Seoul(Seocho-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

‘Saturday Premium Performance’ takes place 50 times this year from January 7 through December 29. Seventeen different kinds of programs consisting of traditional music, dance, and singing performances will be performed throughout the year. Nine programs are suitable for people who have never experienced Korean traditional performing arts before. They consist of court music, solo performances, solo court music performances, traditional dance, folk dance, and play. These nine programs will be staged 38 times total.There will also be six masters’ programs comprised of performances of the maestros of Gugak (Korean traditional music), traditional dance, and play. Each program will be performed only once. Two intangible cultural asset programs also will be performed, consisting of Korean intangible cultural assets that have been added to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage List. They will be performed three times each.Whether you are new to Gugak or an avid lover of Gugak, the Saturday Premium Performance offers performances for everyone.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seosan-si)

Seosan Maaesamjonbul (Rock-Carved Buddha Triad) is carved into a huge rock cliff at the entrance to Bowonsa Temple at Gayasan Mountain. The Rock-Carved Buddha was discovered in 1958, and is considered the oldest and one of the most outstanding Buddha rock carvings in Korea.Standing Buddha stands in the center, the cross-legged Buddha is to the right, and Standing Bodhisattva is on the left. The main Buddha, Yearaeipsang (Standing Buddha) is 2.8m high.All sculptures carved in the middle of Baekje (6th century) are called "Baekje's Smile," named for their trademark bright smiles. The appearance of the smile changes depending on the direction of the sunlight, so these statues were designated as National Treasure No. 84. The best time to see the smile is from 9-11 a.m.The location, an important site along a key transportation route from China to Baekje, is on the way to Buyeo from the Taean peninsula. The masterful work represents the active interchange of culture with China during that time period. 


Ulsan(Ulju-gun)

Petroglyphs refer to the paintings in which objects and symbols are carved, pecked, and colored on rocks, huge cliffs and cave walls. Some of these rocky paintings are from as early as the late Paleolithic Era, but mostly they are seen from the New Stone Age, Neolithic Era and Bronze Age in which times these paintings were abundant. The upper part of the rock shows various animals including deer pecked into the rock, and the lower part of the rock has writing and drawings of humans, and animals made by penciling. As for the upper part, it is thought to have been made throughout the New Stone Age and Bronze Age to express their consciousness for abundance. In comparision, the painting of a cavalcade, a sailing boat, a dragon, a horse, and a deer and about 300 writings on the lower part of the rock were considered to be done by people during unified Silla, showing their belief of the area as a holy ground.  


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

Paju Samneung (파주 삼릉) consists of the Gongneung, Sulleung, and Yeongneung tombs.Gongneung (공릉) is the royal tomb of Queen Jangsun (1445-1461), consort of King Yejong, the 8th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. She died when she was still a crown princess, so her tomb is very simple. There is not even a “Mangjuseok”, which is the name for the pair of stones that stand on either side of the mound.Sulleung (순릉) is the tomb of Queen Gonghye (1456-1474), a consort of King Seongjong, the 9th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty. Sulleung is similar to Gongneung in many ways, but it has more stonework. Queen Gonghye was the 4th daughter of Han Myeong-Hoe, a high-ranking government officer, and a sister of Queen Jangsun, who is buried in Gongneung. This was the only time in the history of the Joseon dynasty that two sisters both became queen.Yeongneung (영릉) is the tomb of the posthumously designated king, King Jinjong (1719-1728), the first son of King Yeongjo, and Queen Hyosun (1715-1751). King Jinjong became the crown prince at the age of 7, but he died when he was only 13 in Changgyeonggung Palace. Queen Hyosun became the crown princess when she was 13 years old. In 1751, she died at the age of 37 without an heir. 


Gyeongsangnam-do(Tongyeong-si)

The annual music festival, Tongyeong International Music Festival (TIMF), is held Tongyeong-si under the various themes every year. The festival aims to select the musics that will be viewed to bridging the gap between art and audience, and among audiences. The festival presents official performances as well as side events that are relating to embracing muscial diversity, such as children's song competition, fringe performances, and workshops.


Gangwon-do(Donghae-si)

The Bukpyeong 5-Day Market takes place in Gumi-dong, Donghae-si each months on days ending in a 3 or an 8.The market began in Donghae-si around 1796 (King Jeongjo’s 20th year). Its original site was around Jeoncheon Stream but was moved to the mouth of the stream when the waterway altered. The market eventually settled down at its current site in 1932.


Jeollanam-do(Mokpo-si)

Colombang Bakery is one of the top five bakeries in the nation, and has been operating for nearly 70 years at the same location in Mokpo. It is known as the first place in the city to use fresh cream in baked goods. The most popular breads here are the cream cheese baguette and the shrimp baguette.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changwon-si)

Junam Reservoir features a large migratory bird sanctuary spread throughout three reservoirs (Sannam, Junam, and Dongpan), and is one of Korea’s top nature-watching areas for visitors. It operates Ramsar Culture Center, ecology educational hall, bird-watching site and Junam Environment School free of charge and a guide tour is available to explore the reservoir with ecological explanations. In addition, a lotus field and flower road can be visited in the reservoir.


Chungcheongnam-do(Seocheon-gun)

Chunjangdae Beach (춘장대해수욕장) in Seo-myeon, Seocheon-gun, Chungcheongnam-do is a smooth, calm beach with 2km-long, 200m-wide sand beaches. This beach is surrounded by thick acacia and pine groves. Unlike ordinary beaches on the West Sea, this beach is very picturesque. Enjoying the company of nearby tourist attractions such as the Busa Sea Wall, Hongwon Port, the Camellia Grove in Maryang-ri and the Geumgang Riverbank Tourist Spot, Chunjangdae Beach is popular as a summer vacation destination. At low tide, visitors can catch shellfish and flatfish in the tidal plain or even walk across to nearby islands. During the busy season, the Chunjangdae Vacation Train is temporarily available. Come to Chunjangdae Beach from Seoul via train to view the breathtaking coastal scenery. A walk along the beach with the backdrop of a spectacular sunset is an unforgettable romantic experience.


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

A place selling maratang, popular among Koreans who like spicy food. This Korean dishes restaurant is located in Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul. The most famous menu is mala soup.