Jeollabuk-do(Wanju-gun)

Songgwangsa Temple in Soyang-myeon (Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do Province) has a unique history that spans a period of over a thousand years. For many years the temple lay incomplete until Monk Bojo Chejing began reconstruction in the 7th year of King Gyeongmun of Silla (867 AD). The temple was destroyed at one point in time, but Master Monk Jinul prayed that it be rebuilt. In accordance with his fervent hopes, in the 1600s the monk’s followers rebuilt a number of the temple’s halls and buildings, many of which can still be seen today. The temple is also remembered as the temple that King Injo helped rebuild with the hope that his two sons, who had been taken hostage by the Qing Dynasty during the Byeongjahoran War (Chinese invasion of Korea in 1636), would be returned safely and that Buddha would heal the nation.One of the Korea’s four major temples, Songgwangsa is home to Jijangbosal and Siwangsang statues (found in Jijangjeon Hall), a Seokgayeorae statue, and 500 Nahansang statues (found in Nahanjeon Hall). The temple is also home to eight Tangible Cultural Assets and four Treasured Cultural Assets: Daeungjeon Hall, the Samsebulsang statues, the bell-tower, and the Sacheonwangsang statue.Beloved for its historical significance as well as its beauty, the temple draws throngs of worshipers throughout the year. In spring, many tourists flock to the area to explore the temple and walk through the nearby cherry blossom tunnels. A worthwhile attraction for visitors of all ages, the temple is particularly well-suited for those with mobility problems since it is located on ground level.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

The Dokdo Island Observatory Cable Car, from which one can get a bird's eye view of Ulleung-do Island, is a must-see tourist attraction. Located inside the Dodong Yaksu Park, the cable car takes visitors up to Manghyangbong Peak. When the sky is really clear (about 50 days a year), you can see as far as Dokdo Island that is located 92 kilometers away. This is also the first place to view the rising sun in Ulleung-do Island.The cable car usually begin operations early in the morning, just in time for visitors to bask in the views of the beautiful sunrise, and operates until 7 pm. or 8 pm.Tickets can be purchased on-site without any reservation.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Located in Gyeongju City, the old capital of the Silla Dynasty for 1,000 years, the 141 Mini Hotel offers tourists and business travelers high-class hotel services coupled with the simplicity and convenience of a motel. The hotel is equipped with various convenient facilities such as a sauna, book café, small meeting room, and business center, allowing guests to enjoy a comfortable and pleasant stay in Gyeongju. The hotel is only 5 minutes’ drive from Gyeongju Station and 10 minutes from the bus terminal. The surrounding tourist attractions include Daereungwon Ancient Tombs, Anapji Pond, Cheomseongdae Observatory, and Bulguksa Temple.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

Heungryunsa Temple is a Buddhist center of the Jogyejong Order. Located in Jukdobong Park (downtown Suncheon), Heungryunsa Temple is a shrine of the god Sakyamuni (the main statue of Buddha). The site was previously used as an archery range. * History Heungryunsa Temple is a branch of Hwaeonsa Temple, which is the 19th local temple of the Jogyejong Order. It is said that Heungryunsa Temple was constructed during the reign of King Seonjo of the Joseon Dynasty and that the site was used as a place where naval forces practiced archery during the Japanese invasion in 1592. At the same time, the temple was the first military base of monk-turned-military officers from Hwaeomsa, Songgwangsa, and Seonamsa Temples. The current building was re-constructed in 1986 by Monk Jongwon, who is still the chief abbot of the temple.  


Chungcheongnam-do(Taean-gun)

Taeanhaean National Park (태안해안국립공원) consists of about 130 islands around Anmyeondo Island (안면도) and Taean Peninsula (태안반도). Taean Peninsula (태안반도) has a picturesque landscape with beautiful beaches, rock formations, mountain peaks and sea cliffs. The area (328.99㎢) was designated as a national park in October, 1978, and at present, nearly 250 different species of plants grow within its boundaries.* Cultural HeritageOkpa Lee Jong-il Birthplace (Chunghongak), Rock-carved Buddha Triad in Taean, Heungjusa Temple (Heungjusa Three-story stone pagoda), Baekhwasanseong Fortress, Anheungseong, Seated Stone Seokgayeorae Statue in Mongsan-ri, Five-story stone pagoda in Nammun-ri* Sightseeing and cultural festivalsSinduri Coastal Sand Dune (Natural Monument), Cheollipo Arboretum, Hwangdobunggi Pungeoje Festival, Jumbo Shrimp Festival, Cheonsuman Migratory Bird Habitat, Anmyeon-do International Flower Exhibition* Spring wild flower blooming season and locationGaenmetkkot / Blooming: Late April / Location: the area of costal dune


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Migayoun is a Korean restaurant specializing in dishes made of buckwheat, which is known for the high vitamin P content. Pyeongchang, where Migayoun is located, is particularly famous for buckwheat, the sprouts of which are clinically proven to be good for diabetes, geriatric diseases, and weight control.


