Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Gyeongju was the capital city of the ancient kingdom of Silla. The city is often referred to as a “museum without walls” because of the many cultural relics scattered throughout the city. Almost everything in this city, from the streets to the mountains, is rich in history. Gyeongju has roughly 300 sites that have been designated as a cultural heritage, with some of them being UNESCO-recognized World Heritage Sites. The Gyeongju Special Tourist Zone includes the districts of Namsan, Wolseong, Daereungwon, Hwangryongsa and Sanseong. This area has a total of 52 cultural assets registered on the World Heritage list. Many of the hills are actually royal tombs and fields of grass used to be sites of ancient temples. The entire Namsan Mountain can almost be considered a cultural asset because of the many stone pagodas and Buddha statues that can be found here. The Bulguk district is home to many of Gyeongju’s most well-known attractions such as Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Gyeongju Folk Village, Silla Arts and Science Museum, and Goereung. In the Bomun district, there are plenty of recreation facilities surrounding Bomunho Lake. Other attractions in the area include Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park, Gyeongju World and Silla Millennium Park. [Gyeongju Special Tourist Zone] Areas included: Downtown area, Bomun Lake Resort and Bulguksa Temple in Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangnam-do Area size: 32,650,000㎡ Tourist Attractions: Bulguksa Temple, Seokguram Grotto, Daereungwon Tomb Complex, Namsan Mountain, Bomunho Lake, Shilla Millennium Park, Gyeongju World Culture Expo Park, etc. Gyeongju Cultural Tourism Website: guide.gj.go.kr


Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)

Seongjusan Recreational Forest (성주산자연휴양림) in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do is especially popular in spring because of its cherry blossoms and beautiful wildflowers. Also, the observatory on the mountain peak (680m in elevation) offers a great view of Seongju-myeon and Oesan-myeon, and it takes about 2-3 hours to hike to the peak and return. Nearby tourist attractions include the Seongjusaji Temple site and a coal museum (15 minutes on foot), as well as Daecheon Beach and Muchangpo Beach (20-30 minutes by car).


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

The Jeju MBC International Peace Marathon held in Hallym Stadium is organized by Jeju MBC and managed by the Korea Athletic Federation's Jeju Branch. The marathon provides a full course, half course, general course (10 km), and health course (5 km).  Visit the official website to register for the marathon.


Ulsan(Ulju-gun)

Relics of Park Jesang is also referred to as Chisanseowon Confucian Academy. Park Jesang, a descendent of Park Hyeokgeose, was severly tortured and then burned to death after rescuing two hostages taken by Japan, who were the brothers of King Nulji. The nearby temple and Mangbuseok have a folk tale regarding the story. His wife and two daughters died waiting for him and then his wife is said to have turned into Mangbuseok (faithful wife stone) in the eastern Chisullyeong Mountain in Manhwa-ri, Dudong-myeon. According to the legend, her spirit became a bird, and flew away to hide behind Euneulam (Bird Hidden Rock). After Park Jesang's couragous act, King Nulji gave him a loyal officers position as well as the role of godmother to his wife for her model behavior of wifely duty. Chisanseowon Confucian Academy keeps their ancestral tablets to honor royalty.


Busan(Seo-gu)

Sojeong Galbi picks only the highest grade meats for their galbi (short ribs).


