Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Changuimun was often called Jahamun. It was one of four mini gates in the north surrounding the castle town Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty. But because one of the four main gates, Sukjeongmun, was closed, Changuimun became a favorite north gate. Hence, people also called Changuimun the North Gate. It is the only gate among four mini gates that is still in its original state. Although it is small, almost 50m², in terms of size, it looks very firm and sturdy. While Dongsomun Gate, one of four mini gates, is decorated with a phoenix, Changuimun Gate is adorned with a wooden chicken along its rafters. The reason behind the wooden chicken was that the chicken was believed to be the nemesis of the centipede. People believed that installing the wooden chicken was important to overcome the harmful spirit of the centipede. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The Culture, Design & Tourism Headquarters of the Seoul Metropolitan Government (History & Cultural Heritage Division) has been holding the “Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony” since November 21, 2006. The program takes place at noon daily (except Tuesdays) and gives locals and international visitors the experience of ringing the bell 12 times. The program is run regularly and foreigners can also participate in the special program without the need to register. Foreign visitors can come before 11:40 a.m. and apply on-site at Bosingak Belfry, where participants will be able to experience a bit of Korean culture through the ceremony.[Origin of Bosingak Bell Ringing] Courtesy of the Seoul Metropolitan GovernmentThe Bosingak Bell was rung to signal the opening and closing of the four Main Gates (Sungnyemun, Heunginjimun, Sukjeongmun, and Donuimun) and the four Small Gates (Hyehwamun, Sodeokmun, Gwanghuimun, and Changuimun) in the capital city since the fifth year of King Taejo (1396) during the early Joseon Dynasty. Bell ringing at dawn was called “Paru” and bell ringing in the evening was called “Injeong.”* The bell was named Bosingak Bell in 1895 during the 32nd year of King Gojong. The belfry was originally called Jongnu (bell pavilion). ---------------Paru – ringing the bell 33 times (dawn)- Ogyeong Samjeom: The bell was rung 33 times at around 4 a.m. to signal the end of the night curfew and the start of the new day. The eight gates to the capital will be opened during this time.- The practice of ringing the bell 33 times can be traced to Buddhism; the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy manifests herself in 33 different forms in order to save mankind.---------------Injeong – ringing the bell 28 times (evening)- The bell was rung 28 times at around 10 p.m. to signal the end of the day, the closing of the gates and the start of the curfew.- In ancient times, people divided the universe into the four gung’s of East, West, South, and North. Each gung was further divided into seven, therefore forming 28 gu’s (28 su’s) of constellations. This resulted in the tradition of ringing the bell 28 times.※ Injeong refers to reporting to the 28 su’s of the sun, the moon, and the stars of the universe, while paru reported to the 33 “skies” led by Jeseokcheon (shamanic deity) to seek blessings for national prosperity and the welfare of the people, all of which are related to Buddhism.※ Bell ringing on the eve of New Year’s Day is meant to symbolize the end a year, and as a way wish for blessings, good health and the happiness of the citizens for the brand new year.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Buyongdae is a cliff about 64 meters high situated where the Taebaek Mountain Range ends. From the summit, one can get a bird’s eye view of the Hahoe Village in Andong. The name was taken from an ancient history of China. Meaning lotus, the name Buyongdae is said to be given for Hahoe Village’s configuration like a lotus flower. Thus, one can get the best view of the village from the cliff. Located near Buyongdae are Ogyeonjeongsa House, Gyeomamjeongsa House, and Hwacheon Seowon Academy.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Located 700m above sea level in the heart of nature, Phoenix Park The Hotel is one of Korea's largest resort hotels. The five-star hotel is known as the venue for the 4th Asia Development Forum and offers a variety of facilities (and a state-of-the-art AV system) that make the hotel an ideal place for both leisure and business purposes. Hotel facilities consist of a banquet hall, JDI Sports Center, swimming pool, sauna, bowling alley, karaoke, Game Land, Kid's Blue play place, internet cafe, pool tables, shopping center, rental ski shop, and a reception hall. Conveniently located only 2 hours from Seoul, the hotel is situated in Bogwang Phoenix Park, a major resort with 21 ski slopes and a ski base 500m wide. Phoenix Park takes pride in its 21 ski slopes and integrated KEY Lift system and is a much sought-after destination for many skiers and snowboarders.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Located at the entrance of Sanjeong Lake, Pyunggang Botanical Garden opened in May 2006, and was designated as a habitat for preservation by the Ministry of Environment. The garden has on exhibit both native plants and around 5,000 species of plants from around the globe. Additionally, the garden features an exquisite collection of 1,000 different alpine plants that normally reside on an altitude of 2,000 meters.The scope of the garden is comprehensive, but it is divided into 12 themed areas, including a Rock Garden, where the largest alpine plants in Asia are concentrated; a Wetland Center, which mimics the natural ecology of a wetland region; a Pond Garden consisting of roughly 50 ponds lined with gorgeous flowers; a Moss Center where moss that grows in deep valleys and forests can be seen; and a Grass Square, which serves as a green common year round. The Pyunggang Botanical Garden, serves an important role in preserving rare plants, but is also creating a new botanical garden culture, and serving as a center for public ecological education.※ Non-smoking area/cooking and drinking is strictly prohibited.Collecting plants, bugs, soil and stone without authorization is banned.