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

Hwangji Pond is a source of the Nakdonggang River (525km), the longest river in Korea. The pond is an important joint of underground water flow through the valleys of Taebaeksan, Hambaeksan, Baekbyeongsan and Maebongsan, the mountains surrounding the city of Taebaek. There are three sections of the pond: Sangji (high pond), 100m in diameter, Jungji (middle pond), 50m in diameter and Haji (low pond), 30m in diameter. Although it is small in size, the pond supplies 5,000 tons of water a day that flows to the open Yeongnampyeongya Plain. Being located at the center of Taebaek-si, Hwangji Pond is a popular destination for the citizens of Taebaek for cultural and recreational purposes. The night view of the pond is also beautiful, which makes it a perfect place for a couple’s night out. The water is very clean and lenoks can be found here, which only live in high quality water.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Auraji is a train station on the Jeongseon line located in Gangwondo. It is about 19.4 km away from Jengsoen-eup, and is the meeting place of two streams, the Songcheon stream from Gujeolli and Imgyemyeon’s Goljicheon stream, which flows down from Samcheok’s Jungbongsan. The name of the station, Auraji, comes from the verb eoureuda, meaning “be in harmony” in Korean. Auraji Station was once named after the region, Yeoryang, but was changed to Auraji, which describes the unique geographical features of the village. The area where the two streams meet and become a river became a bustling business zone in the past, where rafts were floated with lumber all the way to Seoul. It is quite a sight looking at the beautiful scenery enveloped by the crystal clear water and pebbles on the riverside surrounded by Nuchusan, Sangwonsan, Okgapsan, Goyangsan, Ballonsan, and the Wangjaesan Mountains. At the confluence of these two streams, a statue of Virgin Auraji and a newly built pavilion rest on a hill in the middle of the peaceful landscape. There are also rail bikes being operated at this station, which run 7.2 km from Gujeolli Station to Auraji Station. Notably, this is the birthplace of Jeongseon Arirang – Aejeongpyeon. Legend has it that there was a girl and a boy who were deeply in love in this village. The girl lived in Yeoryang and the boy in Gageum, with the Auraji Valley sitting in the middle. One day they were going to pick some camellia flowers in Ssarigol Valley. However, torrential downpours from the night before made the river overflow, making it impossible to use the raft to see each other. Their heart was aching for they couldn’t see each other. The lyrics of the traditional song Arirang were inspired by this story: “Rower in Auraji, listen to me, please let me cross the river.   Beautiful camellia petals in Ssarigol Valley are scattered around.   The beautiful camellia shed its petals and piled up with dead leaves. I miss my dearest one all year around and my heart aches.” The old rafts still remain in Gageum Village (also known as Gagumi) and Yeoryang village. A camp site of about 2,000 square meters is open in the months of July and August each year. Many tourist sites are nearby, such as Ojangpokpo Waterfall, Hanggolgyegok Valley, Hwaamdonggul Cave, Hwaamyaksuteo Mineral Spring and others. Intercity buses operate from Jeongseon, Yeoryang and on to Gujeolli. From April to November, trains run from Cheongnyangni Station to Jeongseon station on days ending with the number 2 and 7 (ie. 2, 7, 12, 17).


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Dolsan Park, located across from Dolsan Bridge, was created in 1987 on land spanning over 287,000 square meters. A teahouse inside the park was originally a TV drama shooting set. The teahouse offers a fine view of Dolsan Bridge, so visitors often stop by to drink tea while enjoying the view. The view point at the park also overlooks magnificent sunsets over Dolsan Bridge and exquisite night views of Dolsan Bridge, Marine Park, and Janggundo Island. The Memorial Time Capsule, containing various materials related to the merger of Yeosu city, was buried at the center of park in 1994 and will be opened in 2094.