The main theme of Wonju Hanji Festival is “Hanji - embracing our wisdom and beauty as a wonderful cultural heritage” and the festival offers varied programs related to hanji, such as the history and making process, various uses, hanji arts and more. An exhibition of hanji art by international artists is on display. In addition, various hands-on programs such as making hanji, hanji handcrafts, playing activity with hanji, and night performances are prepared to entertain and educate visitors at the festival.
K-Star Road is a special project of Gangnam-gu for foreign tourists who love Korean culture and hallyu stars. As the name implies, the shops and stores are frequented by the hallyu stars around Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Sinsa-dong, and Nonhyun-dong areas.From the west part of Apgujeong Galleria Department Store along the 400-meter strip leading to the headquarters of SM Entertainment, visitors can see cute, stylized statues of famous K-pop stars like TVXQ, SNSD, SHINee, EXO, 4minute, Miss A, FT Island, Super Junior, CNBlue, and 2PM. Not only that, Apgujeong Rodeo Station is adorned with graffiti art, as well as walls and floors decorated with artwork and special name plaques of hallyu stars.
Chojijin Fortress was built in 1656 for the purpose of national defense against seashore attacks from foreign enemies. Chojijin Fortress also encompasses the fortifications of Jangjapyeongdon and Seomamdon, which were constructed in 1679. Chojijin was the scene of many hard-fought battles during Byeonginyangyo (the French invasion in 1866), Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), and the confrontation with the Japanese warship Unyomaru in 1875. On April 23, 1871, the American navy under the command of Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island, and an American force of 450 soldiers attacked Chojijin Fort, Deokjin Camp, and Gwangseongjin Camp one after another. On August 21, 1875, the artillery of Chojijin engaged a fierce firefight with the Japanese warship Wunyoho.
Chojijin Fortress was restored in 1973, and bullet marks still remain on the old pine trees and the fortress walls. The canons used by the military of the Joseon Dynasty are displayed in Chojijin.
Manjanggul Cave is one of the finest lava tunnels in the world, and is a designated natural monument. A lava tunnel is formed when the lava that was deep in the ground spouts from the peak and flows to the surface. Manjanggul Cave has a variety of interesting structures inside including 70cm lava stalagmites and the lava tube tunnels.
Only 1km of the 13,422m Manjanggul Cave is open to tourists. The inside of the tunnel sustains a temperature of 11~21℃, creating a comfortable atmosphere. There are rare animals such as bats living in the tunnel, which makes this tunnel valuable for researchers as well. The stone pillars and stalactites are widely spread and the tunnels shows off the cave’s topographical features. "Stone Turtle" is especially eye-catching because it is shaped like Jeju-do Island.
It’s a relatively new place very small but very yummy. On the warmer days this place is paradise to get a cone and lounge in the park. It’s a good walk by place for a cutesy and delicous ice cream. Recently probably since it’s winter they have been selling cake pops. I didn’t try one but my friend has they are on the small side but she said they were good. They dress these flavors up with cute and tasty cones as well as candies and other things.
Gangseo NC Department Store is one of the biggest ‘Multi-brand’ stores in Korea and is owned and managed mainly by E-land Group, a top clothing company that has been dedicated to providing consumers with low-priced, high-quality goods since 1980.The NC Department Store has 260 popular Korean & international brands of men’s wear, women’s wear, casual wear, and sportswear. New items as well as off-season items are both readily available and the store carries 30 unique brands found only at NC and Korea’s first SPA brands SPAO and MISSO. International brands such as Burberry, Gucci, and Tory Burch are directly imported and available at 5-20% off regular retail prices.Among the many amenities at the department store is Kiz Café (children’s playroom), the largest department store playroom in Korea.
Built in the 14th year of Silla King Jin-Heung's reign, Beopjusa Temple is located on Mt. Songnisan. What stands today are the remnants of rebuilt monuments through left over from the lengthy and arduous process. When you enter the temple, the yellow earthen road will catch your eye. The earth was ground into small stone shapes, burned, and then scattered over the road. The road itself leads to the Orisup Trail, and there will be a nature study trail beside it. Pass the Orisup trail, through thick pine trees, and you will come across the main gate of the temple. There is a large rock with a hole in the middle beside the main gate. You can drink spring water that comes out of the hole. Inside the temple you can see Palsangjeon, Pavilion which is a wooden building shaped like a tower. Then you can visit the Seokryeonji Lotus Flower Pond. As the name suggests, the pond is made of stones. At the back of Palsangjeon Pavilion, there is the Ssangsajaseokdeung (Two Lion Stone Lamp), and, again as the name suggests, the two lions uphold the stone lamp. The main building is also fascinating. It is two-stories high, and very stately. In addition, Beopjusa Temple has Ma-aeyeorae-uisang carved into a rock. Uisang refers to a sitting Buddha, and this particular Ma-aeyeorae shows Buddha sitting on a lotus flower. Passage of time has done much damage, but the original shapes are still well preserved.Beopjusa Temple represents Mt. Songnisan, containing within it 1,500 years of history and a matching list of numerous National Treasures and Monuments. Here you can experience the Buddhist culture reflected in these artifacts.
Daecheongho Lake is a man-made lake, stretching across Cheongju-si, Okcheon-gun, and Boeun-gun. Construction began in 1975 and finished in 1980, and the lake supplies water for various use to people in Daejeon and Cheongju.The reservoir water spans an area of over 72.8㎢ with a length of 80km, and the water kept in storage has a volume of 1.5 billion tons, makes the reservoir the 3rd largest lake in Korea. The area is famous for the beautiful driving course along a tree-lined road through the nearby mountain which has an altitude of 200 to 300m. Also, resident birds and migratory birds, such as white heron, can be seen during summer in the upper region of the lake.Upon reaching the top of the observatory, a panorama of the entire surroundings can be seen. Opened in 1998, Water Culture Center is comprised of a 3-D Video room and aquarium as well as a grass field nearby. Geumgang Resort, Janggye Tourism Complex (Daecheong Beach Land), and Munui Cultural Properties Site are nearby tourist attractions. It takes roughly 3 hours to look around the whole lake by car.