The Best Of Phuket, Thailand

Phuket is by far the most popular resort destination in Asia, and with well over 1,000 hotels and resorts it can be a challenge to plan the right trip for you. As you probably know, Phuket is a large island in southwestern Thailand that is made up of about 20 different beaches and resort districts. This means that finding the right area is important in order to have the best time possible.
Patong Beach is the most famous and most crowded area of Phuket, and it’s home to well over 200 hotels, including about a dozen 5-star resorts. This area is also famous for shopping and raucous nightlife, so it’s ideal for some but better to avoid for many others.
At Phuket Beach Luxury we aim to help each traveler find the perfect area and perfect resort to fit their style of holiday. Some areas are very quiet and tranquil, while others are more active and family oriented.
Fortunately for all of us, Phuket offers great holiday value as well. It may be one of the more expensive parts of Southeast Asia, but it’s much cheaper than similar luxury available in the Caribbean or on the Mediterranean.

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The Best Of Hatyai, Thailand

Hat Yai is one of Thailand's southernmost cities and Thailand's fourth largest city. With around 160,000 people in the city itself and over 800,000 in the surrounding area, Hat Yai has many more fun things to see and do than you might expect. A top destination for Malaysian and Singaporean tourists, for westerners Hat Yai can be fascinating as it really is "all Asian". Book a trip to Hat Yai and, while you're there, don't miss these best must see and do things.
link to hatyai Place  http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Hat_Yai.htm?a_aid=104351

Ton Nga Chang Waterfall - Anywhere in Thailand, the locals will know where the closest waterfall is. Thais are fascinated by waterfalls, so they're always hot tourist spots, and Hat Yai's Ton Nga Chang Waterfall is one of them. The waterfall is actually located in the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary, so a day trip here isn't just for the waterfall, there's some pretty amazing scenery and picnic spots too.

Ton Nga Chang Waterfall is around 12 miles outside Hat Yai, but a tuk-tuk or taxi will take you there. Once there, you'll see a very large waterfall that cascades down the hillside in seven tiers. You can trek up the side of the waterfall, stopping at each level to see its differing features. But be careful. Every year, people are killed in Thailand after slipping and falling into a waterfall.

Wat Hai Yai Nai (see photo) - If you're into Buddha statues, the absolute must see in Hat Yai (and in Thailand itself) is Wat Hat Yai Nai. Here, along with a quite beautiful temple, you'll find the world's third largest reclining Buddha.

The Buddha's name is Phra Phuttha Mongkhon and it is beautiful. Sheltered under a massive Thai-style pagoda, you can actually go inside the Buddha into a small shrine area. If you walk around the outside, you'll see hundreds of small wall niches that contain the ashes of the dead. Many have photos, so it's interesting to walk around and see the faces of those who are no longer with us.

The Buddha itself is 115 feet long.

Go Shopping - Hat Yai is a wonderful place to shop as you'll find traditional Thai items here you won't see further north in Bangkok or Chiang Mai. While prices at the typical tourist spots can be high, if you shop at local markets and other shopping venues, you'll find some wonderful bargains, and it's no wonder Thais and foreigners come from all over the area to shop here.

Kim Yong Market is a great place to shop for electronics, watches, costume jewelry and DVDs and CDs.

ASEAN Market is one of the most popular shopping venues in Hat Yai as it's an interesting mix of second hand and vintage clothing, independent Thai designers' boutique stalls, jewelry shops, shoe shop and other fashion-related merchandise. ASEAN is also known for its excellent food stalls, so don't eat lunch or dinner before you go.

Lee Garden Plaza - If you have teens in your group, Lee Garden Plaza is the place to shop in Hat Yai. Similar to Siam Square in Bangkok with the merchandise it carries, it's a large shopping and entertainment complex that, on the weekends, is absolutely packed, so be ready for the crowds. Lee Garden Plaza is a great place to pick up cheap clothing (t shirts, jeans, shorts, skirts), fashion bags, costume jewelry, cell phone accessories, scarves, comic books, games etc.

There are also all the usual 'teenage-style' restaurants like Swensen's ice cream, Chester's, Sizzler, and Hachiban.

the Best Of Bali Island

 



Bali is magical. As probably the most famous island in Indonesia, Bali blends spectacular mountain scenery and beautiful beaches with warm and friendly people, a vibrant culture and out of this world resorts.

Travel & Leisure Magazine has awarded Bali the World’s Best Island in 2009, while the Lonely Planet’s Best of Travel 2010 ranked Bali second place among the world’s Top Regions.

Also known as the Land of the Gods, Bali appeals through its sheer natural beauty of looming volcanoes and lush terraced rice fields that exude peace and serenity. Bali enchants with its dramatic dances and colourful ceremonies, its arts and crafts, to its luxurious beach resorts and exciting night life.  For this exotic island has much to offer, from inspirational spirituality to fine dining and meeting experiences, from world class surfing and diving to exhilarating treks in the wild. And everywhere you will find intricately carved temples.

For, the Balinese, who embrace the Hindu religion, are a most devout people where a large part of their lives is dedicated to rites and ceremonies aimed at maintaining harmony in this world.  Indeed, this relatively small island holds many surprises.

