Jeollanam-do(Muan-gun)

The White Lotus Pond of Hoesan, known as ‘Hoesan Baengnyeonji’ (회산백련지) in Korean, is the largest habitat of white lotus in Asia, covering an area of approximately 330,000 square meters in Bogyong-ri, Illo-eup, Muan-gun, Jeollanam-do Province. The white lotus flowers in this pond continuously blossom and fall from July until September. A lotus festival is held in August, when the flowers are at their peak. At the side of the road leading to the lotus festival grounds, there is an aquatic plants natural education site spanning an area of over 2,300 square meters.


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Seorae Village is located in between Banpo4-dong and Bangbaebun-dong in Seochu-gu, Seoul. Past the Banpo Bridge of Sapyeong-ro road and Palace Hotel along Seorae-ro road and you can see a cluster of luxurious villas. This was the former location of Ecole Francaise de Seoul, a French school for the France residents who resided here in 1985. There are about 1,000 French citizens residing in Korea (as of 2008 statistics) and about half of them are living in this area. Thus, Seorae Village naturally became a global village much thanks to the strong presence of French citizens in this area. Furthermore, situated geographically near Gangnam and the central business district area, along with natural sites including Yangjae stream and Hangang River Park, makes it a pleasant environment space for all. Every morning, long lines of cyclists with their bikes can be seen waiting in front of the bakery to buy the freshly baked baguettes. The traditional French bakery makes bread from ingredients that are directly imported from France and thus been a favorite to any French residents living in Korea. The shops in Seorae Village shops are modest and charming. The street is lined with shops and small restaurants, seeming to have been lifted straight out of Europe. In recent year, Seorae Village has undergone several changes. In every other street found here, a luxurious café and wine bar can be found and if you like to enjoy your meal outdoors, several cafes or restaurants with balcony seats are also available. This is currently one of the most popular areas among the locals and it has a nickname of ‘Little France’.


Jeollabuk-do(Gochang-gun)

The Gochang Pansori Museum was established in the old residence of ‘Dongni’ Sin Jae-Hyo (a musical theorist and arranger and a sponsor of Pansori) with the aim of honoring the great Pansori singers of the past (including Sin Jae-Hyo) and preserving and developing the indigenous tradition of Pansori. Of the original rooms of the residence only Sarangchae (an annex where men used to study or welcome guests) has been renovated and is open to the public. Right next to Sarangchae is the Dongni Gugakdang (Korean Traditional Music Hall).Over 1,000 pieces related to Pansori and great local singers are on display at the museum, included personal possessions once owned by Sin Jae-Hyo (penname ‘Dongni’). For those interested in learning more about the traditional art of Pansori music or experiencing high-quality Pansori, the Gochang Pansori Museum is a must-visit travel destination.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)

Seosan Maaesamjonbul (Rock-Carved Buddha Triad) is carved into a huge rock cliff at the entrance to Bowonsa Temple at Gayasan Mountain. The Rock-Carved Buddha was discovered in 1958, and is considered the oldest and one of the most outstanding Buddha rock carvings in Korea.Standing Buddha stands in the center, the cross-legged Buddha is to the right, and Standing Bodhisattva is on the left. The main Buddha, Yearaeipsang (Standing Buddha) is 2.8m high.All sculptures carved in the middle of Baekje (6th century) are called "Baekje's Smile," named for their trademark bright smiles. The appearance of the smile changes depending on the direction of the sunlight, so these statues were designated as National Treasure No. 84. The best time to see the smile is from 9-11 a.m.The location, an important site along a key transportation route from China to Baekje, is on the way to Buyeo from the Taean peninsula. The masterful work represents the active interchange of culture with China during that time period. 


Jeju-do(Jeju-si)

The Jeju Olle Walking Festival is held in autumn when Jeju’s nature is at its best, to offer the opportunity of walking the wonderful Jeju Island with fellow participants who enjoy walking tours, along with performances and food. The festival started in 2010 on Jeju Olle Trail - Route 1 and finally reaches its last official course, Jeju Olle Trail - Route 21 in this year’s festival after walking around the whole of Jeju Island. Continuing for two consecutive days, the first day and second day walk through Route 20 and Route 21 respectively. Through this festival, people can experience various cultural art programs as well.


