Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

The Busan International Short Film Festival started in the 1980s as the ‘Korea Short Film Festival,’ introducing a variety of domestic short films including 8mm films and independent movies produced by university students and citizens. In 2000, the festival was renamed the ‘Busan Asian Short Film Festival’ and expanded to include short movies from all across Asia, many of which included popular Asian films of the year. As time went on, the festival once again expanded its scope to include films from around the world and was renamed the ‘Busan International Short Film Festival’ in 2010. When it first started, the festival laid a foundation for the development of Korean movies. The festival continues to stir up support and interest in short films, acting as a catalyst for the Korean short films industry.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Namsa Yedamchon, along with Hahoe Village in Andong, is the representative ancient Hanok (Korean traditional house) village in Korea. Located at the foothills of Nigusan Mountain, tucked into a bend of the crystal clear Sasucheon Stream, the village looks like it came right out of a dream. Although no one knows the exact date the town was first founded, it is assumed that the town was created before the Goryeo Dynasty since one of the queens of the Goryeo Era was believed to have been born here. Inside the village by the ancient house of the Ha family clan, there used to be a 670-year old apricot that was well known by nature and apricot flower enthusiasts everywhere. Unfortunately, the tree died a few years ago and a seedling from the original tree is growing in its place. Although historical records verify that the house was built in 1377, the house was burnt down during the Donghak Peasant Revolution and has since been restored. The Ha family clan’s house, though famous, is only one of the numerous traditional houses in the village. The oldest house in the village is the ancient house of the Yi family clan that was built sometime in the 1700s. The house is famous for the 300-year-old trees that stand on the road leading up to the house. The two trees cross trunks to form the letter “X,” and are so unusual that many photographers come here just to take pictures of them. Namsa Yedamchon in Korean means ‘lovely walls village’ in Korean and is exactly the right name for this beautiful town. Stone walls measuring 5.7km long line the road from the village’s entrance and the 3.2km-long traditional stone wall in another part of town was even designated a Cultural Heritage in 2006. In Namsa Yedamchon Village, tourists can not only visit and stay in traditional houses, but can also participate in a variety of hands-on programs. At the end of a long day of touring visitors can even use the nearby charcoal sauna that uses charcoal made from the oak woods of Jirisan Mountain. * Famers’ life experience – Traditional Water Mill Experience, ‘Honeybee Keeping’, ‘One-day Famers’ Life Experience * Traditional game-playing – Samgot, Nori, and Pungmul (folk music) performances & campfire * Educational Programs- Ancient houses, cultural heritages, Sancheong’s Eight Scenic Views, ‘Seodang (Traditional Schoolhouse) Experience’, natural dyeing with Pagoda Trees


Daegu(Dalseong-gun)

The ARC is a building that embodies an elegant and geometrical approach to the sky, the earth, culture and river culture. The ARC is an abbreviation of Architecture of River Culture and Artistry of River Culture. With water as it common theme, the multi-purpose space is organized in such a way that the structure itself is a work of art. The interior features a modern, yet simple design concept. The building has exhibition spaces and art galleries on the basement floor, a huge circle theater highlighting the theme of water on the first and second ground floors, and an observatory on the third floor with a view of the surrounding natural landscape.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

Bongha Village is located 4.5km to the east of Jinyeong-eup, on the foot-slopes of Bonghwasan mountain. It is a typical farming village, and its major produce is Jinyeong sweet persimmons and rice. Its name comes from the mound above it on Bonghwasan mountain, where in the past beacons were lit as a method of communication. Bonghwasan mountain is home to Bonghwasa temple and two famous valleys: Doduk (thief) valley on the east side, named because of the many thieves that used to operate in the area, and Yasi (fox) valley on the west side, which looks like a fox lying on its front, looking back at its tail.Birthplace of the former President of Korea, Roh Moo-hyunThe birthplace of the former President of Korea, Roh Moo-hyun, is a brick house with a slate roof that consists of two small rooms and a kitchen. Although it is a shabby house, everything in it seems rare and precious to visitors. The earth, stones, and water, as well as household items, are popular with visitors. Some visitors even take stones and soil from the garden home with them in plastic bags, and some take water, believing that water from the ex-president’s birthplace is almost sacred.


Daejeon()

Daejeon Science Festival started in 2000 at Daejeon Expo Science Park. The festival aims to cultivate an interest in science among students and citizens alike, promoting Daejeon as the science capital of Korea. With the theme of “Fusion of Science and Culture! Glance into the Future!” the festival will run for five days at various areas around the park.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

Held for the first time in 1989, the Chuncheon Puppet Festival is celebrating its 27th anniversary this year. Aside from the puppet performances, there will also be plenty of side events to entertain children and adults alike.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)


Chungcheongbuk-do(Goesan-gun)

Hwayang Valley, located 32km east from Cheongju, was designated Songnisan National Park in 1975.The vivid green mountains and clear waters make it a highly sought after tourist spot. The nearby Seonnyudong Valley, just 7km away, is also a huge draw for travelers.Hwayang Valley is composed of various shaped rocks such as Cheomseongdae Observatory, Neungundae Observatory, Waryongam Rock and Eupgungam Rock. Well-known statesman from the Joseon Dynasty, Song Si-yeol, visited the valley and wept for King Hyojong offering his final bow. This rock where he cried was then named Eupgungam Rock meaning ‘crying bow’ Rock. Waryongam Rock gets its name from its shape, which is said to look like a wriggly dragon. Cheomseongdae Observatory was used in order to forecast weather patterns.


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

Cheongnyeongpo Cape (청령포), located on the upper stream of Namhangang River in Gwangcheon-ri, Nam-myeon, Yeongwol-gun, is known as the place of King Danjong’s exile. The area was designated as Scenic Site No.50 in December 2008. King Danjong (r. 1452-1455, 6th King of the Joseon Dynasty) was banished from the kingdom after being overthrown by his uncle, King Sejo. King Danjong was exiled on Cheongnyeongpo Cape, surrounded on three sides by water and a steep, wall-like rock called Yugyukbong on its west side. The cape is so isolated that it can only be reached by ferry. On Cheongnyeongpo Cape, visitors can see Geumpyobi Headstone, created during Danjong's exile; and Danmyoyujibi, set up during the reign of King Yeongjo. Both landmarks help convey the cape’s interesting past. Other historic sites include Manghyangtap Pagoda, Nosandae Observatory, and Gwaneunsong Pine Grove (Natural Monument No. 349). Cheongnyeongpo Cape is where King Danjong, the 16-year-old dethroned king, lived a tragic life in exile filled with tears and heavy sighs. The site however, is now known for its well-preserved scenery and the beauty of the nearby Seogang River.


Jeollanam-do(Jangseong-gun)

Jangseong Baegyang Maple Festival is held in the Baegyangsa Temple area of Baegamsan Mountain. Performances include "maple's harmony," "nostalgia 7080," and a music concert in the maple forest. Hands-on programs include hand painting maple ceramics, making maple bookmarks, and other exhibtions and additional events for visitors.