Seoul(Dobong-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Between Dobongsan and Suraksan mountains (northern Seoul), a special botanical garden has opened its doors to the public: Seoul Iris Garden (aka Seoul Botanical Garden). The garden (measuring 52,417㎡) boasts a wide array of irises, one of the world’s top flowers, and consists of 12 different themed zones including ‘Iris Garden,’ ‘Medicinal Plant Garden,’ and ‘Wetland Park.’At the Iris Garden, 130 species of irises (300,000 individual plants) are on display on a plot of land measuring 15,000㎡. Species include yellow iris, iris setosa, iris pallasii, and iris domestica, each boasting its own brilliant colors and delicate shape.The Medicinal Plant Garden is home to 70 different species (130,000 plants) of medicinal plants, allowing visitors to view the largest selection of medicinal herbs in the country.Wetland Park presents 70,000 wetland plants and houses an observatory deck from which visitors may view and learn about the diverse aquatic plants.Cheoni Observatory within the garden provides visitors with a place take in the beautiful scenery. The nearby forest lounge is a rest area for visitors as well as a center of operations for the park’s ecological education programs.Irises are in bloom from May to June of every year, but are even a sight to behold during the rest of the warmer months, given the delicate shape of their leaves.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

The Gangneung Danoje Festival was designated a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2005 and is Important Intangible Cultural Property No. 13 in Korea in 1967. The festival serves to preserve the folk culture of the Joseon Dynasty and has been a popular festival since 1975.Danoje Festival includes rituals such as the Daegwallyeong Guksa Seonghwangje (a tribute to Monk Beomil, believed to protect Gangneung) and Yeongsinje (a deity greeting ritual). Folk performances, ssireum wrestling, swing riding, and tug-of-war competitions follow these rituals. During the Danoje Festival, visitors are also invited to participate in various events: watching a traditional wedding ceremony, making surichui rice cake, washing one's hair in iris-infused water, and drinking alcoholic beverages offered to the gods. There are also regional dialect contests and other cultural programs.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

Mungyeong is known for its exquisite ceramics. While each piece has its own individual shape and design, as a whole, ceramics of Mungyeong are highly regarded because of their historical and cultural value. Mungyeong is home to a number of master craftsmen as well as Sagijang (referring to craftsmen making chinaware), who have been officially designated Intangible Cultural Property by the Korean government. As a renowned kiln site producing Buncheongsagi (grayish-blue celadon) since the early Joseon Period, Mungyeong still offers outstanding ceramics that reflect the essence of traditional craftsmanship. 


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


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)


Busan(Dong-gu)

Plaza Tourist Hotel is located near Busan Station Plaza in the heart of the port city of Busan. Since a remodeling in 2004, the hotel now offers 42 Western-style rooms and 13 Korean-style rooms, as well as other convenience facilities including a coffee shop, Korean/Western restaurant, a reception hall, a 24-hour sauna and Sangseol Buffet restaurant with a great view of Busan Harbor.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

On July 29, 1998, the Gimhae National Museum was opened in order to research and preserve the cultural heritage of the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The museum is at the foot of Gujibong Peak in Gimhae-si, the spot where the kingdom is believed to have been founded. The museum exhibits the cultural assets of Gaya, as well as cultural relics from the prehistoric age in the Busan and Gyeongsangnam-do areas, and the cultural heritage of Byeonhan, which was the foundation for the growth of Gaya.Compared to other ancient kingdoms, relatively few historical records on Gaya remain. For this reason, relics and remains that have been unearthed through archaeological excavations need to be studied in order to gain an understanding of the ancient kingdom. In this sense, the Gimhae National Museum is a specialized museum used by professional archaeologists as well as the general public. 


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

The Isabu Leo (Lion) Park was established in memory of Isabu, a renowned admiral who served during the Silla Kingdom and was known for his pioneering spirit. Around 70 wood sculptures chosen from national craft competitions (held from 2008 to 2010) decorate the park grounds, which measure an impressive 27,930㎡. The park contains a year-round sled park and a bamboo forest and affords a magnificent view of the East Sea.


Daegu(Jung-gu)

A tradition dating back 350 years, the Daegu Yangnyeongsi (herb medicine market) was an international market where herbal medicines from China, Russia, Europe, and other regions were sold. The herb medicine festival displays medicinal herbs found in Korea’s mountains and offers visitors an opportunity to experience a wide range of relaxing and curative traditional medicinal procedures. The Daegu Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Culture Festival will be a fascinating event for international visitors who are interested in Korea’s medicinal herbs and the medical sciences and traditions of Asia.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The Seaes Hotel & Resort is located in the Jeju Jungmun District. Built on a land area of 42,900㎡, it offers private villas with modern designs that are in harmony with the traditional atmosphere. With a total of seven rooms (including the traditional Korean style room overlooking the sea), a green plaza, a fountain and pond, outdoor Jacuzzi pools and traditional dishes, the hotel provides excellent customized services. Moreover, the hotel is well known as a popular filming location for Korean TV dramas and shows.