Gyeonggi-do(Yeoncheon-gun)

The area surrounding the Hantangang River (한탄강) has is littered with countless volcanic rocks from past volcanic activity. These rocks are basaltic, and are commonly called gombo (a face with chicken pox marks) rock because they are covered in small holes that form from air bubbles when volcanic lava cools rapidly. The surrounding scenery of the Hantangang River area is truly breathtaking and is also the site of a famous amusement park. The Hantangang River Resort, located in the lower region of the Hantangang River, stretches along 1.5 kilometers of the river;s shore between the Sarang Bridge and the Hantan Bridge in Jeongok-ri, Yeoncheon-gun. The Hantangang River flows from Pyeonggang in North Korea, flows through Cheorwon, Pocheon and Yeoncheon and eventually joins the Imjingang River. The river features many scenic locales, including a large valley, the walls of which consist of many rare rocks. The resort is a great place for rest and relaxation, and has facilities for the whole family, maintaining campsites for cars and motor homes, a dinosaur themed Children’s Character Park, the Children’s Transportation Land, a water park, an ecological pond, and a soccer field downstream. Additionally, the Goseokjeong Pavilion and Sundam Valley are located nearby upstream.


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

Bogwangsa Temple is a traditional temple located on Goryeongsan Mountain in Paju-si. It was built by the great monk Doseonguksa during the Silla Kingdom under the order of Queen Jinseong in the eight year of her reign (AD 894). Bogwangsa Temple offers a temple stay program through which participants can learn about temple etiquette and experience temple life. Activities include attending Buddhist services, participating in prayers of repentance, engaging in Zen meditation, and eating temple meals and learning about the temple tea ceremony. The temple is set against a naturally scenic site and the sounds of the water flowing in the valley mixed with the Buddhist chants result in a calmness difficult to find anywhere else!


Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)

Muchangpo Mystic Sea Road Festival is held at Muchangpo Beach in Ungcheon-eup, Boryeong-si City.During the festival, the sea splits, creating a 1.5 km division from Muchangpo Beach to Seokdaedo Island (석대도). This phenomenon is called the Modern Moses Miracle and happens every year.  The festival accompanies the event which occurs on the fifteenth day of the lunar month and again at the end of the lunar month.Visitors can enjoy a wide range of attractions and hands-on programs such as celebratory performances, fishing with a torch, the Mystic Sea Road torch parade, barehanded fishing, catching manila clams, catching razor shells and many more.


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

Offering stunning scenes all year-round, Byeokchoji Botanical Garden holds the lighting festival every winter. Located in Gwangtan-myeon, Paju-si, visitors to Byeokchoji Botanical Garden can enjoy the beauty of Korea through-out the year in this ‘Natural work of art’. Covering an area of about 132,230㎡, the garden is home to 1,400 species of plants. The various theme divisions and garden layout gives off a European vibe. The lighting event, which begins from sunset, will be available till 22:00 every night.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

Namsan Mountain in Gyeongju is home to many temples and shrines, and was considered sacred by many during the Silla Kingdom. This mountain boasts nearly 40 valleys winding down from Geumobong Peak (468 m in elevation), Gowibong Peak (494 m in elevation), and other surrounding peaks. Also, this 4 km-wide and 8km-long oval-shaped mountain runs almost perfectly north to south. Namsan Mountain is a veritable open-air museum, with 100 temples, 80 stone Buddha statues, and 60 stone pagodas scattered across the mountainside. Topographically, it features nearly 40 valleys and is divided into the Southwest Mountain, a sacred place during the Silla period, and the Southeast Mountain, where many Buddhas can be found around the valleys. Najeong Well, at the western foot of Namsan Mountain, is the mythic birthplace of King Park Hyeokgeose, founder of the Silla Kingdom. The local Yangsanjae Shrine was built in honor of its founder who lived in Seorabeol before the Silla Kingdom was established. Poseokjeong Pavilion is the place where the glorious era of the Silla Kingdom came to an end. In the Southeast Mountain region, one can encounter the Seated Buddha of Borisa Temple, a 9-meter Bulmusa Stone Buddha Statue, and a Seated Stone Buddha at Gamsil Shrine. Namsan Mountain also features 12 treasures, including Mireukgol Seated Stone Buddha, a three-storey stone pagoda in Yongsangsa Temple, the Maae Stone Buddha in Chilbulam Temple, and others. There are also twelve historic sites, such as the site of Poseokjeong Pavilion, Najeong Well, and Samneung Royal Tombs, as well as nine local tangible cultural properties (Maaegwaneumbosalsang Buddha in Samneunggol Valley, Ipgolseokbul Buddha, Yaksugol Maaeipsang Buddha, and others), and one important piece of folklore material. Namsan Mountain is also famous for its scenic landscapes in addition to its cultural heritage. Numerous valleys, unique rock formations, and beautiful trails are abundant throughout the area. Many tourists say, “You cannot say that you know Gyeongju without hiking up Namsan Mountain.” Namsan Mountaint is a place where the scenic nature and long history of the Silla Kingdom coexist, and also where the aesthetic consciousness and religious traditions of the Silla people evolved into the artform it is today.