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.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

The Yangjaecheon stream (15.6km long) is one of the tributaries of the Hangang River, originating from Cheonggyeosan and Gwanaksan mountains and flowing through the Gwacheon region to Gangnam. The small road and path that run from Dogok-dong to Daechi-dong along Yangjaecheon Stream is known as the ‘Yangjaecheon Stream Gil’.The Trail is the perfect place to take a drive since the road is lined with around 830 stately metasequoia trees. The walking path that runs along the banks of the stream (known as the ‘streetlight walk’) is a particularly popular date spot, since the trees backlit by the streetlights provide a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. The ‘Yangjaecheon Stream Trail’ area is famous as well for its bike course that runs all the way from Gwacheon to Gangnam.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

Songaksan Mountain is also called 99 Bong (99 Peaks) due to its 99 small peaks. The road from Sanbanggulsa Temple in Southern Jeju to Songaksan Mountain is a famous coastal drive with breathtaking scenic views. Though not as enormous as Hallasan Mountain, the view from the peak of Songaksan is truly scenic. From the summit, one can see nearby islands such as Marado, Gapado, and Hyeongjeseom, and as far as Hallasan Mountain and the Pacific Ocean.The main peak rises 104 meters above sea level. To the northwest of the main peak is an expansive prairie with several peaks. There is a crater about 500 meters in diameter and 80 meters in depth, with some blackish volcanic ash still remaining inside. Looking along the jagged coastline, one can spot the large man-made caves built during the Japanese occupation. The seashore at the base of Songaksan Mountain is a famous fishing ground and diverse fish such as sawedged perch and black porgy are caught here.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

Maengbang Beach is the ideal place for families because of its shallow waters (about 1-1.5m) and various facilities nearby. Visitors can enjoy strolling along the 4-kilometer stretch of beach or in the dense forest nearby. Many events are held during the summer season, including a race along the beach, trout and flounder catching contests, and a clam catching contest. The popular Korean movie, One Fine Spring Day was filmed here.


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.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Hamo Beach is a 250 meter long and 100 meter wide sandy beach. Being the closest beach to Moseulpo, it is also called Moseulpo Beach. The sand is fine, the seawater is shallow, and there is also an expansive green field behind the beach for camping, so it is a great summer vacation destination for families. The beach is still relatively unknown to tourists, so visitors can enjoy a quiet atmosphere. They can also rent a fishing boat. Wild fish and turban shells can be had at inexpensive prices in nearby restaurants.  


Chungcheongnam-do(Hongseong-gun)

Namdang Port is one of the representative ports of the West Coast along with Baeksajang Port in Taean. Known for catches of prawn, cockle, flat fish, rock fish and other types of seafood, the port draws visitors all year round. You’ll often see people out scouring the shoreline of the port for cockles, which are usually enjoyed as cockle shabu shabu or chargrilled cockle, top local delicacies.In September and October, many tourists flock to the port for the Daeha (prawn) Festival. The Namdangri Daeha Festival is a chance to eat and buy fresh prawn at reasonable prices and participate in programs that celebrate the fishing community. Favorite events include an ancestral ritual to pray for a plentiful catch, a fishing boat parade, singing contests, streets markets, and a ssireum (Korean wrestling) competition.Nearby attractions include the bamboo grove of Jukdo Island (10 minutes’ away by ferry) and Yongbongsan Mt., which is only a 40 minutes’ drive. Old houses of historical figures are also located in the area and include the residences of General Choi Young of the Goryeo Dynasty, Seong Sam Mun (a scholar official of the Joseon Dynasty), and General Kim Jwa Jin and Han Yong Un (independent activists).


Jeollanam-do(Mokpo-si)

Mokpo Port Festival will be held in Mokpohang Port and Samhakdo Island areas to offer various performance and hands-on program. This festival was chosen as one of Up-and-Coming Festivals by Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for consecutive four years and tries to show features of ocean city and local characteristics for visitors to enjoy its romantic ambience.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Jecheon-si)

Located on a ridge of Sinseonbong Peak (845m) nearby Geumsusan mountain, Jeongbangsa Temple was founded by Buddhist monk, Uisangdaesa in the second year of King Munmu’s reign during the Silla Kingdom (662). Jeongbangsa Temple is a branch of the Beopjusa Temple located at Mt. Songnisan and is a well known oratory amongst Buddhists. The temple offers fantastic views of Chunpungho Lake that are said to calm and clear the mind. A unique feature is the mountain wall making up a portion of the temple roof. 


Gangwon-do(Inje-gun)

Naerincheon River, the only river that flows north in Korea, crosses Hongcheon and Inje. The name "Naerin" ('cheon' means small river in Korean) is a compound word: 'Nae' is from Hongcheon-gun's "Nae"-myeon area and 'Rin’ from Inje-gun’s "rin"-myeon area. Above the river are many fantastic rocks and stones, and the water that runs along the valley is so pure that you can clearly see the sand and pebbles at the bottom. Naerincheon Gyegok Valley starts near Mt. Odaesan Valley and Hapganggyo Bridge and continues on for about 57 km. Since the range is so long, it is hard to pinpoint Naerincheon. Usually, when people say Naerincheon, they mean the downstream of Naerincheon. The upper stream of Naerincheon is again divided into Misan Valley or Moraeso Valley. Few people go there because it is hard to reach. On the upper stream of Bangtaecheon, which joins together with Naerincheon, is Jindong Valley, and to the north of Naerincheon is Mt. Jumbongsan, Mt. Bangtaesan, Bangdong Springs, and Mt. Bangtaesan Recreational Forest. Also, there are Hwangso and Seori Resorts in the mid-section of Naerincheon, and Piasi Valley downstream. Piasi is the area around Gosa-ri, Inje-eup. Piasigang River is the water stream between Hyeon-ri and Soyangho Lake. These are the most popular places. Around the water stream of Naerincheon, there are many mountains and branch streams. Wide woods and rocks are here, and are very attractive to families that visit here to play water sports, fishing and camping.