Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gimcheon-si)

Jikjisa Temple (직지사), located at the foot of Mt. Hwangaksan in Gimcheon, Gyeongsangbuk-do, was constructed in 418 (the 2nd year of King Nulji’s reign, Silla Kingdom). This temple is in perfect harmony with the nearby valley and pine forest. The foliage in fall is particularly breathtaking. It features Birojeon Hall (also known as ‘Cheonbuljeon Hall’), in which approximately 1,000 Buddha statues are enshrined, along with a thousand year old arrowroot. Iljumun Gate, Daeungjeon Hall (one of the most famous architectural structures of the Joseon Dynasty) and a 1.63m-tall Seated Stone Buddhist Statue (Treasures No. 319) from the Unified Silla Period, can also be found on the temple grounds.* Hwangaksan MountainMt. Hwangaksan (1,111m in elevation), located in the Sobaeksan Mountains, should be called ‘Hwanghaksan’ because of the many cranes that reside on this mountain. However, it is written as ‘Hwangaksan’ on the Jikjisa Temple tablet and in the Taengniji Records (택리지). This mountain is famous for its thick pine forests, pristine streams, beautiful fall foliage and splendid snowscapes.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

The House of Choi Champan is known as the setting of the famous novel ‘Toji’ (‘The Land’) by noted author Park Gyeong-ri. Located in a small folk literature village in Agyang-myeon, Pyeongsa-ri along the Seomjingang River at the foot of Jirisan Mountain, Choe Champandaek consists of fourteen hanok (Korean traditional house) buildings.Also used as the main set of the drama version of ‘Toji’ (2004), Choi Champandaek gives visitors a look at the life of the Korean people in the late Joseon Era. The house has not only made its appearance in many films, but is also a valuable cultural asset of Hadong-gun Country.The Daecheong Maru (wooden-floored hall) connected to the Sarangchae (men’s quarters in a hanok) offers a wide view of the vast field of Pyeongsa-ri and an opportunity to meditate and reflect while appreciating the beautiful surroundings. Located in the vicinity are numerous tourist attractions including the Pyeongsari Literature Center, Hwagae Market, and Ssanggyesa Temple. In the fall of each year, Choi Champandaek hosts the Toji Literature Festival.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

The Gangneung Coffee Festival held its first event in 2009 as part of project in making Gangneung, a city of coffee. The festival celebrates the emerging coffee culture of Gangneung-si, which in recent years has welcomed in famous coffee chains and artisan coffee shops. The festival celebrates the scenic city’s past and present culture with a variety of coffee-related events such as exhibitions, photo exhibitions, coffee-making and coffee bean-roasting experience programs. Coffee entrepreneurs can also sign up for onsite seminars about the coffee industry.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Hotel Valentine is located in the most beautiful Bomun tourist complex, Gyeongju Gyeongbuk. This provides the clean and neat hotel-typed rooms and pension-typed rooms. Guests can see the beautiful scenery of Bomun tourist complex including Bomun lake, Gyeongju World, Gyeong World Culture Expo, Shilla Millennium Park, and can visit Gyeongjus cultural heritage such as Bulguksa Temple and Seokgulam.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Jukdosan, specializing in snow crab, is located in the middle of Daege (snow crab) Street in Gangguhang Port, Yeongdeok-gun. On the first floor, a large fish tank has plenty of snow crabs and fresh raw fish, and water flows like waterfalls over the glass windows of the second floor, giving visitors a cool and refreshing feeling. Braised snow crab and fresh fish are the main dishes. After enjoying the clean taste of crab, guests can experience another joy of eating fried rice with crab’s internal organs along with snow crab maeun-tang (spicy fish stew) served for free. Accommodation facilities are also prepared on the third floor. ​


