Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex (청풍문화재단지) in Jecheon, Chungcheongbuk-do contains a variety of cultural heritages and artifacts that were collected from the region before it was flooded in 1985 during the construction of Chungjuho Lake. Here, visitors can see Hanbyeokru Pavilion, Seokjo Yeoraeipsang Buddha, Paryeongru Pavilion, Geumanmru Pavilion, Geumbyeongheon Hall, Eungcheonggak Pavilion and the Cheongpung Confucian School as well as nearly 2,000 household artifacts. It has become an outdoor museum of the glorious culture of the upper reaches of Namhangang River.Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex also offers a beautiful driving course of about 10km along the road from Multae-ri to Jecheon. The drive course is at a crooked road coming down along the ridges of Kumsusan Moutain. This road will unveil the incredible views of unusual rock formations standing along on the Kumsusan ridges with Cheongpung Lake City flowidng down under. Also, this road has been planted with cherry blossom trees on both sides, which are glittering in the spotlight of sunshine. Beginning in mid-April, the Cheongpung Cherry Blossom will be in full bloom just around the time for the festival, which is held in the area of Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex and Cheongpungho Lake. The Cheongpung Lake Cherry Blossom Festival is to host a lantern lighting event and the Yongsinje, a ceremony for the legendary dragon, on the night before the event. The main events include folk games and athletic games where many villagers and town citizens are participating to fasten the bond of the community. Other hands-on activities include cherry blossom photo shooting competition and a local food tasting where you can taste the delicacies of the region.Hanbyeongnu Pavilion (National Treasure No. 528)The building was a government office that was built during the four-year reign of Chungsuk, king of the Goryeo Dynasty (1317), in celebration of Cheongpung-hyeon becoming Cheongpung-gun, the larger unit of the administrative district. The building collapsed due to a massive flood in 1972 and then was reconstructed in 1975 according to the original architectural style. This pavilion was constructed on a stone pillar and a column was set on the top that employs the entasis method of applying a convex curve to its surface, (or a slight convexity in its shaft). The building has a façade consisting of a total of four compartments, and three on the flank, with a column of a Korean traditional gabled building in a Jusimpo-gye style. On the right side of the building’s base, ingnang rooms on both sides of the main gate were attached with a terraced style and gambrel roofs on the top, the façade of which has five compartments, one being on the side.EungcheonggakThe purpose of the building is still unknown, but it had stood side by side on the left side of the Hanbyeongnu Pavilion. Although there is no known established date, Lee Hwang (1501-1570), the Danyang county governor at that time, started to call it Eungcheonggak in the beginning, under the reign of King Myeong-jong. There is also a written document left by Jeong Se-gyu, the governor of Chungcheong-do, who stayed at the pavilion in 1637. Government official Hyeon In-bok repaired the pavilion in 1990 during the 37-year reign of King Gojong. The original address was 203-1 Eup-ri, Cheongpung-myeon, but it was moved to its current location in 1983 due to the construction of the Chungju Dam. It is a two-story building where the first floor is a huge chunk of soil and stone. The house contains three compartments at the front, and both sides were built on a soil block with an angled roof that has eight sides. Also, a wooden staircase is attached on the left side of the building for ascending to the second floor.Geumbyeongheon (Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Property No. 34)Geumbyeongheon was previously used as a government office. Cheongpung was called Sayeori-hyeon during the three Kingdoms period of Korea, and later changed into Cheongpung-heon during the reign of King Gyeongduk of Silla. Under the reign of King Chungsuk of the Goryeo Kingdom, it became known as Jigunsa, and then later just Gun during the Joseon Dynasty under the reign of King Sejo. Hyeonjong of the Joseon Dynasty promoted it as a protectorate of the region, and later announced it as Gun again during the reign of King Gojong. In the year 1914, all administrative districts were merged into the Cheongpung-myeon system. Government official Oh Do-il started the construction of the building, and later, government official Lee Hui-jo reconstructed it in 1705 during King Sukjong’s 31-year reign. Park Pil-mun repaired the building, and Kwon Don-in made a framed picture for the building in 1726, the second year of King Yeonjo’s ruling.Geumnamru Pavilion (Chungcheongbuk-do Tangible Cultural Property No.20)This place was the main gate of Cheongpung Government Office. The officer of the Cheongpung government, Cho Gil-won, named it Dohobujeoljeamun, and carved it into the stela hanging on the front of the gate during the reign of King Sunjo (1825). The office is a two-story attic containing three compartments at the front, and both sides were built on a stone foundation with an angled roof that has eight sides. Government official Hyeon In-bok started construction and later repaired it in 1956Flower