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!


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Damyang, located in Jeollanam-do, is not only famous for its bamboo trees, but is also for its tteokgalbi, or grilled short rib patties. Tteokgalbibonga, known for its signature tteokgalbi, has become quite famous in the area. With its exquisite resemblance to injeolmi (rice cakes coated with powdered soybeans) and the way it melts in your mouth, it’s no wonder Tteokgalbibonga attracts guests from as far as Japan. Tteokgalbi gets its name from its resemblance to rice cakes, or tteok. In addition to its texture, its savory marinade brings out the meaty flavor of tteokgalbi. Aside from their main dish, hanu (Korean beef) tteokgalbi, they also have dwaejigalbi, bulgogi, and galbi tang available, served with regular side dishes of a Korean set menu, even including a dessert. Tteokgalbibonga is often crowded with customers that you’ll likely have to wait in line if you visit for during the evening.


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Cheollipo Arboretum located in Taean Coast National Marine Park was built in 1966 by C. Ferris Miller. The park currently contains approximately 14,000 different plant species, including some rare and endangered species. [Suggestion: Officially recognized by the International Society of Arboriculture, the arboretum is one of the most beautiful in Korea.This arboretum consists of 7 areas (ex: Main Garden, Dakseom Island, Sea Dune Area, etc.) on a 595,044m² (180,000 pyeong) of land. Almost 7,000 different species have been collected for nearly 3 decades. The arboretum also enjoys a coastal climate, and can sustain a variety of plant species from subarctic to subtropical environments. Tours are available throughout the year.The value of Magnolia kobus (1,800 plants in 450 species) and Ilex cornuta (400 species) received international recognition during the hosting of the World Magnolia kobus Seminar in 1997 and World Ilex cornuta Seminar in 1998. Additionally, thanks to the balanced and healthy ecosystem, a variety of birds (nearly 60 species per year) and insects also make their homes in this arboretum.* Capacity: 60ha, 7,000 different species (Native: 1,000, alien: 6,000)1) Buildings: 15 buildings (1487.61m², 450 pyeong), 3 traditional houses, 1 thatched cottage, 4 modern-style traditional houses2) Greenhouse: 11 greenhouses (3305.8m², 1,000 pyeong)3) Pond: 7 ponds


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Located in Pyeongchang at 700m above sea level, Phoenix Park Condominium consists of three condominium buildings and four villas. It also features such subsidiary facilities as a swimming pool, a bowling alley, billiards, an aroma therapy center, a photo studio, a souvenir shop and more, all of which are connected by an underpass so that the guests may use them regardless of the weather. Meanwhile, the Condominium has become a famous tourist accommodation after appearing in the popular Korean drama, "Autumn in My Heart."


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

The name of Heungguksa Temple means “if the country prospers, the temple does well.” The temple was established to pray for the country to flourish. Located on Yeongchwisan Mountain, Heunaguksa was founded by Bojo Guksa in 1195.Within the compound are other buildings including Wontongjeon, Palsangjeon and Daeungjeon (Main Hall). The temple’s main hall (Treasure 396) is open in its structure and equipped with Korean traditional doors. A Buddhist painting named Hubultaenghwa is designated as Treasure No. 578. At the entrance to the temple is a rainbow-shaped stone bridge called Honggyo Bridge (Treasure No. 563), which is widely known as a distinguished work of art.On Yeongchwisan Mountain, azaleas begin to bloom in early April and completely take over the mountain by the end of the month. Azalea blossoms create an extravagant view along the ridgeline of Yeongchwibong Peak (439m above sea level) and Jillyebong Peak (510m above sea level). During this period, the Mount Yeongchwisan Azalea Festival takes place.


Incheon(Ongjin-gun)

Yeonpyeongdo Island is a small island resided by fishing communities. Despite the tragic incident of November 2010 shelling from North Korea, this bucolic island offers many natural and cultural attractions. Island History The earliest known history of Socheongdo Island comes from Chungmin-sa Temple, which was built to commemorate the island's once abundant but now extinct fish species called Yellow corbina (Sciaenidae). This fish was related to the family of fish commonly called drums, croakers, or hardheads for the repetitive throbbing or drumming sounds they make. When the economy flourished thanks to profitable fishing, the Socheongdo port was congested with fishing boats, so much that it was said that one could cross from one island to the next by walking over boats. The species of fish is depleted, and the island remains as quiet with views of North Korea. In November 2010, Socheongdo Island was hit by the fatal shelling from North Korea that killed two civilians and two soldiers. In recent months, the island has made an attempt to recover its tourism industry and to develop security tourism by blending its newer military presence at tourist attractions.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Spanning only 1㎞ in length, Yonghwa Beach, located 24㎞ from downtown Samcheok-si City, offers a serene atmosphere. Its half-moon shaped coastline, together with the strangely shaped rocks on both sides, creates a beautiful scenery, while its shallow water and low waves offer a perfect swimming location for families with children. Moreover, there is a stream that runs parallel to the beach, and a dense pine forest behind it.