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Located 87.4km away from Ulleungdo Island, and formed entirely from volcanic rock, Dokdo is an isolated island off the east coast of Korea bearing a latitude of 37°14' north and a longitude of 131°52' east. Collectively, both Ulleungdo Island and Dokdo once belonged to a country named Usanguk. According to geographical records, Usanguk became part of the Silla Kingdom (57B.C. ~ 935 A.D.) in June of the 13th year that King Jijeung ruled Silla. Isabu (a general and politician of Silla) gained significant strength during this period to overtake Usanguk.In the Seongjong Memoir of the Joseon Dynasty, there are passages by Kim Jaju describing Dokdo, which was referred to as Sambongdo at the time. Dokdo was initially called 'Sambongdo', 'Gajido' or 'Usando', but the name was later changed to Dokdo in 1881. The name 'Dokdo' was first used in 1906 by the Headman of Ulleung County Sim Heungtaek. In 1914, Dokdo officially became an administrative district of the Gyeongsangbuk-do.After The Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592, Japanese fishermen often came near Ulleungdo and Dokdo. Sukjong Sillok, the Annals of King Suk Jong (1674-1720), records that An Yong-bok went to Japan twice in order to protest against Japanese nationals trespassing into Korean territory. He asked the Japanese authorities to recognize Korea's sovereignty over these islands and to forbid Japanese nationals to sail to Dokdo.Dokdo is comprised of two main islands: Dongdo, or East Island which sits 98m above sea level, and Seodo, or West Island, which sits 168m above sea level, together with 36 smaller rock formations. Seperating Dongdo and Seodo is the Hyeongjegul Cave, together with Cheonsanggul Cave on Dongdo. Over time, other caves and topographic features of the island formed due to weathering and erosion.Japan acknowledged the value of Dokdo after the Russo-Japanese War of 1905. Japan unilaterally transferred Dokdo to Shimane Prefecture, Japan and renamed it "Dakesima". Several authorities in Japan have continuously declared their dominion, over the island, which led to diplomatic conflicts between Korea and Japan. Such conflicts have yet to be resolved.Presently there are security guards on Dokdo that protect several houses that were built onto the rocks as well as a small harbor. For more information on traveling Dokdo, click here!


Gyeonggi-do(Seongnam-si) , Bundang

Ugane Nureongso is a Korean restaurant specializing in hanu (Korean beef) that is cut at its own butcher's. The most popular menu item is the charcoal grilled hanu. The restaurant has several private rooms as well as an outdoor terrace.


Jeollanam-do(Jangseong-gun)

Founded during the reign of King Mu of the Baekje Dynasty (632), Baekyangsa Temple is located within Naejangsan National Park. The combination of the mountain and valleys on both sides creates beautiful scenery. Nature reveals its beauty throughout all seasons here especially the red maple leaves during the fall. Daeungjeon, Geukrakbojeon and Sacheonwangmun have been designated as cultural assets. Pass the wood path of lined-up white oaks and maple trees, through the entrance of Baekyangsa Temple, and you will first spot Ssanggyeru. You will appreciate the breathtaking view of Ssangyeru shimmering in the pond.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Known as the last untouched region in Korea, Donggang River is the best rafting spot in Korea. Starting from Daegwallyeong and running through Jeongseon and Pyeonchang to Yeongwal, the river has numerous rafting courses that flow with an abundance of water and wind past scene after beautiful scene. Courses generally have steep cliffs on one side of the river and banks of pebbles or sand on the other. The most famous course is called ‘Eorayeon,’ a name which has the connotation of a pond with fish that come to the surface and make the river shine like silk. As Donggang’s representative course, the course is said to take rafters over the entirety of Donggang River. The course is so picturesque that many people forget to paddle and just float along and enjoy the scenery.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

The 10-story Dongbang Hotel stands along the banks of the Namgang River, a major symbol of Jinju City. The unique combination of the Giwa (Korean-style roof tiles) building set again the larger Western-style building makes the hotel easy to spot.As the only five-star hotel in Jinju, the Dongbang Hotel offers guests a comfortable and elegant experience from the minute they step into the lobby. Staff members stand at the ready to provide assistance and the guestrooms offer a sweeping view of the Namgang River despite the convenient downtown location.Guestrooms include Royal Suite, Junior Suite, and Standard rooms. Standard rooms are further divided into Double, Twin, and Ondol (floor-heating & mats). Subsidiary facilities include a banquet room, seminar room, sauna, and a café as well as restaurants and sports facilities. Restaurants at the hotel have been honored by the local government with the ‘Good Restaurant’ designation.