Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Myogaksa Temple is located on the east side of Mt. Naksan in Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. First established by Monk Taeheo Hongseon in May of 1930, it has since expanded and underwent two renovations. The temple’s location was selected based on the principles of Feng Shui, which dictated that a temple built in its location would bring peace and comfort to Seoul’s residents. The Myogaksa Temple complex on Mt. Naksan accommodates a Deabul (Grand Buddha) Shrine, a Wontong Buddhist shrine, a Nakga preaching hall, Seokgulam Grotto, Sanshingak (Mountain Spirit Pavilion), and the Mae Buddha Statue. Deabul and Wontong shrines are two of the finest Buddhist architectural masterpieces. The Buddha statue, located inside the Seokgulam Grotto, was built around the ninth or early tenth century and has been designated a national cultural treasure. The Mae Buddha Statue, also located in this temple, was carved out of the rocky cliffs of Mt. Naksan and has been designated a cultural asset of the City of Seoul.Since the 2002 FIFA World Cup when Myogaksa began operating its temple stay program, the temple has become a wonderful place where locals and tourists can escape the daily hustle-and-bustle of Seoul to experience the serenity of Buddhism. 


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 5) is a mud fortress located on top of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m) in the northern part of Buyeo. The fortress is estimated by some to have been built around 538 AD (16th year of King Seongwang) to protect Sabi (now Buyeo), which was once the capital of the Baekje Kingdom. Other historians, however, believe that the fortress was already in place by 500 AD (22nd year of King Dongseongwang) and modified in 605 (6th year of King Muwang) into the structure we see today. In either case, some parts of the fortress were reconstructed during the Unified Silla Kingdom period (676-935 AD) and modified again in the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) eras.Busosan Mountain was once considered the guardian mountain of Buyeo and is home to historic landmarks from the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). In addition to Busosanseong Fortress, some of the most famous sites on the mountain include Baekhwajeong Pavilion, Sajaru Pavilion, Banwollu Pavilion, Yeongillu Pavilion, Samchungsa Shrine (dedicated to three loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom), Gungnyeosa Shrine, Goransa Temple, Gunchangji (military warehouse site), and Suhyeoljugeoji (site of pit houses for the Baekje soldiers). The mountain is also home to Nakhwaam Rock where, according to legend, 3,000 women of the Baekje Kingdom threw themselves into the river below after the collapse of the empire.Historic Sites of Busosan Mountain■ Samchungsa ShrineSamchungsa Shrine is just a short hike from Sabimun, the main gate of Busosanseong Fortress. The shrine holds the portraits and memorial tablets of Seongchung, Heungsu, and Gyebaek, who were known as the three most loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom. Memorial services are held for these great patriots during the annual Baekje Cultural Festival each October.■ Yeongillu PavilionYeongillu Pavilion was built on the site of Yeongildae, an observation platform located on the easternmost peak of Busosan Mountain. Kings and members of the royal family of the Baekje Kingdom once used this spot as a place from which to watch the sun rise above Yeoncheonbong Peak on Gyeryongsan Mountain, plan state affairs, and pray for the peace of the kingdom and their subjects.■ GunchangjiAlso known as “Mallichang,” Gunchangji is the site of a warehouse that was used to store grain for military use. Remnants of burnt grain were discovered at the site in 1915.■ SuhyeoljugeojiSuhyeoljugeoji, only a short distance from Gunchangji, was once the site of a pit house for soldiers of the Baekje Dynasty. The thatched-roof pit houses that stand on the site today have been reconstructed based on historical evidence uncovered during site excavation. Measuring 1m in depth with walls of wood and straw, the pit houses are neighbored by an exhibition hall that stands on the original excavation site.■ Sajaru PavilionSajaru Pavilion, located on the highest peak of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m), is said to represent the cosmic powers of yin and yang together with Yeongillu Pavilion in the east. Adorned with a nameplate written by Prince Uichinwang Yi Gang (1877-1955), Sajaru commands an ethereal view of the moon and has long since been the source of poetic inspiration. The pavilion was also the site of discovery of the famous Geumdong-seokga-yeorae-ipsang (Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha, Treasure No. 196).■ Baekhwajeong PavilionBaekhwajeong Pavilion, perched on the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock, was built in 1929 by a poets’ society called Bupungsisa to commemorate the story of the famous rock. According to the historical tale, the women of Baekje flung themselves off the cliffs of Nakhwaam to their deaths after the kingdom collapsed to keep themselves from being defiled by the men of the insurgent kingdoms.■ Gungnyeosa ShrineGungnyeosa Shrine is located a short distance from Taejagol (Crown Prince Valley) to the northeast of Banwollu Square. Established in 1965, the shrine honors the Baekje women who leaped to their deaths from the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock in 660 when the empire was conquered by the allied forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty of China. Commemorative rites are held at the shrine every October during the Baekje Cultural Festival.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Seochon Traditional Sundae Soup House is considered a must-visit destination. It was shown in the Korean drama series, “Doctors, as a restaurant owned by the father of the main character, Yoo Hye Jung (actress: Park Shin Hye). It is known for its special deep-tasting beef broth, which they brew with marrowbone for 24 hours. Its old-fashioned, traditional style Hanok architecture and its neat interior evokes the Korean traditional castle: Gyeongbokgung and its surroundings. Not only is the Sundae Soup first in its class, the in-house Kimchi is one of the best in its category as well. After the meal, don’t forget to take a photo where the “Doctors” couple, Jiho-Hyejung, enjoyed rice soup.  


