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.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si)

A former quarry transformed into a culture and arts space Oddly shaped rocks and a beautiful lake were once a closed quarry. The transformation was the outcome of Korea's first environment restoration project led by Pocheon-si. As of now, more than 1 million tourists visit this place every year. It's also a popular culture and art complex loved by local residents, with various programs including special exhibitions, as well as weekend and special performances.


Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Opened in 1998, Mansujang is located near the beautiful National Arboretum, Gwangneung, and Bonseonsa Temple on the perimeter of Gyeonggi-do. This traditional Chinese restaurant owned by a second-generation Chinese-Korean is a great place to hold family and birthday parties because hearty dishes are served at very reasonable prices.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

For sixty days before and after December 22, the sun will rise from the southeast, and a good place to view this beautiful, natural phenomenon is on Korea’s west coast in Maryang-ri. To celebrate this, the Maryangpo Sunrise Festival is held every year. Visitors here will witness a very special miracle of nature, as they will see the sun rising and setting in the same place.


Chungcheongnam-do(Cheonan-si)

Opened in 2003 and located in the middle of Bongseosan Mountain, Momiji is a great place to dine in a beautiful natural environment. The restaurant is in a Japanese-style building, adding to the overall ambiance.


Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)

If you go southeast from downtown Jeongseon all the way to Dong-myeon, you will run into Hwaam Tourist Attraction (화암관광지), which is also known as Sogeumgang River (small diamond) because of its magnificent scenery. Although the road that runs through the site winding, it is perfectly paved and drivers can enjoy the beautiful view of thick forest and fascinating, often curious-looking rock formations and cliffs along the roadside. Hwaam Tourist Attraction is an ideal locale for leaf peeking in autumn. Scenic Beauty 1: Hwaam Mineral Spring At Hwaam Mineral Spring (화암약수), water rises up through a rock crater located in Dong-myeon, Jeongseon. The water is said to be good for stomachaches, eye infections, and skin diseases; and, as it contains nine essential elements such as calcium and fluorine, it tastes crisp and clean. Scenic Beauty 2: Turtle Rock (on the right upper side of the path leading to Hwaam Mineral Spring). Part of the path leading to Hwaam Mineral Spring is buttressed by a cliff, on which there is a rock that resembles the shape of a turtle. Scenic Beauty 3: Yongmaso (on the riverside 500 meters ahead of the entrance to Hwaam Mineral Spring). With its clean water and wide sheets of rock, Yongmaso Lake (용마소) is a popular attraction for vacationers. Scenic Beauty 4: Hwaam Cave Hwaam Cave (화암동굴) used to be a gold mine that was commercially operated from 1922 to 1945. The nation’s 5th largest goldmine was, however, found to have natural stalactites, and later the cave was developed as the only theme-based cave that combined gold and nature. The stalactite area is an open space of 2,800㎡ and the length of the path open to visitors is 1,803 meters. The entire area consists of 5 chapters, which in turn constitute 41 zones; it takes about an hour and a half to see all of the zones. Scenic Beauty 5: Hwapyoju Cliff Hwapyoju (화표주) is a cliff facing the entrance of Hwapyo-dong, which can be seen on your way from Hwaam-dong to Molundae (몰운대). The cliff may appear as if a giant sharpened a large sheet of rock and placed it upright, or less imaginatively, as if two pillars are standing side by side. Scenic Beauty 6: Sogeumgang River The four-kilometer stretch from Hwapyoju to Molundae, surrounded with 100 to 150-meter high rock cliffs and thick forest, is called Sogeumgang River (small Geumgang River), meaning that its beautiful scenery is reminiscent of that of the breathtaking Geumgangsan Mountain. Scenic Beauty 7: Molundae Cliff (past Sogeumgang, on the right-hand side of Gubeulgil) ‘Molundae (몰운대)’ literally means ‘the cliff beyond which clouds disappear’. The tip of the steep cliff is adorned with three specimens of 500-year-old pine trees. Legend has it that gods would perch on the cliff’s top and enjoy the beautiful view. At the foot of the cliff lies a large sheet of rock that can accommodate hundreds of people. Scenic Beauty 8: Gwangdaegok Valley (past Molundae, on the left) Gwangdaegok Valley (광대곡) is said to be the mysterious place where heaven, earth and clouds meet. The surrounding hills are very rough and bumpy, which makes the area a renowned mountain in Korea. There is a belief among wild-ginseng diggers that they can find great ginseng if they pray in Gwangdaegok, so it is a popular attraction for such prospectors.  


