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.  


Jeollabuk-do(Jangsu-gun)

Jangsu embraces the spirit of Uiam Joo (“Red”) Nongae’s spirit, who gave her life to kill the Japanese General responsible for taking over her city. The city specializes in red-colored agricultural products, making it unique that the local legendary figure, agricultural products and regional specialties are all red hued. It is well known as a major producer of Hanu (Korean beef) and Sagwa (apple). Accordingly, the theme of the Jangsu Hanurang Sagwarang Festival is “RED,” the first of its kind in Korea. The festival promotes urban and rural exchange and high quality farm products and regional specialties. It also provides an opportunity for local residents to enjoy the fruits of their labor and share the joy of the harvest together. Visitors are sure to enjoy the array of cultural aspects of the festival, in addition to a wide range of hands-on activities and sampling local food.    


Jeollanam-do(Gangjin-gun)

This hanok (traditional Korean house) guesthouse is nestled in the folds of Wolchulsan Mountain, in Gangjin’s Dalbit Hanok Village, a collection of hanok houses. The treasure of this place is the view of nature: Sitting on numaru (raised floor space), which has an open view to the three sides, one has a view of the Wolchulsan National Park and the green tea fields nearby. A wide courtyard serves as the home of flowers and the playground of the puppy in the residence. There are three rooms in total, all Korean-style ondol (under-the-heating system) rooms. Rooms are decorated with folk painting, dried flowers, and old-style ornaments to recreate the comfortable and charming atmosphere of rural Korea. Sunlight and moonlight filter between the screen doors, making one realize staying in a hanok building. Dalbit Room has a numaru for an even better view, where one can enjoy a cup of tea while appreciating the view of nature. Smile Room has access to jjongmaru (balcony). Another important thing that must be mentioned at Dalbit Smile is its breakfast: the owner, who is licensed in Korean and Chinese cuisine, offers a robust table of heartwarming home food every morning. It takes about 5 min by car to reach Gangjin’s famous tourist sites like Baegundong Garden and Gangjin Dawon (tea plantation), while Wolchulsan National Park is reachable in 10 min.


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.


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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongdeok-gun)

Chilbosan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest is located near mountains and the sea. The observatory offers a great place to watch the sunrise over the East Sea and is particularly packed during New Year’s Day. Two trekking courses on Chilbosan Mountain and Deungunsan Mountain are opened for hiking lovers and a water park site which utilizes water from valley. Its regional festivals held in the area of Chilbosan Mountain Natural Recreation Forest are Yeongdeok Sunrise Festival, Yeongdeok Snow Crab Festival and more.


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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Hobakso Pond (호박소) sits on the hillside of the 885 meter-high Mt. Baekunsan (백운산) located in Milyang, Gyeongnam Province. The pond is located at the base of a 10-meter-high waterfall and is named after hobak, a grain-grinding tool. The circumference of the pond is around 30 meters and it is quite deep. In olden days, the pond was a spiritual place where people would pray for rain. Surrounded by white granite rocks, the area is a scenic place of natural beauty, free of any kind of pollution. Visitors can also look around nearby Baengnyeonsa Temple, Hyeongjeso Pond and Ocheonpyeong Rock. * Eoreumgol (Ice Valley) Eoreumgol (얼음골), or the Ice Valley, refers to the 30,000 m² valley area that stretches from the 600-meter level to 750-meter level on the northern side of Mt Jaeyak (also known as Mt Cheonhwang). In this mysterious valley, water freezes during the peak of summer and begins to melt around the end of the summer season, but never freezes during the wintertime. Designated as Natural Monument No.224, Eoreumgol is under the official protection of the government.