Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Namsangol Hanok Village, located in Jung-gu, Seoul, holds the Five Nobleman’s Seollal Feast to greet the New Year. Various events to enjoy the New Year have been prepared.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

The Ye-an branch of the Gwangsan Kim clan’s founder, Sir Hyo-ro Kim created this village Descendents of the family have resided in the village ever since. In 1974, when the Andong Dam was constructed, the village was moved from Ye-an Myeon, Andong to Waryong Myeon, Andong in its original form. Located between these two points are the designated national cultural heritage sites of Takcheongjeong Pavilion and Hujodang Annexed House. On display at the Sungwongak Pavilion Exhibition Hall are rare archives from the family’s history. Some of these documents on display include family records, estate documents and servant records. Among these writings, there are 7 varieties of ancient writings showing up in 429 pieces. There are also 13 varieties showing up in 61 records that are designated treasures. Takcheongjeong Pavilion The pavilion was constructed in 1541 by the Ye-an branch of the head of Gwangsan Kim clan. The pavilion is unique from others in that it is rather stately. It remains a highly treasured and important cultural landmark. During the Joseon Dynasty, noted calligrapher Ho Han named the pavilion 'Takcheongjeong.' Hujodang Annexed living quarters This house belongs to the head residence of the Ye-an branch of the Gwangsan Kim clan. The exact age of the house in unknown but it was built by Bupil Kim who lived from 1516~1577. This structure was built separately from the main house. The annexed living quarters were divided into interior and exterior areas. The exterior quarters were used for the male head of the household as a place for relaxation or social gatherings. The interior quarters were used as a place for elderly women or girls of marriage age to stay. Hujodang Annexed living quarters were exterior quarters.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Born in Ulsan, Oesol Choe Hyunbae led the 'Hangeul Matchumbeop Tongiran' (the Proposal for Unified Hangeul Orthography) and published many books in order to creatively promulgate Hangeul. Those activities contributed to the establishment of the Hangeul culture and the systematic approach to hangeul.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

Hongwon Port, located near Chunjangdae Beach, is a popular place for enjoying sea fishing and delectable meals of fresh raw fish. In addition to its culinary appeal, the port offers the picturesque scene of long stretches of shoreline guarded by two beacons in red and white.Located only 10 minutes away by car is Maryang Port, which is one of the rare places where visitors can see both the sunrise and sunset. Maryang Port is the third most popular spot along the west coast after Anmyeondo Island and Daecheon Beach and is particularly loved by couples. Though Hongwon Port is perhaps not as scenic as Maryang Port, Hongwon is bigger and has more fishing boats (thanks to its small tidal range), resulting in a livelier atmosphere and cheaper sashimi prices.There is also a beautiful camellia hill, called ‘Dongbaekjeong’ located nearby. When the camellias are in full bloom, short-tentacled octopuses are in season at Hongwon Port. However, gizzard shad is by far the most popular seafood caught in the waters off the port. There are even old Korean sayings that stem from the popularity of the gizzard shad, which is said to be most abundant and delicious in the fall. According to the sayings “In the head of Gizzard Shad caught in autumn are three bags of sesame” (referring to the worth of the fish) and, “The smell of grilled gizzard shad brings the runaway daughter-in-law back home” (in reference to its taste).Hongwon Port (along with Gwangyang Port in Jeollanamdo) is the prime spot for gizzard shad. Each autumn the port holds the Gizzard Shad Festival, a festival that has plenty of events & delectable fish dises. While at the festival, visitors are also encouraged to check out the Seocheon Museum of Marine & Natural History and Dongbaekjeong. The stuffed specimens at the museum are worth the visit and the view of the Maryang Port from atop the museum is unbelievable.Representative festival of Hongwon Port: Gizzard Shad FestivalHongwon Harbor hosts the Jeoneo (gizzard shad) Festival every October. During the festival fresh gizzard shad is served up in a variety of ways (including salads mixed with spicy marinated Jeoneo, cucumbers, sesame leaves, and parsley) and the village comes alive with fish-catching activities, performances, and fireworks.Jeoneo is known as a good hangover food and a good diet food because it is low in fat and high in protein. Also said to be good for the skin, this tasty fish appeals to a wide audience (as evidenced by the diverse crowds that visit the festival each year).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Galleria Motel is located in Andong Gyeongbuk. Near the motel, there is Andong train station and many tourist attractions including the traditional foods. Visitors will have a real resting and memory in the city of Confucian culture. Also, the kind staff who can speak English is available for foreign travelers.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Piagol Valley is located between Nogodan and Banya peak on Jirisan Mountain. It is named so because in the fall the leaves in the valley turn crimson red. It is also one of the ten most beautiful highlights of Jirisan Mountain. It is famous for its fall colors, but it is also a beautiful place to visit all year around. During the spring time, the royal azaleas cover the entire area, and in the summer the lush forest fills the valley. Its autumn leaves are famous enough to be used in promoting tourism in Korea, and during the winter, the snow-covered valley is also a majestic sight to behold.At the entrance to Piagol Valley, there is the largest temple in Jirisan Mountain, Yeongoksa temple, and other national level cultural treasures are found here. The valley is not steep and should be easy for anyone to reach. The path from the valley entrance to Samhongso is breathtaking. Samhong refers to three “hong”s (red) – Sanhong (mountain red), Suhong (water red), and Inhong (person red). Every year, the Piagol Autumn Leaves Festival is held here, and valley trail walk, local produce sales, and photo exhibitions, among other activities, are promoted during the festival. 


