Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

Namhae in Gyeongsangnam-do, with coastal lines stretching over 302km, is surrounded by 70 beautiful islands. Mulgeon Windbreak Forest (Mulgeon Bangjo Eoburim in Korean) in Mulgeon-ri has protected Namhae from gusty winds and ferocious waves and provided abundant fish for 300 years. Resembling the crescent moon, the spacious forest (23,438m2) along the seashore is owned by the community of Mulgeon-ri. It stretches over 1.5km with a x_width of 30m in x_width; there are approximately 2,000 overwood trees with x_heights varying from 10 to 15m. The forest boasts over 100 difference species of trees—from hackberries to oaks, zelkovas, Fringe trees, Muku trees, and silver magnolias. All in all, 10,000 trees create the feeling of being in an ancient forest, deep in the mountains. The forest was built by people in nearby villages 300 years ago in order to control winds and waves. From above, elegant curvilinear coastal lines are enveloped by lush trees of the forest, as if the latter protects Namhae. Mulgeon-ri is divided into two areas: the port with a lighthouse, and farmlands, with the forest in between the two. From German Village (Neuschwanstein) in Namhae, scenic overlooks provide sweeping views of Mulgeon-ri, the forest, and the port. The forest is called a variety of names; it is called Bangpungrim (Windbreak Forest) because it protects villages from gusty winds; Eoburim (Fish shelter Forest) because its lush trees attract schools of fish; and Bangjorim (Waterbreak Forest) because it lessens the severity of waves and tides. Home to German Village, Mulgeon-ri faces eastward. Naturally, it is a great spot to see the sunrise and sunset. While Jeongdongjin is renowned for its splendid sunrise on the East Coast, Mulgeon-ri shares the acclaim on the South Coast, attracting thousands of visitors at the dawn of New Year every year.  


Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si) , Namyangju

Sareung is the royal tomb of Queen Jeongsun (1440-1521), a consort to King Danjong. She was perhaps the most tragic royal woman of the Joseon Dynasty.In 1453, she was selected to be Queen out of many candidates and actually became the Queen a year later. However, when King Danjong was forced to abdicate from the throne by Prince Suyang, who later became King Sejo, and was exiled to Yeongwol in Gangwon-do province, Queen Jeongsun was deprived of her title as well.After King Danjong died, she built a thatched-roof house outside Seoul’s Dongdaemun Gate (East Main Gate) and lived there for the rest of her life continuing to mourn her husband.The tomb’s name, Sareung came from the fact that she had missed her dead husband so much.Unlike other royal tombs, Sareung looks very simple. Its size is relatively small, and it does not have the “Byeongpungseok” stone border. There is only a “Muninseok” statue of a civil officer and “Seokma”, a statue carved in the shape of a horse. 


Busan()

The Sunrise Busan Festival, has been held each year to welcome in the new millennium, has established itself as the premier coastal cultural festival, taking place on land, sea and sky, and including an air show and a ship flotilla at sea. Among those eager to greet the first sunrise of the new year after bidding farewell to the final sunset, the Sunrise Busan Festival is a popular winter festival, particularly among foreign tourists. At Yongdusan Park, there will be an array of artistic and festive events for the new year – as well as an opportunity to watch the first sunrise of the year, from this panoramic vantage point in downtown Busan. Events both large and small will be staged at many other popular tourist sites around Busan, including at Dadaego Beach, Haeundae Beach, Gwangalli Beach and Dalmaji Park, for those intent on seeing the year’s first sunrise.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Yeongoksa Temple is located in Naedong-ri, Toji-myeon, Gurye-gun and was constructed by Yeongi, a high Buddhist monk, who also helped create Hwaeomsa Temple. The temple was destroyed during the Japanese Invasion of Korea and the Korean War. In spite of the damage, the temple has continued to house two national treasures: East Monk Stupa of Yeongoksa Temple (National Treasure No. 53) North Monk Stupa of Yeongoksa Temple (National Treasure No. 54). The temple also houses four designated treasures. Jangsungbu, a Buddihist monk at the time, demolished the previous temple and rebuilt a Buddist sanctuary on the site. It has 5 rooms in the front and 3 rooms on the side made with embankments of granite stones and natural stones, and opened on March 1, 1981 through donations and government support. There is a memorial stone near the temple of Go Gwang-sun, who was the leader of the army who died for his devotion. According to the story, Yeongi discovered a pond in the current sanctuary area when reading about the land's topography. While he was looking at the middle of the pond, one swallow flew from a whirlpool. After that, the pond began to dry up and the place was then used for the temple. As such, the name "Yeongok refers to the phenomenon of "Yeon," a swallow, and "Gok," a valley.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)

