Sightseeing - Korea travel information

Gariwangsan Mountain (가리왕산)

Gariwangsan Mountain (가리왕산)

2024-02-28

707 Gariwangsan-ro, Jeongseon-eup, Jeongseon-gun, Gangwon-do

Gariwangsan Mountain provides a view of the East Sea from its summit on clear days. Beyond the lushness of summer, it is celebrated for its royal azaleas in spring, vibrant fall colors in autumn, and a picturesque snow-covered landscape in winter. The Gariwangsan Music Festival is a highlight of the summer season, while winter offers skiing opportunities at nearby ski resorts. The mountain also features attractions like a cable car service and zipline rides. It stands as one of the most popular tourist destinations in Gangwon-do, particularly favored by mountain climbers.

Cheong Maesil Farm (홍쌍리 청매실농원)

Cheong Maesil Farm (홍쌍리 청매실농원)

2024-02-01

55 Jimak 1-gil, Daap-myeon, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do

Cheong Maesil Farm sprawls across an expansive area of over 165,000 m2 at the foothills of Baegunsan Mountain, which rises to an elevation of 1,217 meters. The farm has been lovingly tended to by the renowned Plum Blossom Doctor, Hong Ssang-ri, for decades, drawing visitors from all over the country. In March, Cheong Maesil Farm transforms into a breathtaking canvas of colors—with blue and red plums, the delicate lily trees and the vibrant cornelian cherries all blossoming in unison. For photo enthusiasts, the farm boasts a dedicated photo zone, while the Pavilion Observatory offers panoramic views that are a favorite among visitors. From this spot, one can marvel at the picturesque scenery of Gwangyang Maehwa Village, Seomjingang River, and Hadong Village on the river’s other side. Visitors in spring are recommended to attend the annual plum festival centered around Cheong Maesil Farm. Moreover, the nearby Gwangyang Plum Culture Center makes for an enriching stopover.

Haenggung-dong Mural Village (행궁동 벽화마을)

Haenggung-dong Mural Village (행궁동 벽화마을)

2024-11-08

9-6 Hwaseomun-ro 72beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Suwon’s Haenggung-dong is the name for 12 neighborhoods, including Jangan-dong and Sinpung-dong, in the Hwaseong Fortress area. It was the most bustling place in Suwon from when the Hwaseong Fortress was built 220 years ago until just a few decades ago. However, with Hwaseong Fortress being designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, time seems to have stopped due to strict development regulations. In the meantime, residents, civic groups, and artists came together to paint murals in effort to make the area become more alive. Due to their efforts, the region has now emerged as a tourist attraction visited by as many people as Hwaseong Fortress.

The Haenggung-dong comprises various alleys connected depending on their characteristics, including the Mural Village, Workshop Street, Suwon Chicken Street, and Jidong Market. The Mural Village is divided into six alleyways by theme, including the Haengbokha (Happy) Road, Saranghada (Love) Road, Nuneuroganeun (to Snow) Road, Cheoeumachim (First Morning) Road, Romance Road, and Dwiroganeun (Backward) Road. A photo zone has been set up in front of the mural, and not only the mural but also the walls, roof, and fence are filled with various sculptures and paintings. Many pretty workshops and cafés nearby are also interesting to look around.

◎ Travel information to meet Hallyu’s charm - TV series "Lovely Runner"
Haenggung-dong Mural Village sets the scene where Sol and Sun-jae walked to school together. It is also where the memorable scene was filmed of Sol dashingly pushing a flustered Sun-jae against the wall. As you stroll along the low stone walls adorned with murals, it’s easy to imagine the couple’s school-day moments, adding a nostalgic charm to your walk.

Suwon Hwaseong Special Tourist Zone (수원화성 관광특구)

Suwon Hwaseong Special Tourist Zone (수원화성 관광특구)

2024-10-24

780 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do

Hwaseong Fortress, Suwon, was built by King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon dynasty, when he moved the tomb of his father, Crown Prince Sado, to Hwasan Mountain in Suwon. Because of its high historical and cultural value, it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997. In 2016, the Hwaseong Fortress area, ranging from Paldalsan Mountain to Jangan Park, Yeonmudae Command Post, and Paldalmun Market, was designated as a special tourist zone, establishing itself as a representative tourist destination in Suwon visited by many tourists. 

5.16 Tree Tunnel (Road 5.16 Forest Tunnel) (5.16도로숲터널)

5.16 Tree Tunnel (Road 5.16 Forest Tunnel) (5.16도로숲터널)

2024-01-31

267-110 Sillyecheon-ro, Namwon-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju-do

The 5.16 Road is the first national highway of Jeju and connects the cities of Jeju and Seogwipo. Drive the winding road toward Seogwipo to the points about 2.6 to 1.2 kilometers at a distance from Hallasan Seongpanak Rest Area to reach a tree tunnel shaped like an arch made with evergreen trees and deciduous trees. At the northern entrance to the tree tunnel, there is a sign reading, “The road is more beautiful if you drive slowly.” The road here is narrow and has many curves, causing a risk of accidents, so drivers should be careful. Another reason to slow down while driving on this road is to appreciate the surrounding scenery.
Located at the foot of Hallasan Mountain, the road provides various aspects of nature throughout the four seasons. Trees that extend out from both sides of the road and are bent as if embracing the sky provide cool shade in the summer, red leaves in the fall, and dazzling snow scenes in the winter. The 5.16 Tree Tunnel presents picturesque four seasons of Jeju.

