Gyeonggi-do(Seongnam-si)

Manggyeongam’s name derives from the hermitage's view of Bokjeong-dong in Seoul, and is located in Sujeong-gu, Seongnam-si, Gyeonggi-do. Manggyeongam Temple is said to be the place where the kings of the late Goryeo and early Joseon periods prayed for peace for their subjects. In addition, Prince Pyeongwon, the 7th son of King Sejong, and Grand Prince Jean built a dais at Mangyeongam Temple and Chilseongdae and pledged filial piety. The temple is more widely known for its connection to the Chilseong faith, in which believers worship Chilseong (the Seven Stars). It is easily recognized by the written records inscribed into the rock wall. Located at the temple is Maaeyeoraejwasang (Seated Maitreya Buddha), an original work of the temple that is also designated Gyeonggi-do’s Tangible Cultural Asset No. 102. The Buddha is embossed inside a deep hole in the rock. In the words inscribed near the statue, there is also a legend that says Lee Gu-seung carved Gwaneum Statue near the Maaeyeoraejwasang and built the temple in 1897. Next to the temple is a pond called “Bokumul,” which means “blessed sugared water.” The neighborhood of Bojeong-dong takes its name from this pond. At the temple, Daeungjeon Hall (the main temple) and Samseonggak Shrine (shrine for three spirits), Mireukjeon Hall were all established fairly recently. The temple site also includes a huge Mireuk Daebul statue (Great State of Maitreya Buddha) and a five-storied pagoda.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The Korean Ginseng Festival is held every year to promote value of Korean ginseng, at the open square near Cheonggyecheon stream. Visitors can purchase ginseng products at a discounted price and enjoy the exhibits, ginseng market, performances, singing contests, and many more.


Jeollanam-do(Mokpo-si)

Mokpo is a special zone for marine culture tourism. One of the main attractions is Yudalsan Mountain, on top of which one can get a panoramic view of the entire city of Mokpo. The mountain’s walking trails are known to both locals and tourists alike as a place for forest bathing. Samhakdo Island and Gatbawi Rock are also popular attractions. The annual Mokpo Maritime Cultural Festival is held on Samhakdo Island. Gatbawi is a rock formation shaped like a Korean hat. From Gatbawi Rock, there is a coastal trail that leads to Gatwabi Culture Street. The musical fountain at Pyeonghwa Plaza is located near Gatbawi Rock. The Mokpo Wholesale Fish Market is full of marine products. Street vendors line the sidewalks selling hongeo (skate), which is a local specialty. Tourists can reach Yudalsan Mountain, Samhakdo Island and the Mokpo Wholesale Fish Market on foot from Mokpo Station. The City Tour Bus departs from Mokpo Station and takes travelers to major tourist attractions in the city. [Mokpo Special Tourist Zone] Areas covered: Area around Bukhang Port, Yudalsan Mountain, Open Port Zone, Samhakdo Island, Gatbawi, Pyeonghwa Plaza Area size: 6,894,968㎡ Tourist attractions: Yudalsan Mountain, Samhakdo Island, Gatbawi Culture Street, Pyeonghwa Plaza, Mokpo Natural History Museum, National research Institute of Maritime Cultural Heritage, Mokpo Wholesale Fish Market, Bukhang Hoe (sashimi) Center, etc.


Jeollanam-do(Jangseong-gun)

Known as the hometown of Hong Gil-dong (a famous robber known for his chivalry), this area, located in Jangseong, Jeollanam-do, also has a huge man-made lake in the south of Naejangsan National Park called Hangseongho Lake, boasting a fabulous natural scenery, as a prime resort area in Jangseong. Various fresh water fish can be caught here, making the resort popular for those who love fishing. You can go on excursions with motor boats, go water skiing and canoeing. Surrounded by the mountains, the resort has promenades laid around the lake side for relaxing strolls. You can also hike up to Ibamsan and Baegamsan Mountains, and take a look at Baegyangsa and Naejangsa Temples.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

The annual Suncheon Lantern Festival takes place around Suncheon Jorye Lake Park. Hosted by Buddhist associations in Suncheon City, the festival features a variety of Buddhist cultural programs such as a children’s writing contest, drawing competition, B-POP festival, folk games, pagoda circling, lantern and light balloon floating in prayers for peace, and fireworks show. The festival also screens a number of Buddhist films in celebration of Buddha’s birthday.


Chungcheongnam-do(Gongju-si)

The Guard-Changing Ceremony of Woongjin Castle with the background of one of the Baekje Historic Areas selected as the UNESCO's World Heritage Site in 2015 reenacts the service of the guards defending the castle, using costumes and props based on the strict analysis of the historical records. The ceremony is held every Saturday and Sunday from April to November except the hot summer season of June to August, and conducted every day during the Baekje Culture Festival in the fall. The event includes martial art performances and various experiences as well as the main ceremony, aiming at promoting Gongju-si, where the Baekje culture flourished, and its valuable heritage Gongsanseong Fortress.  


Gangwon-do(Yanggu-gun)

Soyangho Lake (소양호) is a man-made lake that was created when Soyang Dam, the biggest rock-filled dam in Asia, was built in 1973. The lake is a hotspot for marine tourism and the lakeside road is an important route that connects Chuncheon and Yanggu. You can travel overland for an hour to get to the dam or take the Kwaeryongho Boat (쾌룡호), a hovercraft that operates regularly on Soyang Lake, and get there in 30 minutes. The hovercraft travels by ejecting air against the surface below, sending up a spray of water on either side of the boat to the delight of passengers. Once you are in the valley, you can see fish farms floating among the islets. When the water level is high, you can travel on the lake all the way to Inje and Sinnam enjoying the beautiful scenery of Naeseorak. Both tourists and locals regularly make use of the ferry service.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

Dongho Beach (동호해수욕장) is located south of Gomsoman Bay, between the Byeonsan Peninsula of Buan and Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do. Skirting the 1km-long white sandy beach lies a green forest with pine trees hundreds of years old. The sunset viewed from the forest is particularly eye-catching as the soft pink from the falling sun covers the sky. The water just offshore is relatively shallow, varying in depth between 0.5 and 1.5 m. The high salt content in the seawater makes it an ideal place for sea and sand bathing. On the hill above the Haesong forest is Suseongdang, a temple honoring the God of the Sea, where the local fishermen gather each year to pray for big catches.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sacheon-si)

Located in Sacheon, Gyeongnam Province, and home to the huge Elephant Rock that resembles an elephant drinking water, Namildae Beach (남일대해수욕장) is a popular vacationing spot all year round thanks to its clean water and soft sand. The thick surrounding forests and Jinneol Observation Deck, as well as many fishing spots, add to its popularity. During the summer season, the beach is the site of both a singing competition and a film festival. Vacationers can also visit Changseon-Samcheonpo Bridge (창선-삼천포대교), the biggest bridge in Asia, and see Hallyeohaesang National Marine Park (한려해상국립공원) on a ferry cruise.