Chungcheongnam-do(Nonsan-si)

Just like other berry farmers, Uncle Strawberry at first supplied his products to retail distributors such as markets, department stores and discount stores. But he decided to change that, and now he meets his consumers himself at his farmland and provide his berries directly to people. With no retailers in-between, Uncle Strawberry is now able to provide his best quality strawberries to his customers at a lower price. In 2006, Uncle Strawberry started to run hands-on experience programs in his farmland. Initially, there were only 8 of them, but now the number has jumped to 44. For years, Uncle Strawberry’s farmland has grown its berries based on all-nature and environmental friendly farming methods. Uncle Strawberry is a determined farmer who thinks providing best strawberries to his customers is most important. With this in mind, he is doing his best to grow high-quality and healthy strawberries by means using natural pest control, and his products are certified organic.    


Busan(Suyeong-gu)

The Busan Biennale is held in Busan Museum of Art from October to November. Visitors can enjoy the main exhibitions, special exhibitions and additional events with 380 art pieces from 30 nations.


Seoul()

Founded in 2007, the Seoul Arts and Culture Tour Project is a cultural experience program operated by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture. Tours are held Thursday to Saturday on the second and fourth weeks of the month from April to October.   Participants meet at the square in front of Seoul City Hall around 10:30 am to ride the bus provided by the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture and begin their tour of Seoul. The program has a variety of excursions, which are divided up by theme: art, theater, literature, architecture, and design. During the weekdays, the tour is popular among housewives who may have a little extra time while their children are at school; during the weekends, it becomes the perfect opportunity for families, couples, and international to tour Seoul. Through this free program, participants will be able to visit some of the sites in Seoul and discover what makes each place one of Seoul’s crown jewels. Interested parties are asked to make reservations by calling the Seoul Foundation for Arts and Culture or by visiting the website.  


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Santorini is a 2-story, traditional Italian restaurant with a luxurious interior. During the warmer seasons, tables are placed on a green grassy field allowing customers to dine outside while enjoying the fine weather and scenery. Not only well known for its traditionally-prepared Italian cuisine made with fresh ingredients, the restaurant is also famous for its huge selection of wine. A café and bakery are located on the first floor, perfect for those who just want to relax with a beverage or enjoy a light meal.


Busan(Saha-gu)

The Lower Nakdonggang River Seasonal Bird Migration Site was designated as a natural monument on July 13th, 1966, and it has a large river-mouth, sand dunes, delta, Ilungdo Island, Eulsukdo Island and other surrounding islands. The snipes and waterfowls stop by when they pass Korea during the fall and spring, and the ducks and geese find their way here in the winter. This area, where the Nakdonggang River (낙동강) and the South Sea meet, has over 150 species of birds, which visit between October and March. You're most likely to see swans, and even raptorial species like eagles and white-tailed eagles. It is a large area with thick groves of reeds, which make it hard to approach by land. In order to watch migratory birds, you should take a boat from Myeongji-dong harbor and get a local guide to help you. The ideal time for bird watching is between 9am and 4pm.Eulsukdo Island (을숙도) is one of the places you absolutely cannot miss. It is a delta island, and is well known as a paradise for over a hundred thousand birds. It is an amazing sight to see some ultra-rare species of birds like the white-naped cranes, the blackfaced spoonbills, and the white-tailed eagles, as they arrive and spend the winter.