Seoul(Gangnam-gu)


Incheon(Ongjin-gun)

Located about 5㎞ southeast of Daecheongdo Island, Socheongdo Island is a quiet, little island resided mainly by the tiny population of elderly people. The only two fishing villages on the island are located on the other side of the hill from the ferry port. Island History The tranquil Socheongdo Island has a rather sad history. Some days after the liberation from Japanese occupation, three mines floated onto the shores of the island, one of them exploding on landing. The islanders began dismantling the remaining two as a means of fuel. After successfully dismantling the first one, the last one exploded, killing 59 people and injuring 8. There is a monument on the pier front in the main village that memorializes the deceased from the tragic accident. Meanwhile, it is said that the majority of the current day elderly population arrived on Socheongdo Island during the Korean War (1950-53).


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Located within a forest of 2.4 kilometers of bamboo, this festival is full of activities celebrating the beauty and function of the bamboo plant. More active visitors can test their skills during some of the festival’s scheduled river sports, such as ‘Log Rafting’ and ‘Water Bicycling’. After working up an appetite, visitors can please their palate with some of Damyang’s famous cuisines and other world foods featured at the Cultural Experience Center. For additional sightseeing opportunities, visit some of the other attractions in the area, such as the Damyang Soswaewon, Damyang Gwanbangjerim, Damyang Jungnogwon, Metasequoia, and more.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

Located in Hangu-dong in Pohang, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Pohang Ferry Terminal is where passengers take a ferry to Ulleung-do. Ferries leaving for islands are usually subject to frequent schedule changes due to wind, waves, and other weather conditions, so visitors must confirm the schedule in advance of departure. As there are no foreign language services on board, international visitors are advised to have a local guide or someone who can speak Korean. There are one or two daily departures for Ulleung-do. The distance is about 217 kilometers, roughly a two to three hour journey. When buying a ferry ticket, visitors must also pay for a terminal usage fee of 1,500 won and an automatic ticketing fee of 600 won (Prices are subject to change).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Maaeyeoraejwasang consists of a Maebul (a Buddha carved in a cliff) at the very top of 12 Buddha images carved in natural rock caves located in a steep cliff of Golgulam Rock of Girimsa Valley. A painting of the Maaeyeoraejwasang titled "Golgulseokgul" by Gyeomjae Jeongseon, a famous painter of the era, revealed that there was once a wooden room located in front of the Maebul, but today only a hint of the room remains on the rock. The head of the Buddha (Yukgye) is perched solid and high on the body with a clear profile of the face – sharp eyes, small lips and a long and narrow nose. In contrast to the three-dimensional face, the body is broader and flatter. The neck and upper chest sections have eroded over time. The folds in the clothing are nearly parallel, and the arm area has a v-pattern wrinkle, giving it a more realistic and three-dimensional quality. Around the head of the Buddha is a lotus-shaped halo, while the body is surrounded by a rhythmic flame-like halo. The Maebul is believed to have been created during the late Unified Silla Kingdom, as it shows similar craftsmanship to Birojanabuljwasang (National Treasure No. 995), which was created in the year 876 and is located in Chukseosa Temple.


Gyeonggi-do(Uiwang-si)

The museum features various materials and items like artifacts and vehicles from the over 100 years of railroad history in Korea, which started with the first miracle on September 18, 1899. The first floor houses a history hall and an exhibit devoted to items from railroad vehicles. The second floor focuses on electronics, communications, facilities and architecture, and items related to the transportation industry. The first floor also has a Railroad Model Panorama Room, which features replicas of the various trains that have traversed the Korean countryside, right from the first steam engine until the KTX. There's also an outdoor exhibit area featuring a real steam engine train, a presidential train, as well as passenger and cargo trains. The presidential train was introduced in May of 2015 for guests to enjoy.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

Sin Jae-Hyo (1812-1884) is a legendary theorist and sponsor of pansori (epic chant). Sin spent his entire life in Gochang-gun, nurturing many disciplines, who later became masters of pansori. He also compiled and edited six pansori madangs (operas) titled Ttoggi Taryeong, Bak Taryeong, Simcheongga, Jeokbyeokga, Chunhyangga, and Garujigi Taryeong.


Jeollabuk-do(Namwon-si)

Located in Namwon, Jeollabuk-do, Baemsagol is a 9-km grand valley, situated at the northern foot of Jirisan Mountain. Stretching from Banyabong Peak and Tokkibong Peak toward Sannae-myeon of Namwon-si, the valley is renowned for its beautiful autumn foliage. Baemsagol Valley is popular as a summer vacation destination because there’s always an abundance of water and forest trees. In the fall, the hills become ablaze with autumn tints, small streams flow over rock beds, and small pools of clear water from under the rocks give tourists a nice reason to linger. Other notable places nearby include Seonindae, Seoksil, Yoryongdae, Tagyongso, Byeongso, Byeongpungso, Jeseungdae and Ganjangso.


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Damyang Changpyeong Samjinae Village was the first Korean place designated as a slow city in 2007. Compared with the fast-changing city life, the village seeks a slow life, experiencing regional cultures and food, surrounded by nature. Visitors can make Korean traditional sweets & cookies such as Hangwa and Ssalyeot here.


Jeollabuk-do(Gimje-si)

Gwisinsa, located in Cheongdo Village, Geumsan-myeon, Gimje-si, is now a temple of the Jogye Order, but once belonged to the Haweom Order. The temple is widely believed to have been established by the great monk Uisang Daesa during the 16th year of King Munmu (676). However, some experts site the existence of the Namgeunseok stone animal sculpture as proof that the temple was originally the private temple of King Beop of the Baekje Kingdom. Throughout history, the temple has had many names—Guksinsa, Gwisinsa, Gusunsa, and Gwisinsa (same English spelling, different meaning)—but not much is known about when the temple was called by which name. On the temple grounds are a 3-story stone pagoda and some stone sculptures including seoksu (animal statues) and budo (a stupa in honor of a great master). Inside the temple are Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (Treasure No.826), Myeongbujeon Hall, and Gongyangjib Chamber (a chamber for Buddhist offerings).