Chungcheongnam-do()

Gyeryong Military Culture Festival held in Gyeryong-si, Chungcheongnam-do where tri-service military is located, features one of the nation’s most representative festivals, attracting about 900,000 visitors each year. The festival is considered to be unique as it deals with a military culture. It offers fantastic air shows, various military gear experiences such as repel, military’s zip-line, helicopter, armored car, and other devices, as well as martial music performance, other cultural art performances and events for visitors. Simultaneously, the Army Festival is also held during the Gyeryong Military Culture Festival and thus, visitors can enjoy both festivals at the same time.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Located at the foot of Mt. Hamwol, Gulgulsa is the only temple cave in Korea. The temple was built out of solid rock during the 6th century by Saint Gwang Yoo and some accompanying monks, and was designed according to the architectural structure of India.On the top of the temple stands a sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and surrounding the sculpture are twelve rock caves used as a prayer sanctuary. Seven of the twelve rock cave sanctuaries are still standing today. Golgulsa’s main attractions are the sculpture of the Maya Tathagata Buddha and the Gwaneum Cave.The Buddha sculpture displays the characteristics of the Shilla Buddha, and is 4 meters high. The Buddha has his hair in a topknot, has a calm smile, narrow eyes, small lips, and a long narrow nose. To protect the sculpture of any damage from the wind or rain, a glass ceiling has been installed in the Gwaneum Cave, which is the largest sanctuary of the seven still existing caves.The main Buddha of this cave is the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy, and the cave walls are dedicated to the 108 meditations of the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. The Gwaneum Cave has a wall with tiles in front of it, which makes it look like an ordinary sanctuary. But once inside, the entire interior from ceiling to walls is carved all from stone. Golgulsa is unlike any other temple. The road to the temple offers an exciting thrill similar to that of rock climbing. Safety ropes and railings surround Golgulsa. A risky climb up a long set of stairs finally leads up to the caves, including Gwaneum Cave, Jijang Cave, and Yaksa Cave.The Maya Tathagata Buddha can only be seen after climbing the rock walls and holding on tightly to the safety ropes, but only past the cave-like rock that juts out.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

Located in Yeoksam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Hotel Star is one-block away from the Gangnam subway station. Limousine bus stop from Gimpo Airport and Incheon International Airport is in front of the hotel and so it is very popular among foreign tourists. It is also popular among domestic tourists because it is right next to the Yeoksam subway station. Various things to see and eat from Teheran-ro to Gangnam subway station will give unusual pleasure to the tourists in downtown.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

The Gochang Pansori Museum was established in the old residence of ‘Dongni’ Sin Jae-Hyo (a musical theorist and arranger and a sponsor of Pansori) with the aim of honoring the great Pansori singers of the past (including Sin Jae-Hyo) and preserving and developing the indigenous tradition of Pansori. Of the original rooms of the residence only Sarangchae (an annex where men used to study or welcome guests) has been renovated and is open to the public. Right next to Sarangchae is the Dongni Gugakdang (Korean Traditional Music Hall).Over 1,000 pieces related to Pansori and great local singers are on display at the museum, included personal possessions once owned by Sin Jae-Hyo (penname ‘Dongni’). For those interested in learning more about the traditional art of Pansori music or experiencing high-quality Pansori, the Gochang Pansori Museum is a must-visit travel destination.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Namhae-gun)

Daraengi Village in Namhae is famous for terraced rice paddies on a steep hill on the outskirts of Mt. Seolheul reaching almost 500 meters. The rice paddies with 108 steps (consisting of stones and soil) are very picturesque and great for taking photographs. Located in the south, the village is balmy in winter, and spring greens (such as mugwort and spinach) sprout before any other place in Korea. Environment-friendly agriculture flourishes because the sea breeze prevents insect pests.This land of friendly people and fertile soil is home to Daraengi Rice Paddy Festival every spring. The festival offers a slew of interesting programs allowing visitors to experience traditional farming and learn cultural and natural heritage in Daraengi Village: Harrowing a Field, Straw Rope Ssireum (Korean Wrestling), Rice Planting, Running on Rice Paddies, Carrying a Wooden Carrier, and colorful performance events.


