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(Yangyang-gun)

Naksansa Temple (낙산사) is located 4 km north of Naksan Beach, and boasts a 1,300-year history. It is a temple built by Ui-Sang, the ambassador of the 30th King of Silla Period (57 BC- AD 935), and inside there is the Seven Floor Stone Tower, Dongjong, Hongyaemun, together with several other cultural assets. It was named Naksansa Temple by Ui-Sang, at the spot where he learned the prayer Gwansae-eumbosal from Bosal, after he returned from studying abroad in the Chinese Dang Kingdom. It was rebuilt several times afterwards, and the current building was erected in 1953.You can get to Naksansa Temple by passing through Iljumun and Hongyaemun. When you enter the temple from Hongyaemun, you can see black bamboo trees and tiled earthen walls on either side of the sanctuary. North of Naksan Beach, beside the copper bell is a back door, with a path that leads to Uisangdae Pavillion and Hongryeonam. Uisangdae is a pavilion built on top of a cliff by the sea, and was built where Ui-sang used to sit and meditate. Hongryeonam is known as a small Buddhist temple, built above a stone cave by Ui-sang. Under the sanctuary floor there is a 10 cm hole through which you can peak through to view the sea. Past Uisangdae Pavillion, up the path on the hill at Sinseonbong, there is a stone statue of Buddha called Haesugwaneumsang. It is the largest of its kind in the Orient, and can be seen from as far as Mulchi Harbor.* Naksansa Temple was destroyed in a forest fire fanned by dry, strong winds on Tuesday (April 5).For detailed information about a Naksansa Temple Stay, please contact: Templestay Division, The Jogye Order of Korean BuddhismE-mail: ts2002@buddhism.or.krTel: 82) 2-732-9925~6 


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Daewangam Park is a seaside park located on the east coast. A 1-km trail goes to the seashore after passing through a forest of pine, cherry trees, magnolias, camellias, apricots, and forsythia. The seaside is littered with rocks carved into interesting shapes by the wind and ocean. Another stroll path leads to a view of the Ulgi Lighthouse. The park is also home to Daewangam Island, a large rock island that looks like a dragon rising up into the sky. It is connected to the mainland with an iron bridge and has an observation tower.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Chimyeongjasan is a sacred site for those of the Catholic faith and a famous pilgrimage attraction in the southeastern region of Jeonju. Perched upon a steep ridge of Seungamsan Mountain behind Hanbyeokdang Pavilion, the area is the final resting place of well-known Catholic couple Yu Jung-cheol (John), Yi Sun-I (Rugalda), who vowed to remained virgins for all eternity. Situated upon the couple’s grave is “Miracle Rock,” a naturally formed rock that is said to be shaped like Jesus and the Virgin Mary. The site is also home to a 4-meter-high stone cross that can be seen from as far away as Hanbyeokdang Pavilion.The 200-meter prayer hike named “The Golgotha Way of the Cross” is one of the most popular pilgrimage routes for Catholics visiting the mountain area. Leading up from the parking lot and Monmartre Square (rest place), the entire path to the summit is strewn with flowers, making the prayer walk an ideal place for a stroll and some quiet meditation.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Organized to promote the excellent qualities of Korea’s traditional paper Hanji, the previous Jeonju Paper Culture Festival was renamed the Jeonju Hanji Culture Festival. As the name suggests, the festival’s main specialty is paper, featuring all kinds of products made from Hanji as well as contests, exhibitions, hands-on programs for visitors, and a traditional market.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Eumseong-gun)

Kkottongnae was established on November 15, 1976 by Father John (Woong-jin) Oh, the founder of religious congregation called Kkottongnae Brothers and Sisters of Jesus. Father Oh started Kkotdongne from 1,300 won, when he purchased 5 kans (5 rooms) residence, temporarily named it as ‘Sarang House’, inspired by an old man Choi Gui-dong looking after the homeless people. Kkottongnae now has grown into internationally known institution, committed to local and overseas missionary work, charity work, and social welfare services.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

The Danyang Intercity Bus Terminal is located at Byeolgok-ri, Danyang-eup, Danyang-gun in Chuncheongbuk-do Province. There are many famous tourist sites near the bus terminal including the Danyang Hot Spring, Gosu Cave, Dodamsambong Peak, Seokmun, Cheondong Cavem, Darian Valley, Oksunbong Peak, Gudambong Peak and Sainam Rock.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Hadong-gun)

Hwagae Market, which appears as the setting in Kim Dongri's novel, "Yeokma" (meaning "Stagecoach"), has a beneficial location on the border of Yeongho-nam and Gyeongsangnam-do, allowing it to easy access to seafood and salt from the southern coast, grains from the plains of Honam, wild vegetables and herbs from the foot of Jirisan Mountain and its lumber trading center. You could count the number of markets of that scale in Korea on one hand.


Gwangju(Seo-gu)

All fish sold at this restaurant is delivered directly from fishing boats. The fish is stored in tanks with 25 tons of seawater in order to keep the fish alive and healthy until they are needed. It serves seafood with the principle of “small profits and quick returns”. The owner-chef has 20 years of experience, and the employees excel in customer service.


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Expo Ocean Park is where one can stroll along the sea, where the waterfront park is located close by, take part in dynamic marine leisure sports program, watch the world's only multimedia BIG-O Show and rest comfortably at a guesthouse just like a home away from home. In addition, the establishment offers facilities that could hold both international and small scale meetings, exhibition halls, seminar rooms, as well as events.