garden - Gujeolcho, Halla Gujeolcho, Haeguk, Kalimeris, Broom chrysanthemum Flower road- Bridal Wreath Tree Roads, White Azaleas Road, Wild Ryal Azaleas Road, Satsuki Azaleas Road, Azalea Road.Cheongpung Husalli Old HouseThis was one of the private houses located in 105 Husan-li, Cheongpung-myeon, but it was later moved to its current location due to the construction of the Chungju Dam. The structure of the house resembles the Korean symbol “ㄱ”, facing east-south and having a daecheong, a cool wooden-floor style hall, on the center. On the right side of the daecheong, there are two small bedrooms. The toenmaru, a narrow wooden patio, is higher than average and has a fireplace underneath it. On the left side of the daecheong is the master bedroom. On the east side of the master bedroom, a special room is located to hold memorial rites for ancestors. It has a unique structure that is most commonly found in the central regions of Korea during the late Joseon Dynasty.Cheongpung Dohwari Old House This was a private house built in the late Joseon Dynasty. The house used to be located in Dohwa-ri, Cheongpung-myeon, but was later moved to its current location due to the construction of the Chungju Dam. The structure of the house resembles the Korean symbol “ㄷ”. In the center of the house is a daecheong, which consists of three compartments. A bedroom, kitchen, and storage room are located on its left side, and another two bed rooms and a kitchen consisting of two compartments are on its right side. The kitchen has signature features that are typically found in the private houses of the Taebaeksan Mountain Range, equipped with a round log chimney and a lattice window that is lit by torchlight. It is suspected that the house had an annex added to the front of the house.YeollijiYeolliji (연리지) and yeollimok trees are famous here. If two trees grow in close proximity for a long time, they grow together, which is called yeolli, meaning “inoculation” in Korean. These trees are often compared to the concept of affectionate love, and are widely known as a “love trees,” since the two trees become united into one. They are also called either yeolliji (when the branches are connected) or yeollimok (when the trunks are connected). The yeolliji is far rarer than the yeollimok because the branches scarcely ever face each other, and even if they did, it would be easily shaken by the wind, thus making it harder to draw close to each other. Legend has it that in ancient China, birds called biikjo were often likened to the yeolliji tree. Biikjo means “a pair of birds,” a male and female that cannot fly apart from each other, as each has only one eye and one wing. It’s only when they are together that they can fly. The poet named Baekgeoi compare this with the great love story of the age, the affair of the last Tang emperor in China and his beautiful concubine, Yang Guifei (Yang Kwei-fei). In his book “Janghanga,” the couple was described as a pair of biikjo in the sky and yeollimok on the earth.Stone Standing Buddha (National Treasure No.546)The Stone Standing Buddha has the x_height of 341cm, the sculptural form when viewed as a whole seems to be found in late into the Unified Silla (10th century). The peaceful face of Buddha was shaped with the chubby cheeks and compassionate gaze in his eyes. The statue has a deep and long philtrum between the nose and lips and both ears that cast down to the shoulders. ‘Samdo’ referring to the three training stages of Buddhist monks, was engraved in his neck and his left hand is pointing down to the ground. The Buddha is wearing underwear with the tonggyeon Buddhist traditional clothes covering the shoulders on the top of it, which has a V-shaped knot on his belly that rests down to the chair. After building Chungju Dam, its original location was flooded and moved to its current location in 1983 and was restored here. Cheongpung Paryeongnu Pavilion Tangible Cultural Property No. 35 (Designated on December 21, 1976) Paryeongnu Pavilion is a two-story gate that connects to the village of Cheongpung in the Joseon Dynasty. Below is in the form of a door and has a tower on its top. Min Chisang, the governor of the village at that time during the reign of Gojong (1863-1907), named the pavilion Paryeongnu, inspired by the poem that described the most spectacular eight sceneries of Cheongpung. The gate has 3 compartments on the front and 2 on each side as well as 8-sided roofs. The banisters surround the gate with walls and have a wooden floor inside. Apart from Paryeongnu Pavilion, Cheongpung Cultural Heritage Complex is filled with many cultural heritages such as Geumnamru, Eungcheonggak Pavilion and Geumbyeongheon.Cheongpung Hwangseongni Old house This house was originally a private housing in 164 hwangseok-li, Cheongpung-myeon and moved to its current location after the construction of Chungju Dam. The structure of the house consists of anchae, the main building located at the center and munganchae, the gate section. Anchae has the four compartments and two on the side with an eight-sided tiled roof on the top called giwa. Starting from west side of the house, a kitchen, master room and small bed room are stood in a row. The master room and the room next to the kitchen are facing toenmaru, a narrow wooden porch running along the outside of a room. Another toenmaru is placed at the end of sarangbang, the guest room.


