Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Baenaegol Valley is located at the heart of the mountainous region affectionately known as the Yeongnam Alps. The valley derives its name “Baenaegol,” meaning “the valley of pears,” from the wild pear trees that grow in large numbers along the valley. The valley covers nearly 8 kilometers of land between the range connecting Sinbulsan Mountain and Yeongchuksan Mountain and the western range connecting Cheonhwangsan Mountain and Jaeyaksan Mountain in Miryang. It is a popular vacation destination in the summer. Also, many tourists come to drink the water containing acer mono sap, which is known to be produced in this region during the springtime. Baenaegol Valley is just a short distance away from downtown Yangsan. The valley provides an opportunity to enjoy nature away from the hustle and bustle of the city center. The long valley is wedged between highlands, which results in at least two hours less of sunshine than other regions, so it feels cooler in the summer months. Strawberries are also widely grown in the area.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Ogyeonjeongsa House was established by Ryu Seong-yong (pen-name: Seoae, 1542-1607), a minister of Joseon, with the help of Buddhist monk Tanhong, as a place to study and educate his students. After building Wonjijeongsa House, Ryu wanted to build another house at the foot of Buyongdae Cliff amid a tranquil environment away from the village, but due to his financial situation he was unable to complete the building by himself. Then, the monk Tanhong helped him build Ogyeonjeongsa House, which took ten years (1576 to 1586) to complete, when Ryu was 45 years old. Later, Ryu Seong-yong was able to share warmth with his brother (Gyeomam), who lived in nearby Gyeomamjeongsa House. Ryu later lost his house in Hahoe in the great flood of the Nakdonggang River in 1605, and retired to Ogyeongjeongsa House where he wrote Jingbirok (The Book of Correction, National Treasure 132), a memoir of the Imjin War (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592). The house’s guestrooms include Sesimjae (meaning ‘having a mind to this place to achieve at least one in ten thousand things,’ inspired by the I Ching or The Book of Changes), which was used by Ryu as a schoolhouse and has two small rooms between the maru gamheonrok (wooden floor, meaning ‘looking up at the sky and down at the blue water,’ inspired by Wang Xizhi’s poetic diction); Wonlakjae (meaning ‘waiting for a friend’s visit,’ inspired by the Analects of Confucius), in which Ryu himself resided and wrote Jingbirok; and the maru aeoheon (meaning ‘I also love my hut,’ taken from a poem by Chinese poet Tao Yuanming), which measures two kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns).


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Gangwon-do has it all—mountains, rivers, valleys, and the sea—and is a haven for travelers and those who enjoy leisure sports and activities. ‘Jangamsan Mountain Paragliding Field,’ located in Gangwon-do Pyeongchang, is known as the best paragliding spot in Korea, thanks to the area’s pristine natural environment. The direction of the wind and the altitude of the field enable people to enjoy paragliding all year round. Paragliders of all skill levels can find an appropriate flying program that will allow them to soar up in the sky and enjoy the beautiful scenery of downtown Pyeongchang and the Pyeongchang River. Only a 3-4 hour training session is enough for a simple flight. For more cautious flyers, there is even tandem paragliding (10-minute dual flight with a trainer). At the landing site along Pyeongchang River, people can also enjoy camping and swimming.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This 1.4m-high rock-carved Bodhisattva was carved on the southern rock standing right above Chilburam Rock on Namsan Mountain, which may be regarded as a repository of relics and artifacts including Buddha statues spanning the Three Kingdoms Period to the late Unified Silla Period. Judging from the three-sided bejeweled crown he’s wearing on his head, this is clearly a Bodhisattva statue. He looks as if he is sitting on a cloud; while the closed eyes in the plump face give the impression he is lost in deep thought. He seems to be watching mankind from his world above the clouds. He is holding a flower in his right hand and his left hand is held up to his chest as if he is preaching. His robe is very thin, revealing the curves of the body, and hangs down to the base of the pedestal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which consists of both the dugwang (light radiating from the head) and hte singwang (light emanating from the Buddha’s body), is also the shrine for the statue, so the image of the Bodhisattva looks more prominent. It is presumed that this rock-carved Bodhisattva was made during the late eighth century during the Unified Silla Dynasty.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

'Blueboat Hostel Jeonju is one of guesthouses of the 'The Guest House' chain in Busan, Seoul, and Gyeongju. Blueboat Hostel Jeonju opened in April 2016 in Gyeongwon-dong, Jeonju-si, which is only 10 minutes away from Gyeonggijeon Shrine on foot. A number of other popular tourist destinations including Jeonju Hanok Village, Jeongdong Cathedral, and Nammun Market are also within walking distance. The hostel has seven guestrooms furnished with steel frame beds. The bathrooms and kitchen are shared among the guests, and there is a television in the kitchen. The rooms have a trendy interior design because it's mostly visited by young tourists. The guesthouse is just like one of those you can find in other countries, except cleaner.


Daejeon(Seo-gu)

E-MART Dunsan is a large retail store located in Dunsan-dong, the city’s downtown area. It is close to City Hall and the Government Complex-Daejeon. The store offers a variety of products including groceries, cosmetics, and appliances. A bookstore, restaurant, playing facility for children, nail salon, and laundry service are located within the store.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Yangsan-si)

Naewonsa Valley is just below Naewonsa Temple, which is located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain. The valley is surrounded by Jeongsoksan Mountain to the northeast, Wonjeoksan Mountain to the south, and Cheonseongsan Mountain to the southeast. The water running through the numerous valleys between these mountains has formed streams like Yongyeoncheon and Sangricheon from Naewonsa Valley which are the source of Yangsancheon Stream. Naewonsa Valley was formerly Sogeumgang (little Geumgang), meaning that its beautiful scenery is comparable to that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. It is also known as the “mystical valley” as crystal clear water flows all year round. The word “Sogeumgang” is distinctly engraved on one side of the cliff and large rocks stand in layers throughout the valley. Some of the rocks are called “byeongpung bawi,” literally meaning folding screen rocks, as they are stretched out much like folding screens. The valley and the surrounding mountains are a popular summer vacation spot and a well-known hiking destination during the spring, fall, and winter. Muk (acorn jelly) made with acorns gathered from this area not only tastes great, but is also very healthy. Nearby attractions include Tongdosa Temple, Hongnyong Falls, Tongdo Fantasia, Tongdo Finest Country Club, and Haewoon Youth Training Institute. *About Naewonsa Temple* Located at the foot of Cheonseongsan Mountain, Naewonsa Temple was is one of the 89 branch temples surrounding Daedunsa Temple, which was founded by the great monk Wonhyo (617-686) during the Silla Dynasty. Originally called Naewonsaji, the temple was burned down during the Korean War. It was rebuilt by a Buddhist nun named Suok in 1958 and it became known as the prayer center for the nation’s greatest Buddhist nuns. ※ Entrance into the upper region of Naewonsa Valley is restricted.


Ulsan(Ulju-gun)

The Ganwol Natural Recreation Forest is situated on Ganwolsan Mountain, which is part of the “Yeongnam Alps.” The forest offers various outdoor leisure facilities such as forest bathing paths, training sites, hiking trails, a children’s play ground, tennis courts, and an observatory. The camping site inside the forest can accommodate up to 700 people, and there are small cooking areas, shower facilities, a sports ground, and various other convenience facilities. The forest is used for corporate training and education, company picnics, student orientations, club picnics, and various other social events.