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.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Silla Guesthouse, located in Gyeongju, a city with more than two thousand years of history, is modelled on a hanok, or Korean traditional house, and is run under the concept of “a place for everyone beyond all boundaries”. It has a large bar & lounge in its basement-level where visitors from all around the world can share information and enjoy a party. Tourists can enjoy traveling around Gyeongju while staying at the guesthouse for just twenty thousand won per night. In addition, Silla Guesthouse is only 5 minutes’ walk from the bus terminal, and 20 minutes from Singyeongju Station by bus; and guests can reach most attractions in Gyeongju in 20 minutes by bicycle.


Chungcheongnam-do(Dangjin-si)

Gijisi Juldarigi is the main feature of this 500-year traditional folk festival, not like festivals developed on purpose by local governments. Juldarigi, a tug-of-war game, was started to pray for peace and fortune in the new year and to be in concord with neighbors as part of a traditional village’s feast. In 1982, Gijisi Juldarigi was designated as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 75, one of Korea’s representative Intangible Cultural Heritages. Also, it was registered in 2015 as Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO along with Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines.


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.


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

Taebaeksan Mountain (태백산) encompasses several peaks such as Yeongbong Peak, where in the past, people would conduct rites to venerate Heaven at Cheonjedan, Janggunbong Peak (1,567m) and Munsubong Peak (1,517m). The mountain is rather high but easy to hike since it is relatively smooth and has few cliffs. The higher plains are covered with alpine vegetation. The mountain becomes hot pink with mountain rhododendron and azalea in the spring; green with thick forest and pristine waters in the summer; rainbow colored with changing leaves in the fall; and white with snow in the winter.Taebaeksan Mountain is one of the three sacred mountains of Korea and the sunrise observed at Cheonjedan is simply breathtaking. There is a ritual site for Dangun in Danggol Valley, where people celebrate Gaecheonjeol (개천절) each year; and there are a number of Buddhist temples such as Manggyeong, Baekdan, Yuil and Cheongwon. Right below the mountaintop lies Yongjeong, the well that is said to boast the very best-quality water among the 100 good water sources in Korea. Near the park are located Geomryongso, the origin of the Han River, and Hwangji Pond, source of the Nakdonggang River. The Taebaek Coal Museum and Gumunso Natural Experience Field provide visitors with information on fossils, geology and the development of the coal industry.* Sunrise at Mt. TaebaeksanWeather permitting, you can watch the sun rising out of the East Sea from the top of Mt. Taebaeksan (Cheonjedan). It usually first appears breaking through the clouds or peeking between the mountaintops. In order to watch the first sunrise of the year at the top of Mt. Taebaeksan, you need to equip yourself with a wintertime hiking outfit and tools such as crampons and a headlamp. Since Mt. Taebaeksan is not far from downtown Taebaek, it is convenient for hikers to spend the night Taebaek and get to the mountain by land transportation.


Gangwon-do(Goseong-gun)

The villa of Kim Ilsung, former leader of North Korea, is perhaps better known as the Castle of Hwajinpo, for its fortress-like exterior. The villa was used as a summer house not only by the Kim family, but also by high-level members of the Communist Party from 1948 to 1950. The interior of the castle keeps history alive through a set-up of personal items and materials used by the Kim family. There is one photo in particular of a young Kim Jongil standing at the foot of the stairs that brings a sense of intimacy to this secretive family.


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) 


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  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

The new Lotte Hotel joins the ranks of the hotel cultures in the new downtown area of Ulsan. Conveniently located near the bus terminal and Geumyunggwon, a theater, and the Lotte Department Store it is soon becoming the new business hub of the city.    


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Approximately 6km northward from downtown Gangneung, Gyeongpo Provincial Park is surrounded by a slew of both natural and cultural attractions (Gyeongpodae, Gyeongpo Lake, and Gyeongpo Beach). Gyeongpo Lake, in particular, is home to precious species such as swans and mallards. Known as one of the most scenic locations in Gangwon-do for a long time, Gyeongpodae is a fascinating spot to enjoy the first full moon of the year; the serene Gyeongpo Lake used to attract fishing enthusiasts in droves, but fishing is now prohibited due to natural preservation purposes. Within the park are Gyeongpo Beach (one of the cleanest beaches on the East Coast), elegant Gyeongpo Lake, Gyeongpodae, Banghae Pavilion, Hohae Pavilion, Gyeongho Pavilion, and Gyeongyangsa (Gyeongyang Temple). Visitors can enjoy the attractions all year long with cherry blossoms in the spring, swimming in the summer, fishing, and walking on the beach in the winter. Restaurants near the park offer unique local food such as fresh sashimi (including the famous Squid Sashimi), spicy fish stews, and Chodang Tofu.