Jeollabuk-do(Namwon-si)

The Silsangsa Temple was constructed by monk Jeunggak, as one of nine special temples in the year 828. The temple was established because of the theory of divination, based on topology. The belief held that Korea’s good spirit would be taken away to Japan, bringing bad luck if the temple was not constructed on this particular location. The temple was reconstructed in the 26th year of Joseon Sukjong’s reign (1700) after it was completely destroyed by the Japanese invasion in 1597. However, it was almost burnt down in the 19th year of King Gojong’s reign (1882). It is presently preserved just as it belonged to the Unified Silla Kingdom, with its three-story pagoda and its 11 treasures with a total of 17 cultural assets. The entrance of the temple lies in the middle of a rice field and the temple has a pastoral view, surrounded by trees. From the entrance, you can cross the half-moon shaped stone bridge, and just beyond that a remarkable totem pole.


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Chuwolsan Mountain’s Yak Dasik (“yak” meaning “medicinal” in Korean) is Damyang’s traditional candy made of medicinal wild fruits and herbs. Dasik is a pattern-pressed candy made of fruit/herb powder, rice powder, honey, and other ingredients. In order to get the fruit/herb powder, ingredients must go through a long process of drying, boiling, steaming, and stirring. It’s a time intensive process that produces a unique and delicious Korean snack. Chuwolsan Mountain Dasik are typically flavored and decorated with jujubes, pine nuts, and so on. While eating the dasik, you will taste different flavors—sweet, sour, bitter, and nutty—and you’ll even smell the aromas of each of the different kinds as you chew! Chuwolsan Mountain’s Yak Dasik are naturally and brilliantly colored by wild fruits and herbs and have medicinal effects. Each of the different colors of Yak Dasik represent each season. More importantly, the candies preserve the values of nature and traditions of Korean ancestors.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

One of the magnificent sights here is the breathtaking combination of bizarre rocks and the stratified bluffs of Deungdaeseom (Lighthouse Island) and Somaemuldo Island. At low tide, one can walk from one island the other. Yong Bawi (Dragon Rock), Buchudae Bawi (Buddha Rock), Geobuk Bawi (Turtle Rock), Chotdae Bawi (Candlestick Rock) and Geulssingi Cave are absolute masterpieces created by Mother Nature. Another must-see is the view of Somaemuldo Island from Deungdaeseom Island. From there, the rock formations look like a sitting dinosaur. Nammae Bawi (brother and sister rock) is made up of two rocks, one at the top and the other at the bottom. The name of the rock was inspired by a folk tale of a twin brother and sister. The upper rock is also known as Sut Bawi (charcoal rock) as it is bigger and darker than the other, while the bottom one is called Am Bawi. Maemuldo Island's name originated from the fact that the area was one of the largest producers of maemul (buckwheat). Somaemuldo Island was named as such since it is a small island sitting right next to Maemuldo Island. In 1904, The Kims from Gimhae moved to the island from the mainland as they heard that the island was so abundant in food that no one would starve. The Kims settled here and established a whole village. A growing number of visitors come to the island every year to enjoy the picturesque view of the island. * Composition: 1 main island, 2 islets * Area: 330,000㎡ (including islets)


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.


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.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Located in Buam-dong, Jongno-gu, Zaha Museum is the highest art gallery in Seoul. Reaching the museum involves a bit of an uphill walk, but the breathtaking scenery that includes Bugaksan and Inwangsan makes it worth the effort. Opened on March 1, 2008, the two-storey museum exhibits experimental works of young artists. There are two exhibition halls and the small garden on the second floor has a great view of the mountains.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Goseong-gun)

Parkjinsa Gotaek in Cheonggwang-ri,Goseong is an old house of Miryang Park Clan which is #292 Cultural Material. The traditional Korean style house shows the construction method of houses during the late Joseon Dynasty. Three generations of Sungkyunkwan officials were born in this house in a span of 100 years. There is a red gate of award of the king erected at the entrance of the house to cite the devoted son. Usually the red gate of award of the king was erected at the entrance of the village to cite the devoted son, a chaste woman, or a loyal subject, and the Parkjinsa Gotaek is a rare case for which the red gate of award of the king was erected at the entrance of the house. The old wall of the house, which looks like a fossil bed, demonstrates the long history of the house. The well-tended garden near the gate will make you stop walking because it looks like something straight out of a movie scene. The scenery over the window from any place inside the house is as pretty as a picture. The rooms in the house are composed of 2 Anchae (inner buildings) and 4 Sarangchae (outer buildings). Both Anchae and Sarangchae are equipped with restroom and shower room. The kitchen is only in the Anchae building. Sarangchae can be used as one wide room to accommodate a maximum 10 people; it’s done by simply opening the doors dividing the small rooms. The house is used for paid educational programs of traditional tea ceremony and etiquette. The old warehouse has been remolded to be a classroom for tea ceremony classes. The place is also used as a place for events; it’s equipped with a beam projector and sound equipment for hosting seminars, workshops, etc. There is a tea ceremony room made by remodeling a building attached to Sarangchae where you can learn the wisdom of ancestors over a warm tea.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Relax your mind and body with a cup of tea Tea therapy is used to relieve the symptoms of diseases or boost one's energy with teas. In the Medicinal Herb Tea Therapy Center, visitors can enjoy teas made with medicinal herbs and can experience aromatherapy by checking their physical condition with aromas. An aroma foot massage and making medicinal herb teas are recommended as well.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Boeun-gun)

With Songnisan National Park at its center, Songnisan Special Tourist Zone offers picturesque scenery and cozy resorts. 1,058 m above sea level, Songnisan Mountain is one of the 8 scenic wonders in Korea, and its steep peaks and deep valleys create a fascinating view. A variety of hiking trails that set out from Beobjusa Temple offer superb mountain scenery from every angle. A tourism complex around Songnisan National Park offers various types of accommodations, and the area's sites, such as Beobjusa Temple, Eunpok-dong Valley, Mansu Valley and Solhyang Park are not to be missed. In fact, the mountain is a habitat for rare animals and plants, including flying squirrels and Berchemia Berchemiaefolia, and is called a “treasure house of natural resources.” The convenient accessibility should be noted as well. The highway between Dangjin and Yeongdeok goes through the zone, and it takes only 30 minutes from Cheongju International Airport. This helps foreign tourists from China, Taiwan and Singapore as well as Korean visitors to easily access the zone. Ssangok information center, Hwayang information center, Beobjusa information center in Boeun-gun County, Chungcheongbuk-do Province or Hwabuk information center in Sangju-si City, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province provide all the information needed to fully enjoy Songnisan National Park. A variety of events, including the Songni Festival, the Songnisan Maple Music Festival and the Songnisan Hiking Festival, are held every year, and the largest number of tourists visit in autumn to appreciate a view of the mountain tinged with red. * Current State of Songnisan Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Areas around Sangpan, Jungpan, Galmok and Sanae-ri, Songnisan-myeon, Boeun-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do 2) Area: 43,745,528㎡ * Tourist Attractions Seowon Valley, Beopjusa Temple, Mansu Valley, Hwayanggugok Valley, Songnisan Mountain Cheonwangbong Peak, Munjangdae Peak, Samnyeonsanseong Fortress, Pine Tree Perfume Park, etc.