This is a miraculous island indeed, for after decades of popularity, Bali continues to amaze both local and international visitors alike.  Here gather a variety of visitors from around the globe: from those who come to surf the waves of Kuta, Uluwatu and Dreamland, to others who love the panoramic beauty of mountains and lakes at  Batur, Kintamani, or  Lake Beratan at  Bedugul, to those who merely love shopping or spend endless days on the beach.

Bali’s white beaches are favourite for family holidays. There are a variety of water sports available, such as banana boats, parasailing or jet skiing, swimming or plain sunbathing. Cruises to the surrounding islands can be taken from here as well as submarine dives to watch the tropical underwater life from within safe compartments.  

Most well known among Bali’s beaches is Kuta beach, the best spot to watch dramatic sunsets. Further back along this stretch are an array of hotels, - from five stars to simple home stay -  restaurants and shops and cafes, while in the evenings the area throbs to the beat of disco music.

Or for a quieter evening enjoy the beach at Jimbaran, a popular spot to eat fresh barbecued seafood in the evenings, while watching from a distance the lights of planes landing and taking off from Bali’s Ngurah Rai airport. Located here are some of Bali’s best hotels like the Four Seasons and the Bali Intercontinental hotel. Jimbaran is also renowned for the Barong trance dance.

Further west of Kuta are Legian and Seminyak. On the other side of the peninsula is the more sedate Sanur Beach, which is also dotted with hotels and restaurants, or visit Nusa Dua, where more private beaches front super de-luxe hotels.

• Surfing and Diving in Bali
•   
• A good start for surfers is Kuta beach.  But the best waves in Bali are at Uluwatu, at the southern tip of Bali, which is the site for international competitions. Here are the long, and perfectly formed hollow-barreled reef-breaks at 3 unique lefts, while at Nusa Dua and Sanur 3 complementary rights can be found. The time to surf is during April through September when winds are predominantly east-southeast. .

Surfers also love the waves at Nusa Lembongan near Nusa Penida, sister islands due south east of Bali facing the Indian Ocean. These islands are a 45 minutes boat trip from Nusa Dua or from Sanur. Here the waves are known as Playground Surf Break, Shipwreck Surf Break, Ceningan Reef Surf Break to Lacerating Surf Break.

For thrilling dives Bali offers excellent underwater challenges, with a range of options to suit beginners, while others should only be attempted by advanced divers.

At Nusa Penida, there are strong currents as this strait separates Bali from Lombok. At Nusa Penida’s south western coast are the Manta Point and the Malibu point where divers can swim with Travally, big rays and even sharks.  At Blue Corner find Moia Moia fish.

At Bali‘s most eastern end is Padang Bay and Cemeluk, better known as Amed Beach for great dives, where you can find cardinal fish, black snappers and damsel fish.

While along Bali’s north-western coast in the Bali Barat National Park, the best dive spots are at Menjangan with its reef flat, anchor wreck, eel garden and caves to explore. Nearby and still in the Bali Barat Park is Pemutaran island.

For more detailed information on diving sites in Bali, you can click this link. (Caution: the link leads to another site in Indonesian.) For a more global information on diving in Indonesia, you can check other diving destinations.

• Rafting, Cycling and Eco-tours

Bali offers first class adrenaline pumping white water rafting down the spectacular Ayung River by Ubud. Here you can also go bungy-jumping from a cliff down to almost touch the river.

If you enjoy cycling, Ubud and its surrounding is a wonderful town to bike around, as found by Elizabeth Gilbert, written in her bestselling novel “Eat, Pray, Love”. There are also good cycling paths at Uluwatu in the south.  

Mountain climbers may want to climb up Gunung Agung. Begin your ascent from behind the temple or through the village of Sebudi. However, make sure to ask permission first from the temple authorities, as Balinese religion prescribes that no one may stand higher than the sacred temple especially when ceremonies are being held. The tough climb takes 6 to 8 hours, and

you are recommended to start out early in the morning, and be led by an experienced guide.

• Bali Barat National Park

For serious trekking, head for the Bali Barat National Park at the western part of the island.  This is a large park covering 76,312 hectares in the districts of Jembrana and Buleleng. Entrance at the Jembrana side is at Melaya off the Denpasar-Gilimanuk highway. The Park offers pristine tropical nature, and is the last home of the most endangered Bali starling with only some one hundred remaining. These are very pretty white birds, with black wing tips and a brilliant blue streak around their eyes. Here is also the endangered wild Javan buffalo or banteng, with only 30 to 40 left living deep in the forest. Other animals are the rusa deer, the mouse deer, leopards, civets, macaques and a number of species of monkeys.

Visitors to Bali Barat must first obtain a permit available free of charge at Cekik, at Labuhan Lalang or at the Forestry Ministry office at Renon, Denpasar. Although shelters are available, trekkers must bring their own bedding, mosquito protection, food, water and utensils. There are simple hotels at Labuhan Lalang or at Gilimanuk and Negara.   

• Benoa Mangrove Tour

Another interesting eco-tour is a trip through the Mangrove forests via elevated wooden boardwalks. The forests are located near Benoa Harbour at Suwung Kau, some 21 km. south of Denpasar.

The Mangrove Information Center, opened in 2003, is dedicated to the study and preservation of the region's coastal mangroves. Covering an area of about 200 hectares there are nursery plots occupying 7,700 square-meters, wooden boardwalk trails for observation and exploration huts for resting and meditation and floating decks.

