Jeollanam-do(Goheung-gun)

Victoria Hotel is nestled in a perfect area overlooking Balpo Beach. This makes the location perfect for getting some rest and relaxation between the beach and the forest. The crisp, clear air makes the moon seem brighter and more vivid at night. A surprising portion of guests are actually Russian scientists from the nearby Naro Space Center. The hotel owner's daughter-in-law, who speaks English, provides interpretation services for these Russian guests. When going out to the terrace, guests can hear the sound of waves crashing against the shore, and encounter other visitors out for a stroll along the path from the hotel to the beach. There is a total of 55 guestrooms, ranging from two-person rooms to 12-person rooms. Nearby attractions include the Naro Sace Center, Geumtapsa Temple, and a Bija tree (nutmeg tree) forest, all of which are worth a look.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Bangadari Mineral Spring is a crisp and healthy water source located in the woods off the Yeongdong Highway. The mineral spring contains over 30 kinds of healthy minerals including carbonic acid and iron, which are known to be especially effective in treating stomach disorders, anemia, and neuralgia. The 1-kilomter long path leading from the entrance to the mineral spring site is great for taking a stroll as it is surrounded by fir trees.


Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)

Situated in Boryeong (Chungcheongnam-do), Boryeong Coal Museum focuses on the history of the coal industry and its importance. Its indoor and outdoor exhibition halls display a wide array of coal equipment employed to mine and carry coal. Visitors can also see a video depicting the coal mining process. A reproduced mine is equipped with a tunnel (using the cold air from a closed mine) and decorated with photos on the wall of the tunnel. Reproducing the real process of coal mining, visitors may feel as if they are going up and down the mine, 400m underground. The museum is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (to 5 p.m. during the winter season); it is closed on Mondays.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)

Gayasan Mountain has easy and enjoyable hiking trails connecting Gayabong Peak, the main peak with other 5 picks and mountains including Wonhyobong Peak (677m), Ongnyangbong Peak (621.4m), Illaksan Mountain (521.4m), Sujeongbong Peak (453m), and Sangwangsan Mountain. The trails are as easy, and suitable for all hikers including the elderly, and young hikers. A distant view of the west sea is even visible from the top f the mountain. Gayasan Mountain offers amazing scenery all year round, and most notably in the spring, when azaleas, royal azaleas, and an array of wildflowers are in full bloom. The mountain also contains the Seosan Rock-carved Buddha Triad (National Treasure No.84), which is considered the best rock-carved Buddha from the Baekje Period. The mountain is also home to three Buddhist temples including Bowonsaji Temple site, Gaesimsa Temple, and Illaksa Temple. With 1 national treasure, 6 treasures, and 4 cultural assets preserved on the mountain, it is safe to say that the mountain is the heart of the Naepo Culture Zone (northwestern region of the province of Chungcheongnam-do), making the entire mountain a cultural asset.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Pohang-si)

As you drive along the fantastic course from Chilpo to Wolpo, you will find a big sailing ship turned into a restaurant. Sarangui Yuramseon, which means the ‘love boat’, takes pride in its beautiful, wooden and boat-shaped architecture, and the breathtaking view. In fact, it is a well-known spot for about-to-be-married couples to take their wedding photos. At Sarangui Yuramseon, the modern interior, accompanied by the fascinating melodies of a jazz piano, creates an exquisite atmosphere. Note also that each season they provide a special event for their customers. You won’t need to go to a five-star hotel to experience fine dining. You can simply enjoy the excellent food and the impeccable service at Sarangui Yuramseon.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

This 1.4m-high rock-carved Bodhisattva was carved on the southern rock standing right above Chilburam Rock on Namsan Mountain, which may be regarded as a repository of relics and artifacts including Buddha statues spanning the Three Kingdoms Period to the late Unified Silla Period. Judging from the three-sided bejeweled crown he’s wearing on his head, this is clearly a Bodhisattva statue. He looks as if he is sitting on a cloud; while the closed eyes in the plump face give the impression he is lost in deep thought. He seems to be watching mankind from his world above the clouds. He is holding a flower in his right hand and his left hand is held up to his chest as if he is preaching. His robe is very thin, revealing the curves of the body, and hangs down to the base of the pedestal. The mandorla (Buddhist halo of light), which consists of both the dugwang (light radiating from the head) and hte singwang (light emanating from the Buddha’s body), is also the shrine for the statue, so the image of the Bodhisattva looks more prominent. It is presumed that this rock-carved Bodhisattva was made during the late eighth century during the Unified Silla Dynasty.


