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.  


Seoul(Seongdong-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

This cafe is largely influenced by the overall feeling/vibe of the major/representative of the main fashion street in London, Carnaby Street. With Carnaby Street as the main influence, they put as much of Carnaby Street into one cafe as they could! Inside the cafe, there is a bike displayed, which represents freedom, and there is also a leather jacket, a safety helmet, a rider, and the cafe is decorated with many more decorations, which adds to the entertainment value of the cafe. During the day, it operates as a cafe, but, in the evening, it changes to a pub with a mirror disco ball; so, the atmosphere turns/changes 180 degrees. This cafe was used as a film location for the Korean drama, The K2, where the actor Ji Jang Choog carefully pours coffee for Yoona from SNSD, the Korean girl group. It is also known that the star, Ji Jang Choog, frequently visits Carnaby Street.    


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Located in Cheongsong-gun County, Gyeongsangbuk-do Province, Pyeongsansinssi Pansagongpa Jongtaek is the head house of the noble Pyeongsan Sin family line. The house was created by Sin, Han-Tae, during the era of King Sukjong (1674-1720) of the Joseon Dynasty. Ever since its construction centuries ago, the house has been inhabitated by the descendants of Sin, Deuk-Cheong, the 15th eldest grandson of the General, Sin, Sung-Gyem. This house has all of the features that are representative of upper–class houses of the Joseon Era. The buildings of the house are built in a rectangular shape, with the courtyard in the center. The compound consists of Soteuldaemun (high-rising gate), Haengrangchae (servants’ quarters located next to the gate), Gotgan (storeroom in which grain and other items were stored), Anchae (room for the female family members) and a pavillion. Within the same village as Pyeongsansinssi Pansagongpa Jongtaek are Seobyeok Gotaek and Sanam Gotaek, houses of the Sin clan. The entrance of the village is protected by thick pine groves and the Yonjeconcheon Stream (a tributary of Nakdonggang River), both of which add natural beauty to the deeply historic area.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Girimsa Temple is located in Mount Hamwolsan in Yangbuk-myeon, Gyeongju. The temple was built in the Silla era and, with 16 buildings, is the second largest temple after Bulguksa.Legend has it that the temple was originally built by the Venerable Gwang-yu, a sage from India, in the early part of the Silla Kingdom. The temple was reportedly called ‘Imjeongsa’ at first, but was later changed to ‘Girimsa’ after undergoing expansive renovations by Monk Wonhyo. It is still unclear exactly what year the temple was built in.Girimsa is divided into two main areas. The first is the area around Daejeokgwangjeon Hall where the statue of Birojanabul is enshrined. The second is the area around the majestic 500-year-old bo tree (a kind of large fig tree) that is home to a wooden pagoda, the Seongbo Museum, Samsingak, Mangbujeon, and Gwaneumjeon halls. The Daejeokgwangjeon Hall was first built during Queen Seondeok's reign, and was rebuilt six times since its original construction. Its simple but majestic architecture is characterized by baeheullim (aka, entasis columns) and a Dapoyangsik (Dapo-style) single-tiered gabled roof.Girimsa is famous for Ojongsu, water that is said to have five different tastes. It consists of gamrosu, which is best for making tea; hwajeongsu, which supposedly gives comfort to the drinker; janggunsu, which makes the body stronger; myeongansu, which gives clear vision; and otaksu, which is said to sparkle so brightly that it attracts all the birds of the air. During Japanese colonial rule, the source of janggunsu, literally meaning ‘water of a general,’ was reportedly blocked off by Japanese soldiers, who were afraid the water would give the Korean people the strength to overthrow them. Except for janggunsu, water still continues to flow from each source.On the way to Girimsa temple is the Golgulsa Temple, well known for its 12 grottos. Golgulsa was originally a hermitage (monastery) of Girimsa. After becoming an independent institution, it became the center of Seonmudo practice in Korea. The temple aims to promote the art of seonmudo on a national and international level.* Major Cultural Properties Lacquered Seated Mercy Bodhisattva of Girimsa Temple (Treasure No. 415)Daejeokgwangjeon Hall (Treasure No. 833)Sojo Birojana Samjonbul (Treasure No. 958)Sutras kept inside the Vairocana Buddha of Girimsa (Treasure No. 959) 


Jeollanam-do(Yeongam-gun)

