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.


5.0/3
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Geumseonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Samgaksan (Bukhansan) Mountain, is within easy access from downtown Seoul. The temple is placed in a valley surrounded by beautiful mountain rocks and green pine forest. Geumseonsa Temple offers three types of temple stay: quality rest, Buddhist cultural experience, and temple life.  


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.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Hwasun Golden Sand Beach is surrounded by beautiful nature. It is close to Sanbangsan Mountain and the Yongmeori Coastline, and the islands of Hyeongjedo, Marado, and Gapado are off the coast to the southwest. On one side of the beach is a fresh water spring where people can enjoy a freshwater bath. The beach is located in Hwasun-ri in Andeok-myeon, which is easily accessible and has accommodations, shops, and restaurants. ※ Size - Length 250m, x_width 80m


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Jinju National Museum is located within Jinju Castle. After opening in 1984, it reopened in 1998 under the name of “Imjin Waeran Specialty Museum”. The exhibits of the museum are based on Imjin Waeran (Japanese Invasion in 1594), instead of having a purely local flavor. Jinju is the site of the greatest battle of Imjin Waeran, the battle of Jinju Castle, which is why there are many relics about the war at the museum, such as Chokseokru. On the 1st floor you can see literature, paintings and listen to music about the war. You can see the record of POWs and the progress of the war, in the point-of-view of westerners. The exhibited relics were excavated from around the country, and even include relics from Japan, giving you a more complete picture, and the theme based arrangement of the exhibits make it easier to understand the war as a whole. Along the passage you can see many items depicting the major events of the war. There is an exhibit hall called Du-Am Hall with about 179 relics, mainly paintings, pottery, and craftwork, which were donated by Mr. Du-Am. On the 2nd floor you can actively experience the progression of the events in the war. The relics are arranged chronologically, classified by soldier, class, and weapons, etc. The exhibit hall starts with the exhibit on the outbreak of the war, and ends with the book Ichungmugong, which contains the will of General Yi Sun-Sin. You can also see a large-scale model of Geobukseon (Turtle Ship), which was the pride of the Korean Navy at the time.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

“The Place Seoul” is located in a small alley in Gyedong-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul. It is a guesthouse made by remodeling an 80-year-old traditional Korean house. The ondol room furnished with traditional beddings is popular not only among foreigners but also among Koreans due to its special ambience. The ceiling of the room dates back to 80 years ago. The rafter put on the roof at the time of construction of the house shows the antiqueness of the house. The toenmaru (a narrow wooden porch running along the outside of a room) that comes alive with the frequent coming and going of people adds to the ambience of the traditional Korean house, with the Sansuyu (corni) tree and vegetable garden beside the Korean-style house creating a leisurely atmosphere. Beyond being a mere place to sleep in, “The Place Seoul” aims to be a composite cultural space whose motto is “the place to fill.” A simple wedding or a small-scale performance is held in the garden during the day. The rooms can be rented for small meetings. “The Place Seoul” sponsors “WWOOF KOREA,” an NGO promoting environment-friendly agriculture as well as the right dietary life, “Slow Food Korea,” and “Slow Box.” As such, the place serves a special healthy breakfast consisting of homemade bread, handmade yogurt, and organic fruits and vegetables. In addition, the toilet paper, detergent, shampoo, etc. provided are all environment-friendly products. “The Place Seoul” is located on Gyedong-gil Road, a famous tourist attraction in Seoul. It offers easy access to Bukchon Hanok Village, which is on the other side of the Gyedong-gil alley, as well as other major tourist attractions within walking distance including Changdeokgung Palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, Samcheong-dong, and Insa-dong. The convenient location of “The Place Seoul” makes it easy to tour downtown Seoul.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Hundreds of Baekje tombs are scattered across Buyeo. Among them, Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs, which are close to Buyeo, have been relatively well preserved and are fairly large in size.The Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs were the royal tombs of the Baekje Dynasty from 538 to 660 when the capital of Baekje was Sabi (now Buyeo). In the Baekje Gobun Miniature Museum at the entrance to Neungsan-ri Ancient Tombs, mockups and miniature tombs are on display with their cross sections exposed. Here, one can view all kinds of Baekje tombs including stone mounds of the Hanseong Era as well as those discovered in Buyeo.


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

Starting in 1989, archeologists undertook a 20-year-long excavation project at what is now known as the Wanggung-ni Historic Site. During excavation it was discovered that the area had been the site of the royal palace of King Muwang of the Baekje Dynasty from 600 to 640 AD. After the passing of the king, several key buildings of the palace were dismantled and a temple was built. Even today, the outer wall of the royal palace can still be seen, standing as a testament to the site’s unique history. Relics found at the site serve as important documentation of the construction of the royal palace and the lifestyle of the king. Significant discoveries at Wanggungni include 14 building sites (including Jeongjeon Hall where the king took care of political affairs and held ceremonial rituals), the site of the most impressive garden of the Baekje Dynasty, a ceramics workshop site, and remnants of a large palace restroom.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

In Dongbu-dong, there is a 8.35 m (27 4/10 feet) high brick pagoda from the Unified Silla Kingdom Period (AD 654-935). Each brick is 27.5 cm (10 4/5 inches) long, 6 cm (2 1/3 inches) thick and 12.5 cm wide (4 9/10 inches). In the past, it was 7 stories high. In 1598, during the Japanese Invasion of Korea, the top motif was destroyed and the structure was further damaged during the Korean War. The pagoda was repaired in 1962. Rumour has it that the pagoda was once located inside the old Beomnimsa Temple. The Dangganjiju, which is located 5 m west from the pagoda, supports this story. One can see the small place to keep sculptures of the god on each floor. By looking at these with the tiled roof, it is possible to see what style was fashionable. On the second story from the southern viewpoint, one can see the beautiful remnants of the In Wang-sang statue. It is conveniently located on the left side of an open space at the end of the parking lot at Andong Train Station. * Designated National Treasure 56 on January 21, 1963.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

Dangozai focuses on traditional crafts based upon nature themes. It offers diverse items that range from ceramic arts and interior design items to daily use dinnerware.