Gangwon-do(Hongcheon-gun)

Hongcheon Ginkgo Forest is only open to the public during the month of October. This private forest was planted and has been maintained by one man for 30 years. He settled down in the area in 1985 with his wife who suffered from chronic indigestion. He started planting the ginkgo tree seeding on his spacious field after he heard about the medicinal effects of the mineral waters from Sambong Yaksu at the foot of Odaesan Mountain. The forest remained private until 2010, when its popularity spread by word of mouth. Since then, the owner has graciously agreed to open his private land up to the public for free during the month of October, when the whole forest takes on a golden hue.


Jeollanam-do(Jangseong-gun)

Jangseong Baegyang Maple Festival is held in the Baegyangsa Temple area of Baegamsan Mountain. Performances include "maple's harmony," "nostalgia 7080," and a music concert in the maple forest. Hands-on programs include hand painting maple ceramics, making maple bookmarks, and other exhibtions and additional events for visitors.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Situated 1,240 meters above sea level, Mt. Gaji is famous for its beautiful stones and rocky peaks. There are a variety of things to see on the mountain besides the beautiful stones. The delicious strawberries and mountain berries attract many people during the harvest seasons. In the fall, the pampas grass provides a spectacular sight as the whole mountain peak is covered in autumn’s colors. Mt. Gaji was declared a provincial park in 1979 due to its peaceful scenery, encompassing many cultural assets as well as tourist spots.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Daemyeongheon House is a modern hanok building integrating elements of European architecture. Its interior features design that cannot be found in traditional hanok, such as English herringbone-style floorboards and stained glasses. The kitchen has a well-preserved domestic furnace and items in the style of 1930s, exemplifying the unique atmosphere of this modern hanok. Daemyeongheon is also famous for its connection to Kim Gu (pen-name: Baekbeom), a prominent independence activist: When Kim fled to Ganghwado Island about a hundred years ago, Daemyeongheon was the place he stayed for about three months, and also a place where he presided over a village school. Traces of Kim’s stay can still be found in the building. Daemyeongheon House is made up of three buildings of the main building, a detached building, and an annex. The area that the guests stay in is the annex. The annex has three rooms, a central wooden-floored hall (daecheong), raised floor (numaru), balcony (jjongmaru), and kitchen. The restroom, which is also fitted with a shower booth, is located outside the building. Since reservations are offered to only one group per day, visitors have the house to themselves during their stay. Because of the building’s unique characteristics, guests are prohibited from cooking indoors; instead, guests are provided with a complimentary breakfast, such as bread, tea, coffee, and fruit. Paid programs on site include tea ceremony, azalea craft on traditional Korean paper, retro-style clothing rental, and photography. Guided tours are offered twice per day at 14:00 and 16:00. The tour takes about 0.5–1 hr and requires a fee of KRW 10,000 (including tea). However, visitors should check the date before their visit, as the guided tour is not available when there are any guests staying in the house.


Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

Within 40 minutes from Gwangju, Hwasun Kumho Resort is nestled in a greenbelt among Mudeungsan Mountain, Gwangjuho Lake, Dongbok Lake, Hwasun Hot Springs, Baegasan Mountain, and Jogyesan Mountain. The resort is one of the best hot springs and consists of spa baths, an aqua pool, outdoor swimming pool, cozy condo facilities and various recreational facilities. Also, the newly built Aquana Water Park attracts more visitors as a vacation spot for the hot springs. The water of facilities contains minerals such as lithium that helps neuralgia and atopic dermatitis. The resort offers karaoke, a bowling alley, a grand hall, a small hall, and a seminar room that is suitable for international conferences or various parties.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Bakdaljae refers to the steep hills dividing Bongyang-eup and Baekun-myeon in Jecheon-si. It has a legendary sad love story about Bakdal doryeong and Geumbong nangja. Jecheon-si uses the characters of ‘Bakdari and Geumbongi’ to promote. Iljumun Gate is set at the entrance of the hill to offer things to see for visitors. Also, based on Bakdaljae landmark project, it became a famous site for tourists.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

The Seocheon Camellia Octopus Festival will be held in Maryang-ri, Seo-myeon, Seocheon-gun. Visitors can enjoy the sight of blooming camellia flower trees and fresh caught baby octopus from the West Sea. Various events will be held such as baby octopus fishing, a Seocheon retrospective photo exhibition, local agricultural product sales, music performances, and more.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located at the Jongno-bound entrance of the Insa-dong main street in Jongno-gu, Seoul, Insa Gallery specializes in Korean traditional mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts. Popularly known as “Najeonchilgi” in Korean, the term, which refers to mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts, is shared in Korea, Japan, and China through Chinese characters. Various decorative items are embellished with mother-of-pearls and lacquered in various colors and glazes. Insa Gallery sells all kinds of mother-of-pearl lacquer crafts, including jewelry boxes, picture frames, plates, name card cases, hand mirrors, key chains, and other portable accessories. The products on sale range from traditional motifs to modern designs, such as wine stand. The store also carries specialized Korean tourism products that make for great gifts or collector’s items. Located on the first floor of Daeil Building, Insa Gallery is part of the shopping mall “Insa Korea,” which houses a number of stores specializing in traditional products. Thus, when locating Insa Gallery, visitors might find the address alone confusing. First, enter the shopping mall and look straight ahead toward the end of the central hallway, and you will find the store filled with glittering mother-of-pearl lacquer products.


Daegu(Dong-gu)

The Hotel Airport is located at the site of the old Daegu airport and offers a variety of comfortable rooms, including suites for couples. Among the hotel’s facilities are a European-style restaurant serving traditional Korean food, Japanese food, Chinese dishes, and Western cuisine. Menu items are prepared with only the freshest ingredients and are served in a classy atmosphere enhanced by relaxing music. The hotel coffee shop, named ‘Cielo’ (meaning ‘Heaven’ in Italian) is another peaceful retreat where you can relax, unwind, and nurse a cup of coffee. The hotel also has a bar, a spa/sauna called ‘Air Spa,’ a beauty shop, and a wedding hall. The hotel’s comfortable atmosphere and convenient facilities make it a good choice for business travelers. Special facilities for business travelers include a business center and fax services (available at the front desk).


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort, which sits gently at the foot of the Sobaeksan Mountain, has a wide variety of facilities and amenities, and of course, a great view. The resort has an outdoor spa, a 25m outdoor swimming pool, ‘Aqua Play’ (amusement facility for kids), a kids pool where little kids can enjoy swimming safely, a ‘Bade Pool’ (a German high-tech water therapy system), and Yeonhwajeong, a great restaurant to enjoy delicious Korean food. There is also a great spot to have an outdoor barbeque party with your family and friends while enjoying the great taste of Hanwoo (locally grown beef regarded as a premium beef because of its high palatability and desired chewiness). Sobaeksan Punggi Spa Resort aims to be the No.1 spa resort for the locals as well as tourists. 123