Ganworam is a small hermitage located in Ganwoldo-ri, Buseok-myeon, Soesan-si, Chungcheongnam-do. Ganworam Hermitage was created by the Great Monk Muhak, the monk to King Taejo (Seong-Gye Lee) of the Joseon Dynasty. The name of the hermitage is directly tied with Muhak himself as it is said Muhak became enlightened while meditating under the moon (“wol” means moon in Korean) at the hermitage. At low tide, the Ganworam Hermitage is connected to shore via a natural walkway, but at high tide, the walkway is submerged and the hermitage becomes an island. At night time in particular the hermitage and its surrounding islets create a breathtaking view as the moonlit reflects off the sea.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Before one of the singers (Kim Won Joo) leaves for military duty, the 4Men duo will be performing in a two-day goodbye concert scheduled for August 29 and 30.


Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si) , Namyangju

The Songcheon-ri, Unsu-ri, Ipseok-ri, Susan-ri, and Bigeum-ri areas in Sudong-myeon, Namyangju City boast picturesque scenery with refreshing water flowing everywhere, for which the region is also widely known as “Mulgolan,” which means “inside water valley.” Opened in 1983, the park is surrounded by the mountains of Jugeumsan, Seorisan, and Chungnyeongsan. It is a great summer vacation spot with lush forests and clear valleys. The park is also abundant with many varieties of mountain vegetables and fruits including mushrooms, a type of mountain herb called deodeok, balloon flower roots, fatsia shoots, honey, chestnuts, and pine nuts.* Mongolian Cultural Arts Performance Group at Sudong National Tourist ParkMongolia Culture Town is a theme park that was established upon the signing of a friendship pact between the city of Namyangju and the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar. Opened in April 15, 2000, the 6,876 square-meter park consists of seven tent gers (traditional dwelling of the nomads in Mongolia), two carriage-style gers, and one exhibition hall. All of the materials used to construct the gers were directly shipped from Mongolia. The largest ger at the center of the park has an estimated 150 items from Mongolia on display including traditional clothes, horse saddles, accessories, household goods, and musical instruments.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

The Giva Week (also known as Ginkgo Virus Alley Week) is to be held for the 2nd time, following last year's success. The event was originally organized and started up by the business owners of shops in the streets of the Sinsadong garosu-gil, to promote sales and make the place an attractive tourist spot. The aim is to develop hidden attractions that have recently been shaded by many franchised stores as well as make it an ideal place to shop, eat, and sight-see, as well as enjoy street performances. Many talented aritsts and shop owners will gather to hold various events and program, with amazing discounts and free gifts to be awarded. With the help of Solon Company, the Korea Tourism Organization, Visit Korea Year Committee, Tripvi Ltd., and regional offices, the event expects to draw in more attention and visitors than the previous year. Locations for events are various, being spread throughout the Sinsadong garosu-gil area, where the streets are lined in many Gingko trees. Visiting many of the charmingly decorated coffee shops, designer stores, boutique-like galleries and much more along Garosu-gil is a romantic way to enjoy the beauiful autumn foliage in Korea.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Dolsando is the seventh largest island in Korea and is connected to the mainland via Dolsan Bridge. Ever since construction was completed on December 15, 1984, the 450 meter-long, 11.7 meter-wide bridge has become a popular tourist attraction.There is plenty to see on Dolsando Island including numerous scenic spots and historic sites such as Dolsan Park, Musulmok Battlefield, Jeollanam-do Fisheries Exhibition Hall, Bangjukpo Beach, Hyangiram Hermitage, and Eunjeogam Hermitage. Located beneath Dolsan Bridge is a life-sized model of a Geobukseon (Turtle Ship), which played an important role in the Korean Navy’s victories during the Imjinwaeran War (1592-1598). Visitors will also find plenty of seafood restaurants lining the paved coastal road.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa Icefish Festival is managed by the fishery community of Hwangcheon Reservoir in Naesu-myeon. All visitors can have a relaxing and exciting vacation at the festival with family and friends alike. The festival dates are subject to change depending on ice conditions and safety of facilities. Therefore, visitors are strongly advised to make a phone inquiry before visiting.* Be aware of safety precautions when visiting winter festival.* This is a private festival.