Seoul(Dongjak-gu)

Kim Gwangbun’s Pulhyanggi Sonkalguksu boasts a taste made from 16 years of tradition in serving kal-guksu (handmade noodle soup). The menu includes haemul-kal-guksu (noodle soup with various seafood) and bajirak-kal-guksu (noodle soup with clams). One of its hidden secrets to attract people is the meat broth boiled for four to seven hours. Also, the wang-mandu (big sized dumplings) and kimchi are special points at this restaurant. To keep the best freshness, the owner, Kim Gwangbun goes to the fishery market in person to select the ingredients for the day's meals at dawn. The restaurant is comprised of one main two-story building as well as an additional building.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Benikea Hotel Bears overlooks Uiam Lake, which guests can access for various leisure and water sports activities, such as fishing, motor boating, clay shooting, hiking, and water skiing. Also, there are numerous tourist attractions nearby, including Soyanggang Dam, Cheongpyeongsa Temple, Samaksan Mountain, Gangchon Resort, Gugok Falls, and Jungdo Resort.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

"Neglected for Royal Ascendance"Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉) is the tomb of Queen Consort Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (1392-1398), founder of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, this tomb was not well-maintained compared to other royal tombs because of a power struggle. The queen consort had many children, which naturally induced a battle for the throne. Usually the son of the first wife is the successor of the throne, but Queen Consort Sindeok was determined to have one of her sons ascend the throne instead. However, the successor, King Taejong, killed all her sons and developed an extreme abhorrence towards the queen consort. When she died, King Taejong issued an order to not maintain and preserve her tomb. Therefore, the tomb is rather unkempt and the layout and composition is different from other royal tombs.Upon entering the red gate, the sacrificial building can be seen in front of the tomb along with a pavilion and tombstone. Stone sculptures of sheep and tigers watch over the tomb. A major difference between this tomb and other royal tombs is exhibited in the path from the red gate to the sacrificial building. Usually the path is a straight line, but at Jeongneung Royal Tomb, it is crooked and bent. Furthermore, the color of the sacrificial building is dull and faded.Even though the tomb symbolizes the turmoil and wrath of political struggles, many couples and families come to Jeongneung Royal Tomb for a stroll because of its peacefulness and natural surroundings.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Experience the bounty of the sea at Masan Fish Market, located in the beautiful region of North Gyeongsang in South Korea. Recognized for its flavorful seafood, Masan is home to this bustling marketplace that boasts over 200 vendors. Whether it's luxury fish or the humble mackerel and pollock that adorn the tables of everyday families, this market offers a diverse range of freshly-caught seafood straight from the southern coastline. Furthermore, Masan offers its own unique flavors in the form of salted and dried fish. Using local, fresh seafood, these delicacies have gained popularity among visitors. Immerse yourself in the essence of Masan at affordable prices. The pinnacle of the Masan Fish Market experience is the highly anticipated 'Masan Fish Market Festival'. This annual event attracts a multitude of visitors who come to enjoy the seafood while sharing the joy of the festival with the locals. Embark on a journey to Masan, a treasure trove of the sea in South Korea, and prepare to be mesmerized by the taste and vibrant colors of its seafood. A trip to Masan and the Masan Fish Market is a culinary adventure waiting to be explored. Be welcomed by an array of flavorful seafood eager to be savored. The Masan Fish Market, a place where you can experience the flavors and culture of Masan, South Korea, should definitely be on your travel bucket list.


