<strong>?Sambuyeon Falls: </strong>Legend has it that a dragon once flew out from this 20-meter-high waterfall in the Gangwon Province -- that's why the name of the nearby village Yonghwadong begins with the character for dragon.
?Sambuyeon Falls: Legend has it that a dragon once flew out from this 20-meter-high waterfall in the Gangwon Province -- that's why the name of the nearby village Yonghwadong begins with the character for dragon.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Namhansanseong Fortress: </strong>Located on Mt. Namhan in Gyeonggi Province, this 12-kilometer-long earthen fortress was originally built 2,000 years ago and reconstructed in 1621. With lots of hiking trails in the area, it's a popular place for day excursions.
Namhansanseong Fortress: Located on Mt. Namhan in Gyeonggi Province, this 12-kilometer-long earthen fortress was originally built 2,000 years ago and reconstructed in 1621. With lots of hiking trails in the area, it's a popular place for day excursions.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>?Sareung: </strong>This UNESCO World Heritage site is actually the royal tomb of Queen Jeongsun (1440-1521) from the Joseon Dynasty. Located in Gyeonggi Province, access to the tomb area is restricted to those with "the purpose of academic research and field investigation" and guests with "the purpose of education and worship."
?Sareung: This UNESCO World Heritage site is actually the royal tomb of Queen Jeongsun (1440-1521) from the Joseon Dynasty. Located in Gyeonggi Province, access to the tomb area is restricted to those with "the purpose of academic research and field investigation" and guests with "the purpose of education and worship."
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>?Seonjeongneung: </strong>This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises royal tombs of Joseon's ninth King Seongjong, his queen Jeonghyeon and son, King Jungjon. Located in Gangnam, Seoul, the tombs are open to visitors daily (excluding Mondays) for less than $1.
Seonjeongneung —
?Seonjeongneung: This UNESCO World Heritage Site comprises royal tombs of Joseon's ninth King Seongjong, his queen Jeonghyeon and son, King Jungjon. Located in Gangnam, Seoul, the tombs are open to visitors daily (excluding Mondays) for less than $1.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Gobungun, Changyeong: </strong>These ancient tombs date to the 5th and 6th centuries. There are approximately 180 tombs in this area in South Gyeongsang Province that are close to main roads and easy to access.
Gobungun, Changyeong —
Gobungun, Changyeong: These ancient tombs date to the 5th and 6th centuries. There are approximately 180 tombs in this area in South Gyeongsang Province that are close to main roads and easy to access.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>?Anapji Pond: </strong>Built in the year 674 during the Silla Dynasty, this beautiful circular pond in North Gyeongsang Province was originally constructed inside a fortress that was later destroyed.
Anapji Pond —
?Anapji Pond: Built in the year 674 during the Silla Dynasty, this beautiful circular pond in North Gyeongsang Province was originally constructed inside a fortress that was later destroyed.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Geunjeongjeon, Gyeongbokgung: </strong>?Important state affairs were once conducted in the Geunjeongjeon, the Throne Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The welcome ceremony depicted in this photo was held in honor of the<a target="_blank" target="_blank"> historic return of Korean royal books</a> that had been looted by the French military 145 years before.
Geunjeongjeon, Gyeongbokgung —
Geunjeongjeon, Gyeongbokgung: ?Important state affairs were once conducted in the Geunjeongjeon, the Throne Hall of Gyeongbokgung Palace in Jongno-gu, Seoul. The welcome ceremony depicted in this photo was held in honor of the historic return of Korean royal books that had been looted by the French military 145 years before.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Changgyeonggung: </strong>Built in 1483 by King Sejong, Changyeonggung was ?typically used as the residential palace for queens and concubines of the Joseon Dynasty. Admission tickets can also be used at Seoul's four palaces, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, as well as the Jongmyo shrine.
