Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Auraji is the name of a lake located in Yeoryang-myeon in Jeongseon-gun. It is here that Jeongseon Arirang, the No. 1 Intangible Cultural Asset of Gangwon-do, originated. The area has long been famous for its beautiful, clean mountains and rivers. Its name is derived from the Korean word ‘eoureojida,’ meaning ‘to meet’ as the waters of Pyeongchang and Samcheok unite in this area. Part of the upper stream of Namhangang River, Auraji was a famous starting point of log rafts transporting timber to Hanyang, the original name of Seoul. In the old days, one could always hear the singing of boatmen who came from all over the nation. The lyrics of Jeongseon Arirang reveal the sadness and longing of a woman awaiting her husband who left for business to a far-away place or left to transport timber. Today, numerous tourists visit Auraji to enjoy its great scenic views or to see the symbol of a maid who, gazing into the river, seems to be waiting for her lover to return.


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

Located in Donghae-si, Gangwon-do, DQ Motel is 2~3 minutes away from Donghae Express Bus Terminal by walking, and so it is easy to get there by public transportation. The motel has neat impression and the rooms are well organized. You can have various kinds of sushi and marine products at reasonable price at Mukho Harbor in 5 minutes distance, and there are many things to see such as Mangsang Beach, Mureung Valley, Donghae Whale Fossile Museum, Chuam Chotdae Rock and Cheongok Natural Cave in 30 minutes distance. Pickup service is provided at Mukho Passenger Ship Terminal, and any tourists who visit here often can use mileage system for frugal trip.


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.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

Myeonangjeong Pavilion (Jeollanam-do Provincial Monument No.6) is located on the slopes of Mt. Jebongsan in Jewol-ri, Bongsan-myeon, Damyang-gun County. The pavilion was constructed in 1533 by Song Sun (1493~1583), who built it as a place for writing poems. After its construction, the pavilion served as a meeting place for scholars and intellectuals and was even frequented by Lee Hwang (1501~1570), a representative Confucian scholar who is pictured on the 1,000-won bill. The roof of Myeonangjeong Pavilion was originally made of reeds, straw, grass and other materials, which could not withstand the elements. After several repairs, the building was developed into the wooden structure that it is today. From the back of pavilion, you can see the mountain ranges and open wide fields; renowned scholars’ poems are engraved on the wooden panels that decorate the pavilion walls.  


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

Gariwangsan Mountain in Gangwon-do is one of the major mountains that make up the Taebaek Mountain Range. It is home to numerous alpine tree species, as well as wild flowers and herbs. Its slopes are gentle enough to allow for pleasant hiking. The mountain natural recreation forest is located at the Hoedong-ri Village entrance. It has paths that are lined with thick, tall trees that almost cover the sky. It also has several conveniene facilities.


Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)

The Iksan Seodong Festival is held for two days in Seodong Park in Geumna-myeon, Iksan-si, Jeollabuk-do. The festival, which started as the Mahan Folk Festival in 1969, celebrates the city of Iksan-si. Iksan-si will bring to life the 1400 year old Baekje's Kingdom and hold the festival to express the meaning of world heritage.


Jeollanam-do(Wando-gun)

There are many beaches having the name Myeongsasimi in Korea. While “Myeongsa” refers to “soft sandy beach,” it has a different meaning in Sinji Myeongsasimni Beach; here, it conveys “echoing beach,” because the sound of silvery sand swept by waves is known for spreading over 4km (“Simni” means “4km” in Korean). Befitting its name, the beach (150m in x_width) stretches over 4km. One of the most exquisite beaches along the South Coast, the beach is also shallow, ideal for family tourists. Bathing in the sand here is believed to be effective for neuralgia, arthritis, skin diseases, and athlete’s foot.


Daegu(Dalseong-gun)

The Dalseong Korea-Japan Friendship Center opened on May 3, 2012 to highlight the philanthropy of General Kim Chung-seon (Japanese name Sayaka, 1571-1642) and promote friendship between Korea and Japan. Kim Chung-seon was a Japanese general who defected to Korea during the Japanese invasion. Shortly after arriving on Korean soil as a commander of a Japanese army, Choi together with his subjects defected to Korea, a choice that has been traditionally attributed to his respect for Korean culture. He transferred the technology of manufacturing rifles to the Korean army and contributed greatly in battles in Gyeongju and Ulsan. A great number of tourists visit the center to learn about history, including students and their parents, as well as numerous Japanese tourists who visit to commemorate the spirit of General Kim. The center features exhibition rooms, a 3-D theater, a tea ceremony room, relics, manifestations of traditional games in Korea and Japan, documents from Wakayama Prefecture in Japan, and a site for experiencing archery, all of which can be utilized free of charge.


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa Janghwa-ri Tidal Flats in Hwado-myeon, Ganghwa-gun, Incheon is well-known among photographers as a great spot to view the sunset from. Along with Dongmak Beach, this area has one of the most beautiful tidal flats and views of the sunrise in the western sea. The place provides different views depending on the rise and ebb of the tide.