Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Located near Bongjeongsa Temple of Andong, North Gyeongsang Province, Jukheon Traditional House (146th Folk Heritage of North Gyeongsang Province) was constructed in 1886 by Kim Gajin, an independence activist. Meeting the sunrise from this historical heritage is sure to be the highlight of one’s trip. The house follows the square layout characteristic to the late Joseon period houses. The house itself is surrounded by old pine trees that add to the charm of the house. Jukheon Traditional House has four Korean traditional rooms, namely the 2-person Jukheon Gallery, Study, Elisabeth Room and the 4-person Jukheon Dongnong Room. The house demonstrates the traditional beauty of Korean houses like the wooden platform hall built upon the stone foundations, screens, and roofs with exposed beam. The screens open to the view of the stone fence and the mountains far away. Elizabeth Room was constructed to commemorate the visit of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II of United Kingdom to UNESCO World Heritage site Bongjeongsa Temple in 1999. ‘Queen Elizabeth Road’ stretches from the Jukheon Traditional House to the Bongjeongsa Temple, allowing the guests to trace Her Majesty’s visit with their own steps. A mill with a thatched roof, located to the side of the complex, allows the guests to experience the traditional stepping mill. The pillar of the mill building is adorned with flags from all over the world, testifying to the many international visitors who have stayed at the house. Guests can also enjoy a free breakfast of toast, coffee, and other simple fare on the open hall of the building.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yecheon-gun)

Dojeongseowon Confucian Academy (142th Cultural Heritage Material of North Gyeongsang Province), located in Yecheon, North Gyeongsang Province, has been reborn as a unique Hanok stay destination. Originally established to commemorate Yakpo Jeong Tak (1526-1605), a man who saved the life of Admiral Yi Sunsin during his imprisonment, Dojeongseowon is located on the middle of a mountain surrounded by Naeseongcheon Stream. There are 4 rooms in total, namely the Lecture Hall, Euphojeong Pavilion, and Dongjae and Seojae dormitories. The Lecture Hall building is built upon a stone pedestal and has an expansive hall with a great view over the Naeseongcheon Stream. Breathing in the clear air of Yecheon brings one back to the days when the lecture hall rang out with the discussions of the scholars. With a floor area of about 100㎡, there are three rooms in total, making the unit an optimal choice for workshops and other group trips. The most exclusive and beautiful room is the Euphojeong Pavilion, built upon a cliff overlooking the Naeseongcheon Stream. It was the place reserved for guests of the academy, and it is also the best place in the complex to hear the sounds of water rushing down the stream below the cliff. Dongjae and Seojae units include a bathroom, but guests staying in the Euphojeong Pavilion and the Lecture Hall must use a public bathroom outside the building. Ipdeokru Pavilion, which functioned as something akin to the gate to the entire complex, is a seminar room which can host up to 30 people. Standing on the 2nd floor of the pavilion brings one to the view of the Naeseongcheon Stream flowing in an arc around the mountain. Outdoor barbecue grills are located to the back of the Dongjae and Seojae units. Yecheon is a city brimming with scenic sights and historic heritages. Choganjeong Pavilion, the filming site of the K-drama Mr. Sunshine, is located 30 minutes away by car. Other sights like Hoeryongpo Meandering Stream, Geumdangsil Traditional Village, and Yongmunsa Temple are located 30 minutes by car.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Yeongjogwan is one of the 11 buildings located within the Korean traditional hotel ‘Royal Room Of King’, with a view over the Jeonjucheon Stream. The hotel has 11 buildings named after the historical kings of Joseon Dynasty, and Yeongjogwan, named after the 21st king of Joseon, has two rooms: The Gold Room, and the Silver Room. Both rooms feature a design that tastefully integrates the Korean traditional hanok construction with modern techniques. The Gold Room, located on the 2nd floor of the building, is dominated by the exposed wooden beams under the roof, while the 1st floor’s Silver Room has a lower ceiling than the Gold Room, and thus feel cozier. Each unit is made up of a bedroom with two double beds, living room with low tables and seats, and a whirlpool bathroom. The bathroom is equipped with whirlpool bath and shower facilities and is separate from the toilet. The bedroom and the living room are separated by a traditional screen covered with hanji, traditional paper of Korea. Amenities in the unit include a refrigerator, electric kettle, and hairdryer. The lawn outside is furnished with traditional plays like Yutnori, Tuho, Neolttwigi, and Gamatagi. There are two restaurants and a cafe within the hotel complex, allowing the guests to enjoy their meal in the comfort and grandeur of Korean architecture. One of the restaurants, Hyangwonjeong, offers a sumptuous breakfast spread including salads, namul (vegetable side dishes), jeon (pancakes and battered items), bread, and bacon. The hotel complex is located close to major tourist attractions of Jeonju; a 5-minute drive gets one to Jeonju Hanok Village, Nambu Market, and Pungnammun Gate.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

The idea behind Jeju Eco Suites was created by a husband-and-wife team of tour guide and painter. Its wooden buildings are surrounded by grass fields, giving the Suites an exotic feel of being in a forest vacation home. Like its name, Eco Suites uses solar power extensively to provide outdoor lighting and heating, while up-cycled trash bins and flower pots made out of old paint tins demonstrate the potent mixture of artistic creativity and environmental awareness that characterizes the rest of the Suites. There are 10 rooms in total, including the Deluxe Suite, Jacuzzi Suite, and Spaville Building. The interior is decorated with the same elegant and comfortable touch. All rooms are furnished with living rooms and comfortable sofas, wide terraces, and fully-equipped kitchens, which help to make the stay just like home. The two Spaville Buildings, which come in 45-pyeong (150m2) and 75-pyeong (250m2) varieties, are highly popular among visitors who prefer privacy. All rooms accommodate travelers with dogs, while the lobby offers a suite of toys for children. Other amenities like free barbecue grill for rental, free laundry facilities, and free breakfast (for guests staying longer than 2 nights) show that the team is truly attentive to the comfort of the guests. From November to January, it also allows guests to experience the mandarin orange harvests in the nearby field. Tourist attractions like the Jungmun Tourist Complex or the Jungmun Beach are located about 7 to 10-minute drive away.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

