Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

Unearth the Secret Delicacies of South Korea: Dive into a Bowl at Hwawangsan! Hello, dear travelers and gastronomic adventurers! If you're mapping out an unforgettable culinary journey in South Korea, I've got a hidden gem tucked away in the heart of Gyeongsangnam-do: the enchanting Hwawangsan! Picture this: after a refreshing hike on Hwawang Mountain, you come across a quaint eatery with an irresistible aroma wafting in the air. And what's on the menu? The Ultimate Chicken Soup, enhanced with the famed Shiitake mushrooms of the region. This isn't just your average chicken soup, but an elixir that brings together tender chicken, luxuriously torn to perfection, combined with the aromatic wild Shiitake mushrooms. Every sip of the broth feels like a warm embrace, rejuvenating your spirit, and giving you a taste of South Korea's pristine nature. But what makes this bowl genuinely special? It's the harmonious blend of health benefits and delectable flavors. Shiitake mushrooms are not just a taste-enhancer; they're a superfood, packed with nutrients! Hwawangsan's chicken soup is the epitome of soul food, offering both well-being and taste in one bowl. As they say in Korea, it's like having the mountain as your side dish. So, if "Travel & Taste" is your mantra, why not add a touch of authenticity to your South Korean adventure? Opt for an experience where scenery meets health and where nature meets your plate. Bookmark this! The next time you're in South Korea, and especially if you find yourself in Gyeongsangnam-do, make your way to Hwawangsan and relish this signature dish. Trust us, it's a gourmet experience you'd want to write home about. Don't just visit South Korea, taste it! 


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Originally called Jungjido Island until the 1950s, Nodeulseom Island was a sandy plain used for recreational purposes until the areas of Hangang River underwent development in the '60s and '70s. The sand was used to create what seems like an island floating in the middle of the Hangang River. Nodeulseom Island was left abandoned for the next 50 years until 2005, when the Seoul Metropolitan Government purchased the property. After a series of planning and changes, the island was open to the public in 2019 as a recreational area while preserving most of its original form. Nodeulseom Isand's main attractions consist of a live house, bookstore, music lounges, garden, and more, serving as a cultural entertainment spot to the public. 


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Bonghwa-gun)

Located in Bonghwa-eup, Bonghwa-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Bonghwa Namho Gutaek is an old house from the Chosun period designated as Cultural Property Material No. 385. It was built by Nongsan Kim Nam Yeong in 1876 and his son Namho Kim Roe Sik had lived there. Mr. Kim Roe Sik was awarded with a medal for contributing his entire asset to military fund for the Provisional Government of Korea. The spirit of putting others and his country before himself continues until now. Having been built with high-quality materials, the 140-year old Namho Gutaek has barely suffered any deformation. In addition, attentive care added by the descendants has kept the traditional beauty of the hanok intact. One may even feel reverence at the Sosel Daemun (gate). In harmony with the hanok, the garden in the yard and the flower bed sitting next to the wall change color as season changes. It is a great place to feel the scent of old trees and get some rest. In 2016, the shared toilet was renovated in modern style to alleviate any inconvenience for the guests. In the spacious yard, there’s a spot for traditional games such as Tuho, Jegichagi, Neoltuigi, etc. Bonghwa Station (Yeongdong Line) is about a 15- minute walk away; an inner city bus stop in the town, on the other hand, makes a trip to other regions easy.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Changsil gotaek (The Old House of Changsil) was originally built by Sim Ho-taek, the owner of Songso Old House, for his brother’s couple. Built in March 1917, the house is a square shaped structure measuring 27-kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns) and consisting of the anchae (women’s quarters), sarangchae (men’s quarters), and busokchae (outbuilding). The name of the house ‘Changsil’ originated from the brother’s wife, who came from Changnyeong and was called ‘Changsil daek’ in Korean. The anchae and the sarangchae are arranged in parallel, with the chaekbang (study) and the gobang (storeroom) situated in between them, together forming the ㅁ-shaped structure of the house. The first building, or ‘sarangchae,’ consists of a sarangbang and a chaekbang between the daecheong (wooden floor). The sarangbang with 2-kan is relatively large. The haengrangchae (servants’ quarters) is a gable roofed building that used to be inhabited by domestic servants. This thatched hanok house also has a red clay room (hwangtobang) for guests.


