Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

Located about 12㎞ off the southwestern coast of Korea, Bogildo Island is accessible by ferry from both Wando-gun and Haenam-gun in Jeollanam-do Province. The island features fishing villages, hiking trails, beaches, evergreen forests as well as several historic buildings and gardens. Furthermore, nearby attractions include Nohwado Island, which is connected to Bogildo by bridge, and Suando Island. Surrounded by blue sea, Bogildo is considered the gem of all islands in this area. Island History The first people to set foot on Bogildo Island are Confucian scholars during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The relics of two such men, 17th century poet Yun Seon-do and politician Uam Song Si-yeol, still remain on the island. Yun had been on his way to Jeju Island when he stopped on Bogildo, and was so taken aback by its beauty that he ended up living on the island. He built and resided in the Buyongdong gardens, which have been well-preserved to this day. Uam Song had also been on his way to Jeju Island, when the boat stopped on Bogildo. Here, Uam Song carved a famous poem into a rock, which can still be seen today.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

The construction of this huge hot spring complex started in Yeongil Bay in 1988 after it was found out that the Yeongil Bay has the highest geothermal heat in Korea while drilling for oil in 1974. The water’s main ingredients contain healthy minerals such as calcium, natrium, fluorine, magnesium, chlorine, sulfuric acid, fluorine, zinc, germanium and radium. Yeongil Bay Hot Springs maintains its water with alkali bicarbonate at a pH of 9.43. The temperature of the water is somewhat low though at 35℃. The hot springs help to recover from fatigue, to help beauty care, anti-aging, neuralgia, heart disease, and liver functions. The water here also has a very unique texture.


Busan(Buk-gu)

Gupo Market is a big-scale traditional market located within the busy streets of Gupo in Busan. Gupo has been a trading hub since the 17th century during the Joseon period due to its location at the entrance of Busan that meets Nakdonggang River. A variety of vegetables and fruits are lined up past Ssamji Park at the main entrance of Gupo Market. The market alley displays a wide range of food ingredients along with fresh and dried seafood to choose from. Gupo Market is also packed with delicious street foods and restaurants, including popular local restaurants like Gupo Guksu Jip and Jangteo Gukbap Jip. The annual “Friendly Gupo Market Festival” takes place at the market place ever October, welcoming both domestic and international visitors.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)

Nadeul-gil means a leisurely outing (nadeuri) road. Comprised of 19 courses in total, the Ganghwa Nadeul-gil Trail offers a variety of historical assets and cultural sites to see. Each Nadeul-gil course connects Ganghwa Fortress outposts that are located every 1.3 km on high ground along the walking paths. The trails are on the island of Ganghwa which holds many Goryeo Dynasty remains that are important to Korean history. Fortresses that stood against Mongolian invasions are still standing and many of the Goryeo Kingdom’s palaces and royal tomb sites are also found in Ganghwa region. Exploring the major cultural heritage sites dispersed throughout the town can be just as fun as exploring Ganghwa’s natural beauty. The sunset on the Seohae (West coast), expansive open mud flats, views from Marisan and Goryeosan Mountains and the peaceful farming villages are just a handful of the sights along this walking trail. The establishment of Ganghwa Nadeul-gil’s begins with the ancient scholar Go Jae-hyeong (pen name Hwanam), who left his hometown Ganghwa on a spring day in 1906 when the peach trees were in full bloom. He walked through more than 100 villages around the whole island. Back home, he composed poems about his journey and published them under the title of “Simdo Gihaeng (Simdo Travels),” Simdo being another name for Ganghwa. During his travels, he sang songs of his home Ganghwa. Thanks to his work, people can now follow in the footsteps of Hwanam and his appreciation of the beautiful scenery and great people of Ganghwa Island.


Gangwon-do(Cheorwon-gun)

Located five kilometers northwest of Cheorwon-gun Office, Sundam (순담계곡) is one of the most beautiful valleys among the branches of the Hantangang River (한탄강). It offers diverse views of fascinating rock-formations, steep cliffs and ponds. The valley is filled with abundant water, trimmed by rare naturally white sand. Also, the stream behind the valley attracts many rafters each year.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si)

Hotel Ritz takes pride in its modern banquet halls, quality service, and well-prepared dishes. The staff is highly-experienced in hosting various meetings and large-scale events, making the hotel an ideal place for weddings, dinner parties, social gatherings, and other events. Hotel Ritz ensures that both event hosts and guests have a wonderful time and leave with long-lasting memories.


Busan(Nam-gu)

A representative international music festival of Busan, the second Busan Maru International Music Festival (BMIMF) is set to run for 5 days from August 30 to September, 3 2011. The festival will be held in various locations throughout the city, including the Busan Cultural Center. Hosted by the city of Busan and managed by the BMIMF organizing committee, the festival’s goal is to develop the regional art sector while building the grounds for forming a robust global cultural infrastructure. The word “maru” is a Korean word that means “the best” and reflects the goals of the BMIMF of becoming one of the most recognized music festivals both domestically and internationally. This year’s festivities, held under the theme “Musical Globalization,” include performances from 37 teams (500 participants) who hail from all over the world.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

Located in Oedo-dong, Jeju-si, Jeju-do, "Woldae," which means “a moonlight plain,” is a rock in a stream surrounded by densely-packed with centenarian pine trees and hackberry trees.Jogongcheon Stream is a special stream that flows through a valley year-round, which is particularly unusual in Jeju. The stream was named after that a relic, called "jogong", was transported from a government office during Joseon and Goryeo Dynasty to a nearby location. Tourist destinations in the area include Iho Beache, Yongduam Rock (Dragon Head Rock), and Yongyeon Pond. 


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)

Baengnyeonsa Temple is surrounded by mountains, as it is located off Yongmunsan and Myeongjisan Mountains. On each side of the temple, one can also find Unaksan Mountain as well as Cheonmasan Mountain. In addition, just behind the temple are Chungnyeong Mountain and Seorisan Mountain. This temple was built relatively recently, so there are little cultural treasures in places. However, as compared to the average temples in Korea, it is distinguished by its well-designed and refined architectures. The decorations in the temple are simple, with not too vibrant colors nor complicated designs so as to help in seeking peace and inspiration. The temple is also known for its hiking trails and beautiful scenery offered by the surrounding mountains.