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).


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

This hanok (traditional Korean house) guesthouse is located in a quiet residential area in Sansu-dong, Dong-gu, Gwangju. There are four rooms in total, all with ondol (under-the-floor heating system). Seoseokdae and Jungmeorijae rooms can accommodate up to 4, while Jangbuljae and Ipseokdae rooms have a maximum occupancy of 3. Reservations are made for one guest, and guests under age 5 can stay free of charge. Each room has an attached bathroom and is equipped with a refrigerator. A common washing machine is located in the outer restroom. Breakfast features a pumpkin porridge made by the owner. There are no separate parking spaces in the building, but visitors can use the public parking lot nearby. Traditional cultural programs offered on site include natural dye, rice cake making, hand mirror making with pressed flowers, sweet rice balls/puffs making, succulent plant pot making, candle making, and fan making.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Jungwon Falls is located at the eastern edge of Jungwon Valley in Jungwonsan Mountain, Yongmun-myeon, Yangpyeong-gun. It is a popular place for tourists in summer, attracting the attention for its three-tiered falls (under 10m high) surrounded by cliffs with fantastic rock formations that look like folding screens, and a pond with an impressive depth and x_width.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

Batangol Arts Center is located in Yangpyeong. Because of the wonderful scenery of the surrounding lake and mountains, many people visit throughout the year. Batangol Arts Center is not merely a concert or exhibition hall, but also a place for visitors to participate in artistic activities and become artists themselves. It is a highly recommended place for foreigners who want to experience traditional Korean culture. You can participate in various activities at the art gallery, workshop, the ceramics workshop and the outdoor exhibition of the Batangol Art Center. One place you should not miss is the ceramics workshop. Here you can have the chance to actually make ceramics yourself. It is an interesting and fun experience for foreigners. After you finish shaping the mud clay, your work is completed by being baked in a traditional Korean pottery kiln. You can create your personal painting using the various dyeing materials. In the Hand-made Paper Room you can make paper with mulberry.Try making a card or a frame with the hand-made paper. It will be a nice present for friends and family. At the Batangol theater you can watch various genres of performances, from musicals to concerts. After seeing the artwork at the gallery, you can head to the cafe. It is a refreshing space where you can have a cup of tea while enjoying Mother Nature outside the window. The soothing scenery will x_heighten your taste buds and make the tea all the more refreshing. If you want to grab a bite before you leave Batangol, you can go to the Korean traditional restaurant, "Waegajip Bapsang." They have traditional dishes and snacks such as ramyeon and tteokbokki. There are more restaurants near the entrance of the Arts Center. 


Gyeonggi-do(Siheung-si)

Libera Hotel is located in Wolgot Harbor of Siheung which has unique relaxed and comfortable mood of west sea. Wolgot greets tourists with the face of fresh scent of life and has the sea and abundant foods. Traffic convenience is an option as there is subway train coming from Seoul.


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. 


