Gyeonggi-do(Gapyeong-gun) , Namyangju

The Jarasum International Jazz Festival is held every October on the beautiful Jaraseom Island in Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do. During the festival world-famous jazz artists come together to delight audiences with the smooth vibes of live jazz.The festival was designated as one of the “Outstanding Festivals” for three consecutive years by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and as one of the “Top Festivals” in 2014. As a Green Life Honorary Ambassador, the festival is also passionate about environment protection. In order to share the external growth with the community, the festival holds a Gapyeong band contest, publishes a Gapyeong restaurant guidebook, and produces Jazz Makgeolli and Jazz Wine made from the region’s products.


Gyeonggi-do(Yangpyeong-gun) , Yangpyeong

The Yangpyeong Wild Flower Arboretum has several major facilities. The Nature Ecology Museum showcases a natural ecology model structure with educational videos. The Nature Learning Center has about 200 different types of endangered wild flower species, while the Herb Garden has 50 different types of herbs. Other attractions include the swampy ground, Tteodeureongseom Island, riverside driveway, tropical arboretum, research center. The Arborteum offers a number of hands-on experience programs as well.


Gyeonggi-do(Namyangju-si) , Namyangju

Hongyureung (홍유릉) refers to the two royal tombs, Hongneung and Yureung, which are both located in the same area. Hongneung is the mausoleum of the 26th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, Emperor Gojong (1852-1919, reign 1863-1907), and his wife Empress Myeongseong (1851-1895).Hongneung(홍릉) was first the tomb of Empress Myeongseong, and it was located in Cheongnyangni, Seoul. When Emperor Gojong died, he was buried together with the previously deceased empress and the tomb was moved to its current place.Emperor Gojong was the second son of the regent Heungseon Daewongun and ascended to the throne at the young age of twelve. In 1897, he declared Korea to be the “Daehan Empire” and established himself as the emperor. However, under unrelenting pressure from Japan, he signed the Eulsa Treaty, and as a result, the Daehan Empire was deprived of its diplomatic rights. In 1919, Emperor Gojong died in Deoksugung Palace at the age of 67.Empress Myeongseong became the empress in 1866. However, at that time, Korea was actually governed not by Emperor Gojong, but by his father, who was controlling things from behind the scenes. In 1873, when Emperor Gojong began to administer state affairs, Empress Myeongseong exercised considerable power and deeply participated in political affairs. Her diplomatic policy was in obvious favor of Russia. This angered Japan, and she was killed by Japanese assassins.Yureung (유릉) is both the last royal tomb of the Joseon Dynasty and the tomb of the first Korean emperor. It is the tomb of Emperor Sunjong (1874-1926, reign 1907-1910), the 27th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, his first wife Empress Sunmyeonghyo, and his second wife, Empress Sunjeonghyo. Emperor Sunjong was the second son of Emperor Gojong and Empress Myeongseong. He was the last ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and he struggled to defend the dynasty during that era of turbulence.Empress Sunmyeonghyo died when she was still the crown princess. She was originally buried at the foot of Mt. Yongmasan. After Emperor Sunjong died, the tomb was moved to its current location, and the emperor was buried alongside Empress Sunmyeonghyo. Empress Sunjeonghyo became the second wife of Emperor Sunjong at the age of twelve. It is known that she concealed the Imperial Seal when Japan put pressure on the Joseon Dynasty to sign the Korea (Joseon) -Japan Consolidation Treaty in 1910. However, the treaty was concluded, and the Daehan Empire came to an end after being deprived of its sovereignty. Empress Sunjeonghyo is said to have maintained her dignity right up until the moment she died. She was the last empress of the Daehan Empire.Hongneung and Yureung look different from other royal tombs. When the name of the country changed from the Joseon Dynasty to the Daehan Empire, the rulers of Korea were called emperors. Therefore, the tombs of the two emperors were modeled after the tomb of the Ming Dynasty’s ruler, King Taizu (Zhu Yuanzhang). Surrounding Hongneung and Yureung are statues carved in the shape of animals such as giraffes, elephants, and lions, which can’t be seen at the other royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty. The stonework of Hongneung tomb was made in a traditional way, while the stonework of Yureung tomb shows a more realistic and advanced technique. 