The district of Jeollanam-do is located on the western coast, bordering Jangheung-gun in the east, a narrow bay in the west, Haenam-gun and Gangjin-gun to the south, and Naju-si to the north. Its entire area spans over a 565.9 ㎢, with a population of almost 60,000 (as of January, 2015) and is divided into of 121 ri, 9 myeon,and 2 eup. Its county office is in Dongmu-ri, Yeongam-eup. * Nature Having Noryeongsanmaek Mountain range descending from the top of Cheonwangbong Peak (alt. 809 m), Wolchulsan Mountain forms the mountain ranges in the southeast. The northwest district features flatlands unfolding toward the vicinity of the Yeongsangang River and Yeongsanho Lake, and the southeast area mainly features rolling hills. Nearly 20 streams, including Yeongamcheon Stream, begin in the vicinity of Wolchunsan Mountain and other nearby mountains, passing by the plains and joining up with the Yeongsangang River. The river eventually flows into Seohae (West Sea) through an estuary at the mouth of the Yeongsangang River in Samho-myeon. * Culture The Yeongbo Cultural Event is a folk event held by each myeon (township) of Yeongam-gun every 5th of May. Also, Yeongbo Aehyanghoe, organized and held in Deokjin-myeon, has been giving awards for filial children since 1979, and also holds a gukak (traditional Korean music) festival to honor the independence movement of Hyeongjebong Peak in May 1931 by inviting of survivors and bereaved families. During the feast, various folk games take place, as well as Jehyang (an ancestral ritual). Wangin Culture Festival is also held in the area of Yeongam to view the achievements of Dr. Wangin, who spread knowledge, culture, and art of Japan using Chunhyangdaeje, Doil Parade, Dopoje juldarigi (tug-of-war), Yeoseoksan Ssangpae nongak (farming music), as well as food exhibitions from each eup and myeon units. Folk games of this area include hwaetbul nori (torch parade), yut nori (Korean board game), juldarigi (tug-of-war), and ganggangsullae (Korean circle game). In particular, ganggangsullae is mainly done by women at night on the day of Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), and it is said to have originated during the Imjinwaeran War (Japanese invasion). Also, there are other ancestral rites such as Dangsanje, Sanje, Mireukje, Saeamje, Saemje, Chonje, Jeonghoje, and others that are held at dawn on the 15th of January on the Lunar calendar.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si)

The best cultural theme park in the nation, the Korean Folk Village is hosting the '2016 Welcome to Joseon' Korean Folk Village Joseon Live Variety Festival from April 9 to June 12, 2016. It is the most representative spring festival of the Korean Folk Village and this year in particular, new parades have been added, along with upgraded version of the 'Fusion Madanggeuk: Birthday party of the Governor' will be held.  With a record of 1 million views on their highlight act featuring the 'flower beggar', 'merchant', 'gisaeng,' and new characters selected from the 'Joseon Characters Audition 3', a total of 22 actors will be seen performing in the acts. With Joseon dynasty as background, visitors may time travel back into a fantasy world with the characters in a interesting and real comedy act.  Besides, a variety of traditional and fun experiences including 'Traditional Costume Experience', making of mapae (transportation card used in the Joseon era), hopa (identity card) and fragrance pouch are also available for all visitors regardless of age and gender. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Kkachigumeongjip is a popular restaurant located in Andong having served Andong-style bibimbap in the same location for over 20 years. Kkachigumeongjip is located a little out of Andong City, across the street from Wolryeong Bridge on the way to Andong Dam. The interior is made of wood, bringing a sense of coziness to the restaurant, with traditional tiles and designs producing a feel of gentle harmony and overall traditional beauty coupled with a modern feel  


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Seosara Cultural Street Festival is held along the Jeonnong-ro Street which is covered with big cherry blossom trees and cheongsachorong, traditional Korean lanterns made with red-and-blue silk shade. The views at night with the cherry blossoms and the lights of cheonsachorong are picturesque. There are diverse events like walking along the cherry blossom road, a painting contest, photo and video contest, balloon making, making traditional knots, and more.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uiseong-gun)

Sansuyu Village is the venue for the Uiseong Sansuyu Festival in Uiseong-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do. Every March, the village is gilded with the bright yellow of tens of thousands of sansuyu flowers. Visitors are sure to enjoy a joyful view of the sansuyu flowers both day and night, thanks to the street lights illuminating the beautiful yellow flowers.