Mangroves play a central role in the ocean’s life cycle and food chain since they serve as key breeding areas for an entire range of sea creatures that are fundamental to the Ocean's food chain. And in case of a tsunami, mangroves serve as life-saving buffers.

These mangrove forests are best visited in the early morning or in the afternoon, the best times to watch the many species of birds that make the mangroves their habitat.

• Cultural Performances

In Bali, dance and dramas are an inseparable part of daily temple devotion and celebrations, and many are held sacred. Each village has a different date of festivities, and a visitor may therefore, accidentally watch dance performances that are not staged for tourists.

However, Bali villages do offer cultural performances catering to tourists. The Barong dance is staged mornings in the village of Batubulan. This is the eternal story of the fight between good and evil.

The Kecak dance is staged most dramatically in the open air by Pura Tanah Lot with as backdrop, the sun slowly lowering in the sea over the horizon beyond this beautiful temple. The Kecak dance tells the story of Ramayana wherein prince Rama’s wife, Sita, is abducted by the ogre Rahwana. In the forest Rama sees a golden deer and he chases it, but not before drawing a circle around Sita, warning her not to step out of it to stay safe. Rahwana lures Sita out of the circle and she is abducte

To save her, prince Rama is helped by the white monkey god Hanoman. For its rhythm and music the kecak dance relies entirely on the human chorus of a hundred men representing Hanoman’s monkey army sitting around in a circle forming the dance arena. As the sun goes down and darkness sets in, the arena is dramatically lit by flickering bamboo torches.

The village of Peliatan is famed for its graceful Legong Keraton – the palace court dance -  and superb flowing gamelan orchestral music.

Other fascinating dances are the Baris – the dance of the warriors, and the Mask Dance – this is a one man performance expressing different dramatic characters and human emotions.

• Shopping

Bali is an island that produces great artists and artisans, where creativity exudes from every village. Painters, woodcarvers and dancers are experts, with artistic traditions handed down  from generation to generation.

Your best buy in Bali, therefore, will be paintings. For best paintings visit at leisure the galleries at Ubud, and admire artists at work, before you decide which painting you like best. Most Balinese paintings go best with a Bali carved wooden frame.  For fine woodcarvings, go to the village of Mas, where are the master woodcarvers. If you are looking for gold or silver jewelry, head to the village of Celuk.

But if you are thinking of bringing home souvenirs for friends and relatives, your best bet is the souvenir market at Sukowati, where you may be overwhelmed by choice.

For casual and chic summer wear the place to browse is Kuta, which has a large variety of boutiques and shops, selling everything from bright T-shirts, surf- wear, flip-flops to creative trinkets.
If you wish to buy dried food stuffs, Bali coffee is most aromatic. You may also want to buy aromatherapy essential oils to sprinkle your bath with.   

• Spa and Wellness

Bali today has become the leader of Spas in South East Asia. Almost all de-luxe hotels offer unique top class Spa facilities where guests enjoy luxurious treatment and pampering, for which Indonesia is so justly famous.

Here you will be spoilt with aromatherapy massages, herbal wraps and scrubs with essential oils, foot reflexology, detoxification, from highly respected traditional treatments once only enjoyed by princesses in the ancient courts, to modern technology methods. Two spa resorts in Bali offer thalassotherapy, based on the restorative powers of the sea rich in miner and oligo elements that are massaged in and absorbed into the bloodstream to restore the balance in the body.    

A number of spas are set amidst breathtaking views of green hillsides and winding rivers or jut out to sea where the lapping of the waves of the Indian Ocean provides peace and rest.  Each spa has its own unique feature. Most incorporate salon treatment for facials, cream bath, manicures and pedicures, everything to make you feel refreshed and come out feeling completely different person.

A weekend at Bagus Jati provides the opportunity to enjoy delicious, healthy food, lots of activities and pampering in a tropical forest. Here the Indonesian herbal treatment or “Jamu” restores the body, mind and spirit, cleansing the body from all toxins. Regular Yoga exercises complete the course. 

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Facts about Niagara Falls - Canada

Where is Niagara Falls ?  http://www.hotelscombined.com/Place/Niagara_Falls_Ontario_Canada.htm?a_aid=104351

Collectively they are called "Niagara Falls"

Categorized by these three names:

American Falls  (between Prospect Point and Luna Island) far left

Bridal Veil Falls (between Luna Island and Goat Island) mid left

Canadian Falls (between Goat Island and Table Rock) right 

American Falls & Bridal Veil Falls

Length of brink:  1060 feet /323.08 meters

Height:  176 feet / 53.6 meters (due to rocks at the base actual fall is 70 feet/ 21.3 meters)

Volume of water: 150,000 U.S. Gallons / 567,811 Liters per second

Actual amount varies, there are two hydroelectric plants which draw water into their reservoirs prior to the Falls. Their intake greatly affects the volume of water flowing over the falls.

The amount of water being siphoned away depends on  two variables. The time of year, and the time of the day.  Flow is greatest over the Falls in the daytime during peak tourist season (June, July, and August). In the event of an emergency  the flow can be somewhat reduced  by the hydroelectric companies increasing their intake.

The Bridal Veil Falls is named for its appearance. It is located next to the American falls, separated by a small piece of land called Luna Island.

