Jeollanam-do(Hwasun-gun)

Manyeonsa Temple is known to have been built in 1208, the fourth year of King Heejong’s (r. 1204-1211) reign during the Goryeo Dynasty. It is said that Manyeonsa Temple was constructed by Great Monk Manyeon after he dreamt of 16 nahans, Buddha’s disciples, preparing to build a temple to preserve Buddha’s statue when taking a short nap during his journey back to Songwangsa Temple in Jogyesan Mountain from Wonhyosa Temple in Mudeungsan Mountain. When he awoke from his nap, he noticed that snow had completely covered his nearby surroundings except for the exact spot where he lied down, which remained so warm that snow had melted and steam was rising from the ground. He then settled in the area by building a dugout where he continued to practice asceticism and later built Manyeonsa Temple. The temple was partially destroyed during the Korean War (1950) and restoration efforts were made in 1978.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Baeksasil Valley in Seoul is a historic site (Baekseokdongcheon, Famous Site No. 36) that rests amid untouched natural surroundings. The valley is a habitat to a diverse amount of animals, including salamanders, frogs, minnows, and crayfish. There are also wild boar sitings from time to time so be careful. The preservation value of this area is especially high as the valley is home to a large colony of salamanders, which are indicator species of the clean water and a protected wildlife species of Seoul. Baeksasil Valley is a tucked away treasure in the bustling city. The path along the area’s thick forest and natural valleys provides an excellent getaway. Since the area is a habitat to several protected species, visitors are asked to refrain from dipping their feet in the valley’s waters while exploring the scenery. The entrance to the valley is located past the Sanmotungi Café.


Gangwon-do(Goseong-gun)

Located in the northernmost part of Korea, Goseong, Gangwon-do, is a special place from which to view the sunrise on New Year’s Day. It is also known as the starting point for the Geumgangsan Mountain trip to North Korea, so the sunrise festival features a variety of programs that bring together North Koreans living in the South, Goseong residents, and tourists in a ceremony to wish for reunification, a bell-striking ceremony, and the release of wish-balloons into the sky. The Sunrise Festival is held on January 1 on Hwajinpo Beach, a famous film location of the TV drama Autumn in My Heart. Visitors can take part in hands-on programs such as hope-balloon flying and a candle lighting ceremony. Afterwards, there will be a shamanistic ceremony called gut to wish for reunification, followed by music by a military band, a drum combo, and folk performances.


Jeollanam-do(Gangjin-gun)

Kim Yun-sik was born on this site on January 16, 1903 as the first-born of two sons and three daughters. Under the pen name Yeongnang, he was active in literature until his death on September 29, 1950. Among the 80 poems he published, more than 60 were written in this place where he lived a life resisting Japanese imperialism and refusing to change his name to a Japanese name. After he moved to Seoul in 1948, his birthplace was resold several times, but the county of Gangjin-gun bought it in 1985 to restore it to its original state with a thatched-roof. The site features many of the poet’s writing materials and the site has a small well, camellia trees, jangdokdae (a platform where large clay pots used for storing food are kept), persimmon trees, and a peony garden.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Sancheong-gun)

Nestled at the foot of Jirisan Mountain in Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do, Jirisan View Castle Pension is surrounded by mountains, offering a peaceful and quiet retreat. The pension has two kinds of accommodations: a resort-style luxury pension and a log cabin for families.Guest rooms range from two-person rooms to family rooms and group rooms. The cabins have floor-to-ceiling glass installed in front. Big groups and company outings can take advantage of the outdoor facilities including a barbeque area and a volleyball field. Not only will visitors be able to see Cheonwangbong Peak from the pension, but they can also walk along the Jirisan Mountain ridges or go hiking to Cheonwangbong Peak. Beopgyesa Temple (법계사), Daewonsa Temple (대원사) and Jungsan Natural Recreation Forest (중산자연휴양림) are also nearby.


Gangwon-do(Taebaek-si)

Donga Hotel located in Taebaek Gwanwon-do, which has cool summer and exquisite natural environment is a preferred lodging facility by sports players who visit the area to participate in international competitions held in that area. The highland terrain offers the benefit of mosquitos-free cooler summers. Its well preserved surrounding lures both local and overseas sports players. The total 30 guestrooms are served in western-style with double or twin bed and Korean-style. All rooms have basic convenient facilities such as refrigerator and air conditioner and some rooms have internet connection. It is easily accessible by public transportation and has large parking lot. Sightseers can reach the Coal Museum and the Yongyeon Cave within a 5 minute car ride.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Uljin-gun)

Baekam Hot Spa Phoenix in Uljin Gyeongbuk, stands at the foot of Baekam Mountain where Baekam hot spring exists, and has many types' guest-rooms including the standard rooms to the group room in the 5-story building. The rooms are divided into the bed room, Ondol room, family room, Condo room and group room, and especially, there is the room for the disable having no door sill, wide bathtub, toilet and low basic. In addition to rooms, there are a sauna and restaurants. Hotel sauna is free for guests. Also, as well as the sauna's hot spring, all guestrooms have the hot spring water. The guest can relieve fatigue through the hot spring bath in each guestroom. Nearby, there are Baekam Mountain, Wolsongjeong, Mangyangjeong, Seongyu cave, Bulyeong valley, and other natural landscape.


Gangwon-do(Samcheok-si)

The Samcheok King’s Cosmos Festival is held around late September to early October to attract more visitors who come to see autumn foliage at nearby tourism attractions such as Hwanseongul Cave, Daegeum Cave, Cheoneunsa Temple and more. The cosmos fields, spanning over 120,000㎡, along with sculptures made with flowers, are well-blended within a friendly farming area. The festival is one of the representative autumn festivals to enjoy autumn foliage. In addition, nearby attractions such as Jungyeongmyo Grave, Daegeumgul Cave and Hwanseongul Cave are famous as tourism attractions.


Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun)

Located in the southernmost part of the Korean peninsula, Sebang Nakjo Observatory is one of the best places in Korea from which to catch the sunset. From here, you can look out over a flock of small islands set amidst a sea sparkling with the glint of the setting sun’s rays. As the sun sinks below the horizon and the sky becomes tinged with a rainbow of reds and oranges, the color seem to catch in the rocks of each island, making for an indescribably stunning view. The Jindo West Coast Highway portion from Gachi-ri (where Sebang Nakjo is located) to Gahak-ri has been named one of the “Hundred Most Beautiful Roads of Korea” and is the best scenic driving course to take if you want to see unobstructed views of the islands and the expansive blue waters.