Seoul(Gangseo-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

Hyanggyo refers to the educational institutions of the Joseon Dynasty. Much like the national junior and high schools of today, a hyanggyo is where the children of local officials were educated and where ritual services were held in memory of Confucius. The Yangcheon Hyanggyo Confucian School is the only such school in Seoul. Built in the 12th year of King Taejong of Joseon (1411), the school was entirely renovated in 1981. There are eight buildings in the premise, including the Daeseongjeon, Myeongryundang, Jeonsacheong, Dongjae, Seojae, Naesammun, and Waesammun. Today, a national ritual service for Confucius is held here twice a year: one in the spring and one in the fall. Also, various programs are offered to teach Chinese characters, calligraphy, or Oriental painting to regular citizens, as well as elementary, junior, and high school students. This way, the institution is educating the youth and preserving tradition at the same time.Size of facilities: Daeseongjeon 54㎡, Myeongryundang 77.91㎡, Jeonsacheong 11.52㎡, Naesammun 11.97㎡, Oesammun 18.63㎡, Dongjae 29.52㎡, Seojae 29.52㎡Construction period: 12th year of King Taejong’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty (1411)


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Operated by the Korea Ginseng Corporation, the Korea Ginseng Factory makes high quality Korean ginseng. Visitors can learn all about Korean ginseng, the process of making red ginseng from ginseng and how to spot a good ginseng when shopping. The Ginseng Museum (about 250 pyeong, 826.45 ㎡) will allow visitors a chance to learn about the history of ginseng, method of cultivating ginseng, processing ginseng, ginseng industry, company’s history and more. After the tour, visitors will be well educated on the very particular, meticulous, and strickly managed production methods of red ginseng.


Busan(Suyeong-gu)

This bakery opened in 1989 as “Samik Bakery (삼익제과),” and later changed its name to OPS in 1994. As the main branch of OPS, the Namcheondong branch has been serving fresh and 100% handmade bakery products for the past 24 years. Drinks and beverages on the menu include fresh fruit juice and chocolat chaud (hot chocolate), as well as other seasonal specialties including patbingsu (red-bean sherbet) and zenzai (red bean soup).


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

Guwau Village (Taebaek, Gangwon-do) is host to the Taebaek Sunflower Festival, a celebration of the area’s wide array of colorful wildflowers and endless fields of sunflowers (the largest sunflower patch in Korea). The festival takes place in about a 661,157㎡ filled with 300 species of wild flowers along with a sunflower field walking path and other hands-on program with wild flowers. 


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Bears Town Resort lies on the outskirts of Seoul. The ski slopes of this large leisure resort have been officially approved by the International Ski Federation. Bears Town Resort is a great destination for beginners; ski lessons are available, there are broad beginner slopes, and the comprehensive rental system allows you to rent all the equipment you need. Those skiers who are more experienced, however, will be able to enjoy the FIS approved 88 Challenger Slope. Bears Town Resort has a total of ten ski slopes and eight ski lifts, which can transport up to 15,200 skiers per hour. The resort also has numerous sledding hills.Getting to Bears Town Resort from Seoul couldn’t be easier, as the resort provides a free shuttle bus (reservations required). For more information, please visit the resort’s homepage.