Changgyeonggung —
Changgyeonggung: Built in 1483 by King Sejong, Changyeonggung was ?typically used as the residential palace for queens and concubines of the Joseon Dynasty. Admission tickets can also be used at Seoul's four palaces, Deoksugung, Gyeongbokgung and Changdeokgung, as well as the Jongmyo shrine.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Inwangsan: </strong>This 338-meter-high mountain on the outskirts of Seoul offers probably the best view of the city, including the palaces, N Seoul tower and the Blue House, residence of the Korean president. Known for its hiking trails, the mountain has a number of castles that were built to protect the city from foreign invasion.<br />
Inwangsan —
Inwangsan: This 338-meter-high mountain on the outskirts of Seoul offers probably the best view of the city, including the palaces, N Seoul tower and the Blue House, residence of the Korean president. Known for its hiking trails, the mountain has a number of castles that were built to protect the city from foreign invasion.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Jongmyo Shrine: </strong>Built by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong Gye, the Jongmyo Shrine in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is where kings came to worship and conduct memorial services. A memorial service that's reenacted the first Sunday of each May incorporates music and dance from five centuries ago.
Jongmyo Shrine —
Jongmyo Shrine: Built by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong Gye, the Jongmyo Shrine in Jongno-gu, Seoul, is where kings came to worship and conduct memorial services. A memorial service that's reenacted the first Sunday of each May incorporates music and dance from five centuries ago.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Gochang Dolmen site: </strong>Dubbed the Stonehenge of Korea, there are more than 400 dolmen (stone graves built during the prehistoric era) at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's a dolmen museum on site.
Gochang Dolmen site —
Gochang Dolmen site: Dubbed the Stonehenge of Korea, there are more than 400 dolmen (stone graves built during the prehistoric era) at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. There's a dolmen museum on site.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Wanggungri: </strong>The five-story pagoda at Wanggungri in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, is an iconic example of the refined architecture of the Baekje Period (18 BCE-660 CE).
Wanggungri —
Wanggungri: The five-story pagoda at Wanggungri in Iksan, North Jeolla Province, is an iconic example of the refined architecture of the Baekje Period (18 BCE-660 CE).
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>?Seoul Seonggwak Fortress Wall: </strong>The 18.2-kilometer-long stone wall here was erected in Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the capital. A scenic walking tour goes past many points of interest, including Dongdaemun (home of late-night trendy shopping centers) and Naksan Mountain, and ends at Ehwajang, where Korea's first president, Syngman Rhee, once lived.
Seoul Seonggwak Fortress Wall —
?Seoul Seonggwak Fortress Wall: The 18.2-kilometer-long stone wall here was erected in Seoul during the Joseon Dynasty to protect the capital. A scenic walking tour goes past many points of interest, including Dongdaemun (home of late-night trendy shopping centers) and Naksan Mountain, and ends at Ehwajang, where Korea's first president, Syngman Rhee, once lived.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Gangneung Anbandeok-gil: </strong>Thanks to its close proximity to Seoul (approximately three hours by express bus), Gangneung in Gangwon Province is one of the most popular year-round destinations in the country for domestic tourists. The city is known for its mountains and beaches, a Confucian school, museums and more.
Gangneung Anbandeok-gil —
Gangneung Anbandeok-gil: Thanks to its close proximity to Seoul (approximately three hours by express bus), Gangneung in Gangwon Province is one of the most popular year-round destinations in the country for domestic tourists. The city is known for its mountains and beaches, a Confucian school, museums and more.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>Soyang Lake: </strong>Soyang Lake's nickname is "sea on land." It owes its existence to Soyang Dam, Asia's largest rock-fill dam. A hotspot for ice-fishing, the lake in Gangwon Province is known for its tranquility and exquisite scenery.
Soyang Lake —
Soyang Lake: Soyang Lake's nickname is "sea on land." It owes its existence to Soyang Dam, Asia's largest rock-fill dam. A hotspot for ice-fishing, the lake in Gangwon Province is known for its tranquility and exquisite scenery.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>?Upo Wetlands: </strong>The Upo Wetlands are home to more than 1,000 species and span 5,550 square kilometers. The wetlands have been protected since 1998. It's best to visit in the morning or early evening to catch the prettiest views of rain, fog and fireflies.
