Gyeonggi-do(Pocheon-si) , Pocheon

Pocheon Art Valley is established in what used to be a granite quarry. The quarry became the site of the nation’s first shared culture and art complex in 2009. The valley has had over 1,000,000 visitors by 2014. Various programs such as a planned exhibition, weekend performance, planned performance and others are prepared for visitors. Also, Pocheon Art Valley Astronomical Science Museum officially opened on August 1, 2014 as a spot for space science, comprised of an exhibition hall for space, cutting-edge 4D video room, and astronomical observation room that offers constellation reading.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Gyeongpoho Lake, which means “clear as a mirror”, is located 6km northeast of Gangneung, and is also called Gunjaho Lake. Gyeongpoho Lake was formed when the mouth of a bay was closed by sand and pebbles brought in by the sea currents. It is famous as a destination site for migratory birds. It used to be a large lake with a circumference of 12km, but it diminished because of the accumulation of dirt and sand.Gyeongpoho Lake is the setting of the tale of Hwarang and cultural relics from the prehistoric age, and on the Rock Island in the middle of the lake, there is a small pavilion which holds a hanging board called Joam, believed to be written by Song Si-Yeol. There is also a legend that rises from Gyeongpoho Lake: With the moon shining in the sky, it is reflected on the ocean, on the lake, in a glass of wine, and of course, two moons shining brightly in the eyes of someone falling in love.Gyeongpoho Lake was famous as a fishing site as it is clean and clear but due to pollution it was designated as a nature protection site and fishing has been banned.


Chungcheongnam-do(Asan-si)

Palace Hotel Onyang is located in Asan's Onyang Hot Springs, well known ever since the Baekje Dynasty. The buildings boast the harmony or traditional Korean beauty and functionality. The hot springs rise from a grout 305m below ground at 55'C. Its waters consist of sodium bicarbonates, with facilities such as Amethyst, Hardwood Charcaol, Bamboo, and Hwangto Jjimjilbangs, along with a Finnish Sauna great for the skin at 110'C. Guests may also try clean tasting food at the Korean restaurant, and feel the ambiance of traditional Korean beauty in the hotel's Korean-style rooms, each offering waters from the hot springs. Also, many tourism sites are nearby such as Hyeonchungsa Temple, Folk Museum, Asanho, Sabgyocheon, Independence Hall of Korea, Sudeoksa Temple and more.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Goseongissi Tapdongpa Jongtaek (Gosoeng Lee head family estate, 고성이씨 탑동파 종택) is the head house in the family line of Goseong Lee noble family. The eldest grandson of the family is still living today. Constructed in 1685, this house has all of the beautiful features that are representative of Joseon architecture. After this period, additions to structures were added periodically. The pavilion was constructed in 1775. This site was the original spot of the Silla Kingdom's Beopeungsa Temple. National Treasure No. 16, Sinse-dong Chilcheung Jeontap (seven-story pagoda), is located in front of the house.


Busan(Suyeong-gu) , Gwangalli

The festival, held in Busan, is a spirited celebration of both the spring and the ocean. The word ‘Eobang’ describes the spirit of the fishermen in the coastal regions, and the meaning carries over to the festival. Attendees can visit many popular nearby tourist destinations, such as Gwangalli Beach and the Gwangan Bridge and can even try bare–hand fishing, take part in a cooking contest, or sample a wide selection of interesting cuisine. Many people attend to try the sashimi sliced fresh catches of Busan at the attractive prices.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Andeok Valley in Gansan-ri Village is located within 2km east of Hwasun-ri. The tall trees of Evergreen Forest (designated as Natural Monument No. 377), cover the surrounding area of the valley. The road from the entrance to the waterfall offers a picturesque scenery. The view at night, when the place is lit up with lights, is nothing short of spectacular.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Jungmun Resort


Gyeonggi-do(Anseong-si)

The word ‘Mirinae,’ from the Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지) in Anseong, Gyeonggi-do, is a pure Korean word for the Milky Way. The site holds the graves of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic Saint; his mother Ursula; Bishop Ferréol, the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim; and Vincentius Lee Minsik who buried Saint Kim’s body. To be sure, this holy site is a serene and peaceful sanctum. The reason it came to be called ‘Mirinae’ is that Korean Catholics came to this place in secret to avoid persecution during the late Joseon Dynasty, and the lamplight coming from their homes in the village where they settled resembled the starlight of the Milky Way. Father Kim was executed at the age of 26 and was not permitted a funeral. But, 40 days after the execution, Vincentius Lee Minsik was able to steal away Kim’s body with great difficulty; he carried it on his back eventually burying it in Mirinae – dismissing all advisement and council that urged him against this. At the center of the site stands a grand memorial church and the Way of the Cross behind it has 15 bronze sculptures depicting the passion of Jesus being captured by Roman soldiers, crucified, suffering, passing away, and being interred. Kim Daegeon (1822~1846) Korea’s first Catholic priest and saint. He was chosen as a scholarship recipient by a French priest, and joined the priesthood at the young age of 24. Kim returned to Korea, but was captured, and executed, dying a martyr. He was blessed by the Roman Pope Pius XI on July 5, 1925, and became a Catholic saint at the canonization ceremony conducted by Pope John Paul II himself in South Korea on May 6, 1984.


Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)

The 2012 Chuncheon Dakgalbi (Spicy Chicken Ribs) & Makguksu (Buckwheat Noodles) Festival is scheduled to be held this year from August 23rd to 28th. Visitors can enjoy Chuncheon-style buckwheat noodles and spicy chicken ribs, two representative dishes of the region. Special events include the Chuncheon Local Cuisine Cooking Contest and free sampling every afternoon of the area’s famous dishes.