Seoul(Gangseo-gu)

Hotel De Urban is a tourist hotel in Kkachisan, Gangseo-gu in Seoul. It is located near Gimpo International Airport (10 minutes drive), making it convenient for tourists arriving at Gimpo by air. The hotel is equipped with modern facilities, and offers customers friendly service.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Located in Ulleung-eup, Ulleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do, Dodonghang Port is the port for ferries leaving or arriving in Ulleung-do Island. Ferries arrive here from Pohang or Muhko terminals or leave for Dokdo Island. To the left of the port is the Manghyangbong Peak; to the right, there is Haengnam Lighthouse with its 2,500-year old juniper tree.   Ulleung-do Island is 161 kilometers and 217 kilometers away from Mukho Ferry Terminal and Pohang Ferry Terminal respectively. The journey takes around two to three hours, depending on weather conditions. To the southeast of Ulleung-do is Dokdo Island, which is approximately 87.4 kilometers away. It takes about three hours round-trip from Dodonghang Port. Ferries leaving for Dokdo Island depart once or twice daily and are usually subject to frequent schedule changes due to wind, waves, and other unforeseen weather conditions. Therefore, visitors must confirm the schedule prior to departure. As there are no foreign language services on board, international visitors are advised to have a local guide or someone who can speak Korean.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

A meat restaurant that is the ideal meeting place.The most famous menu is Grilled Korean Beef Sirloin.A barbecue specialty restaurant located in Daehak-ro , Seoul.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Suwon Station first started out as a non-express train station on January 1, 1905. Subsequently on December 31, 1975, a subway station was added. The station is on Seoul Subway Line 1 and Gyeongbu Railroad, on which Samaeul Train and Mugunghwa Train operate. On January 1, 1996, they closed down Suin Line and the Narrow Gauge Train Station was no longer in operation. In February 2003, a privately-funded station was established. A KTX train operating on Gyeongbu Line from Seoul to Daejeon began to include Suwon Station as a stop on November 1, 2010.


Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Garimseong Fortress (Formerly, Seongheungsanseong Fortress (성흥산성)) is a stone fortress built on the lower reaches of the Geumgang River to protect Ungjinseong Fortress / Sabiseong Fortress (the capital of the Baekje Dynasty). It is the only fortress whose historical date is clearly known out of the Baekje era fortresses and therefore its cultural heritage is very important for the study of ancient geographical names.As Mt. Seongheungsan is just 260m-tall, it is not difficult to hike up the mountain. Despite its low altitude, Mt. Seongheungsan has a wide view of the plain by the Geumgang River and the neighboring mountains. On January 1, a New Year’s celebration and Chunghonje Ritual (at General Yu Geum-phil’s Shrine) are held annually. The Zelkova tree in Garimseong Fortress has gained popularity after being filmed in several TV dramas.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Ulleung-gun)

Dokdo Museum was built in 1995 in commemoration of the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Korea. It exhibits the collection of Lee Jong-hak, the first director of the museum, as well as donations by groups associated with Dokdo.The exhibit provides a historical overview of Dokdo, from the Three Kingdoms Era to the present. It also focuses on disproving Japan’s claim to Dokdo and its use of the name “Sea of Japan” to describe Korea’s East Sea. Gallery 1 features materials and maps showing Dokdo as being part of Korean territory before the Sino-Japanese War; Gallery 2 displays Japanese maps showing Dokdo as being a Korean territory, and Gallery 3 displays materials on activities of Ulleungdo Island residents to defend Dokdo during the Korean War. In the outdoor Dokdo Museum, which is currently under construction, natural stones and plants indigenous of Ulleungdo Island can be enjoyed. 


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Nestled between Gyeongpodae Beach and Yeongok Beach, Sacheon Beach is a clean and quiet beach covering an area of 19,000㎡ and a length of 300m. The beach opened on July 1, 1975; because Gyeongpo Provincial Park is just nearby, many vacationers choose to come here during the holidays. Thick pine trees cover the area, and its clean white sand and shallow waters make this area an ideal place for rest and relaxation.