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

* Geumgang Estuary Bank, a harmonic blend of the artificial and the natural * This estuary bank was completed in 1990 as part of an agricultural development project for 6 cities and counties in Chungcheongnam-do and Jeollabuk-do. The Korea Agricultural and Rural Infrastructure Corporation invested approximately 100 billion won for the project and the construction lasted for 8 years. The estuary bank can  hold up to 130 million tons of water. The 1,840-meter long bank serves a bridge that connects Chungcheongnam-do to Jeollabuk-do.Aside from being the source of water for agricultural and industrial use in Jeollabuk-do and Chungcheongnam-do, the bank also provides flood control for the area around Geumgang River. It helps keep Gunsanhang Port operational by preventing soil and sand from accumulating at the mouth of the river. It also prevents the backwash of seawater from causing damage to farmlands. Geumgang Estuary Bank has an important role as a tourist destination by connecting Gunsan and Janghang. * Plenty of attractions to see and enjoy* Geumgang Estuary Bank flows throughout many beautiful sites in Chungcheong-do. The estuary is now well-known as a bird sanctuary where the reeds and the natural habitat attract migratory birds, mallard ducks, swans, and globally rare species such as oystercatchers and Saunders's Gull during winter. An observatory was also built so people can enjoy bird watching at the estuary.Around the Geumgang Estuary Bank vicinity, nearby tourist attractions include the nation's biggest year-round sledding slope, a riverside amusement park, and the Geumgang Computer Game World equipped with about 80 kinds of computer games, making the area famous among kids and teens.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uiseong-gun)

Gounsa Temple lies on Deungunsan Mountain in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and was built by Monk Uisang in 681 during the reign of King Sinmun of the Silla Kingdom. Although the pronunciation of the name was never changed, its meaning slightly changed from “High Cloud Temple” to “Solitary Cloud Temple” after Choi Chi-won, a renowned scholar in the late Silla Period, helped to build two pavilions (Gaunru and Uhwaru) and renamed it. It is Branch Temple No.16 of the Korean Buddhist order, Jogyejong, and manages temples in Uiseong, Andong, Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Yeongyang. Befitting its meaning, the temple is surrounded by outstanding scenery on Deungunsan Mountain, meaning “Riding on the Clouds.” Quite isolated from villages, the temple is a very quiet, serene place. Gounsa Temple is home to one of the most cherished pieces of architecture, Gaunru Pavilion (“Floating over the Clouds”). This elegant pavilion is propped up by wooden columns, which are, in turn, supported by foundation stones. It looks as if the pavilion placed its feet in the water while standing. Among the many buildings comprising the temple complex, Yeonsujeon Hall is a unique building that was built to store Eocheop (the genealogical record of royal families) in 1774 (20th year of King Yeongjo). As a royal building, it shows the Confucian architectural style, different from other Buddhist buildings within the temple.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Goesan-gun)

The Sanmaki Yetgil (Old Road) is a 4-kilometer long old path connecting Saorang Village (located in Waesa-ri, Chilseong-myeon, Goesan-gun Chungcheongbuk-do Province) to the mountain village Sanmaki. Restored by retracing the old path, Sanmaki Yetgil is a great walking trail passing by mountains, streams, and forests. Most of the path is paved with wooden deck in the eco-friendly method to minimize damages to the environment and to maintain the natural look. The surrounding beauty is recognized as the best scenic view of Goesan. The natural ecosystem around Goesan Dam has been preserved in its original state.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Danyang is known for its Danyang Palgyeong (eight wonders of Danyang). The scenery around Chungjuho Lake, including Dodamsambong Peak, Gudambong Peak and Oksunbong Peak, can all be enjoyed from a ferry cruise. The meandering stream and the majestic view of Sainam Rock and Sangseonam Rock create a soothing, tranquil ambience. Situated at the center of the Korean Peninsula is Sobaeksan National Park, from which one can admire the beauty of the Baekdudaegan Mountain Range. The mountain’s many trails that lead to Birobong Peak and to other peaks are popular among hikers. Darian, Cheondong and Ondal are great choices for family trips. These places are known for outdoor camping sites and drama filming locations. The Danyang Special Tourist Zone holds special events that promote the county’s nature and history. The Sobaeksan Royal Azalea Festival is held in May, while the Ondal Culture Festival takes place in October. Plenty of accommodation options and facilities are available in the area of Dojeon-ri, Byeolgok-ri, Sangjin-ri and Gosu-ri of Danyang-eup. [Danyang Special Tourist Zone] Areas included: Areas around Danyang and Maepo-eup in Danyang-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do Area size: 4,448,737㎡ Tourist attractions: Sobaeksan National Park, Dodamsambong Peak, Sainam Rock, Gosu Cave, Buddhist Museum of the Cheontae Order, Daeseongsan Natural Recreation Forest, etc.