Aromind (아로마인드)

Aromind (아로마인드)

2024-01-30

19-7 Bukchon-ro 5-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul

Aromind is a perfume workshop that offers a perfume-making experience with a professional perfumer in a quiet hanok building. Visitors can create their own one-of-a-kind perfume by choosing three out of 30 different scent options that change on a seasonal basis. A perfume one-day class is held for one to eight people for one to one and a half hours. The fee for the experience includes a 50 ml product and a 10 ml sample. They also offer the class in Korean with English interpretation when there non-Korean speaking participants. Aromind is the perfect place to create your own scent to associate your memory of Korea.

Historic Site Related to Seong Sam-mun (성삼문선생유허지)

Historic Site Related to Seong Sam-mun (성삼문선생유허지)

2024-01-18

403-12 Maejukheon-gil, Hongbuk-eup, Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

This historic site related to Seong Sam-mun is believed to be the birthplace of Seong Sam-mun, and was founded by his maternal ancester, Park Dam. A shrine was built here in 1685 to honor Seong Sam-mun and the five others ministers who were executed with him for their plot to restore King Danjong to the throne after he was exhiled by his uncle. The site was destroyed in 1864 when Confucian facilities were removed by the government, but was later rebuilt in 1945.

Hongseong Gujeoram Hermitage (구절암(홍성))

Hongseong Gujeoram Hermitage (구절암(홍성))

2024-01-18

163 Geobuk-ro 218beon-gil, Guhang-myeon, Hongseong-gun, Chungcheongnam-do

Gujeoram Hermitage is located within a bamboo forest on a small mountain. The pathway is winding, without any signs marking the way, but this adds to the charm.

Gwangyang Wine Cave (광양와인동굴)

2024-02-01

33 Gangjeong-gil, Gwangyang-eup, Gwangyang-si, Jeollanam-do

Opened in July 2017, the Gwangyang Wine Cave has transformed the historic Gwangyang Steel Cargo Transportation Tunnel into an immersive wine and cultural experience. Spanning 301 meters in length, 4.5 meters in x_width, and 6 meters in x_height, this unique space aims to introduce the world of wine to aficionados and novices alike. Here, visitors can journey through the global wine collections, gradually cultivating a deeper appreciation for this age-old beverage. In addition, the cave delights visitors with its diverse attraction. Visitors can revel in the cozy wine cafeteria, be mesmerized by the dynamic media façade video show, and snap quicky memories at the trick art photo zone. For those keen on hands-on experiences, the art of plum wine-making plum awaits. And for the perfect memento, an exclusive space offers Gwangyang's special products for purchase.

Gwangyang Wine Cave also manages Gwangyang Eco Park, situated on the left side of the wine cave entrance after parking. This park offers a space where children can immerse themselves in media ecology, sparking their imagination and creativity. The experience center is designed for year-round enjoyment, maintaining a temperature suited for all four seasons.

Korea Furniture Museum (한국가구박물관)

2024-10-29

121 Daesagwan-ro, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul

The Korea Furniture Museum, located on a hill in Seongbuk-dong, Seoul, is a special museum that displays items related to Korea's traditional living culture. The museum exhibits wooden furniture made in the late Joseon dynasty by material (persimmon tree, maple tree, paulownia tree, zelkova tree, pine tree, papers, etc.), by the type of space (men’s quarters, women’s quarters, kitchen, etc.), and by regional characteristics. It also exhibits interior decorations, flower walls, chimneys, and yards, as well as ten traditional Korean houses.
This museum operates through a guided tour (maximum of 20 people per group) only, suitable for showing Korea's housing culture that harmonizes furniture and nature. The old household items, “furniture,” are displayed in rooms outside glass storage boxes, allowing visitors to experience a beautiful traditional culture.
Since it was selected as the official luncheon venue for the spouses of leaders of 20 countries at the 2010 G20 Seoul Summit, there has been a steady stream of state guests and worldwide celebrities, including Chinese President Xi Jinping and his wife, the German President, the Prime Minister of Hungary, the Prime Minister of Singapore, the King and Queen of Belgium, the King of Sweden, the head of the IMF, and movie stars Brad Pitt, and Victoria Beckham.

In addition, it was selected as the "most beautiful museum in Seoul” by CNN in 2011. The museum also served as an interview location for BTS members, who are receiving global attention. As such, it is attracting attention as a representative tourist destination in Seoul and a cultural space preferred by government ministries and companies. Tours require reservations, which can be made through the website.