Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Sambuja Galbi carries on the legacy of Suwon galbi (beef ribs) after the closing of Hwachunok, which used to be a representative ribs restaurant of Suwon up until the early 80’s. Kim Su-kyeong, the former manager at Hwachunok, is operating Sambuja Galbi now with his 30 years worth of know-how as a ribs specialist. The restaurant name “Sambuja” means “a father and two sons” in Korean. In the literal sense of the word, two sons are helping their father in managing the restaurant and following the tradition of Suwon galbi.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Geoje-si)

As one of the best sights in Geojedo Island, Geoje Haegeumgang River is called the Geumgang River (Sea Diamond) of the South Sea. As a rock island, Haegeumgang River belongs to Hallyeo Marine National Park, which is assigned as an official green area in South Korea. Its original name was Galgotdo, because it is shaped like the spreading roots of arrowroot. These days it is known as Haegeumgang River, meaning Geumgangsan Mountain in the sea.The most stunning scenery of Haegeumgang River is the sunset and sunrise and can be best viewed on Ilwollbong Peak or Lion Rock. There is Shipjagul Cave in the center of Haegeumgang River, which is 100m long from east to west and 180m long from south to north. It has been called Shipjagul (meaning ‘cross’ in Korean) Cave because it looks like a cross when viewed from the sky. If you go on the tour, you will be fascinated by the x_height of the rock walls and the inside of the cave. A long time ago, scholars expressed their yearning for the beauty of nature by writing and reading poems they wrote on sailboats with a bowl of makkoli (rice wine) in their hands.When you take a ship around the island, you’ll be fascinated once more because of the great works such as the Maitreya Rock, which reflects on Eunjin Maitreya, Candlestick Rock and the 1,300 year old guardian pine tree of Haegeumgang River. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

Daegaya Museum is an exhibition of history and culture of the Daegaya (The Great Gaya; 42-562 AD) Kingdom. The Museum consists of the Daegaya History Pavilion and the Daegaya Royal Tomb Pavilion. The History Pavilion houses a collection of relics from the Daegaya Kingdom era, while holding special exhibitions and education activities periodically. The outdoor exhibition center displays items that represent ancient lifestyle such as dugouts, attic storage, iron furnace, as well as religious relics. The Royal Tomb Pavilion is a 37m-wide dome that houses relics of the Jisandong Ancient Tombs. It is essentially the restoration of the Jisandong Tumulus No. 44, the first large-scale sunjang (burial of the living with the dead).


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Gwangseongbo Fortress’s outer wall from the Goryeo era was mended in 1618. The fortress was built in 1656 and the outpost was constructed in 1679. It was completely remodeled into a masonry castle with gates in 1745. During Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), Gwangseongbo was the fiercest battle ground in Ganghwa. On April 24, 1871, a fleet with 1,230 American naval forces led by Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island to demand the opening of Korea's ports and commerce. The armed forces attacked Chojijin Fortress and Deokjinjin Camp, then marched to Gwangseongbo Fortress, where they engaged in close combat with the warriors of Joseon. Although General Eo Jae-yeon and the other warriors were poorly equipped with far inferior weapons, they bravely fought to the death against the invading forces.The battlefield ruins of the fortress and the gate towers such as Anhaeru, Gwangseongdon, Sondolmokdon, and Yongdudon were repaired in 1977. The twin tombs of General Eo Jae-Yeon and his brother Eo Jae-seon, along with the anonymous tombs of warriors who died on the battlefield were also honorably arranged at the same time. Furthermore, a stone monument commemorating the restoration of Ganghwa Battlefield was erected on Yongdudondae Post.In 1988, an extensive rest area was created toward the shore for visitors’ convenience. Gwangseongbo Fortress is presently designated as Historical Relic No. 227. A religious service known as Gwangseongje is held annually to commemorate the patriotic spirits of General Eo Jae-yeon and other unnamed warriors. This service takes place at 11 a.m. on every April 24th of the lunar calendar.


