Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Asiana International Short Film Festival (AISFF) is the first and biggest international competitive short film festival. Over the years, it has received thousands of submissions from around the world, and screened hundreds of them. A highlight of the AISFF is the "In The Air" program, which determines films to play on Asiana Airlines flights. Furthermore, AISFF has established a fund to support short film production and industry leader development.


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si) , Ilsan

First built in 132 during the Baekje Era (BC 18-AD 660), Bukhansanseong Fortress, located inside Bukhansan Mountain National Park, was rebuilt as a stone fortress in 1711, during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The walls are 7 meters high, and 8km long. Bukhansanseong Fortress functioned as resting place for kings in emergencies when they had to abandon their palaces in the capital city and retreat. Therefore, Bukhansanseong Fortress was built to stand totally independent of the capital city.There are 15 gates to guard the fortress. With its 120 rooms, it was not as magnificent as the king’s palace, but enough for an emergency mountain palace. Especially making use of the ridgeline continuing on south from Baegundae Peak, Bukhansanseong Fortress was built to take advantage of the rough terrain and the cliffs of its surrounding area.The fortress has the fortification style representative of the Joseon Period, and its traditional architecture blends in beautifully with Bukhansan's scenery, famous for its lovely granite shapes. The fortress enclosure allows you to follow its walls on a leisurely walk. In the fall, the leaves turning color on the mountain make the fortress very picturesque.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Located in Gurye, southwest part of Jirisan Mountain, and built during the Unified Silla Period, Cheoneunsa Temple is a branch temple of Hwaeomsa, and is one of the three great Buddhist temples on Jirisan Mountain. Situated on the sunny side of the mountain, water flows from the deep valleys just next to the temple and a majestic peak softly embraces the temple.Cheoneunsa Temple is believed to have been built by Monk Deokun from India in 828 A.D. during the 3rd year of King Heungdeok. Because it initially lay next to spring water as clean and cold as morning dew, the temple was also called Gamrosa, meaning Sweet Dew Temple. The spring water was rumored to clean one’s body and soul, leading to throngs of Buddhist monks to visit the temple. During King Chungryeol’s reign, the temple was named the Best Temple in the South.The temple was later renamed Cheoneunsa. Legend has it that while the temple was being rebuilt after the Japanese Invasion (1592-1598), somebody killed a large serpent appearing out of nowhere and, subsequently, the spring water miraculously dried up. Hence, the name Cheoneunsa, meaning Disappearance of Spring Water, was given.The temple is home to Geukrakbojeon (a Buddhist sanctuary) and a Buddhist painting called Amita Hubul Taenghwa (National Treasure No. 924). The temple is enveloped by an exquisite pavilion called Suhongru and Iljumun Gate. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gimcheon-si)

Jikjisa, located in Hwangak Mountain, Daehang-myeon, Gimcheon-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do, has a temple stay program which offers an opportunity for busy urbanites to relax and have some quality time for themselves. The temple stay includes learning temple etiquette, yebul (Buddhist service), 108 prostrations, talks with a monk, lecture on Buddhist culture, chamseon (Zen meditation), and barugongyang (formal monastic meal). Unique to the temple is an early morning walk to Hwanhuidae through which you may look deep down your heart and clear out all your afflictions.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Jinju-si)

Cheonhwang Sikdang is located near Jungangsijang. It is a Korean-style house that has been remodeled into a great restaurant. Since this restaurant has been around for three generations, it is well-known in the Jinju area. The atmosphere of this restaurant blends well with the wooden facade and jar stand. Recommended dishes are Yukhoe Bibimbap and Seoksoe Sobulgogi, which draw many customers.


Seoul(Songpa-gu)

This place is famous for its Namwon-style crushed loach soup that was enjoyed by commoners in the olden days. Your mouth waters as boiling crushed loach soup in an earthen bowl is put on the table. With chopped hot chili peppers from Cheongyang and Chinese pepper flour, you can enjoy the taste of hot and spicy crushed loach soup. *Best Korean Restaurants As Designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

The Pyeongchang Trout Festival takes place during winter in the town of Jinbu-myeon in Pyeongchang-gun district. Visitors to the festival can enjoy a variety of programs including ice and lure fishing for trout, snow programs, ice programs, folk programs, and more. There will also be traditional folk games including sledding and top spinning, and visitors can try out sports such as riding 4-wheel ATVs, snow rafting, sleigh trains. Any trout caught from ice fishing and lure fishing can be prepared right away at a nearby restaurant.Trout farming first started in Pyeongchang due to its cold, clear waters. Trout offer plenty of nutrition, and their natural taste makes them delicious when eaten raw.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Cheokjudonghaebi Monument Erected by Heo Mok, the governor of Samcheok City during the second year of King Hyeonjeong's reign (1661), Cheokjudonghaebi Monument is 170㎝ tall. It was originally built to protect the village on Malli-do Island that had been frequently inundated by heavy rain and rough waves. It is believed that the mystical inscription, penned by Heo Mok, on the monument calmed the rough sea waves. Today, the monument stands to prove the wisdom and distinguished penmanship of the former Samcheok City Governor. Daehanpyeongsutochanbi Monument Daehanpyeongsutochan-bi Monument is 145㎝ tall. It was erected by Heo Mok's successor and former governor of Samcheok City Jung Un-cheol in reverence for his wise forebear. The monument contains 48 ancient Chinese characters that describe many achievements of Heo Mok's.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, rising just 510 meters above sea level, but the mountain has long been deemed as a spiritual guardian of the Yeosu peninsula. During the old days, people held rituals for rain or offered wishful prayers here. Geumseongdae and Dosolam Hermitage are two Buddhist places of worship on the mountain. As Yeongchwisan Mountain is not very tall, taking any hiking course will lead you to the peak within about four hours. The mountain is a perfect place for family travelers to go hiking. Yeongchwisan Mountain is also widely known as the first place in Korea where azaleas begin to bloom in the spring, and is one of the top three most famous places in Korea for azalea blossoms. In April each year, the azalea festival is held in the mountain. The festival offers a variety of programs including a ritual for the god of the mountain, a writing contest for students, a photo contest, and Miss Azalea beauty pageant. During the festival, visitors can enjoy various events and local foods.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

On the bus from Gyeongju to Bonggil-ri, the sight of the vast blue sea spread before your eyes will leave you breathless. As you gaze at the glittering blue sea, a small but particularly beautiful islet catches your eye. This little rocky islet is the Underwater Tomb of King Munmu (661-681 A.D.), who unified the three kingdoms and became the 30th ruler of the Silla Kingdom. The king gave specific instructions to be buried in the East Sea after his death so that he would become a dragon and protect Silla from Japanese intruders. The rocky island, about 200m in circumference, is divided by a cross-shaped waterway, forming a pool at the center, at the bottom of which is a granite 3.6 meters long, 2.9 meters wide and 0.9 meters thick. Legend has it that the remains of King Munmu’s cremated body are buried under this rock. Historians still debate whether the ashes of the King Munmu were scattered or stored in an urn and placed under the granite. The beauty of the landscape of the underwater tomb reaches its peak in autumn.