Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Hwaseomun Gate is the western gate of Hwaseong Fortress, Treasure No. 403. Over the stone mujigae (rainbow) door is a single-story tower gate. Hwaseomun Gate's ongseong (defensive gate) forms a crecent shape, with one side of the ongseong remaining open.


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si) , Icheon

The Haegang Ceramics Museum (해강도자미술관) is Korea’s first museum dedicated to ceramics. It displays beautiful ceramic works, the very essence of traditional Korean art, including the celebrated celadon porcelain, as well as punch’ong ware and white porcelain. The main building, which is a combination of Eastern and Western architecture, offers something to see in and of itself. The museum was founded by the late Yu Geun-hyeong (pen name Haegang) and his son Yu Gwang-yeol (pen name Haegang) in the spring of 1990; it fosters the inherited traditions of Korean ceramics culture and strives to develop it further. In addition to exhibiting and preserving traditional ceramics, the museum is engaged in various academic activities, and publishes relevant materials as well. It contributes to cultural preservation and development by educating Korea’s youth and public about ceramics. As of now, it has become an attached gallery to an international university.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival is a landmark festivity held every October at Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site built to commemorate King Jeongjo’s filial piety and dream for national prosperity and military power.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

Beginning with a chic French restaurant in 1996, Provence Village is a themed village with a shabu-shabu restaurant, a garden restaurant offering delicious grilled meat, a Provence Living Gallery decorated with beautiful interior designs, an Herb Village full of sweet fragrance, a Fashion Gallery, a European bakery and cafes.Each unique shop is connected to other shops in the village. An art studio offers a wide array of dishes used in cafes and restaurants in the village; the Living Gallery not only decorates Provence Village, but also makes decorative items such as hand-painted ceramics, available for purchase; and the European bakery boasts fresh, delicious breads. Each shop is an independent unit with a unique design concept. The Living Gallery offers shops selling ceramics, flowers, and herbs, while the Fashion Gallery consists of shops offering clothing, accessories, and interior design items. The Herb Garden in the village, in addition, hosts a wide array of cultural events and performances for visitors. 


Gyeonggi-do(Icheon-si) , Icheon

The Cerapia (Icheon World Ceramic Center) is an exhibition center of contemporary ceramic works that is run by the World Ceramic Exposition Foundation. The Ceramic Center has three permanent exhibition halls which feature around 500 contemporary ceramic works by Korean and foreign artists; and one special exhibition hall which features works done for the World Ceramic Biennale International Ceramic Workshop event.Seolbong Park, where the Ceramic Center is located, is a comprehensive tourist location. It includes Mt. Seolbong, Seolbong Lake, and the Sports and Recreation Park. Nearby tourist attractions include the Haegang Ceramics Museum, Icheon Hot Springs, Icheon Ceramic Village, and Icheon City Museum.


Gyeonggi-do(Hwaseong-si) , suwon

From Jebudo Island (제부도) you can witness the parting of sea. This seemingly biblical phenomena can be experienced in Hoedong-ri, Gogun-myeon, Jindo-gun, Jeollanam-do; Sado-ri in Hwajeong-myeon, Yeocheon-gun, Jeollanam-do; at Muchangpo Beach in Gwandang-ri, Ungcheon-myeon, Boryeong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do; Hado in Unsan-ri, Byeonsan-myeon, Buan-gun, Jeollabuk-do and between Jebudo Island and Songgyo-ri, Seosin-myeon, Hwaseong City, Gyeonggi-do.The 2.3-kilometer stretch of water between Jebudo Island and Songgyo-ri, Seosin-myeon, parts twice a day during the low tide, and is where the sea parts most frequently in Korea. The exposed foreshore, which remains accessible for six hours until it is submerged by the tide, appears at a different time each day. Just roughly 20 years ago, the people of Jebudo Island would wade across the route, often getting soaked up to their waist, to reach the mainland. However, after cement pavement was installed in the late 1980’s, the route became quickly and easily accessible by car. Though Jebu Island is small there are some notable sights to see, like the Maebawi (falcon rock) that serves as roost for local falcons, and a 2.5 km beach that is dotted with clamshells.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Bears Town Resort lies on the outskirts of Seoul. The ski slopes of this large leisure resort have been officially approved by the International Ski Federation. Bears Town Resort is a great destination for beginners; ski lessons are available, there are broad beginner slopes, and the comprehensive rental system allows you to rent all the equipment you need. Those skiers who are more experienced, however, will be able to enjoy the FIS approved 88 Challenger Slope. Bears Town Resort has a total of ten ski slopes and eight ski lifts, which can transport up to 15,200 skiers per hour. The resort also has numerous sledding hills.Getting to Bears Town Resort from Seoul couldn’t be easier, as the resort provides a free shuttle bus (reservations required). For more information, please visit the resort’s homepage.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si)