Canadian "Horseshoe" Falls

Length of brink: 2600 feet / 792.4 meters

Height: 167 feet / 50.9 meters

Volume of water: 600,000 U.S. gallons / 2,271,247 liters per second

Interesting fact: According to the U.S.G.S. (United States Geological Survey) of Niagara Falls, it appears that almost 1/3 of the Canadian Falls lies within US Territory and Terrapin Point is in Canada.

A Brief History of the Falls

Information below graciously provided courtesy of  Niagara Parks Ice Age History of the Niagara River and Whirlpool Rapids The Niagara River, as is the entire Great Lakes Basin of which the river is an integral part, is a legacy of the last Ice Age. 18,000 years ago southern Ontario was covered by ice sheets 2-3 kilometers thick. As they advanced southward the ice sheets gouged out the basins of the Great Lakes. Then as they melted northward for the last time they released vast quantities of meltwater into these basins. Our water is "fossil water"; less than one percent of it is renewable on an annual basis, the rest leftover from the ice sheets. The Niagara Peninsula became free of the ice about 12,500 years ago. As the ice retreated northward, its meltwaters began to flow down through what became Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario, down to the St. Lawrence River, and, finally, down to the sea. There were originally 5 spillways from Lake Erie to Lake Ontario. Eventually these were reduced to one, the original Niagara Falls, at Queenston-Lewiston. From here the Falls began its steady erosion through the bedrock. However, about 10,500 years ago, through an interplay of geological effects including alternating retreats and re-advances of the ice, and rebounding of the land when released from the intense pressure of the ice (isostatic rebound), this process was interrupted. The glacial meltwaters were rerouted through northern Ontario, bypassing the southern route. For the next 5,000 years Lake Erie remained only half the size of today, the Niagara River was reduced to about 10% of its current flow, and a much-reduced Falls stalled in the area of the Niagara Glen. About 5,500 years ago the meltwaters were once again routed through southern Ontario, restoring the river and Falls to their full power. Then the Falls reached the Whirlpool. It was a brief and violent encounter, a geological moment lasting only weeks, maybe even only days. In this moment the Falls of the youthful Niagara River intersected an old riverbed, one that had been buried and sealed during the last Ice Age. The Falls turned into this buried gorge, tore out the glacial debris that filled it, and scoured the old river bottom clean. It was probably not a falls at all now but a huge, churning rapids. When it was all over it left behind a 90-degree turn in the river we know today as the Whirlpool, and North America's largest series of standing waves we know today as the Whirlpool Rapids. The Falls then re-established at about the area of the Whirlpool Rapids Bridge upriver to our right, and resumed carving its way through solid rock to its present location.

Straddling the Canadian-United States International Border and both in the Province of Ontario and the State of New York, Niagara Falls attracts some 12 Million tourists to her majestic awesome beauty each year.

The Niagara is a fairly young river, only 12,000 years old!, a microsecond in geological time. The Niagara Escarpment, which was created by erosion is much older. The glaciers pressed down on the land during the last ice age and laid down layers of sediment, then the slow process of erosion of ice and water ate at the surface of the escarpment

The mighty river plunges over a cliff of dolostone and shale. Niagara Falls is the second largest falls on the globe next to Victoria Falls in southern Africa.

One fifth of all the fresh water in the world lies in the four Upper Great Lakes-Michigan, Huron,Superior and Erie. All the outflow empties into the Niagara river and eventually cascades over the falls.

At the bottom of the falls, the water travels 15 miles over many gorges until it reaches the fifth Great Lake-Ontario. The land between the lakes does not slope at an even grade, but forms a spectacular drop approximately the same height as a 20 story building and this is known as the "Niagara Escarpment" Two billion years ago it was buried under a blanket of ice.

As the years passed, the process of erosion took place, (and still does) five distinct 'gorges' were formed-Lewiston Brange Gorge, Old Narrow Gorge, Upper & Lower Great Gorges and the Whirlpool Narrow Gorge.

Approximately 500 years ago the river encountered an obstacle that caused it to 'split into two  channels', thus Goat Island was formed named after John Stedman whose goat herds froze to death in the winter of 1780). This was the original sediment left from a vanished Lake Tonawanda (an Indian name).

On the eastern part of the island, the American Falls took shape, the Horseshoe Falls, is on the  western side, where the river angles some 90 degrees. The water flow on the American side of the falls is much less in strength because of Goat Island, whereas Horseshoe Falls has no obstruction to divert it. It should be noted that a third much narrower falls exists. Over the years these falls have been called at different times; Luna Falls, Iris Falls and is currently named Bridal Veil Falls.

Man has not been able to completely control the flow of the water over the falls, even modern engineers have tried. Much of the water today is fed through underground channels and pipes to nearby hydro electric power stations.

Do the Falls Freeze over in the Winter?

Yes and No...... We'll try to explain

The tremendous volume of water never stops flowing,  However, the falling water and mist create ice formations along the banks of the falls and river. This can result in mounds of ice as thick as fifty feet. If the winter is cold for long enough, the ice will completely stretch across the river and form what is known as the "ice bridge".  This ice bridge can extend for several miles down river until it reaches the area known as the lower rapids.