Gyeonggi-do() , Icheon

The Gyeonggi International CeraMIX Biennale first started in 2001 and has continued to contribute to the field of ceramics by showcasing hidden talents and allowing artists to experiment with their art. In a further attempt to push the boundaries of ceramic art, the festival in 2011 encouraged artists to expand their art by using elements from other art genres.This 2015 festival’s theme will be called “Color: Ceramic Spectrum,” and it will demonstrate the creative aspect of ceramic arts. Generally, the word ‘color’ carries a physical and optical connotation, but this festival intends to expand the term’s meaning into a more idiomatic definition that encompasses the concepts of classifying objects and defining identity. Thus, the meaning of ‘color’ is portrayed by the artists’ own expression and artistic attitude at the festival. This festival divides color into three categories: “Isaek” (이색; distinctive color), which focuses on new trends and possibilities of ceramic art; “Chaesaek” (채색; multicolored), which shows modern ceramic art through a combination of other genres; and “Bonsaek” (본색; traditional color), which reflects the traditional factors of the three East Asian countries, connecting the past, present, and future of ceramics.※ The festival is held every second year.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Located on the southern part of Jirisan Mountain, Ssanggyesa Temple and Hwaeomsa Temple are among the most popular temples in the Jirisan area. Constructed by Sambeob who was a disciple of Euisang in the 23rd year of King Seongdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, it was called Okcheonsa Temple at first. Then, the Buddhist Monk, Jingam changed its name to Ssanggyesa Temple after having seeded around the temple with tea from China. The temple was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion, Imjinwaeran (1592-1598) and later rebuilt.The best time to visit this area is spring, as the 6km path from Hwagye market place to Ssanggyesa Temple is filled with blooming 600-year-old cherry blossom trees. With the myth that lovers who walk together along the cherry blossom tree path, it is also called Hollaegil (wedding path). A 40-50 minute walk along the tree-lined path leads to Ssanggyesa Temple.Across the bridge in front of the ticket office, there are two rocks engraved with the words “ssanggye” and “seokmun” each. It is said that the eminent scholar Choi Chiwon of the Silla Era had engraved the words with a cane. In the middle of the temple, one of the foremost Korean epigraphs “Jingamseonsa-daegongtabbi” is situated in front of the main building Daeunggeun. This was also written by Choi Chiwon. To the east you can find the Ssanggyesa Ma-aebul, a unique image of Buddha engraved in a hollowed out section of rock.In addition, Palyeongru is the cradle of Korean style Beompae (Buddhist music), which was initiated by the Priest Jimgam (774-850) who studied the Buddhist music in China. As Jingam composed the piece Eosan (fish mountain) by watching the fish of Seomjingang River with Paleumryul (eight tones and rhythms), this place is named Palyeongru.During the third year of King Heugdeok’s reign during the Silla Era, Kim Daeryeom visited China and brought seeds for tea trees. By royal order, he planted the seeds around Ssanggyesa Temple and this area became the first place to cultivate tea.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

The Arirang Motel is located in Buyeo, Chungcheongnam-do where tourists can experience the atmosphere of the Baekje Dynasty. The motel is located within 5 minutes distance of the Jeongnimsaji Museum and is close to the Buyeo Bus Terminal. Pickup service is provided from downtown Buyeo. The rooms are spacious and have Internet access.


Seoul(Gangseo-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

When the fate of the nation was hanging by a thread as the North Korean Army launched an invasion of the South on June 25, 1950, about 1,100 officers and men from the South Korean First Division's 11th, 12th, and 15th regiment retreated to Gimpo and built the last line of defense on Gaehwasan Mountain from June 26 to 30 to fight against a large army of North Korean soldiers disguised as South Korean men.Unfortunately, their communication with the headquarters was cut off and their supply of ammunition and food ran out. As a result, the entire South Korean force was killed by the much larger North Korean army in a valley around Gaehwasan Mountain. In order to commemorate those who died for the country, the government established the Memorial to the Loyal Dead on Gaehwasan Mountain in 1994. A memorial service is also held here annualy on June 28th.x_height: 4.7 meters highBuilt by the First Division of the ROK Army, Mitasa Temple


Daegu(Dalseo-gu)

E-World Starlight Festival is held with ten million lights in an area of 120,000 pyeong around E-World and 83 Tower. Hot-air balloons, roses, and masks light decorations and other events will catch people’s eyes at this carnival-like festival. The events start at night and large characteristic trees are decorated along the 200m Light Road, as well as a Umbrella Road, Carnival Road, and photo zone created by 1,000 lights. Also, 10,000 LED roses cover the proposal stairs, creating a romantic and special ambience. This festival is beloved by young couples as part of a night dating course.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

Odusanseong Fortress (오두산성) is built around the strategic summit of the mountain. Its walls stretch across roughly 620 meters and were built during the Baekje Dynasty. The fortress is built on the intersection of the Imjingang River (임진강) and the Hangang River (한강) on the summit of Odusan Mountain (오두산, 119 meters). The mountain’s slope is steep and stones used in the construction of the fortress walls are scattered here and there at the summit. These scattered stones are evidence that the fortress underwent repairs several times during the Samguk (Three Kingdoms) era and the Joseon Dynasty, as these stones were evidently quarried and used to mend the fortress walls. Excavations have discovered a great deal of earthenware, white porcelain, tile, and iron arrowheads. Topographically, the fortress sits on a prime strategic junction and the Unification Observatory has been situated there as well. The fortress stands as an important object of study concerning fortifications and structures from the Baekje Dynasty. It has been recorded on the stele of King Gwanggaeto, samguksagi (History of the Three Kingdoms), in the baekjebongi (Baekje Annals) and on daedongyeojido (Map of Korea) that the fortress was the Gwanmi Fortress of Baekje, attracting many scholars and researchers interested in this period.