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Discover the Scenic Wonders of Incheon: Wolmi Observatory and Beyond Wolmi Observatory: Your Window to Incheon's Beauty If you're planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, the Wolmi Observatory should be at the top of your list. Located on the summit of Wolmisan Mountain, this observatory offers panoramic views of Incheon Port, the Incheon Bridge, the coastal passenger ship terminal, and the surrounding islands. Reaching the top of Wolmisan Mountain is an adventure in itself. You can choose to hike for about 30 minutes or take the convenient Seal Car shuttle, which takes roughly 15 minutes. At the summit, the circular stairs of the Wolmi Observatory lead you to a platform with breathtaking views. Below, you can see the blue waves of the West Sea and the bustling Incheon Port, while a glance upward reveals the cityscape of Incheon and the historic Freedom Park. The observatory is particularly famous for its stunning sunsets and vibrant night views. The 23-meter high, three-story glass structure creates a magical atmosphere, making it a popular spot for couples and photographers. The Moonlight Maru Cafe, located within the observatory, provides a perfect spot to relax with a cup of coffee while enjoying the panoramic scenery. Nearby, you can explore Wolmisan Peak Plaza and Yepo Plaza, which offer additional scenic spots and activities. Must-See Attractions Around Wolmi Observatory Moonlight Music Fountain Located on Wolmi Culture Street, the Moonlight Music Fountain is a delightful evening attraction. Although it is not very large, the synchronized water and light show set to music is a visual feast. Operating from May 1st to October 31st, with regular maintenance on Mondays, the fountain's evening shows are particularly enchanting with their colorful lights and patterns. Wolmi Theme Park Wolmi Theme Park is a popular destination for families and couples, offering a variety of amusement rides. This park provides numerous attractions that cater to all ages, ensuring a fun-filled day for everyone. Wolmi Sea Train The Wolmi Sea Train is a monorail that loops around Wolmido Island, covering a distance of 6.1 kilometers in about 42 minutes. This elevated train ride offers excellent views of the island, Incheon Inner Harbor, the West Sea, and the distant Incheon Bridge. Wolmi Cruise For sea lovers, the Wolmi Cruise is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of the West Sea. The cruise provides views of Incheon Port, Yeongjong Bridge, and stunning sunsets. Passengers can even feed seagulls from the deck, adding a unique interactive element to the experience. Culinary Delights Wolmido is renowned for its seafood restaurants, with over 50 establishments offering fresh seafood dishes. A must-try is "Kalguksu," a handmade noodle soup. Additionally, numerous cafes provide the perfect spot to enjoy coffee while taking in the sea breeze, making it an ideal place to relax. Wolmido Island is a hidden gem in Korea, offering beautiful scenery, delicious food, and exciting activities. It's the perfect destination for a day trip, allowing you to explore and enjoy without straying far from the city. When visiting Incheon, be sure to experience the charm and attractions of Wolmido Island.


Jeollanam-do(Haenam-gun)

Constructed in the eighth year of King Gyeongdeok of the Shilla Dynasty (749), Mihwangsa Temple is located on the west side of Mt. Dalmasan (489m), the Mt.Geumgangsan of Southern Sea, and is situated the furthest south of all temples in the Korean peninsula. The beautiful sunset and the view of the graceful Mt. Dalmasan from the temple attracts numerous tourists. The foot of the mountain found behind the temple blends well with the suitable-sized temple and the appearance of Daeungbojeon gives out an aura of comfort and tranquility. The cornerstone of Daeungbojeon is carved with sea creatures, such as turtles and crabs that cannot be observed elsewhere. Moreover, you can enjoy observing various stone and statues, such as Gwebul (national treasure no. 1342), where people pray for rain during the dry season. Other attractions include 18th century murals on the walls of Daeungbojeon and Unginjeon, and Buddhist statues such as bosal, nahan, dongja and shinjangsang.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

Famous for its unique taste, gizzard shads are a type of Herring delicacy in Korea best enjoyed in the fall. Hongwonhang Port in Seocheon (Chungcheongnam-do) hosts the Jeoneo (gizzard shad) Festival every October for visitors to enjoy a fresh catch of this fish served up in a variety of ways. A number of popular dishes range from roasted to sashimi-sliced Jeoneo and even salads mixed with spicy marinated Jeoneo, cucumbers, sesame leaves, and parsley.The festival opens with exciting performances and a food-tasting event and ends with a spectacular evening fireworks show. Visitors can also taste a variety of other local dishes made with salted eel, dried seaweed, crab, and shrimp. Fresh produce and seafood will also be available for sale in the various shops and stands. Additional exciting events include contests for fish-catching, shell-gathering, fishing, and singing.


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

Once a year at Jindo Island in Jeollanam-do, the sea mysteriously parts and visitors can walk through the sea from the main island to a smaller nearby island. This phenomenon is due to the difference between high and low tides, creating a 2.8-kilometer-long road measuring 40 meters in x_width.The Jindo Miracle Sea Road Festival takes place at the same time as this phenomenon. Visitors can enjoy walking along the sea road, gathering abalone and various other fun activities that make up the festival program. The spectacular sight of the waves parting is widely known and about half a million visitors flock from all over the world just to witness this amazing event.