Jeollabuk-do(Imsil-gun)

Located in Imsil, Jeollabuk-do, Seongsusan Recreational Forest (성수산자연휴양림) grows in a deep valley that contains historic sites from the founding days of Goryeo through to the Joseon dynasty. Because of its secluded location and clean air the forest has recently become a new popular destination for summer vacationers. There is a children’s playground, and above it are condominium-type lodgings which can accommodate over 200 guests. There is a camping ground as well where all you hear are the sounds of flowing running water and chirping birds. It is an out-of-the-way little hideaway ideal for relaxation.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Yeongjogwan is one of the 11 buildings located within the Korean traditional hotel ‘Royal Room Of King’, with a view over the Jeonjucheon Stream. The hotel has 11 buildings named after the historical kings of Joseon Dynasty, and Yeongjogwan, named after the 21st king of Joseon, has two rooms: The Gold Room, and the Silver Room. Both rooms feature a design that tastefully integrates the Korean traditional hanok construction with modern techniques. The Gold Room, located on the 2nd floor of the building, is dominated by the exposed wooden beams under the roof, while the 1st floor’s Silver Room has a lower ceiling than the Gold Room, and thus feel cozier. Each unit is made up of a bedroom with two double beds, living room with low tables and seats, and a whirlpool bathroom. The bathroom is equipped with whirlpool bath and shower facilities and is separate from the toilet. The bedroom and the living room are separated by a traditional screen covered with hanji, traditional paper of Korea. Amenities in the unit include a refrigerator, electric kettle, and hairdryer. The lawn outside is furnished with traditional plays like Yutnori, Tuho, Neolttwigi, and Gamatagi. There are two restaurants and a cafe within the hotel complex, allowing the guests to enjoy their meal in the comfort and grandeur of Korean architecture. One of the restaurants, Hyangwonjeong, offers a sumptuous breakfast spread including salads, namul (vegetable side dishes), jeon (pancakes and battered items), bread, and bacon. The hotel complex is located close to major tourist attractions of Jeonju; a 5-minute drive gets one to Jeonju Hanok Village, Nambu Market, and Pungnammun Gate.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Ogyeonjeongsa House was established by Ryu Seong-yong (pen-name: Seoae, 1542-1607), a minister of Joseon, with the help of Buddhist monk Tanhong, as a place to study and educate his students. After building Wonjijeongsa House, Ryu wanted to build another house at the foot of Buyongdae Cliff amid a tranquil environment away from the village, but due to his financial situation he was unable to complete the building by himself. Then, the monk Tanhong helped him build Ogyeonjeongsa House, which took ten years (1576 to 1586) to complete, when Ryu was 45 years old. Later, Ryu Seong-yong was able to share warmth with his brother (Gyeomam), who lived in nearby Gyeomamjeongsa House. Ryu later lost his house in Hahoe in the great flood of the Nakdonggang River in 1605, and retired to Ogyeongjeongsa House where he wrote Jingbirok (The Book of Correction, National Treasure 132), a memoir of the Imjin War (Japanese Invasion of Korea in 1592). The house’s guestrooms include Sesimjae (meaning ‘having a mind to this place to achieve at least one in ten thousand things,’ inspired by the I Ching or The Book of Changes), which was used by Ryu as a schoolhouse and has two small rooms between the maru gamheonrok (wooden floor, meaning ‘looking up at the sky and down at the blue water,’ inspired by Wang Xizhi’s poetic diction); Wonlakjae (meaning ‘waiting for a friend’s visit,’ inspired by the Analects of Confucius), in which Ryu himself resided and wrote Jingbirok; and the maru aeoheon (meaning ‘I also love my hut,’ taken from a poem by Chinese poet Tao Yuanming), which measures two kan (a unit of measurement referring to the distance between two columns).


Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si)

The origin of the city name, Joan, comes from the meaning "a place where birds dwell peacefully." Namyangju Joan was designated a "slow city" in 2010 and was the first "slow city" in the Seoul metropolitan area. The city has a well-paved bike road along the Namhangang Riverbank connecting Paldang to Yangpyeong through Daeseongri. The city also has the Slow City Trail, starting from Ungilsan Station and passing through Majin Fortress and Sujeongsa Temple before arriving at Songchon Independence Park.Each of the twelve villages in Namyangju is known for a different local treasure, ranging from lotus fields to cultural heritages. Joan-myeon in particular has received compliments for its local communities, eco-friendly and organic farming, natural environment, traditional culture, and well-managed fisheries.