Gyeonggi-do(Yeoju-si) , Yeoju

This is the house where Empress Myeongseong (Joseon Period) was born, and lived until she was eight years old. She would grow up to be the wife of the dynasty’s 26th ruler, King Gojong. The birthplace and the adjoining Memorial Hall are open to the public.Empress Myeongseong was a brilliant diplomat who pursued openness and reform to maintain the sovereignty of the nation. Unfortunately, her tumultuous life came to an end in the early morning hours of October 8, 1895 when she was murdered by the Japanese army.During Japanese colonial rule, the empress was wrongfully accused of being a jealous and overly ambitious person. Studies of various archives have since revealed what a great person she really was. Recently, numerous television productions and musicals have also corrected those misunderstandings. Renovated in 1995, her birthplace includes three buildings with servants’ quarters, master’s quarters, and a separate house. A commemorative monument now stands at the site of the room where the empress studied as a child. The Memorial Hall in front of the house contains various archives and artifacts related to Empress Myeongseong’s life. There is also a 161-seat theatre.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Dokdo Museum was built in 1995 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Korea. It exhibits the collection of Lee Jong-hak, the first director of the museum, as well as donations by groups associated with Dokdo.The exhibit provides a historical overview of Dokdo, from the Three Kingdoms Era to the present. It also focuses on disproving Japan’s claim to Dokdo and its use of the name “Sea of Japan” to describe Korea’s East Sea. Gallery 1 features materials and maps showing Dokdo as being part of Korean territory before the Sino-Japanese War; Gallery 2 displays Japanese maps showing Dokdo as being a Korean territory, and Gallery 3 displays materials on activities of Ulleungdo Island residents to defend Dokdo during the Korean War. In the outdoor Dokdo Museum, which is currently under construction, natural stones and plants indigenous of Ulleungdo Island can be enjoyed. 


Gyeonggi-do(Bucheon-si) , Bucheon

The Wonmisan Mountain Azalea Festival will be held from April 12 to 14 at Wonmisan Mountain and the surrounding areas. While enjoying the sight of azalea flowers, visitors can participate in various hands-on programs and events.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

Located 26km south of Pohang, Guryongpo Port serves as the docking port for squid fishing boats in the East Coast. Around the breakwater, rudder fish, seaperch, and rockfish are caught all throughout the year. Yellowtails are abundant from September through October followed by the season for Japanese seerfish.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Anmingogae Hill is a 9 kilometer-long hill that reaches from Taebaek-dong in Jinhae to Anmin-dong in Changwon. Six of the nine kilometers are lined with cherry blossoms, making up the famous Jinhae Cherry Blossom Tunnel. The hill is also known for its view of Jinhaeman Bay, Ungsan Mountain (alt. 703m), Sirubong Peak (alt. 630m) and Cheonjabong Peak (502m). The hill is dotted with benches placed about 100m apart, offering visitors a comfortable way to catch their breath while enjoying the view and cherry trees.Also of note is the Anmin Saengtaegyo Bridge (Anmin Ecology Bridge), which was built as a passageway for wild animals to travel between Jangboksan and Ungsan mountains after the mountains were divided by the Anmin Tourism Road running from Jinhae and Changwon. The hiking trail to Jangboksan Mountain past the Anmin Saengtaegyo Bridge is closed in the spring as part of fire prevention measures.


Jeollanam-do(Gurye-gun)

Gurye Sansuyu Festival is an annual spring flower festival that takes place in the Jirisan Mountain hot springs area. Major programs include cornus fruit liquor making and cornus fruit makgeolli tasting, while other programs include traditional music and dance performances and fireworks displays.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)

Located at the outskirts of Mt. Halla, Hueree Natural Park is one of the most local and beautiful parks on Jeju Island. Commonly depicted as “an island within the island,” the park is a fun place to experience nature and its importance. It offers various seasonal programs: Apricot Flower Festival, Plum Harvest, and Orange Mandarin Harvest. Earthenware, Dottong (traditional local bathroom), and millstones offer a glimpse of local life and culture. Visitors can also feed baby pigs, rabbits, squirrels, and black goats. Full of colorful volcanic stone towers in the pine forest, the park is floored with volcanic cinders (called scoria) in its entirety. Walking barefoot amidst the gently blowing wind in the forest will surely offer the best rest and leisure to visitors.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Yeongju-si)

