Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju is home to many temples and shrines, and was considered sacred by many during the Silla Kingdom. This mountain boasts nearly 40 valleys winding down from Geumobong Peak (468 m in elevation), Gowibong Peak (494 m in elevation), and other surrounding peaks. Also, this 4 km-wide and 8km-long oval-shaped mountain runs almost perfectly north to south. Namsan Mountain is a veritable open-air museum, with 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues, and 60 stone pagodas scattered across the mountainside. Topographically, it features nearly 40 valleys and is divided into the Southwest Mountain, a sacred place during the Silla period, and the Southeast Mountain, where many Buddhas can be found around the valleys. Najeong Well, at the western foot of Namsan Mountain, is the mythic birthplace of King Park Hyeokgeose, founder of the Silla Kingdom. The local Yangsanjae Shrine was built in honor of its founder who lived in Seorabeol before the Silla Kingdom was established. Poseokjeong Pavilion is the place where the glorious era of the Silla Kingdom came to an end. In the Southeast Mountain region, one can encounter the Seated Buddha of Borisa Temple, a 9-meter Bulmusa Stone Buddha Statue, and a Seated Stone Buddha at Gamsil Shrine. Namsan Mountain also features 12 treasures, including Mireukgol Seated Stone Buddha, a three-storey stone pagoda in Yongsangsa Temple, the Maae Stone Buddha in Chilbulam Temple, and others. There are also twelve historic sites, such as the site of Poseokjeong Pavilion, Najeong Well, and Samneung Royal Tombs, as well as nine local tangible cultural properties (Maaegwaneumbosalsang Buddha in Samneunggol Valley, Ipgolseokbul Buddha, Yaksugol Maaeipsang Buddha, and others), and one important piece of folklore material. Namsan Mountain is also famous for its scenic landscapes in addition to its cultural heritage. Numerous valleys, unique rock formations, and beautiful trails are abundant throughout the area. Many tourists say, “You cannot say that you know Gyeongju without hiking up Namsan Mountain.” Namsan Mountaint is a place where the scenic nature and long history of the Silla Kingdom coexist, and also where the aesthetic consciousness and religious traditions of the Silla people evolved into the artform it is today.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

The Homigot Lighthouse was built using bricks in a modern architectural style. This octagonal, six-story building is 26.4 meters high. The entrance and windows feature gable decorations, which is a popular Greek Revival style. The ceiling is dome-shaped and the octagonal plane gets wider towards the bottom. The light of the lighthouse can reach as far as 35 kilometers away. Because the building was built using bricks only and no reinforcing rods, it is recognized for its use of outstanding architectural technique. The ceiling on each floor is sculpted in the shape of pear blossoms, a symbol of the Joseon royalty. This adds to the lighthouse’s considerable value as a cultural asset. Next to the lighthouse is the National Lighthouse Museum.


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


Incheon(Ongjin-gun) , Incheon Center

Seopori Beach, designated as a national tourism area, is surrounded by a luxurious forest of 100-year-old pine trees. The moderately sloped, white sand beach extends 3 kilometers in length and 300 meters in x_width. The beach and the pine tree forest provide a great recreational area for the 100,000 annual visitors. Leisure facilities include a vast sports field, seaside playground, tennis court, restaurants, karaoke, bicycle rentals, and more. Visitors can enjoy fishing from the rocks on the seashore, swimming in the clean sea, and strolling through the pine forest to appreciate the scenic surroundings.


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si) , Yeoju

Situated in Yeoju, Gyeonggi Province, the Silleuksa Temple Resort (신륵사관광지) features countless relics and remains, awe-inspiring scenery, the Geumeun Sand Zone, and Silleuksa Temple. Silleuksa Temple is also referred to as the byeokjeol (‘walled temple’ because it has a pagoda made entirely of bricks). The pagoda was erected by the renowned Buddhist monk Wonhyo during the Silla Kingdom, and is visited by many who are drawn to the beautiful natural scenery along the banks of the Namhangang River, which is served by convenient transportation. Geumeun Sand Zone Shade is provided by the roughly 200 zelkova trees that are 30 to 50 years old. There are also washrooms, water supply facilities, and parking areas, making the area a good place for camping and swimming by the river’s banks. The area also features boating facilities and offers visitors the chance to collect some of the uniquely shaped stones that are scattered along the riverside. Along the shoreline, visitors will find a shopping center, rest facilities, a video arcade, amusement facilities (16 attractions in addition to a Viking-ship ride), and other facilities to satisfy the various tastes of visitors to the resort. Silleuksa Temple District With lodging available at the Silleuksa Temple Resort, the district is winning attention as a tourist destination, along with the tomb of King Sejong and the Moga Buddhist Museum, the area between Yeoju Bridge to Silleuksa Temple is an inviting place for romantic walk. There is also a natural reed field along the river, a putting green, parking areas, lodging, restaurants, local product stores, water fountains and a sports park.


Chungcheongnam-do(Yesan-gun)

Located 23km northwest from Yewan, the Chunguisa Relics Site was constructed in 1968 to pay tribute to Yun Bong Gil, who was martyred during the independence movement.On April 29, every year, an event to commemorate Mr. Yun’s patriotism takes place. His relics were designated as National Treasure No. 568 and now are on display here.


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si) , Icheon

Located in Icheon City, Gyeonggi-do, the Pig Museum is the first of its kind in Asia. Village chief and an expert of pig artificial insemination Lee Jong-yeong founded the museum in November 14, 2011. Some 5,000 pig-related articles from 18 different countries are on exhibit. Visitors can also enjoy pig performances and participate in hands-on experience programs such as making sausage.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Located at the foot of a mountain, Dodong Mineral Spring Park is 300 meters from Dodong Harbor. Located in the park are the Dokdo Museum, and the Museum of History, as well as a mineral spring. As the name implies (yaksu means “medicinal water”), the spring contains minerals known as effective treatments for anemia and digestive disorders. After tasting the healthy water, one can take a look around this picturesque garden park. There is also a cable car that runs from Dodong Mineral Spring Park to Manghyangbong Peak, and in good weather, one can see Dokdo from Manghyangbong Peak.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

The historical border of the Silla and Baekje Kingdoms, Rajetongmun Gate of Seolcheon-myeon, Muju was formed from a rock cave in Seokgyeonsan Mountain. The tunnel is approximately 3m in x_height and 10m in length, and divides the villages of Sindu Maeul into Dugil-ri, Seolcheon-myeon and Inam Maeul in Socheon-ri. During the Three Kingdoms Period, the rocky ridges of Seokgyeonsan Mountain drew the boundary of Silla's Mupung in the east with Baekje's Seolcheo to the west. Tracing the history from the Three Kingdoms Period to the Goryeo Dynasty, the cultures and traditions of the two regions were markedly different. If curious about the difference, one could simply stop by Seolcheon on market day, where the Muju and Mupung local dialects and customs can easily be distinguished. People used to cross Seokgyeonsan Mountain by a footpath along the rocky ridge to travel between Seolcheon and Mupung. During the Japanese occupation, a new road was created by turning a cave into a tunnel through the mountain so cows and horse carts could freely pass from Muju to Gimcheon. General Kim Yoo Shin from the Silla Kingdom, the hero of unification of the Three Kingdoms, often passed by the gate, later giving rise to the gate's nickname, Tongilmun (literally "Unification Gate"). The gate is number one on the list of 33 scenic sites in Gucheon-dong.