Jeollanam-do(Yeongam-gun)

Situated at the foot of Wolchulsan Mountain in Yeongam (Jeollanam-do), Gurim Village is the center of ceramic culture in Korea. Legend has it that Wangin and Monk Doseon of the Baekje Dynasty were born in this village. Boasting 2,200 years of history, the village is home to the Yeongam Pottery Museum, which opened in April 2008 after renovating the previous Pottery Culture Center. The Regular Exhibition Hall displays the history of pottery in Yeongam, from Gurim Pottery of the Unified Silla Period to works excavated from kilns of the Chosun Dynasty. Visitors can also participate in a hands-on program crafting pottery and can purchase local products and tea sets at the museum gift shop. At the entrance of the museum is Siyu Dogi (pottery) Kiln (Historic Site No. 338) that produced the first slipware pottery in Korea; it was excavated by the Ewha Woman’s University Museum. The courtyard next to the kiln is decorated with ceramic chairs, tables, and pots. The museum hosts diverse exhibitions focusing on pottery every year. Moreover, the museum is close to popular tourist attractions including the Wangin Historic Site, Dogapsa Temple, and Wolchulsan National Park. Gurim Village also hosts the Wangin Culture Festival every spring when cherries are in blossom.  


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si)

Yeongneung (영릉) is the joint tomb of the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) and his wife Queen Soheon (1395-1446). This was the first joint royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty.King Sejong was the third son of the 3rd ruler, King Taejong, and his wife Queen Wongyeong. He came to the throne at the age of 22. During his 32-year reign, he was very influential in the development of Korean culture. For example, King Sejong created the Korean alphabet, which he called Hunmin Jeongeum, and set up the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon, 집현전), an association of the kingdom’s brightest scholars. He also used Confucian principles to administer state affairs. Under the reign of King Sejong, therefore, many sectors including politics, economy, society and culture flourished. In fact, King Sejong the Great is regarded as making some of the most brilliant achievements in Korean history.Yeongneung is currently located in Neungseo-myeon in Yeoju-si in Gyeonggi-do, but the tomb was originally located in Seogang, Gwangju. When it was constructed following Queen Soheon’s death in 1446, it was decided it should be a double tomb, and the space on the right side was reserved for King Sejong. In 1450 when King Sejong died, he was buried together with the dead queen. Later, the tomb was moved to its current place, as it was thought that the original location was not an auspicious place according to geomantic traditions.Various items that were originally buried in the tomb were excavated in 1973 and now are exhibited in the King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall (세종대왕 기념관), which is located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul.Nyeongneung (녕릉/영릉) is the royal tomb of the 17th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Hyojong (1619-1659, reign 1649-1659), and of his wife Queen Inseon (1618-1674).The tomb was originally located to the west of Geonwolleung (건원릉, the tomb of King Taejo, the 1st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty), but in 1673 cracks appeared on the tomb’s “Byeongpungseok” (stone border), and it was moved to its current location, which is to the east of Yeongneung (영릉, the tomb of King Sejong).King Hyojong was the second son of King Injo, Joseon Dynasty’s 16th ruler, and Queen Illyeol. Upon ascending to the throne, he devised a plan to conquer the Northern region of Asia, including the Qing Dynasty (part of China). As part of the plan, he reformed the military system and strengthened the army and military enforcements. King Hyojong had spent time in northern China when he was taken hostage by the Manchus. During that time he became exposed to many different cultures and technological advancements. When a group of Dutch sailors were shipwrecked on the Korean shore, King Hyojong ordered them to build the Korean army’s first muskets.King Hyojong also implemented “Daedongbeop (대동법)”, a tax system under which people had to pay taxes with rice, and circulated “Sangpyeongtongbo (상평통보)”, the coinage of the Joseon Dynasty.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , TheWestern Part of the Jeju Island

