Gangwon-do(Yangyang-gun)

Daemyung Sol Beach Hotel & Resort is a resort of Spanish architecture built in one of the most pristine areas in Korea, East Sea (Donghae) and Seoraksan Mountain. The resort offers a chance to feel the beauty and romance of the Spanish Mediterranean while staying in Korea. The resort is a high-class resort. Spa therapy using natural hot spring water and sea water, a themed café and restaurant, and a promenade along the beautiful East Sea provide guests with comfortable and relaxing recreation. Subsidiary facilities include restaurants and Aqua World, a modern-style indoor water park. Aqua World includes a sauna, fitness center, and sea water therapy center. A buffet restaurant offers diverse menus prepared by former 5-star hotel chefs. Menus include sashimi, sushi, and other dishes made of fresh fish caught in the nearby sea, while a fusion restaurant offers various foods of different countries ranging from nicely presented Korean set meals, to Chinese foods bearing the authentic taste of Beijing, to neatly organized Japanese food, all prepared with the finest ingredients.


Incheon(Ongjin-gun)

Daecheongdo Island is home to some of the best beaches in Korea. Also, there are some good hiking courses on the island that offer great views above the golden beaches and rocky shores. A smaller and less populated island compared to the neighboring Baengnyeongdo Island, Daecheongdo is a perfect pastoral getaway. Island History Daecheongdo Island was said to be first inhabited during the Neolithic Age (9500-4500 BC), but the earliest known history periods begin during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392 AD), when the island was used as a place of exile. The first known case of an exile was recorded sometime during the reign of Chinese Emperor Togon-temur (1320-d.1370) from the Mongol Yuan Dynasty. It was said that he was exiled on Daecheongdo for meddling in a plot arranged by his stepmother. He supposedly arrived on the island with 100 relatives, and built a palace here. The next known record relates to the island's abundance in medicinal herbs including mulberry mistletoe (Loranthi Ramulus), which was used to cure the illness of Queen Munjeong (d.1565), the wife of King Jungjong (d.1544). There is no record of island inhabitation until 1793, when King Jeongjo, the 22nd king of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), authorized the inhabitation and cultivation of the island. During the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945), there were as many as 10,000 people living on the island due to its popularity as a major port. Today, there are about 1,500 people who sustain a living from tourism and fisheries.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Surrounded by Mt. Noja (565m) and Mt. Gara (580m), Hakdong Mongdol Beach provides a cozy atmosphere. Hakdong was named so because its shape was said to be like a crane (in Korean "Hak") flying up to the sky. Compared to other beaches, it has small pebbles, "Mongdol" in Korean, spans a distance of about 1.2 km, is 50m wide and covers a 30,000 ㎢ area starting from Yongbawi Rock. The feeling one gets when walking on these pebbles is soothing and the sound of the waves are refreshing. You can also soothe your feet when you walk on the rocks and activate acupressure points on the soles of your feet. The wild camellia forest, which blooms along the seashore in February and March, creates a beautiful landscape. You can also see the Parlsaek (8 color) birds that come here. These colorful birds can be seen from June to September.Hakdong Mongdol Beach has a lot of summer visitors and is the perfect place for vacationing families. The water is clear and clean, and setting up tents on the beach is possible.Near the beach, there are not only great restaurants specializing in sliced raw fish, but also restrooms and homestays which are well-equipped. There is also a beach festival every summer. An excursion ship starts at Hakdong and cruises towards Haegeumgang and Oedo Paridise Island. It would be romantic to take this ship through the crimson Haegeumgang at sunset. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Buseoksa Temple is considered a 'masculine' temple. It differentiates itself from other temples by its huge size and the scenery is refreshing and beautiful. Buseoksa Temple was built in 676, when King Munmu (661~681) ruled the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. ~ A.D. 935), by the founder Uisang (625~702) after he received orders from the King. Later in the 7th year (1016) of the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) was in the reign of King Hyeonjong (reign 1010 to 1031) Great Buddhist Monk Wonyung (964~1053) renovated Muryangsujeon (National Treasure No.18). It was renovated several times afterwards.The legend of lady Seonmyo and Uisang is famous. The two met when Priest Uisang went to Dang (Dynasty of China) to study. When Uisang told Seonmyo he would go back to his country, Seonmyo jumped into the sea and drowned. After death, she became a dragon. Seonmyo followed Uisang to Silla to protect and be with him. When Uisang ran against a crowd that had gathered to stop him from building Buseoksa Temple, Seonmyo brought up stones in the air three times. The stone that floated stands on the left side of Muryangsujeon. Because a wide, flat stone had floated above the ground, the temple was named Buseoksa Temple.At the entrance of Buseoksa you will see 108 steps between Cheonwangmun gate and Anyangmun gate. The number of steps represents redemption from agony and evil passions through 108 cycles. You will find Buseoksa Temple's Three Story Tower when you pass the Iljumun and Cheonwangmun gates. Above the tower you will see Beomjongru. When you pass Beomjongru, you can see a pavilion called Anyang, which means 'entrance to Heaven'. Go past Anyang Pavillion and you will reach the main building of Buseoksa Temple, Muryangsujeon, which boasts beautiful curved lines of the building structure.Muryangsujeon is a wooden building made in the Goryeo Dynasty. Inside you will find National Treasure No.45, Sojo Yeorae Seated Figure. There are more National Treasures and relics inside such as the Josadang (National Treasure No.19), Josadang Wall Painting (National Treasure No.46) and the Stone Lantern (National Treasure No.17) in front of Muryangsujeon.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Dongdaemun Dak Hanmari Alley is located near Dongdaemun Shopping Complex and the many restaurants have operated anywhere from five to thirty years. Before the restaurants, people working at the shopping complex lived along the alley and would prepare dak kalguksu (chicken noodle soup). Over time and as the economy improved, this dish became quite normal while the focus shifted from the noodles to the chicken itself. Now, visitors can enjoy this local dish in the place where it all started.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