Until 1912,visitors were allowed to actually walk out on the ice bridge and view the Falls from below. February 24th of 1888 the local newspaper reported that at least 20,000 people watched or tobogganed on the ice. Shanties selling liquor, photographs and curiosities abounded. On February 4th 1912 the ice bridge broke up and three tourists lives were lost.

There can also be a great deal of  "mini-icebergs" which flow down the Niagara River from frozen Lake Erie. The flow of ice has been reduced considerably by the yearly installation of the "ice-boom" on Lake Erie. The ice-boom is a long floating chain (2miles- 3.2 KM) of steel floats strung across the Niagara River from Buffalo New York to Fort Erie Ontario. It is set in place during the month of December and  removed during the month of March or April. It is maintained by the New York State Power Authority. The ice boom helps prevent the ice from clogging the river and most importantly the hydroelectric companies water intakes.

Spring Ice flowing underneath the North Grand Island Bridge

HOWEVER.... The flow of water was stopped completely over both falls on March 29th 1848 due to an ice jam in the upper river for several hours. This is the only known time to have occurred. The Falls did not actually freeze over, but the flow was stopped to the point where people actually walked out and recovered artifacts from the riverbed!

The "Ice Bridge" underneath the Rainbow Bridge. 1997

Interesting facts about Niagara Falls
The flow over the American Falls was stopped completely for several months in 1969. The idea was to determine the feasibility of removing the large amount of loose rock from the base of the falls to enhance it's appearance. In the end the final decision was that the expense would be too great.

The word "Niagara" is derived from the Iroquois Indian word "Onguiaahra" meaning "the strait"

There is an international boundary between the United States and Canada.

Before the invention of film, tourists would sketch pictures of the Falls.

The flow was also halted over both falls on March 30th 1848 due to an ice jam in the upper river.

The movies Niagara and Superman were filmed in part at the Falls.

In the past ten years, two daredevils lost their lives trying to conquer Niagara.

In the evenings, intense spotlights bathe the falls with different shades of color.

The first  person to go over the Falls in a barrel and survive was a  63 year old female schoolteacher.

High wire tightrope acts used to be performed across the river. Most notably was "Blondin" who once actually carried his manager across on his back, stopping midway to rest !

The Falls make a tremendous sound as the water goes over and lands at the bottom.

Twenty percent of the worlds freshwater lies in the Great Lakes, and most flows over Niagara Falls.

Is there more mist at the Falls? Is it man made or natural coincidence?

The Best Of Visit Korea

Some 25 million South Koreans -- about half the population -- travel abroad at least once a year, but it’s safe to assume that most haven't seen all the beautiful sights within the country. 

Seoul only takes up a mere 0.6 percent of South Korea's territory: here are 50 stunning photographs from the other 99.4 percent of the country that are all worth a visit. 

Here are the flowery spring landscapes, sandy beaches, rocky mountains and quietly stunning historic sites on your new Korean travel bucket list. And just in case you were wondering, they are in no particular order. Feel free to add some suggestions of your own in the comment box at the end of the article.

1. Seongsan Sunrise Peak (성산일출봉)

Cue the cinematic music. Hydrovolcanic eruptions formed this majestic volcanic crater 5,000 years ago on Jeju Island.

A UNESCO world heritage site, the peak is famous for many things, including numerous rare plant species, but is best known for the magnificent sight of the sun rising over it (hence the name).

The climb up the peak’s northwest side ridge (its other sides are steep cliffs) to the 180-meter highest point takes 30 minutes. 

1 Seongsan-ri, Seongsan-eup, Seogwipo, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 성산리 1번지)

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2. Ggotji Beach (꽃지 해수욕장)

Time to visit the grandparents. Located four kilometers southwest from Anmyeon-eup, this cream-colored beach is the ideal place to go for a drive and watch the sun sink into the ocean between two large rock formations known as the Granny Rock and the Grandpa Rock.

Legend has it that the wife of a base commanding officer in the Shilla Dynasty became the Granny Rock when she died after waiting faithfully for her husband.

Seungeon 4 ri, Anmyeon-eup, Taean-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (충남 태안군 안면읍 승언4리)

3. Darangee Village (경상남도 남해 가천 다랭이마을)

What Korean kids did before video games.
Darangee Village, a small well-preserved village in the southernmost area of west Namhae-gun, features an extraordinary sight of countless tiny fields (over 100 levels) on a steep mountain slope against the open sea.

Honghyeon-ri, Nam-myeon, Namhae-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 남해군 남면 홍현리)

4. Gwang-An Bridge (부산 광안대교)

Korea loves its stunning, futuristic bridges.
Also known as the Diamond Bridge, this two-story bridge connects Suyeong-gu and Haeundae-gu and offers an astonishing view of mountains, sandy beaches, hills and city lights. 

Kwang-An Bridge is not for pedestrians, but anyone can enjoy the spectacular night view of the bridge from afar; its state-of-the-art lighting system allows an exterior lighting of over 100,000 colors.

Suyeong-gu, Busan (부산광역시 수영구)

5. Kyeong-Wha Station, Jinhae (진해 경화역)

All this scene needs is a soldier and a beautiful girl waiting for him at the station.
This small whistle-stop bustles with tourists and amateur photographers every spring. 

Cherry blossoms rain down on the train track and countless shutters click madly away as the train approaches the station under the cherry blossom tunnel. 