Jeollanam-do(Jangheung-gun)

Jeongnamjin Jangheung Saturday Market is the nation's first weekend market, selling produce, locally grown beef, and other specialty products. A permanent stage within the market also provides a venue for dynamic performances and concerts, making a trip to this marketplace exciting.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

In search of a great place to build a Buddhist Temple invoking national security, Great Monk Uisang travelled around the country and reached this place. He built a small thatched hut here for a temporary stay and continued his search. Finally, he found a perfect place and built Buseoksa Temple. He also set up another temple in the site where his small thatched hut was and called it Choamsa Temple. Choamsa Temple is located below the valley in the south of Gungmangbong Peak of Sobaeksan Mountain. After the Korean War, the temple building had to be rebuilt, but it managed to preserve some of Provincial Tangible Cultural Asset including Samcheung Seoktap (a three-storied stone pagoda; Tangible Cultural Property 126), Dongbudo (East Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 128) and Seobudo (West Stupa; Tangible Cultural Property 129). * Jukgyegugok Valley The valley stretching from Baejeom-ni to Choamsa Temple is called Jukgyegugok which Sobaeksan Mountain surrounds like a folding screen. Near the valley, one can find famous tourist attractions such as the Sosuseowon Confucian Academy and Buseoksa Temple. Toegye Yi Hwang came up with the name Jukgyegugok inspired by the fantastic scenery of the valley and the beautiful sound of the flowing water.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongsong-gun)

Cheongsong-gun in Gyeongsangbuk-do is a small village blessed with a spring flowing with natural mineral water, a beautiful valley with a majestic waterfall, and a mountain densely covered with pine trees. Thanks to this superb natural environment, Cheongsong-gun was designated as a 'Slow City' in 2011. Songjeong gotaek (The Old House of Songjeong) is located in the village of Deokcheon in Cheongsong-gun, which is one of the three richest and most prestigious families in the region. These three wealthy families are said to have produced millionaires for nine generations - from Sim Cheon-dae during the reign of King Yeongjo of Joseon (r. 17224-1776) to the 1960s. In particular, it was a seventh-generation grandson, Sim Ho-taek (pen-name: Songso), famous as one of the richest men in Joseon, who built Songso gotaek (Old House of Songso) along with three houses for his three sons, including Songjeong gotaek for his second son Sim Sang-gwang (pen-name: Songjeong) around 1880. As the Cheongsong Sim Clan has lived in the area for many generations, Cheongsong is known as the village of the Cheongsong Sim family. Covering a total area of about 10,000m2, Songjeong gotaek has a tall and grand front gate that symbolizes the wealth of the family. Upon entering by the gate, the large outer courtyard comes into view, followed by a gate connecting to the Old House of Songso on the right, and a walking path connecting to a well and a pine grove on the left. The square-shaped structure consists of a sarangchae (detached building), chaekbang (library), and daecheongmaru (main floored room). Passing through the entrance, there are the main building and the inner courtyard. Notably, the chaekbang has retained its original appearance from the time when it was used by Sim Sang-gwang. Although the house is very large, its interior is simply and modestly designed according to the virtues favored by classical scholars. The rooms are floor-heated in the traditional way (by ondol) using wood, decorated with traditional hanji (Korean paper), and equipped with traditional bedding. Songjeong gotaek offers visitors a variety of experience programs designed to promote the form of Korean classical music known as Gukak. It holds three major musical events each year including a pansori folksong program and a fusion gukak concert, attracting an audience of anywhere from 200 to 800 people to the courtyard of the house. Sometimes, families hold parties to celebrate their parents’ 60th, 70th, and 80th birthdays. The low hill situated behind the house has a quiet walking path.