Upo Wetlands —
?Upo Wetlands: The Upo Wetlands are home to more than 1,000 species and span 5,550 square kilometers. The wetlands have been protected since 1998. It's best to visit in the morning or early evening to catch the prettiest views of rain, fog and fireflies.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>Hapcheon daraknon: </strong>The terraced rice paddy fields of Hapcheon in South Gyeongsang Province are a wonderful sight. Thin and long terraced rice paddies like these are called "daraknon," a North Korean term still used in the South.
Hapcheon daraknon —
Hapcheon daraknon: The terraced rice paddy fields of Hapcheon in South Gyeongsang Province are a wonderful sight. Thin and long terraced rice paddies like these are called "daraknon," a North Korean term still used in the South.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>?Buseoksa: </strong>The 108 steps between Cheonwang gate and Anyang gate at Buseoksa Temple represent the number of cycles it takes for redemption from agony and evil. Built in 676 during the Silla Dynasty, Buseoksa Temple in North Gyeongsang Province is the oldest wooden building still standing in Korea. The temple's bell is rung 33 times every evening at 6 p.m.
Buseoksa —
?Buseoksa: The 108 steps between Cheonwang gate and Anyang gate at Buseoksa Temple represent the number of cycles it takes for redemption from agony and evil. Built in 676 during the Silla Dynasty, Buseoksa Temple in North Gyeongsang Province is the oldest wooden building still standing in Korea. The temple's bell is rung 33 times every evening at 6 p.m.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>Geumsan Boriam Temple: </strong>Pray at Geumsan Boriam Temple and your prayers will be answered -- so locals say, anyway. Located in North Gyeongsang Province, the temple offers a program for visitors to spend the night.
Geumsan Boriam Temple —
Geumsan Boriam Temple: Pray at Geumsan Boriam Temple and your prayers will be answered -- so locals say, anyway. Located in North Gyeongsang Province, the temple offers a program for visitors to spend the night.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>Dolsan Bridge: </strong>The longest cable-stayed bridge in Korea has become a local tourist attraction in itself due to the dramatic way it's lit up at night. Located in South Jeolla Province, the bridge is perfect for evening walks.
Dolsan Bridge —
Dolsan Bridge: The longest cable-stayed bridge in Korea has become a local tourist attraction in itself due to the dramatic way it's lit up at night. Located in South Jeolla Province, the bridge is perfect for evening walks.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>Andong Hahoe Village: </strong>Korea's most iconic folk village in North Gyeongsang Province has long been a birthplace for scholars and nobles of the Ryu family. Even Queen Elizabeth paid a visit in 1999. Visitors can sleep in a traditional Korean house and experience how Korean nobles lived for hundreds of years.
Andong Hahoe Village —
Andong Hahoe Village: Korea's most iconic folk village in North Gyeongsang Province has long been a birthplace for scholars and nobles of the Ryu family. Even Queen Elizabeth paid a visit in 1999. Visitors can sleep in a traditional Korean house and experience how Korean nobles lived for hundreds of years.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
?<strong>Ojakgyo: </strong>Meaning "crow and magpie bridge," Ojakgyo in North Jeolla Province is the setting for Korea's most famous love story, in which a couple is forced to live on either side of the Milky Way, only to be reunited when magpies form a bridge.
Ojakgyo —
?Ojakgyo: Meaning "crow and magpie bridge," Ojakgyo in North Jeolla Province is the setting for Korea's most famous love story, in which a couple is forced to live on either side of the Milky Way, only to be reunited when magpies form a bridge.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>?Biyangdo: </strong>This tiny island 15 minutes by boat from <a >Jeju Island's</a> Hallim Port is known for its summer fishing. Legend has it that this tiny island flew to its current spot from China 1,000 years ago.
