Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Gyeongju was the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Silla. The city is often referred to as a “museum without walls” because of the many cultural relics scattered throughout the city. Almost everything in this city, from the streets to the mountains, is rich in history. Gyeongju has roughly 300 sites that have been designated as a cultural heritage, with some of them being UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites. The Gyeongju Special Tourist Zone includes the districts of Namsan, Wolseong, Daereungwon, Hwangryongsa and Sanseong. This area has a total of 52 cultural assets registered on the World Heritage list. Many of the hills are actually royal tombs and fields of grass used to be sites of ancient temples. The entire Namsan Mountain can almost be considered a cultural asset because of the many stone pagodas and Buddha statues that can be found here. The Bulguk district is home to many of Gyeongju’s most well-known attractions such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju Folk Village, Silla Arts and Science Museum, and Goereung. In the Bomun district, there are plenty of recreation facilities surrounding Bomunho Lake. Other attractions in the area include Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park, Gyeongju World and Silla Millennium Park. [Gyeongju Special Tourist Zone] Areas included: Downtown area, Bomun Lake Resort and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do Area size: 32,650,000㎡ Tourist Attractions: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Namsan Mountain, Bomunho Lake, Shilla Millennium Park, Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park, etc. Gyeongju Cultural Tourism Website: guide.gj.go.kr


Jeollabuk-do(Jangsu-gun)

Geumgang River is one of Korea’s four major rivers (Hangang River, Geumgang River, Nakdonggang River, Yeongsangang River). It starts from Jangsu-eup, North Jeolla-do. It flows northward and then changes direction in the vicinity of Greater Daejon and flows southwest through South Chungcheong-do before emptying into the Yellow Sea near Gunsan City. The total area of the Geumgang River Basin is 9,885 square kilometers with a length of 401 kilometers, making it the third longest in South Korea (right behind Hangang River and Nakdonggang River). The upstream of the river flows through the rugged mountains of Deogyusan (1,594 meters; also the root of Geumgang River) and Baegunsan (1,279 meters) Mountains. The midstream and downstream areas feature basins and fertile alluvial plains, so they were one of the first settlements in Korea and the origin of the Baekje culture. The estuary in the downstream area is wide and deep due to the continuous sinking of the West shore, so it offers favorable conditions for a river port and an inland water conveyance system. Geumgang River has supplied water for the Honam (Jeolla-do) Field and served as Baekje Dynasty's main source of water, running through the capital city then. It was an important means of transportation that allowed Baekje's culture to flow into Japan.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Danyang is known for its Danyang Palgyeong (eight wonders of Danyang). The scenery around Chungjuho Lake, including Dodamsambong Peak, Gudambong Peak and Oksunbong Peak, can all be enjoyed from a ferry cruise. The meandering stream and the majestic view of Sainam Rock and Sangseonam Rock create a soothing, tranquil ambience. Situated at the center of the Korean Peninsula is Sobaeksan National Park, from which one can admire the beauty of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range. The mountain’s many trails that lead to Birobong Peak and to other peaks are popular among hikers. Darian, Cheondong and Ondal are great choices for family trips. These places are known for outdoor camping sites and drama filming locations. The Danyang Special Tourist Zone holds special events that promote the county’s nature and history. The Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival is held in May, while the Ondal Culture Festival takes place in October. Plenty of accommodation options and facilities are available in the area of Dojeon-ri, Byeolgok-ri, Sangjin-ri and Gosu-ri of Danyang-eup. [Danyang Special Tourist Zone] Areas included: Areas around Danyang and Maepo-eup in Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do Area size: 4,448,737㎡ Tourist attractions: Sobaeksan National Park, Dodamsambong Peak, Sainam Rock, Gosu Cave, Buddhist Museum of the Cheontae Order, Daeseongsan Natural Recreation Forest, etc.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Juheulsan was once considered to be a sacred place and was the site of annual, royal mountain rituals during the Joseon Dynasty. It is situated in Mungyeong (Gyeongsangbuk-do) and surrounded by six large villages (Sangcho-ri, Hacho-ri, Sang-ri, Jigok-ri, Palryeong-ri, and Pyeongcheon-ri). The mountain was believed to have produced talented scholars. Meaning “Chief, Majestic Mountain,” Juheulsan Mt. is still seen as the heart of Mungyeong and Mungyeongsaejae.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Near the recreation forest are historically-famous sites such as Bongamsa Temple, the relics of Gyeon Hwon, the birthplace of Ungang Lee Kang-nyeon, and Mungyeong Saejae Mountain Pass. Allowing visitors to enjoy sightseeing and leisure sports at the same time, the recreation forest offers various hands-on experience at the ceramics exhibition hall, ecological park, clay shooting range, rafting site, and the drama open set. Located right next to Yongchu Valley, the recreation forest’s facilities include the Forest Culture Recreation Center, Forest Cabin, Woodcraft Experience Center, and forest experience trails along Seonyudong Nadeul-gil.


