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.


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(Uljin-gun)

Surrounded by high mountains and cliffs, Wangpicheon Valley and the neighboring area have been kept unscathed for a long time. The area is now designated as Ecosystem Conservation Zone by Environmental Office, to protect the rare wild life flora and fauna.


Jeollabuk-do(Jangsu-gun)

Geumgang River is one of Korea’s four major rivers (Hangang River, Geumgang River, Nakdonggang River, Yeongsangang River). It starts from Jangsu-eup, North Jeolla-do. It flows northward and then changes direction in the vicinity of Greater Daejon and flows southwest through South Chungcheong-do before emptying into the Yellow Sea near Gunsan City. The total area of the Geumgang River Basin is 9,885 square kilometers with a length of 401 kilometers, making it the third longest in South Korea (right behind Hangang River and Nakdonggang River). The upstream of the river flows through the rugged mountains of Deogyusan (1,594 meters; also the root of Geumgang River) and Baegunsan (1,279 meters) Mountains. The midstream and downstream areas feature basins and fertile alluvial plains, so they were one of the first settlements in Korea and the origin of the Baekje culture. The estuary in the downstream area is wide and deep due to the continuous sinking of the West shore, so it offers favorable conditions for a river port and an inland water conveyance system. Geumgang River has supplied water for the Honam (Jeolla-do) Field and served as Baekje Dynasty's main source of water, running through the capital city then. It was an important means of transportation that allowed Baekje's culture to flow into Japan.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Bakdaljae Natural Forest is a dense forest where pine trees and bushes have harmoniously coexisted together with oddly formed rocks and strangely shaped stones for 150 years. At the top of Bakdaljae Pass, there’s a pavilion, a spring, a resting area, and a wood sculpture park. From the top of the mountain, one can admire a view of Sobaeksan Mountain, Wolaksan Mountain and Gamaksan Mountain.


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.


Busan(Gijang-gun)

Raw anchovy is the specialty at Haedong Hoetjip located nearby Daebyeon Port. While having raw fish, one can enjoy views of the sea through the window.


Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)

Muchangpo Beache Palace is a resort in Muchangpo, one of the most peaceful beachside areas on the west coast (yet to be discovered by many tourists). The resort has themed pools and a spa. Each of the rooms has an ocean view and the entrance of the resort is connected to the beach. During the summer tides, you’ll be able to witness the area’s almost miraculous sea-parting.


Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)

This fortress was completed in 1675, the first year of the reign of King Sukjong (1674-1720) of the Joseon Kingdom. It was intended that in time of war or other emergency, the portrait of King Taejo enshrined in Gyeonggijeon Hall and the spirit tablet of the Yi Clan founder, kept at Jogyeongmyo Shrine, both in Jeonju, would be brought to the fortress for safekeeping. In fact, they were brought to the safety of the fortress when Jeonju was occupied by the Donghak peasant army in 1894. The original wall was 4m to 5m high, 3m wide and 16km long and had three main gates (East, West, and North) and eight smaller ones. Of the three covered gates of the fortress, only the stone archway of the west gate remains together with part of the stone wall. Inside the fortress are Wibongsa Temple and Wibong Falls, one of the 8 Beauties of Jeonju.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheongyang-gun)

Opened in 1996, Chilgapsan Recreational Forest (칠갑산자연휴양림) is surrounded by a beautiful natural forest. The facility consists of a camping site, outdoor stage, walking path, health training center, as well as a natural education center for children.