Sanasagyegok Valley (사나사계곡) Sanasagyegok Valley, located in Yongmunsan Mountain, is characterized by its ample x_width, crystal-clear water, and abundant water volume. The thick forests and slopes of Yongmunsan Mountain offer stunning views, attracting many visitors during the summer vacation period. Approximately 100m up from the valley’s entrance is Hamwanghyeol Cave, associated with the legend of…

Yeoju Charcoal Village (여주참숯마을) Yeoju Charcoal Village is a multifaceted leisure facility featuring charcoal saunas, an auto campground, and pensions. The charcoal saunas have gained such popularity that an auto campground was established nearby. These saunas comprise ten red clay rooms, which are heated by burning oak wood for five days. After the charcoal is…

Eobigyegok Valley (어비계곡) – Homepage www.gptour.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) – Tel +82-31-580-2114 Eobigyegok Valley, originating from Eobisan Mountain, is aptly named ‘Eobi’ (‘flying fish’) as visitors can often witness fish leaping from the valley’s crystal-clear waters. The constructed walkway, meandering alongside fountains and through valleys, provides stunning scenic views. In winter, the valley transforms…

Namhansanseong Provincial Park [UNESCO World Heritage] (남한산성도립공원 [유네스코 세계문화유산]) – Homepage www.gg.go.kr – Tel +82-31-746-1088 Namhansanseong was a fortress that protected the southern approaches to the capital during the Baekje kingdom (18 B.C. – 660 A.D.) and the Joseon dynasty (1392-1897). During the Qing invasion of Joseon in 1636, King Injo of Joseon (reigned 1623-1649)…

Bundang Jeongja-dong Café Street (분당 정자동 카페거리) – Homepage www.seongnam.go.kr (Korean, English, Japanese, Chinese) – Tel +82-31-1330 Jeongja-dong Café Street, located in the Geumgok-dong area, boasts 40-50 cafés and restaurants on the ground floor, reminiscent of European street cafés. This street, known for its exotic vibe, attracts visitors who enjoy brunch and reading by day…

Paju Book City (파주 출판도시) – Homepage www.pajubookcity.org (Korean, English) www.bookcity.or.kr (Korean only) – Tel +82-31-955-0050 Paju Book City was formed in 1989 by a group of publishers who sought to modernize the distribution structure of Korea’s publishing industry. The addition of structures later on created its current form as a cultural complex. Today, Paju…

Mirinae Holy Site (미리내 성지) – Homepage www.mirinai.or.kr – Tel +82-31-674-1256 Mirinae Holy Site in Anseong is the final resting place of Saint Andreas Kim Daegeon, Korea’s first Catholic saint, along with his mother Ursula, Bishop Ferréol—the third head of the Joseon parish who ordained Priest Kim—and Vincentius Lee Minsik, who buried Saint Kim’s body….

Panmunjeom (Joint Security Area) (판문점) – Homepage www.panmuntour.go.kr – Tel +82-1588-8889 Panmunjeom is the site of the Armistice Agreement that signaled the ceasefire of the Korean War (1950-1953) and is located in the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), just 50 kilometers north of Seoul. It remains a venue for talks between South Korea and North Korea, allowing…

The 3rd Tunnel (제3땅굴) – Homepage www.dmz.go.kr (Korean, English, Chinese) – Tel +82-31-940-8526 The 3rd Tunnel is the third of its kind built by North Korea for the purpose of invading South Korea. It was discovered in 1978. Among the four tunnels located so far, it is closest to Seoul (about 52 km). It has…

Dorasan Station (도라산역) – Homepage dmz.gg.go.kr – Tel +82-31-953-3334 Dorasan Station is the closest South Korean railway station to North Korea. Initially, the station was served by a railway that connected Seoul with China and Europe, but it was destroyed during the Korean War (1950-1953). The station and the railway were rebuilt in 2002 to…