Incheon(Nam-gu)

The Incheon International Half Marathon is hosted in the area of Munhak Worldcup Stadium. The marathon offers varied sightseeing events yearly to attract more participants.


Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)

Muchangpo Beache Palace is a resort in Muchangpo, one of the most peaceful beachside areas on the west coast (yet to be discovered by many tourists). The resort has themed pools and a spa. Each of the rooms has an ocean view and the entrance of the resort is connected to the beach. During the summer tides, you’ll be able to witness the area’s almost miraculous sea-parting.


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

* Geumgang Estuary Bank, a harmonic blend of the artificial and the natural * This estuary bank was completed in 1990 as part of an agricultural development project for 6 cities and counties in Chungcheongnam-do and Jeollabuk-do. The Korea Agricultural and Rural Infrastructure Corporation invested approximately 100 billion won for the project and the construction lasted for 8 years. The estuary bank can  hold up to 130 million tons of water. The 1,840-meter long bank serves a bridge that connects Chungcheongnam-do to Jeollabuk-do.Aside from being the source of water for agricultural and industrial use in Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do, the bank also provides flood control for the area around Geumgang River. It helps keep Gunsanhang Port operational by preventing soil and sand from accumulating at the mouth of the river. It also prevents the backwash of seawater from causing damage to farmlands. Geumgang Estuary Bank has an important role as a tourist destination by connecting Gunsan and Janghang. * Plenty of attractions to see and enjoy* Geumgang Estuary Bank flows throughout many beautiful sites in Chungcheong-do. The estuary is now well-known as a bird sanctuary where the reeds and the natural habitat attract migratory birds, mallard ducks, swans, and globally rare species such as oystercatchers and Saunders's Gull during winter. An observatory was also built so people can enjoy bird watching at the estuary.Around the Geumgang Estuary Bank vicinity, nearby tourist attractions include the nation's biggest year-round sledding slope, a riverside amusement park, and the Geumgang Computer Game World equipped with about 80 kinds of computer games, making the area famous among kids and teens.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Goesan-gun)

The Sanmaki Yetgil (Old Road) is a 4-kilometer long old path connecting Saorang Village (located in Waesa-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do Province) to the mountain village Sanmaki. Restored by retracing the old path, Sanmaki Yetgil is a great walking trail passing by mountains, streams, and forests. Most of the path is paved with wooden deck in the eco-friendly method to minimize damages to the environment and to maintain the natural look. The surrounding beauty is recognized as the best scenic view of Goesan. The natural ecosystem around Goesan Dam has been preserved in its original state.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeongeup-si)

Located in Jeongeup, Jeollabuk-do, this shrine was established to embody the spirit of Admiral “Chungmugong” (honorific title in military) Yi Sun-Sin. He was a great national hero who led the Korean navy to victory in many naval battles using innovative ‘turtle ships’ against the Japanese during their failed invasion of Korea during the 25th year of King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty (1592). Situated on the heart of Mt. Gumisan overlooking the city of Jeongeup, the shrine is the location of a memorial ceremony held every 28th of April, the birthday of Admiral Yi. The ceremony is meant to pay tribute to the memory of the naval hero and his irreproachable service to the city. Yi Sun-Sin had been appointed as reeve of Jeongeup in 1589 but soon after in 1591 he left the post to work as the chief naval officer of the Jeolla region.