Gyeongsangnam-do(Sacheon-si)

Jeodo Island derives its name from the abundance of paper mulberry (a fiber crop largely used for papermaking) growing on the island. The Sino-Korean character "楮" (jeo) refers to paper mulberry, while "島" (do) refers to island. The native Korean word for paper mulberry is “daknamu”. Hence, the island is also called Dakseom. Hanji, a Korean handcrafter paper, is made from the inner back of paper mulberry. On Jeodo Island, one can get a glimpse of what daily life in a small fishing village is like. The island can also be seen just behind the bamboo weirs from Siran Dock. The view is a combination of a lighthouse, fishing site, lush meadows, and lodgings with the ocean in the background. * Area: 38,216㎡


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).


Jeollanam-do(Goheung-gun)

Victoria Hotel is nestled in a perfect area overlooking Balpo Beach. This makes the location perfect for getting some rest and relaxation between the beach and the forest. The crisp, clear air makes the moon seem brighter and more vivid at night. A surprising portion of guests are actually Russian scientists from the nearby Naro Space Center. The hotel owner's daughter-in-law, who speaks English, provides interpretation services for these Russian guests. When going out to the terrace, guests can hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and encounter other visitors out for a stroll along the path from the hotel to the beach. There is a total of 55 guestrooms, ranging from two-person rooms to 12-person rooms. Nearby attractions include the Naro Sace Center, Geumtapsa Temple, and a Bija tree (nutmeg tree) forest, all of which are worth a look.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Bangadari Mineral Spring is a crisp and healthy water source located in the woods off the Yeongdong Highway. The mineral spring contains over 30 kinds of healthy minerals including carbonic acid and iron, which are known to be especially effective in treating stomach disorders, anemia, and neuralgia. The 1-kilomter long path leading from the entrance to the mineral spring site is great for taking a stroll as it is surrounded by fir trees.


Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)

Situated in Boryeong (Chungcheongnam-do), Boryeong Coal Museum focuses on the history of the coal industry and its importance. Its indoor and outdoor exhibition halls display a wide array of coal equipment employed to mine and carry coal. Visitors can also see a video depicting the coal mining process. A reproduced mine is equipped with a tunnel (using the cold air from a closed mine) and decorated with photos on the wall of the tunnel. Reproducing the real process of coal mining, visitors may feel as if they are going up and down the mine, 400m underground. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (to 5 p.m. during the winter season); it is closed on Mondays.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)

Gayasan Mountain has easy and enjoyable hiking trails connecting Gayabong Peak, the main peak with other 5 picks and mountains including Wonhyobong Peak (677m), Ongnyangbong Peak (621.4m), Illaksan Mountain (521.4m), Sujeongbong Peak (453m), and Sangwangsan Mountain. The trails are as easy, and suitable for all hikers including the elderly, and young hikers. A distant view of the west sea is even visible from the top f the mountain. Gayasan Mountain offers amazing scenery all year round, and most notably in the spring, when azaleas, royal azaleas, and an array of wildflowers are in full bloom. The mountain also contains the Seosan Rock-carved Buddha Triad (National Treasure No.84), which is considered the best rock-carved Buddha from the Baekje Period. The mountain is also home to three Buddhist temples including Bowonsaji Temple site, Gaesimsa Temple, and Illaksa Temple. With 1 national treasure, 6 treasures, and 4 cultural assets preserved on the mountain, it is safe to say that the mountain is the heart of the Naepo Culture Zone (northwestern region of the province of Chungcheongnam-do), making the entire mountain a cultural asset.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

As you drive along the fantastic course from Chilpo to Wolpo, you will find a big sailing ship turned into a restaurant. Sarangui Yuramseon, which means the ‘love boat’, takes pride in its beautiful, wooden and boat-shaped architecture, and the breathtaking view. In fact, it is a well-known spot for about-to-be-married couples to take their wedding photos. At Sarangui Yuramseon, the modern interior, accompanied by the fascinating melodies of a jazz piano, creates an exquisite atmosphere. Note also that each season they provide a special event for their customers. You won’t need to go to a five-star hotel to experience fine dining. You can simply enjoy the excellent food and the impeccable service at Sarangui Yuramseon.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This 1.4m-high rock-carved Bodhisattva was carved on the southern rock standing right above Chilburam Rock on Namsan Mountain, which may be regarded as a repository of relics and artifacts including Buddha statues spanning the Three Kingdoms Period to the late Unified Silla Period. Judging from the three-sided bejeweled crown he’s wearing on his head, this is clearly a Bodhisattva statue. He looks as if he is sitting on a cloud; while the closed eyes in the plump face give the impression he is lost in deep thought. He seems to be watching mankind from his world above the clouds. He is holding a flower in his right hand and his left hand is held up to his chest as if he is preaching. His robe is very thin, revealing the curves of the body, and hangs down to the base of the pedestal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which consists of both the dugwang (light radiating from the head) and hte singwang (light emanating from the Buddha’s body), is also the shrine for the statue, so the image of the Bodhisattva looks more prominent. It is presumed that this rock-carved Bodhisattva was made during the late eighth century during the Unified Silla Dynasty.