Biyangdo —
?Biyangdo: This tiny island 15 minutes by boat from Jeju Island's Hallim Port is known for its summer fishing. Legend has it that this tiny island flew to its current spot from China 1,000 years ago.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Gwangalli: </strong>Along with Haeundae, Gwangalli is one of Busan's iconic beaches. The Gwangan Bridge, Korea's longest suspension bridge, presents one of Busan's hallmark photo ops.
Gwangalli —
Gwangalli: Along with Haeundae, Gwangalli is one of Busan's iconic beaches. The Gwangan Bridge, Korea's longest suspension bridge, presents one of Busan's hallmark photo ops.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>Samhwasa: </strong>Poets and painters have sought out Samhwasa Temple in Gangwon Province for centuries for its incredible scenery. The west peak of Dutasan Mountain, where the temple is located, is said to look like a phoenix and a crane, while the east peak has the shape of a tiger and a dragon.
Samhwasa —
Samhwasa: Poets and painters have sought out Samhwasa Temple in Gangwon Province for centuries for its incredible scenery. The west peak of Dutasan Mountain, where the temple is located, is said to look like a phoenix and a crane, while the east peak has the shape of a tiger and a dragon.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Hamdeok: </strong>?Hamdeok is a small seaside village located 30 minutes east of Jeju Airport. Beautiful fields of rapeseed flowers cover the landscape in summer, but play second fiddle to Hamdeok's sapphire beach, a popular kayaking destination with calm waters.
Hamdeok —
Hamdeok: ?Hamdeok is a small seaside village located 30 minutes east of Jeju Airport. Beautiful fields of rapeseed flowers cover the landscape in summer, but play second fiddle to Hamdeok's sapphire beach, a popular kayaking destination with calm waters.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>?Hyeupjae Beach: </strong>Ask a Korean travel writer which beach is the most beautiful in the country and probably 10 times out of 10, the response will be Hyeupjae Beach.
Hyeupjae Beach —
?Hyeupjae Beach: Ask a Korean travel writer which beach is the most beautiful in the country and probably 10 times out of 10, the response will be Hyeupjae Beach.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Marado: </strong>This island in Seogwipo-si is relatively difficult to reach -- a ferry leaves only a handful of times each day from the south coast, at Moseulpo Harbor.
Marado —
Marado: This island in Seogwipo-si is relatively difficult to reach -- a ferry leaves only a handful of times each day from the south coast, at Moseulpo Harbor.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Yonghwa Beach: </strong>This Samcheok city beach has a fragrant pine forest and a stream running alongside it, making for a shaded happy holiday with the choice of playing in seawater or freshwater.
Yonghwa Beach —
Yonghwa Beach: This Samcheok city beach has a fragrant pine forest and a stream running alongside it, making for a shaded happy holiday with the choice of playing in seawater or freshwater.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Sehwa-ri: </strong>Seagulls flock to this small white beach on Jeju Island, especially in winter. ?"The road from Sehwa-ri to Seongsaneup, home of fabulous sunsets, is beloved by the locals for its pretty scenery," says photographer Kim Bong-sun.
Sehwa-ri —
Sehwa-ri: Seagulls flock to this small white beach on Jeju Island, especially in winter. ?"The road from Sehwa-ri to Seongsaneup, home of fabulous sunsets, is beloved by the locals for its pretty scenery," says photographer Kim Bong-sun.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Songaksan: </strong>?Known for its 99 peaks, this Jeju volcanic mountain has a crater spanning 500 meters in diameter. It takes only an hour to walk to the highest peak, which is 104 meters above sea level.
Songaksan —
Songaksan: ?Known for its 99 peaks, this Jeju volcanic mountain has a crater spanning 500 meters in diameter. It takes only an hour to walk to the highest peak, which is 104 meters above sea level.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Udo: </strong>Another satellite island off Jeju, Udo has a wicked black pork barbecue that's worth the journey. The island is a 15-minute boat ride from Seongsan Harbor, about an hour's drive from Jeju Airport.