The cherry blossom road at Yeojwa stream, (number 17 on this list) is also nearby for those who want more photo-ops. 

Kyeongwha-dong, Jinhae-gu, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 창원시 진해구 경화동)

6. Upo Marsh (우포늪)

Swimming is probably not recommended.

At 2,314 kilometers squared, Upo Marsh is the largest inland wetland in Korea and thrice the size of Yeouido. Formed over 140 million years ago, the marsh is home to 1,500 plants and animals, some of which are endangered species.

Visitors can bike or walk around this beautiful natural swamp, where migratory birds are known for flying low. 

Daedae-ri, Yueo-myeon, Changnyeong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 창녕군 유어면 대대리)

7. Jeungdo Salt Farm (전남 신안 증도 염전) 

Salt farming in a slow city.

This treasure island (artifacts from the Song Dynasty have actually been found at the bottom of the sea) is famous for its clear seawater, soft beach, and salt farms.

The magical sight of huge salt farms is not the only spectacle that can be found here; the mud flat leisure town allows tourists to experience and observe the marine life of the mud flat. 

Jeungdo-myeon, Sinan-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 신안군 증도면)

8. Gongryong Ridge, Seorak Mountain (설악산 신선대 공룡능선)

From this distance, it looks like a Stegosaurus, but we can't be sure.

Physical fitness and mountain climbing experience are prerequisites to viewing these curious peaks in the Seorak mountain range. 

Thought to be shaped like the spine of a dinosaur (hence the name, "Dinosaur Ridge"), this rocky ridge offers spectacular views of both inner and outer Seorak. 

The climb is no picnic: the peak elevation of Gongryong Ridge, the most popular ridge route in the range, is approximately 1,200 meters. 

Goseong-gun/Yangyang-gun/Inje-gun, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 속초시 고성군, 양양군, 인제군)

9. Uleung Island Seaside Road (울릉도 해안도로)

Uleung Island was known as Dagelet to Europeans.

Uleung Island, nicknamed "Mysterious Island", is a popular weekend getaway spot for Seoulites.

Curious rock formations, shore cliffs and numerous waterfalls adorn the island’s Seaside Road.

Anyone planning to walk or bike their way around Uleung Island should make sure they set aside enough time, as they will inevitably stop countless times to admire the glorious view.

Uleung-eup, Uleung-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 울릉군 울릉읍)

10. Seopjikoji, Jeju Island (제주도 섭지코지)

A music video just waiting to be shot.

First-time visitors to Jeju island need to plan their trip wisely, as the Jeju bucket list is long and varied. One of the musts on the list is Seopjikoji, a promontory on the coast famous for its serenity and romance.

Yellow rape blossoms fill the field in the spring, creating a colorful contrast with the red soil and cerulean sky.

The best photographs of Sungsan Sunrise Peak (the first item on this list) can be taken here at Seopjikoji. 

The scenery of Seopjikoji has also been captured by several Korean films and dramas, including "All In," one of the first Hallyu dramas starring Lee Byung-hun and Song Hye-kyo.

261 Seopjikoji-ro, Sungsan-eup, Seogwipo-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도 서귀포시 성산읍 섭지코지로 261)

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11. Bomun Pavilion, Gyeongju (경주 보문정)

A pavilion for all seasons.

Gyeongju, an ancient capital of the Shilla Dynasty, boasts the nickname "a museum with no walls." 

Bomun Pavilion, a small wooden gazebo standing over a quiet duck pond, is a great spot to experience Korea’s spring; the cherry blossoms fluttering over the pond provide an exquisite sight.

In fact, it's the perfect place to view all of Korea's markedly different seasons: summer's lush green leaves, fall's scarlet and mustard foliage, and winter's blankets of snow.

Bodeok-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 경주시 보덕동)

12. Udo (우도)

The Korean way of making a wish.

Just 15 minutes away from Jeju Island, Udo is another addition to Jeju's bucket list.

Visitors can hike on Olle road, or opt for a scooter ride along the shore, a submarine excursion or sea fishing. Just don't forget the sunblock.

Udo-myeon, Jeju-si, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도 제주시 우도면)

13. Haeinsa Temple, Hapcheon (합천 해인사) 

Haeinsa is one of the three Jewel Temples in Korea.

The world's oldest intact Buddhist canon, the Tripitaka Koreana, is carefully housed in the 1,200-year-old Haeinsa Temple.

The temple's other landmarks include the oldest wooden Buddha statue in Korea (the Haeinsa Vairocana) and a UNESCO world heritage Janggyeong Panjeon ( a "storage hall of Buddhist Sutras").  

10 Chiin-ri, Gaya-myeon, Hapcheon-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 합천군 가야면 치인리 10번지)

14. Chunwang Peak, Jiri Mountain (지리산 천왕봉)

Where to look down on clouds.

At 1,915 meters, Chunwang Peak on Jiri Mountain is the second highest peak in South Korea and the beloved conquest of many a Korean mountain climber.  

The national park on Jiri Mountain stretches over five cities and three provinces, and is home to quietly dazzling flora and fauna as well as seven national treasures and 26 treasures.

Many tread the trail to Chunwang Peak to watch the sun rise, some simply to enjoy the view from the top, and others for the pleasure of breathing in the crisp, clean mountain air and drinking the brain freeze-inducing spring water of Chunwang Spring, which is located just 300 meters below Chunwang Peak.