Seoul(Seongdong-gu)

Located in Seoul Subway Line 2, Yongdap Station Bridge is a place that takes part in the everyday life of the local community. It was also a filming site in tvN's drama "Guardian (2016)" for many notable scenes, inclduing Sunny and Jeoseungsaja's first encounter.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Alpensia Ski Resort has six slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Runs as long as 1.4km provide a dynamic experience for both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders. There is also an area exclusively for advanaced snowboarders to practice their skills. Alpensia is not just for winter revellers: the year-round resort transforms the lower, Apron Area, of the mountain into a 100,000㎡ wild flower garden during summer months.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

1m Classic Art Hall, located in Daehang-ro is a classic art experience center exclusively for children. The center provides children with the opportunity to enjoy classical music in a fun and interesting way. In the ‘1m Experience Classic’ program (the oldest children’s classical program in the nation), teachers not only provide interesting mini-music learns, but also assist children in trying out a variety of instruments.At the performance halls at the 1m Classic Art Hall, the stage is just 1m away from the surrounding seats, giving young audience members a more intimate musical experience.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Cheonjeyeon Falls (천제연폭포), named 'The pond of God', consists of 3 sections. Around the falls, a variety of plant life thrives, such as the rare ‘solipnan’ reeds. To the east, there is a cave where cold water pours from the ceiling to create a waterfall.The water from the first waterfall divides into the second and third waterfalls, which then flow into the sea. In Cheonjeyeon Valley, visitors can see “Seonimgyo Bridge” (arch bridge with 7 nymphs carved on the side) and the octagonal “Cheonjeru tower”. Seonimgyo Bridge is also called “Chilseonyeogyo”(meaning "seven nymphs bridge") and it connects Cheonjeyeon with the Jungmum Tourist Complex.On the surface of Cheonjeru Tower, there is a painting that tells Cheonjeyeon’s legend of the nymph and mountain god. In May of every even-numbered year, the Chilseonyeo Festival is held here.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

Gwangju World Cup Stadium is a major symbol of Gwangju. Designed to reflect the notion of ‘spreading far and wide’ the exterior is shaped like spokes of a wheel. When lit up, the stadium looks like a glowing dome. The ceiling and large ‘Y’-shaped pillars resemble a ‘Go,’ an instrument used in a traditional game from Gwangju, Gossaumnori. It is with design touches such as these that architects of the stadium have sought to capture and reflect traditional aspects of the Gwangju area.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Yongpyong Resort, located on the ridge of Mt.Balwangsan, is the first domestic ski resort opening in 1975. With average 250cm of snow each year you can enjoy skiing from November until April of the following year. Compared to other ski resorts, ski season is considerably longer. It is 215km from Seoul, and with the construction of a 4-lane highway, the travel time has been shortened to 2 hours. When ski season finishes, you can enjoy golf from April to November as well.This is where the 1998 World Cup Ski Competition and the 1999 Gangwon Winter Asian Games were held. The Rainbow Red*Silver*Gold slopes have been authorized by the International Ski Federation (ISF). Also there are slopes for beginners such as the Yellow Run and the Pink Run, and the new Red Run and Green Run for intermediates. There are 18 slopes and 15 lifts in total, with a 3.7km long gondola which can accommodate 8 people at once. There are other convenient indoor facilities such as the swimming pool and sauna, and within the complex there is a sledding hill, indoor golf course with a capacity of 6 holes, survival game park and the indoor mountain bike path. There are also the forest bath walk, archery, crocket, tennis courts and the campsites.For accommodation there are hotels, condos, youth hostels which add up to 1,087 rooms available in total. There are many tourist sites such as the Mt.Odaesan National Park and the Daegwangryeong Ranch. During ski season, shuttle buses and the direct buses operate from metropolitan areas around Korea. 


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Construction on Gukchaebosang Memorial Park (located in Dongin-dong, Jung-gu District) began in March 1998 and was completed in December 1999. The park was established to retain the spirit of the National Debt Remuneration Movement (a national movement that originated in Daegu in 1907) and to help overcome the debt crisis of 1997. Of course, the park was also created in order to expand green space in the downtown area and offer a place of rest and relaxation to the general public.Spanning 42,500 square meters in size, the park boasts the Dalgubeol Grand Bell, a bell pavilion, walking trails, and other amenities. The famous Dalgubeol Grand Bell was installed on the park grounds in December 1998 as a representation of harmony and prosperity and to symbolically awaken the people with its pure and clear ringing.The park has an ample parking lot (3 underground floors) and is frequented by students who study at the Central Library located within the park. Gukchaebosang Memorial Park is also a popular date destination because of its proximity to the Daegu downtown area. As one of the most recently established parks in Daegu, the park boasts thousands of trees, a large grass plaza, and plenty of benches and resting areas. The beautiful fountains, pavilion, and stone artworks add to the charms of the park. The park hosts diverse cultural events such as music concerts and exhibitions and draws many visitors each Saturday and Sunday for the ceremonial ringing of the Dalgubeol Grand Bell.