Yeongneung (영릉) is the joint tomb of the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (1397-1450, reign 1418-1450) and his wife Queen Soheon (1395-1446). This was the first joint royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty.King Sejong was the third son of the 3rd ruler, King Taejong, and his wife Queen Wongyeong. He came to the throne at the age of 22. During his 32-year reign, he was very influential in the development of Korean culture. For example, King Sejong created the Korean alphabet, which he called Hunmin Jeongeum, and set up the Hall of Worthies (Jiphyeonjeon, 집현전), an association of the kingdom’s brightest scholars. He also used Confucian principles to administer state affairs. Under the reign of King Sejong, therefore, many sectors including politics, economy, society and culture flourished. In fact, King Sejong the Great is regarded as making some of the most brilliant achievements in Korean history.Yeongneung is currently located in Neungseo-myeon in Yeoju-si in Gyeonggi-do, but the tomb was originally located in Seogang, Gwangju. When it was constructed following Queen Soheon’s death in 1446, it was decided it should be a double tomb, and the space on the right side was reserved for King Sejong. In 1450 when King Sejong died, he was buried together with the dead queen. Later, the tomb was moved to its current place, as it was thought that the original location was not an auspicious place according to geomantic traditions.Various items that were originally buried in the tomb were excavated in 1973 and now are exhibited in the King Sejong the Great Memorial Hall (세종대왕 기념관), which is located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul.Nyeongneung (녕릉/영릉) is the royal tomb of the 17th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Hyojong (1619-1659, reign 1649-1659), and of his wife Queen Inseon (1618-1674).The tomb was originally located to the west of Geonwolleung (건원릉, the tomb of King Taejo, the 1st ruler of the Joseon Dynasty), but in 1673 cracks appeared on the tomb’s “Byeongpungseok” (stone border), and it was moved to its current location, which is to the east of Yeongneung (영릉, the tomb of King Sejong).King Hyojong was the second son of King Injo, Joseon Dynasty’s 16th ruler, and Queen Illyeol. Upon ascending to the throne, he devised a plan to conquer the Northern region of Asia, including the Qing Dynasty (part of China). As part of the plan, he reformed the military system and strengthened the army and military enforcements. King Hyojong had spent time in northern China when he was taken hostage by the Manchus. During that time he became exposed to many different cultures and technological advancements. When a group of Dutch sailors were shipwrecked on the Korean shore, King Hyojong ordered them to build the Korean army’s first muskets.King Hyojong also implemented “Daedongbeop (대동법)”, a tax system under which people had to pay taxes with rice, and circulated “Sangpyeongtongbo (상평통보)”, the coinage of the Joseon Dynasty.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

The Botanical Garden BCJ was established in 1965 on the belief that nature brings great joy into people's lives. Located in a suburb of the Seoul Metropolitan area, it is a perfect natural getaway for urban residents, as well as an important habitat for preservation of diverse plant species from home and abroad. Moreover, the BCJ offers exciting hands-on experience programs, and also serves food and drinks made with herbs at its restaurant and cafe.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

The Korea National Arboretum (KNA) is situated in Gwangneung forest and contains the Forest Museum where all the information on forestry is exhibited. The construction of the arboretum and museum took place on October 25, 1985 and opened on April 5, 1987. In order to preserve the forests, weekends and holiday entrance were restricted, reservations were required 5 days in advance, and no more than 5,000 visitors were accepted per day. As diverse plants are gaining recognition worldwide, the research department formed the Office of Forestry on May 24, 1999.Korea National Arboretum covers an area of 1,157㏊ and contains 15 specialized forests, including Conifer Garden, the Garden of Ornamental Trees, and the Aroma and Touch Garden. The Forest Museum is the largest in Asia, covering 4628 sq.m² with a traditional Korean design, and the interior and exterior are both constructed of wood and stone. The arboretum facilities consist of 5 exhibition halls (Living Forest, Forest and Man, Forestry of the World, Forestry of Korea, Nature of Korea), a Herbarium, a Special Exhibition Room, and an Audio Visual Hall.