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Mungyeong-si)

The Mungyeong Coal Museum exhibits the history of coal and explains its important contribution to Korea's rapid industrialization. Systematic exhibition of coal and related information helps visitors understand the vital role that coal has played in shaping modern life. The museum displays coal-related relics in addition to scholarly materials.The museum offers various exhibition halls: the Central Exhibition Hall (1F-2F), Outdoor Exhibition Hall, Mine Exhibition Hall, and Miner’s Private House Exhibition Hall. Though coal, one of Korea’s few natural resources, used to be the driving force of the Korean industry and economy, it has become less visible due to the emergence of oil and natural gas. The museum helps visitors appreciate this forgotten resource as well as the lives of miners in Mungyeong, once one of the most productive coalfields in Korea. 


Jeollabuk-do(Jeongeup-si)

Jeongeup is well known as the birthplace of the Donghak Peasant Revolution, staged against oppressive corrupt officials. Mt. Naejangsan in Jeongeup is also known as the best place to enjoy autumn leaves. Another worthwhile destination is the city’s National Bullfighting Festival, which features Korea’s unique bullfights. This is a great opportunity to learn about and experience Korea’s unique bullfighting tradition and the local cattle market. Designated as one of Korea’s Ten Best Regional Cultural & Tourism Festivals by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the National Bullfighting Festival has been recognized as a major Korean festival. Festival Overview: In its ninth consecutive year, the National Bullfighting Festival was previously held in May. However, it now is also held in autumn to coincide with the glorious autumn foliage season on Mt. Naejangsan. Unlike Spanish bullfights, in which a matador faces the bull, the Korean version of bullfighting has two bulls fighting against each other. Spectators shout enthusiastically as these powerful animals fight to win by pushing and goring their opponent. In addition to the Nationwide Bulls Championship Title Match, which is the main event, there will also be a program featuring a variety of pet animals and a cattle show as well as the photo exhibits. Festival Highlights: Jeongeup ranch and farm products are renowned for their high quality. Located near the bullfighting arena, a promotional pavilion and market sell Jeongeup’s hanu beef, and visitors can purchase high quality beef at inexpensive prices. Visitors will enjoy the festival’s ambience in the evening too when there will be a campfire and fireworks display.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Commemorating the event of PyeongChang 2018 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games and G-2 (Game-2; two years before PyeongChang 2018 Olympics), Hello PyeongChang Winter Festival will be held from February 4 to 6 around Gangneung Dano Park with various programs including an opening ceremony with performances by K-POP singers, cultural and arts groups, traditional performances themed on Gangwon-do traditional culture, World DJ festival, cultural art performance by EATOF (East Asia Inter-Regional Tourism Forum), and professional arts groups’ performances. Reservation for the festival is available through the official website. Individual foreign guests are also able to make a reservation for the festival. In addition to the pre-welcoming ceremony, PyeongChang Connected Test Events will be held with Jeongseon Alpine Ski Contest, PyeongChang Bogwang Snowboard Contest and Pyeongchang Freestyle Ski Contest. Other festivals in Gwangwon-do including PyeongChang Winter Music Festival, (Feb 25-28, Alpensia and Yongpyong), Daegwallyeong Snow Festival (Jan 15-Feb 10, areas of Hoenggye-ri, Daegwallyeong-myeon) and PyeongChang Godeureum Festival (Jan 15-24, Areas of No.2 bridge of Joyanggang River, Jeongseon-eup) will offer more of the winter atmosphere to visitors.


Gangwon-do(Yeongwol-gun)

A beautiful and mysterious valley located 12 km up the Donggang River, Eorayeon Valley is renowned for its clean waters and for the many fish that inhabit it. The valley has beautiful rock formations and a dense pine forest were designated as the No.14 National Scenic Spot in December 2004. It is one of Korea's most popular sites for rafting, followed by Naerincheon Creek and Cheolwon's Hangtan River. The trail to Eorayeon by way of Jatbong Peak is also quite popular (approx. 3 hours).