Located in Ochang Science Industrial Complex of Chungju, North Chungcheong Province, JOA Hotel markets itself as an affordable business hotel, and is equipped to fulfill all the needs that a business traveler may have during their travels. All rooms are equipped with high-speed Internet, while the business room, which is open 24 hours, is equipped with the latest computers, fax machine, copiers, and scanners. The concierge also offers document drafting, post, airline ticket confirmation, and translation services. Laundry services are also offered to long-term guests. The Hotel contains 27 rooms in total, including Deluxe Rooms, Twin Rooms, Suites, and Royal Suites, all of which are equipped with electronic memory foam mattresses, comfortable sofa, and a home theater system with a premium sound system. The rooms are also equipped with steam sauna, whirlpool bathtub, and toasters. Other than the common amenities, the rooms all feature different thematic interiors: the Royal Suite with the modern, yet classical decor is divided into the bedroom and the living room spaces by a rotating wooden wall. Suites are decorated with dark brown furniture and offers a stunning view of the Ochang Lake Park. Twin and Deluxe rooms feature white and beige-centered décor respectively. The first floor lobby has a snack bar offering coffee, toast, and cup noodles free of charge. Guests may enjoy a breakfast buffet spread that includes bread rolls, scrambled eggs, roasted mushrooms, spaghetti, and fruits.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

Artstay Seogwipo Harbor is a great place to feel Jeju’s culture, art, and nature. It is located directly on the Lee Jung Seop Street, which is home to Lee Jung Seop Art Museum and House as well as many picturesque boutique stores and cafes. Seogwipo Maeil Olle Market, located 10 minutes away by foot, is a good place to sample Jeju’s traditional foods. There are 241 rooms, divided into mountain and sea views. Sea view rooms enjoy a great view of the Seogwipo Harbor and the sea all day long. All the rooms, including the Deluxe Double, Deluxe Twin, Premier Twin, Premier Family, Junior Suite, and Royal Suite are decorated with a unique combination of beige and base colors. Patterned carpets and chairs next to the balcony add to the appealing design, complete with bedding made from environmentally friendly materials. The terrace of the Royal Suite is furnished with a whirlpool bathtub with a view toward the sea. The living room is separate from the bedroom, which is popular with family guests. The crown jewel of the hotel is the rooftop terrace, where visitors can enjoy a romantic evening with a view of the Seogwipo Harbor and an exclusive outdoor whirlpool bath. Other amenities include the business center, which offers 24-hour computer and printing services; fitness center; a grand hall equipped with beam projectors and sound system; and The Art Restaurant. The Art Restaurant also offers a breakfast buffet with Korean dishes made from fresh Jeju ingredients, bread, and coffee.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uiseong-gun)

Gounsa Temple lies on Deungunsan Mountain in Uiseong, Gyeongsangbuk-do, and was built by Monk Uisang in 681 during the reign of King Sinmun of the Silla Kingdom. Although the pronunciation of the name was never changed, its meaning slightly changed from “High Cloud Temple” to “Solitary Cloud Temple” after Choi Chi-won, a renowned scholar in the late Silla Period, helped to build two pavilions (Gaunru and Uhwaru) and renamed it. It is Branch Temple No.16 of the Korean Buddhist order, Jogyejong, and manages temples in Uiseong, Andong, Yeongju, Bonghwa, and Yeongyang. Befitting its meaning, the temple is surrounded by outstanding scenery on Deungunsan Mountain, meaning “Riding on the Clouds.” Quite isolated from villages, the temple is a very quiet, serene place. Gounsa Temple is home to one of the most cherished pieces of architecture, Gaunru Pavilion (“Floating over the Clouds”). This elegant pavilion is propped up by wooden columns, which are, in turn, supported by foundation stones. It looks as if the pavilion placed its feet in the water while standing. Among the many buildings comprising the temple complex, Yeonsujeon Hall is a unique building that was built to store Eocheop (the genealogical record of royal families) in 1774 (20th year of King Yeongjo). As a royal building, it shows the Confucian architectural style, different from other Buddhist buildings within the temple.


Gwangju(Nam-gu)

With the slogan “Yeongsangang River, where Nature and Life Coexist,” Yeongsangang River Culture Pavilion consists of an open space that blends well with the surrounding natural environment. The center provides a variety of educational programs and hands-on events, through which visitors can increase their understanding of the Yeongsangang River restoration project, the history of Namdo region, and the cultural and ecological environment of the area.


Daegu(Dalseo-gu)

Keimyung Art Center covers an area of 10,000 square meters with three upper floors and two basement floors. It is equipped with 1,954 seats and cutting-edge stage facilities for hosting diverse genres of performance arts like operas, musicals, concerts, plays, and dance. Since its opening in October 2008, the center has been greatly contributing in facilitating communication with a broad audience and increasing cultural opportunities for Daegu citizens. The center also arranges various social restoration and educational programs.


Jeollanam-do(Mokpo-si)

The slow city of Mokpo offers visitors an amazing view of the old downtown through Mokpo Marine Cable Car. With Bukhang Station and Gohado Island Station, the marine cable car has become a new top attractions in Mokpo.