Samjang-myeon/Sicheon-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 산청군 시천면, 삼장면)

15. Juknokwon, Damyang (담양 죽녹원)

Unfortunately Korea's all out of pandas.

This dense bamboo thicket is located in Damyang, another "slow city" that welcomes all who are tired of hectic city life. 

Eight trails around the thicket offer eight different themes to saunter through. 

If you look carefully between the bamboo plants, you can spot the green tea shoots that grow from the dew that drips off the bamboo leaves, known as Jukro tea. The Juknokwon observatory in the middle of the thicket occasionally hosts Jukro tea tasting events. 

Hyanggyo-ri, Damyang-eup, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 담양군 담양읍 향교리)

16. Naganeupseong Folk Village, Suncheon (순천 낙안읍성 민속마을)

We wonder how many people it took to color a single roof.

Straw-roofed houses, government offices, guesthouses and a castle, all from the Chosun Dynasty, remain perfectly preserved in their original forms in this 22.6 kilometer-squared historical site.

No, it’s not an exterior set of a historical drama, people actually live in those houses and better yet, they offer overnight homestays.  

Choongmin-gil, Nagan-myeon, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 순천시 낙안면 충민길 30)

17. Yeojwa Stream (경상남도진해여좌천벚꽃길)

This spot is the spring equivalent of mistletoe.

The fifth item on this list already touched on the festival of cherry blossoms in Jinhae, but the cherry blossom road at Yeojwa Stream is so strikingly beautiful that it deserves another mention (and another photo).

Lovers visit this site to cross the "Romance Bridge", which has been used as a shooting location for "Romance," a drama starring Kim Ha-nul and Kim Jae-won.

Bloggers say that these romantic blossoms can be most appreciated at night, when there are fewer tourists and the pale pink flowers glow against the dark sky.

Yeojwa-dong, Jinhae-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 창원시 진해구 여좌동)

18. Boseong Green Tea Field (보성 녹차밭)

The most caffeinated field in the country.

Approximately 40 percent of Korea's tea is produced in the rolling fields of Boseong, which has also provided the backdrop of many Korean dramas and films.

Yes, green tea-related specialties (fresh green tea ice cream and green tea pork belly) are tasty treats, but the spectacular view of the seemingly endless tea fields is the real reason so many visitors stop by Boseong.

A green tea festival is held every May while in the winter, the fields are decorated with tiny light bulbs. 

Bongsan-ri, Boseong-eup, Boseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 보성군 보성읍 봉산리)

19. Bulguksa Temple (경주 불국사)

Where to bookmark your history books.

This UNESCO-listed site is perhaps the most famous historic site in Korea. 

Two granite pagodas on either sides of the temple, Dabotap and Seokgatap, as well as Seokguram, a man-made grotto just above the temple, add to the splendid grandeur of this 1,500-year-old home of many important relics. 

15-1 Jinhyeon-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 진현동 15-1)

20. Daegwallyeong Ranch (대관령 양떼목장)

The lamb are there, you're just not looking closely.

This only sheep ranch in Korea doubles as a natural sledge park in winter. 

The dreaminess of the view is as heady as the mountain air. 

Meat-lovers should stop by the restaurants in the ranch village for a taste of the highest grade lamb.

14-104 Hoenggye 3 ri, Doam-myeon(Daegwallyeong-myeon), Pyeongchang-gun, Gangwon-do (강원 평창군 도암면 횡계3리 (대관령면 횡계3리) 14-104번지)

More on CNNGo: 7 ways to love winter in Korea

21. Cheongdo Bull Fighting Festival (청도 소싸움 축제)

Just don't wear red.

As the biggest bull fighting festival in Korea, Cheongdo Bull Fighting Festival attracts around half a million people every year.

In addition to the big matches of 130 fighting bulls, there are art contests, cow-play exorcisms, rodeo experience, and even magic shows to entertain the crowd.

If the sights are a bit too violent for your taste, check out other Cheongdo attractions such as the Nakdae Waterfall and Unmun Temple. 

Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 청도군)

22. Hyeopjae Beach, Jeju Island (제주도 협재 해수욕장)

We think this beach is one of the main reasons Jeju Island made it unto the seven new wonders list.

This white sandy beach is perfect for families with its shallow water (average depth of 1.2 meters), nearby amenities, and camping in the pine forest surrounding the beach.

Hyeopjae is also particularly known for its delicious abalones and conches, served fresh in the seafood restaurants dotting the beach. 

2497-1 Hyeopjae-ri, Hallim-eup, Jeji-si, Jeju Speicial Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도 제주시 한림읍 협재리 2497-1번지)

23. Anapji (Anap Pond) (경주 안압지)

There are lotus flowers under there somewhere.

This man-made pond was created during the Shilla Dynasty approximately 1,500 years ago.

Three buildings stand on three artificial islands while patches of lotus flowers frame the pond.

Gorgeous exterior lighting that go on after sunset create a magical night view. 

26 Inwang-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경상북도 경주시 인왕동 26)

24. Seryang-Je (세량제)

All this scene is missing is a fairy.

Seryang-Je, a reservoir built in 1969 in Hwasun, is another famous spot for both professional and amateur photographers for its ethereal mist and reflections of colorful blossoms and leaves. 