Busan(Haeundae-gu)

We Guesthouse, a unique villa-type guesthouse located in the center of Haeundae, an international resort in Busan, offers guests the opportunity to create romantic memories amid the coziness and comforts of home. All its guest rooms are equipped with a clean and pleasant bathroom and convenient facilities. Guests can fully appreciate the beautiful Haeundae Beach and easily walk to surrounding attractions such as Nurimaru APEC House, Dongbaekseom Island, and Dalmaji-gil Road. In addition, Haeundae Market and its delicious foods are within easy reach from the hotel.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Goryeong-gun)

The town of Goryeong is four hours outside of Seoul, and features many relic sites of Daegaya around the whole district of Goryeong-gun. Around the first century, Daegaya was formed in the Nakdonggang River’s downstream area in the lower Korean peninsula, flourished independently for 520 years (AD 42~562), and declined after the 6th century. After its decline, part of it was annexed by Silla (57 BC ~ AD 935), and the rest annexed by Baekjae (18 BC~AD 60), and became a forgotten tribal kingdom.On King Jinheung’s (reign 540~576) 23rd year of reign it became the district of Daegaya, and the name was changed to the district of Goryeong on King Gyeongdeok’s (reign 742~765) 16th year of reign.This is the place where you can view the country’s first Sunjangmyo (tomb where many dead people were buried together), called Jisandong Gobungun, Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, and Treasure No. 605, the pre-eminent relics site of the Prehistoric Period called Yangjeondong Amgakhwa, and other various cultural assets.There is a large, ancient tomb with a diameter of 20m, built on the ridgeline of the mountain, and as you go down the mountain, there are 159 other tombs of smaller scale. The largest tomb in the south side is called the Geumrim Royal Tomb, and the other large tombs near it are presumed to be tombs of royalty or aristocrats.At the Daegaya Royal Tomb Exhibit Hall, site of the restored No. 44 tomb, you can see the ancient custom of burying the living with the dead (Royalty buried with their retainers). The dome-style exhibit hall displays Sunjangseokgwak, ironware, pottery and other various excavated relics.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheongyang-gun)

Mt. Chilgapsan, located in Cheongyang-gun, Chungcheongnam-do, was designated as a provincial park in 1973. This mountain, 561 meters above sea level, has been called “The Alps of Chungcheongnam-do.” Mt. Chilgapsan area has many peaks, a thick forest and a beautiful valley. Each season has its own unique atmosphere. There are romantic cherry blossoms in spring, vivid green leaves in summer, autumn tints in fall and a snow-covered landscape in winter. Mountaineers visit all year round and can choose from seven courses.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Located about 70㎞ southwest of Yeosu Port, Chodo Island is part of the ferry route from Yeosu to the more popular Geomundo Island. Major attractions on the island include small fishing villages, emerald green beaches, and the 500-year-old hackle berry tree. Island History In 1950, Chodo Island was defended by the brave local youth from the invasion of a small fleet of boats. The hackle berry tree is said to be occupied by the spirit that saved the life of an ailing local.


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Located on the opposite side of Korea Bamboo Museum, House by the Museum is a uniquely named restaurant. The main menu includes tteok-galbi (grilled short rib meat patties) which is comprised of minced lean meat, green onion, onion, bulgogi sauce and sesame oil, which makes the taste tender. As for the nutrition, it has a lot of essential fatty acid from sesame oil that complements with the beef. Another signature dish of the restaurant is Daetongbap - rice cooked in a bamboo, made with rice, millet, bean, sorghum, jujube, nuts and others. It features a healthy food with its delicate fragrance. In addition, more than 10 side dishes along with Daetongbap such as Tohajeot (salt-fermented toha shrimp), juksun-deulkkae-muchim (seasoned vegetables with perilla seeds and bamboo shoot), gejang-muchim (marinated crab), beoseot-bokkeum (fried mushroom), mul-kimchi, dwaejigogi-gochujang-bokkeum (stir-fried spicy pork), sangchu-ssam (wrapped in lettuce), and others. After a meal, bamboo blade tea of a clean taste is offered as a dessert.