwang (light emanating from the Buddha’s body), is also the shrine for the statue, so the image of the Bodhisattva looks more prominent. It is presumed that this rock-carved Bodhisattva was made during the late eighth century during the Unified Silla Dynasty.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)

Located in Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, the Bisl Pottery Studio is run by potter Kim Byeong-Yeol. An old abandoned school was renovated into a serene studio where you can make your own pottery while taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains. Through the teaching of Byeong-Yeol, you'll be able to make your own clay cup, plate, or ornament. There are also hands-on programs such as natural dyeing and seasonal produce harvesting (potatoes, sweet potatoes, persimmons and strawberries). The studio exhibits artwork such as Gyeoljeongyujagi, a type of pottery decorated with a mixture of glaze and gold powder. Other works of art include those painted with persimmon juice! In summer, the Bisl Pottery Studio is especially popular among families as a vacation destination since there are accommodations and an outdoor swimming pool providing relief from the summer heat. There is also a large playground, where visitors can play sports and make campfires.