Suwolbong peak is a small oreum located in Gosan-ri, the westernmost point of Jejudo Island. Suwolbong rises 77m above sea level and the ocean-facing natural formation is surrounded by steches of green fields. On a clear day, the sunset from Suwolbong is comparable in beauty to the one from Sarabong.On top of Suwolbong is a small pavilion called ‘Suwoljeong’. The pavilion offers views of Chagwido (an island known to be the most beautiful in Jeju), as well as Songaksan Mt. and Jukdo Island. Next to Suwolbong peak is a mountain weather station that observes and forecasts the weather for the western region.Below the peak is a small Buddhist temple and ‘Eongal’, a steep cliff which faces toward the sea. Visitors can enjoy mineral water that falls freely from the cliff.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Jinju Namgang Yudeung Festival originates from the lantern lighting custom used during the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle of the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion, 1592) as a military strategy to prevent Japanese troops from wading the Namgang River. The highlights of the festival are the floating of lanterns carrying personal wishes of the citizens along the Namgang River, and the parade of lanterns created by the students themselves. In addition, the festival features gaejesik (lighting of lanterns in remembrance of the Jinjuseong Fortress Battle veterans), an exhibition of the world’s traditional lanterns, and many more participatory cultural programs.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Situated on the outskirts of a mountain behind Cheondong-ri (Danyang), Cheondong Cave is a limestone cave of 470m in length. Created 450 million years ago, the cave is known to have beautiful limestone rocks often called “flower trays.” The cave is decorated with a breathtaking array of stalactites, stalagmites, columns and soda straws as if they were part of a lush forest. Abundant animal deposits render the cave a huge specimen gallery.Although it is a relatively small, separate cave, Cheondong boasts plethora of splendid natural features. Along with Gosu Cave (designated as Natural Monument No. 256) in Gosu-ri, Danyang, Cheondong Cave is considered one of the most beautiful limestone caves in Korea. 


Chungcheongnam-do()

Beartree Park is a beautiful natural space in Chungcheongnam that is built to honor the Manchurian Black Bear and the delicate balance between man and nature. Indoor and outdoor botanical gardens, junipers, wild flowers, irises, and bonsais are tended with the utmost of care and visitors are given strict instructions on how to enjoy the space to the fullest without harming the plants or upsetting the animals. In addition to the stunning grounds that unfold new beauties each season, visitors to Beartree Park will be able to see a variety of animals up-close. At the Koi pond, visitors can buy food to feed the fish; at the bear enclosure, visitors can walk above the bears and drop down food. There’s even an experience program where children (and animal lovers) can take a walk with baby bears or feed deer by hand!  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Located in the city of Andong in Gyeongsangbuk-do, Andong Park Hotel offers visitors a comfortable stay in their Standard, Superior and Deluxe rooms with room types that include double, twin, and ondol (underfloor heating). The rooms feature luxurious interiors and elegant beddings. Hotel amenities include a coffee shop, a massage service, and a banquet hall. At the hotel lobby, there is a shop where tourists can purchase Andong Soju, Hahoe Masks, and other regional specialties of Andong. Breakfast is also available upon reservation (at least one day in advance).


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Suwon Station first started out as a non-express train station on January 1, 1905. Subsequently on December 31, 1975, a subway station was added. The station is on Seoul Subway Line 1 and Gyeongbu Railroad, on which Samaeul Train and Mugunghwa Train operate. On January 1, 1996, they closed down Suin Line and the Narrow Gauge Train Station was no longer in operation. In February 2003, a privately-funded station was established. A KTX train operating on Gyeongbu Line from Seoul to Daejeon began to include Suwon Station as a stop on November 1, 2010.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Chungju-si)

This festival showcases all of the world’s martial arts forms, as well as Korea’s traditional martial arts. This festival opens with the theme 'World's Martial Arts and Culture', showcasing demonstrations of Taekkyeon, Taekwondo, and Hapkido by Korea’s traditional martial arts groups. Martial artists from 16 nations have been invited to the festival, and will be taking part in demonstrations and performances. Programs have been prepared for non-Korean speakers and visitors will get a chance to try out many of the martial arts on display.


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

Cheongok Cave (천곡천연동굴) is a limestone cave that extends horizontally for 1,400 meters. Estimated to have been created 400 to 500 million years ago, it is the only natural cave located in a downtown area. The cave features ceiling craters, one of which is the longest in Korea, along with stalactite curtains, travertine terraces, stalactite cascades, and many other fantastic rock formations. It provides a grand spectacle for tourists and great speleological samples for researchers. As the inside of the cave is lined with over 20 types of secondary formations, such as stalactites, stalagmites, and limestone pillars, it is an invaluable resource for earth science education.