Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Naewonsa Valley is just below Naewonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain. The valley is surrounded by Jeongsoksan Mountain to the northeast, Wonjeoksan Mountain to the south, and Cheonseongsan Mountain to the southeast. The water running through the numerous valleys between these mountains has formed streams like Yongyeoncheon and Sangricheon from Naewonsa Valley which are the source of Yangsancheon Stream. Naewonsa Valley was formerly Sogeumgang (little Geumgang), meaning that its beautiful scenery is comparable to that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also known as the “mystical valley” as crystal clear water flows all year round. The word “Sogeumgang” is distinctly engraved on one side of the cliff and large rocks stand in layers throughout the valley. Some of the rocks are called “byeongpung bawi,” literally meaning folding screen rocks, as they are stretched out much like folding screens. The valley and the surrounding mountains are a popular summer vacation spot and a well-known hiking destination during the spring, fall, and winter. Muk (acorn jelly) made with acorns gathered from this area not only tastes great, but is also very healthy. Nearby attractions include Tongdosa Temple, Hongnyong Falls, Tongdo Fantasia, Tongdo Finest Country Club, and Haewoon Youth Training Institute. *About Naewonsa Temple* Located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain, Naewonsa Temple was is one of the 89 branch temples surrounding Daedunsa Temple, which was founded by the great monk Wonhyo (617-686) during the Silla Dynasty. Originally called Naewonsaji, the temple was burned down during the Korean War. It was rebuilt by a Buddhist nun named Suok in 1958 and it became known as the prayer center for the nation’s greatest Buddhist nuns. ※ Entrance into the upper region of Naewonsa Valley is restricted.


Jeollanam-do(Sinan-gun)

Jeungdo Mosilgil is a 42.7km-long walking path along the coastline of Jeungdo Island, the first Slow City in Asia located off the southwestern coast of the Korean peninsula. Jeungdo Mosilgil Course 3, also known as 'A Thousand Year Forest Walk,' connects from Jjangddungeodari Bridge towards Ujeon Beach, through Thousand Year Pine Forest, and to Mud Flat Museum.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jincheon-gun)

This gray heron habitat is located behind the Nogok Village in Jincheon, Chungcheongbuk-do. The Migratory birds roost on a 1,000-year-old ginkgo tree from March to October. In November, they fly back to their southern homes, such as Taiwan. Gray herons have migrated to this area for hundreds of years and the villagers from Nogok began tending to them roughly 100 years ago.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

The Lovely Motel consists of five floors above ground and 44 guestrooms, of which only four Pension-type Family Rooms are equipped with cooking facilities. The guestrooms are divided into rooms with a view of the sea and rooms with a view of the city. The interior of the motel has recently been refurbished to provide more pleasant and comfortable accommodation. The large restaurant located in the basement level, which is also used as a seminar room or workshop space, provides breakfast, but groups of guests are asked to reserve meals in advance. The entrance is equipped with a wheelchair lift for disabled guests. Guests can easily reach the seaside at Gyeongpo (15 minutes’ walk) and Gyeongpodae Pavilion by foot and can visit Gangneung’s main tourist destinations by public transport as a bus stop is situated close by.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)

Ganghwa Seonwonsa Temple Site was first discovered in 1976 during a surface examination around Ganghwado Island undertaken by the Ganghwado Island Academic Research Team of Dongguk University. The site was designated as Historic Site No. 259 in 1977. Seonwonsa Temple was built by General Choi Wu in 1245 (the 32nd year of King Gojong’s reign during the Goryeo dynasty), which was right after the transfer of the capital to Ganghwado during resistance against the Mongolian invasion. The temple was meant to be a spiritual mainstay in fighting against Mongolia. It used to be one of the two largest temples in Korea along with Songgwangsa Temple. However, the temple was completely destroyed during the early Joseon era, leaving only the site itself. The famous wood blocks of Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana), currently housed in Haeinsa Temple at Hapcheon, are said to have been originally stored in Seonwonsa Temple. It is believed that the carved wood blocks were taken from Seonwonsa to Heungcheonsa Temple during the Joseon era and again moved to Haeinsa Temple during the reign of Sejo. Located on a mountain slope, the presumed location of the building site extends 250 meters from south to north and 170 meters from east to west.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

"New Year Festival, Seol" is an event held by the National Folk Museum of Korea. Kick start this year by joining New Year Festival Seol. In celebrating the year of the monkey, the museum will present varied programs that are themed with monkeys as well as offering traditional folk experiences, Seollal cultural programs and a special exhibition. Over 30 programs will run for 5 days, offering plenty of opportunities to learn about Seollal customs and get a deeper understanding on the meaning of Seollal. Admission to the museum is free of charge and no reservation is required for most of the activites. Seollal traditions include fortune telling and wishing for good luck in the New Year. Start off the New Year with the National Folk Museum, and have a happy and abundant year. More detailed information is available on the official website.


Busan(Jung-gu)

“Saturday Traditional Folk Play” is a regular performance of important intangible cultural assets designated by the Korean government and Busan local government. The purpose of the performance is to introduce traditional folk plays designated as Busan’s intangible cultural assets to domestic and foreign tourists and promote the artistic superiority of Korean culture. The audience can understand tradition and culture specific to Busan by experiencing various folk plays handed down from generation to generation. In addition, the performance expands the opportunity for not only Busan citizens but also visitors to enjoy traditional cultures, paving the path for culture education to reduce cultural gap between generations. By integrating performances with tourist attractions, Busan will make a step forward as a famous region loved by domestic and international tourists.


Gyeonggi-do(Seongnam-si)

Hyangmihwaro is a restaurant that specializes in sutbul jangeo-gui (charcoal-broiled eel) and chamge megi maeuntang (spicy king crab and catfish stew). The broiled eel is available in two different varieties: salted and marinated. The salted eel has a distinctly clean taste while the savory marinated eel boasts a rich flavor created by fourteen different ingredients including dried red pepper powder, garlic, scallion, and onion. Chamge megi maeuntang, on the other hand, is a spicy king crab and catfish stew that delivers a zesty wallop of flavor. The stew is prepared by boiling seafood and vegetables with Korean traditional red pepper paste and sujebi (wheat flour dumplings).


Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)

Haemi Martyrdom Holy Ground is the site where nearly 1,000 Catholics in Chungcheongnam-do were buried alive during the time between the Byeongin Persecution in 1866 (3rd year of King Gojong) and 1882 (19th year of King Gojong). At that time, Catholics were executed outside Haemieupseong Fortress' Seomun Gate (West Gate). As it was difficult to execute them one by one, the martyrs were buried alive in a big hole all at once. When confronted with their death, the martyrs prayed while singing 'Yesumaria' (Jesus Maria). Because is also sounds like "Yeosumeori" (여수머리), the place was called 'Yeosutgol' as well.The 16-meter-high memorial tower was set set up near Haemicheon Stream to pay tribute to the nameless martyrs wo were buried alive. Many Catholics visit this location every year to remember and honor the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for their belief.


Gyeonggi-do(Gimpo-si)

The Gimpo Hyanggyo Confucian School is where the tablets of the Five Sages (Confucius, Mencius, Xunzi, Weng zi, Zisi), the Wisemen of the Song Dynasty, and the 18 wisemen of Korea are kept. The confucian temple had moved to Geolpo-dong in Gimpo before being relocated to its current site.