Buseoksa Temple is considered a 'masculine' temple. It differentiates itself from other temples by its huge size and the scenery is refreshing and beautiful. Buseoksa Temple was built in 676, when King Munmu (661~681) ruled the Silla Kingdom (57 B.C. ~ A.D. 935), by the founder Uisang (625~702) after he received orders from the King. Later in the 7th year (1016) of the Goryeo Dynasty (918~1392) was in the reign of King Hyeonjong (reign 1010 to 1031) Great Buddhist Monk Wonyung (964~1053) renovated Muryangsujeon (National Treasure No.18). It was renovated several times afterwards.The legend of lady Seonmyo and Uisang is famous. The two met when Priest Uisang went to Dang (Dynasty of China) to study. When Uisang told Seonmyo he would go back to his country, Seonmyo jumped into the sea and drowned. After death, she became a dragon. Seonmyo followed Uisang to Silla to protect and be with him. When Uisang ran against a crowd that had gathered to stop him from building Buseoksa Temple, Seonmyo brought up stones in the air three times. The stone that floated stands on the left side of Muryangsujeon. Because a wide, flat stone had floated above the ground, the temple was named Buseoksa Temple.At the entrance of Buseoksa you will see 108 steps between Cheonwangmun gate and Anyangmun gate. The number of steps represents redemption from agony and evil passions through 108 cycles. You will find Buseoksa Temple's Three Story Tower when you pass the Iljumun and Cheonwangmun gates. Above the tower you will see Beomjongru. When you pass Beomjongru, you can see a pavilion called Anyang, which means 'entrance to Heaven'. Go past Anyang Pavillion and you will reach the main building of Buseoksa Temple, Muryangsujeon, which boasts beautiful curved lines of the building structure.Muryangsujeon is a wooden building made in the Goryeo Dynasty. Inside you will find National Treasure No.45, Sojo Yeorae Seated Figure. There are more National Treasures and relics inside such as the Josadang (National Treasure No.19), Josadang Wall Painting (National Treasure No.46) and the Stone Lantern (National Treasure No.17) in front of Muryangsujeon.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

The House of Changwon was home to Du-cheol (pen name Toeeun), a famous scholar. This house is now used as a traditional lifestyle and culture learning center for studying traditional Korean culture and customs. Built on a 10,209㎡ site, the house contains 14 buildings, including one exhibiting collections of farming tools. The establishment itself is one of few living artifacts in the country, offering a peek into how ancient Koreans lived. The venue provides a cultural class for visitors and other events and functions such as a chapel for traditional weddings and other ceremonies. Nevertheless, it is a great escape from the bustling downtown as the house features spacious room for a leisurely walk, in addition to beautiful gardens and ponds that Toeeun used to love.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Boeun-gun)

Mt. Songnisan National Park is comprised of Mt. Songnisan and the valleys of Hwayang, Seonyu, and Ssanggok. Situated in the middle of the Sobaeksanmaek Mountains, which is the southwest branch of the Taebaeksanmaek Mountains, Mt. Songnisan is one of Korea’s most beautiful sites. The sharp granite peaks of Mt. Songnisan and the deep valleys of sedimentary rocks are spectacular. Therefore, Mt. Songnisan is also referred to as Mt. Sogeumgangsan, meaning a smaller version of Mt. Geumgangsan. One of Korea's largest temples, Beopjusa, can also be found on Mt. Songnisan. Uisang indicates a sitting Buddha statue and Maaeyeoraeuisang describes the Buddha sitting on a lotus flower. The years have damaged the figure quite a bit, but it still maintains its original beauty. Visitors to the temple will witness the Cheongdongmireukbul, which is the largest Buddha statue in the world. With its numerous treasures and National Monuments, Beopjusa Temple is the best place in which to experience the brilliant history of Buddhist civilization. Mt. Songnisan's deep valleys and the many Natural Monuments attract countless mountaineers and tourists. The cherry blossoms in the spring, green pine forest in the summer, and the lovely autumn leaves in the fall make this place beautiful all the year round.