Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

Unjusa Temple is unlike other temples in that it has unusual Buddha statues and pagodas – it is often referred to as a mysterious temple. The founder of Unjusa Temple is not known but it is speculated that it was built during the Silla Period (BC 57~935).Unjusa does not have a Geumgangmun or Cheonwangmun, which are very often seen in Buddhist temples. The first thing you see when you enter Unjusa is the 9-story stone pagoda (National Treasure no. 796). The tower, again, does not have intricate designs, and is very simple. As you walk past the 9-story pagoda, you come to a forked road. Turning left, you will see Chilseong Rock. Because it resembles the 7 stars of the Big Dipper, some people argue that the rock is imitating the constellation. Follow the same road further and you will see two Buddha statues, called Wabul, where Buddha is resting on its side, lying down. These statues are, among the ones in Unjusa Temple, the most intricate in design and execution. Go up a bit further, and you will see the Siwibul Statue standing. Pass Siwibul Statue through the thick groves, and you will come to a series of 7-storey and 5-storey stone pagodas. What makes the stone pagodas of Unjusa Temple interesting to examine is that they each boats several unique designs and features.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Here is a trivia question to which all Hallyu fans would know the answer. What is the name of the K-pop group that former U.S. President Barack Obama mentioned during his speech on July 3rd, 2017? Yes, it is the dashing and stylish SHINee. Since their debut in 2008, the members have toured all over North America, South America and Europe. SHINee’s last international tour ended in June, 2017, after their concerts in Los Angeles, Dallas and Taipei were completely sold out. Magnolia Design Café located in Itaewon by Yongsan-gu Office is known to be one of Key’s favorite cafés in Seoul. He has shared pictures of himself enjoying drinks at the coffee shop via his personal social media account. Magnolia Design Café is housed in a refurbished family-home offering a cozy atmosphere in the midst of the bustling Itaewon area. The exact spot where Key took photographs can be found at the quaint backyard. The most popular menu items during warmer seasons include the blueberry smoothie and iced latte.  


Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun)

Cheongpyeong Recreational Forest (청평자연휴양림) boasts a pristine natural landscape that overlooks Cheongpyeongho Lake in Bukhangang River. The forest is a great getaway from the monotony of urban life where visitors can immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The forest changes color every season, offering breathtaking views of Cheongpyeongho Lake through colonies of pine trees and oak trees in the spring and summer, colorful foliage in autumn, and a white snow-covered landscape in the winter. Sounds of flowing water and birds singing add to the joy of the great outdoors. The forest offers 5 buildings for general accommodation and 2 ‘Mayflower’ buildings for friends and couples. There is also an observatory, picnic site, swimming pool, forest cafe, garden, and auditorium. Located in the vicinity of Seoul, the forest is easily accessible as a weekend getaway. It is recommended for family gatherings and group workshops.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

Samsung Spa Hotel is located within the Bugok Spa Complex and features natural sulfuric hot springs that run at a constant temperature of 78℃. The hotel has a jjimjilbang (hot compress room) of 3,305㎡ equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, a hot spring sauna and a Korean restaurant. It also has a large banquet hall that seats 300 people and smaller banquet halls that seat 120, 50 and 30 people.


Chungcheongnam-do(Nonsan-si)

Gwanchoksa Temple (관촉사) in Nonsan, Chungcheongnam-do is located at the foot of Mt. Banyasan (100m in elevation). This temple enshrines a Seokjomireukbosalipsang Buddha (Treasure No. 218), which was built over the course of 38 years, beginning in 967 during the Goryeo period. According to a legend, while a lady was picking fernbrake on Mt. Banyasan, she heard a baby crying. When she went to the spot from which from which the crying was coming, there was no baby but instead was a large rock sticking out from the ground. Upon hearing this story, the government ordered a Buddha statue to be made from the rock. This Buddha statue, widely known as ‘Eunjimireuk Buddha,’ is the largest stone Buddha in Korea (18.12m in x_height, 9.9m in girth, 1.8m in the length of ears, 2.43m at the x_height of crown). There are many other cultural heritages in this temple and every April, a splendid cherry blossom tunnel strecthing from Nonsan to Gwanchoksa Temple is at its peak.


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

The municipal office of Donghae, a city located in Gangwon-do, holds its landmark summer celebration every year. The festival offers visitors the chance to experience and enjoy the beautiful beaches of Mangsang with diverse experiential programs and performances. Through this festival, the city hopes to offer an enjoyable vacation destination with sightseeing opportunities to local residents and inbound visitors alike, while supporting local businesses and taking full advantage of the geographical, cultural and tourist resources the region has to offer.


Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)

Muju Firefly Market is a traditional 5-day market, operating only on days ending in a 1 or 6. The market is the representative traditional market of Muju, with a history of over 100 years. Vendors at the market bring their fresh produce to sell in a variety of small stalls set up. Products on sale range from agricultural products to daily necessities and junk food.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Miryang-si)

Miryang Summer Performing Arts Festival is held in Miryang-si Youth Training Center, and Songnim Park area centered on Miryang Theater Village. Miryang-si won a special award from the 44th Donga Play Awards in 2008, making this city famous for performing arts. All genre of programs like comic drama, musical, puppet show, live band, dance musical, b-boy dance performance, magic stage, mime performance and other programs are available at the festival.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

The Mindungsan Eulalia Festival takes place in the Mindungsan Mountain area. Some of the events held include weekend mountain climbing, talent contests, Arirang singing contests, eulalia music concerts, a Mindungsan Gate ball competition and eulalia photo exhibition. Hands-on programs at the festival include a local food program, post card sending, mountain horseback riding and much more!


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Established in 1918, Jumunjin Lighthouse is the first light house in Gangwon-do region. The lighthouse is 3m in max diameter and 10m in x_height with white mortar covered the exterior wall. The building shows the early structure of the country’s lighthouse architecture, which is a great value in terms of the nation’s architectural history. The light signal blinks at 15-second interval and can be identified from 37km away. The lighthouse was once destroyed during Korean War and restored in 1951. Jumunjinhang Harbor, where the lighthouse is located, is 210,000㎡ in size. After becoming a half-way station of Busan-Wonsan Route in 1917, both passenger and freight vessels made an entrance to the harbor.