Udo —
Udo: Another satellite island off Jeju, Udo has a wicked black pork barbecue that's worth the journey. The island is a 15-minute boat ride from Seongsan Harbor, about an hour's drive from Jeju Airport.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Yongduam: </strong>Yongduam, meaning "dragon head rock," is a must-visit spot for Jeju Island tourists. Rough weather makes for dramatic shots of waves crashing against the rock.
Yongduam —
Yongduam: Yongduam, meaning "dragon head rock," is a must-visit spot for Jeju Island tourists. Rough weather makes for dramatic shots of waves crashing against the rock.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>?Cheonjiyeon Falls: </strong>The beautiful waterfall located on Jeju Island takes its name, which means "the pond of the gods," from a legend about seven heavenly attendants coming down to earth to bathe in the pond. To honor the legend, a Seven Fairies Festival is held each May.
Cheonjiyeon Falls —
?Cheonjiyeon Falls: The beautiful waterfall located on Jeju Island takes its name, which means "the pond of the gods," from a legend about seven heavenly attendants coming down to earth to bathe in the pond. To honor the legend, a Seven Fairies Festival is held each May.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Tokkiseom: </strong>?When covered in white flowers in summer (this is the only place in Korea where crinum grows), this small island off Jeju is said to look like a white rabbit from a distance. Hence its name, which means "rabbit island."
Tokkiseom —
Tokkiseom: ?When covered in white flowers in summer (this is the only place in Korea where crinum grows), this small island off Jeju is said to look like a white rabbit from a distance. Hence its name, which means "rabbit island."
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>Yeongam: </strong>Yeongam in South Jeolla Province is a pleasant, leisurely place to visit. Local attractions include temples, ancient tombs and traditional estates.
Yeongam —
Yeongam: Yeongam in South Jeolla Province is a pleasant, leisurely place to visit. Local attractions include temples, ancient tombs and traditional estates.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>Miryang Maneosa: </strong>The thousands of floatstones around this ancient temple in South Gyeongsang Province are supposedly fishes that were turned into stone. Wishing on the rock is said to grant sons to women who were unable to conceive them before.
Miryang Maneosa —
Miryang Maneosa: The thousands of floatstones around this ancient temple in South Gyeongsang Province are supposedly fishes that were turned into stone. Wishing on the rock is said to grant sons to women who were unable to conceive them before.
Courtesy Im Jay-Cheon
<strong>Seongsan Ilchungbong: </strong>South Korea's most famous "sunrise peak" is a 5,000-year-old volcanic crater in Jeju-si. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with views like this every morning, it's a magnet for photographers from all over the country.
Seongsan Ilchungbong —
Seongsan Ilchungbong: South Korea's most famous "sunrise peak" is a 5,000-year-old volcanic crater in Jeju-si. A UNESCO World Heritage Site with views like this every morning, it's a magnet for photographers from all over the country.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun
<strong>?Changdeokgung:</strong> The second oldest of the five grand palaces in the country, Changdeokgung in Jongno-gu, Seoul (not to be confused with Changgyeonggung) is home to a number of exceptionally beautiful photo ops.
Changdeokgung —
?Changdeokgung: The second oldest of the five grand palaces in the country, Changdeokgung in Jongno-gu, Seoul (not to be confused with Changgyeonggung) is home to a number of exceptionally beautiful photo ops.
Courtesy Seo Heun Kang
<strong>Halla Mountain: </strong>The highest mountain in South Korea is also Jeju Island's most iconic landmark and home to approximately 4,000 different animal species. The hiking trails are exquisitely developed, but the fickle weather can be daunting and hiking is allowed only during the day.
Halla Mountain —
Halla Mountain: The highest mountain in South Korea is also Jeju Island's most iconic landmark and home to approximately 4,000 different animal species. The hiking trails are exquisitely developed, but the fickle weather can be daunting and hiking is allowed only during the day.
Courtesy Kim Bong-Sun