M'amie Little Black Pot presents a fun-filled environment from the very first time you visit. Upon entering the restaurant, the feeling of a cozy, comfortable European home welcomes you with a small, exposed kitchen and the cooking area to the back. The immense popularity of M'amie Little Black Pot is characterized by its affordable prices, great taste, superior service, clean facilities, and warm ambiance. Salt is only used in making sauces and honey is used instead of sugar, for a healthier meal. Many people have already fallen in love with M'amie Little Black Pot as it serves a heartful meal with the warmth and coziness intended by its two owners.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Jeongnimsaji Museum is located in Buyeo, the last capital of Baekje, where the Baekje culture flourished for the 123 year long “Sabi Era.” The museum was established on the building site of Jeongnimsa Temple, which was a symbolic meeting place for royalty and a center for politics based on Buddhist morals. The museum highlights the Buddhist culture of Baekje, said to be the origin of Buddhism in Korea and Japan, and Jeongnimsa Temple, known as the culmination of Baekje Buddhism. The museum also seeks to emphasize the advanced technology of Baekje and reenact the Sabi Era using an interactive approach that relies heavily on videos, panels, replicas, and hands-on programs. Main attractions at the museum include the Jeongnimsaji Temple Site (Historic Site No. 301), the five-story stone pagoda of Jeongnimsaji (National Treasure No. 9) and the seated stone Buddha (Treasure No. 108).


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

The Meoru Wine Cave in Muju is surrounded by a beautiful natural landscape and various cultural heritages. The wine tunnel in this cave matures, stores, and sells meoru (Korean wild grape) wine, which is a representative local specialty of Muju-gun County. The cave is composed of the Wine House and the Secret Gate of meoru wine. The two-story Wine House has the Banditbul Agricultural Specialty Shop and the Wine Café that also sells traditional teas. The Secret Gate includes a wine café, wine tasting room, and a wine storage area.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon


Jeollabuk-do(Buan-gun)

Naesosa Temple was built by Buddhist Monk Hye-Gu in 633 AD during the Baekje Dynasty and was rebuilt by Monk Cheong-Min in 1633 during the Joseon Dynasty. The Daeungbojeon (the main hall) was built at this time. In 1986, the temple area (radius of 500m) was named a culturally protected area.On both sides of the main gate (600m across) are large fir trees, which also line the path into the temple. As you continue down the walkway, you’ll come across a row of cherry trees. Just before the temple itself, are four gods called Sacheonwangsang that “guard” the temple. Upon reaching the temple itself (just past the guards) the first thing you’ll notice is the 1000-year-old Dangsan tree. Long ago, people used the base of the tree as a site of prayer.Housed in Beomjonggak is a bronze bell that can be found in many Buddhist Temples. This particular bell was made during the Goryeo Era and is engraved with three images of Buddha, called “Samjonsang.” The center building of the temple, called “Daeungbojeon” is also an artistic masterpiece, decorated with splendid colors and designs. The flower Salmun doors featuring lotus and Chrysanthemum flowers add another element of traditional beauty to the building.Of all the temple treasures, Haewuso (meaning “a place that gets rid of worrries”) is not to be missed. True to its name, you’ll almost find yourself forgetting all your worries as you listen to the soft swaying of the surrounding bamboo grove.