Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

Located in Sokcho, Gangwon-do, the Benikea Hotel Mountain & Ocean Daepohang guest rooms are famous for their views facing the deep blue East Sea. In addition, another must-visit attraction in Sokcho, Seoraksan Mountain, is not too far away which makes this hotel a convenient destination to stop and relax before or after mountain climbing.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geochang-gun)

For over four decades since it was first developed to provide industrial water, the 1.2㎢ lake area has been isolated with high barbed wire fences set up for water quality control and safety reasons. As time went by, the area has fallen behind in comparison with other regions and gradually became a deserted area. But now, after the wired fence has been removed, various facilities and walking paths were created to compliment the breathtaking scenery and the surroundings.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Changuimun was often called Jahamun. It was one of four mini gates in the north surrounding the castle town Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. But because one of the four main gates, Sukjeongmun, was closed, Changuimun became a favorite north gate. Hence, people also called Changuimun the North Gate. It is the only gate among four mini gates that is still in its original state. Although it is small, almost 50m², in terms of size, it looks very firm and sturdy. While Dongsomun Gate, one of four mini gates, is decorated with a phoenix, Changuimun Gate is adorned with a wooden chicken along its rafters. The reason behind the wooden chicken was that the chicken was believed to be the nemesis of the centipede. People believed that installing the wooden chicken was important to overcome the harmful spirit of the centipede. 


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Hotel Illua sits on Haeundae's Dalmaji Street away from the more industrialized Nambuhaean region, overlooking the beautiful beaches of Haeundae. The five-star hotel comes fully equipped with modern facilities and is graced with traditional design elements. Recently renovated, it has been praised both for its luxurious interior and superb guest services.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Located at the entrance of Sanjeong Lake, Pyunggang Botanical Garden opened in May 2006, and was designated as a habitat for preservation by the Ministry of Environment. The garden has on exhibit both native plants and around 5,000 species of plants from around the globe. Additionally, the garden features an exquisite collection of 1,000 different alpine plants that normally reside on an altitude of 2,000 meters.The scope of the garden is comprehensive, but it is divided into 12 themed areas, including a Rock Garden, where the largest alpine plants in Asia are concentrated; a Wetland Center, which mimics the natural ecology of a wetland region; a Pond Garden consisting of roughly 50 ponds lined with gorgeous flowers; a Moss Center where moss that grows in deep valleys and forests can be seen; and a Grass Square, which serves as a green common year round. The Pyunggang Botanical Garden, serves an important role in preserving rare plants, but is also creating a new botanical garden culture, and serving as a center for public ecological education.※ Non-smoking area/cooking and drinking is strictly prohibited.Collecting plants, bugs, soil and stone without authorization is banned.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

Omisa Kkulbbang is a famous bakery in Tongyeong, the owner of which was a baker in a well-known bakery. The owner opened the restaurant without any name in the early 1960s after quitting at his previous bakery. He started making donuts and kkulbbang (bread filled with honey) using flour received from an open market in front of his home. Residents in Tongyeong became attracted to the delicious taste and they began calling the bakery "Omisa," after the name of the laundry shop located next to the bakery.Kkulbbang stays fresh for periods, even warm temperatures.


Incheon(Seo-gu) , Incheon Center

Yeongjongdaegyo Bridge connects the mainland of Incheon with Yeongjongdo Island that is home to the Incheon International Airport. Until the construction of this bridge, the only way to get to and from Yeongjongdo Island had been by boat. The 4.4 kilometer-long Yeongjong Bridge is the world’s first 3-dimensional self-anchored suspension bridge. The bridge carries both highways and rail lines on its decks, and 10,000-ton ships can pass under the bridge. The bridge was designed to withstand strong winds and earthquake.It is the first bridge in Korea to have been completed through private capital inducement project. In addition to its function as a bridge, it is also an architectural beauty as the shape of the cable and the girder was designed to symbolize the eaves of the traditional Korean tile-roofed house. In 2002, Yeongjongdaegyo Bridge won the Tanaka Award by the Japan Society of Civil Engineers for the first time in Korea.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheonan-si)

From old times, Korean has intrinsic sense of joy represented by the term heung , which encourages others to be a part of the excitement through dance. The Cheonan World Dance Festival attracts some of the best dancers from around the world to celebrate the traditional dances, songs and costumes of Korea. Visitors can watch very polished traditional dance performances from all around the world, as well as an electrifying dancing competition.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

The Korea National Arboretum (KNA) is situated in Gwangneung forest and contains the Forest Museum where all the information on forestry is exhibited. The construction of the arboretum and museum took place on October 25, 1985 and opened on April 5, 1987. In order to preserve the forests, weekends and holiday entrance were restricted, reservations were required 5 days in advance, and no more than 5,000 visitors were accepted per day. As diverse plants are gaining recognition worldwide, the research department formed the Office of Forestry on May 24, 1999.Korea National Arboretum covers an area of 1,157㏊ and contains 15 specialized forests, including Conifer Garden, the Garden of Ornamental Trees, and the Aroma and Touch Garden. The Forest Museum is the largest in Asia, covering 4628 sq.m² with a traditional Korean design, and the interior and exterior are both constructed of wood and stone. The arboretum facilities consist of 5 exhibition halls (Living Forest, Forest and Man, Forestry of the World, Forestry of Korea, Nature of Korea), a Herbarium, a Special Exhibition Room, and an Audio Visual Hall.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si) , Yeoju

This is the house where Empress Myeongseong (Joseon Period) was born, and lived until she was eight years old. She would grow up to be the wife of the dynasty’s 26th ruler, King Gojong. The birthplace and the adjoining Memorial Hall are open to the public.Empress Myeongseong was a brilliant diplomat who pursued openness and reform to maintain the sovereignty of the nation. Unfortunately, her tumultuous life came to an end in the early morning hours of October 8, 1895 when she was murdered by the Japanese army.During Japanese colonial rule, the empress was wrongfully accused of being a jealous and overly ambitious person. Studies of various archives have since revealed what a great person she really was. Recently, numerous television productions and musicals have also corrected those misunderstandings. Renovated in 1995, her birthplace includes three buildings with servants’ quarters, master’s quarters, and a separate house. A commemorative monument now stands at the site of the room where the empress studied as a child. The Memorial Hall in front of the house contains various archives and artifacts related to Empress Myeongseong’s life. There is also a 161-seat theatre.