Daegu(Nam-gu)

A place that serves only handmade dishes with more than 50 years’ tradition. A Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles specialty restaurant located in Nam-gu, Daegu. The most famous menu is Pyeongyang cold buckwheat noodles.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Within five minutes by car from Jeongdongjin, the former set of the Korean soap opera “Sandglass”, is the magnificent Haslla Art World, a cultural park overlooking the East Sea. “Haslla” was the former name of the Gangneung area during the Goguryeo and Silla Periods. Made by the sculptor couple, Park Shinjung and Choi Okyung, the park is also home to Haslla Museum Hotel and Haslla Wedding Hall.Full of works of art, Haslla Museum Hotel is decorated with meticulous detail. It doesn’t have a mirror in the bathroom and there are no locks within rooms. The entire 24 rooms overlook the East Sea with elegant bathtubs. In fact, the entire hotel looks like a piece of art from beautiful beds to chic restaurant. Visitors like they are lying on art.Hangsang (literally “Always”), the sea café, provides visitors with romantic views day and night. Whether you are looking at the sky, ocean, horizon, sunrise, sunset, or moon, you will see nature at its best. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

Okpo Great Victory Commemorative Park was built in 1996 to commemorate the victory of national hero, Admiral Yi Sun-sin who fought against the Japanese in the invasion of Korea from 1592~1598.Admiral Yi Sun-sin torpedoed 26 out of 50 Japanese ships gaining victory in the Okpo naval battle.A memorial hall, shrine, tower and Okporu Pavilion are located at the commemorative park. The Turtle Ship, an ironclad warship shaped like a turtle, swords crafted in the Joseon tradition, and other remains are displayed at the memorial hall. Admiral Yi Sun-sin’s picture can be seen at the shrine.On top of the 30 meter high tower and Okporu Pavilion, visitors can enjoy ocean vistas as well as a view of Daewoo Shipbuilding & Marine Engineering Co., Ltd.Entrance to the breakwater is not permitted for safety reasons.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Cheongnyangsan Mountain Provincial Park was regarded during older times as a place where many famous high priests and scholars resided. At Cheongnyangsan Mountain, the Giam cliff forms 12 peaks and the Nakdonggang River flows through it. On this mountain stands the Cheongnyangsa Temple, which was built by Buddhist monk, Won-hyo (617 ~ 686.3.30) during King Munmu’s (reign 661~681) third year of reign during the Silla Period (BC57~AD935). There are also various temples, Gwanchang Falls, and many other attractions nearby. Behind the Provincial Park’s boulder is a monument with a poem inscribed on it by the famous scholar Toegye I Hwang (1501~1570) of the Joseon Period called Cheongnyangsanga. When Toegye was planning to build Dosanseodang, a school for the teachings of Confucianism, he had a tough time deciding on whether to build it there at Cheongnyangsan Mountain, or the alternate spot, where it was eventually built, on a decision made at the last minute. Aside from Toegye I Hwang, Won-Hyo and Ui-Sang (625 ~ 702), the Buddhist monks, Gim-Saeng (711 ~ 791), a master of calligraphy, Chi-won Choi (857 ~ ?), a scholar, and many others came to this mountain to cultivate their arts. Their presence still lingers in legends, being retold to this day. Osandang is believed to have been built by the disciples of Toegye at the spot where Toegye conferred with literary men, and is one of many relics found here, among them the Cheongnyangsan Mountain Castle, which is believed to have been built by King Gongmin (reign 1351~1374) of Goryeo Period, to escape the rebellions of the peasantry.