Seryang-ri, Hwasun-eup, Hwasun-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 화순군 화순읍 세량리)

25. Kwanghan Pavilion (광한루) 

This picture probably would work upside-down as well.

Kwanghan Pavilion is the setting of Chunhyangjeon, one of Korea's most famous folk tales.

Chunhyang, the young, beautiful daughter of a gisaeng (Korean geisha), and Mongryong, the handsome son of the local governor, first met and fell in love in this beautifully designed pavilion, which was designated a treasure in 1963.

77-1 Cheongeo-dong, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do (전북 남원시 천거동 77-1)

26. Seomjin River Train Village (섬진강 기차마을)

Where it's safe to walk along the tracks.

Kudos to the Gokseong district office, which has managed to create a lovely tourist attraction out of abandoned railroads. 

A brief steam train ride (they don’t make ’em like this anymore, literally) is available for tourists, who can also enjoy a bike hike on a trail bike or a romantic walk beside the train track. 

770-5 Oji-ri, Ogok-myeon, Gokseong-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 곡성군 오곡면 오지리 770-5)

27. Cheongsando (청산도)

We prefer the word "leisurely."

For a small country road, Cheongsando marks a lot of "firsts" -- it is the world’s first "Slow Road" in Asia’s first "Slow City". 

It doesn’t take long to realize why it is called "Slow Road" -- one’s pace naturally slackens to fall in with the pace of the rest of the island.

Rape blossoms (in spring) and Mexican Asters (in fall) in full bloom are bordered by simple stone walls.

Cheongsan-myeon, Wando-gun, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 완도군 청산면)

28. Halla Mountain (한라산)

What Narnian skies must have looked like under the grip of the White Witch.

This fairy-tale sight of snowflakes and icicles covering tree branches on Halla Mountain were the inspiration for the Halla Snow Festival that was held late January/early February every year.

Unfortunately, the festival was halted a few years ago because whenever they set a date it would rain and people would get mad.

But the snow-covered trees are still there, and you are welcome to go sledding, snow rafting and ice sliding on your own. 

Halla Mountain, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province (제주특별자치도 한라산)

29. Terraced Fields, Hamyang (함양 다락논)

Who knew there were so many shades of green?

This small village at the foot of Jiri Mountain displays a curious sight of terraced rice paddies.

In spring the water in the paddies reflects the sky, while in autumn the paddies glow with golden grains.

Macheon-myeon, Hamyang-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 함양군 마천면)

30. Nuri Peace Park (임진각 평화누리공원)

Primary colors in full bloom.

This artistic park located in Paju embodies South Koreans’ yearning and longing for peace in the Korean peninsula.

Yes, it’s a rather heavy subject, but even those who couldn’t care less about the death of Kim Jong Il can still enjoy the beauty of this park, which is well-known for its colorful display of pinwheels and the giant bamboo colossi.

618-13 Majeong-ri, Munsan-eup, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 문산읍 마정리 618-13)

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31. Silk Fall, Jiri Mountain (지리산 뱀사골 실비단폭포)

This waterfall is camera-shy.

This mossy waterfall is in a now-restricted area of Jiri Mountain, which means a ₩500,000 fine for anyone caught venturing near here.

Think of it as a really long sabbatical for nature. 

Baemsa-Valley, Jiri Mountain, Namwon-si, Jeollabuk-do (전북 남원시 지리산 뱀사골)

32. Young-san River (영산강)

One of the four major rivers (4대강) in Korea. Among the many beautiful river views in Korea, those from the Young-san River rank among the top and give those from Han River some serious competition. 

For dedicated cyclists, there is a 132 kilometer-long cycle path following the river from Damyang to Mokpo.

Yongso-ri, Yong-myeon, Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do (전남 담양군 용면 용소리)

33. Poppy Garden, Simhak Mountain, Paju (파주 심학산 꽃밭)

Running around with flowers in your hair seems like the logical thing to do here.

The poppy-dotted scenery at Simhak Mountain looks like it's straight out of a Claude Monet painting. 

One of the few places where you can see poppies in Korea, the local town hosts a Poppy Festival here every year around June. 

Simhak Mountain, Paju-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 파주시 심학산)

34. Royal Azalea Festival, Hwangmae Mountain (황매산 철쭉축제)

The color of royalty.

At 1,108 meters, Hwangmae Mountain is the highest peak in the Sobaek mountain range, and is covered by royal azalea blossoms every spring. 

The festival runs from the beginning of May for two weeks, and organizers recommend coming at dawn to capture the most intense images on camera. 

1 Mountain, Beoppyeong-ri, Chahwang-myeon, Sancheong-gun, Gyeongsangnam-do (경남 산청군 차황면 법평리 산1번지)

35. Sin-Reuk Temple, Yeo Ju (여주 신륵사)

Had enough of breathtaking views? Go shopping at the Yeoju outlets nearby.

This old riverside temple is relatively unknown to the public and features quite a few treasures including stone pagodas, a stone bell and a grove of zelkova trees.

The temple and its surrounding area also hosts a sweet potato festival early every January. 

282 Cheonsong-ri, Yeoju-eup, Yeoju-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 여주군 여주읍 천송리 282)

36. Daedun Mountain Suspension Bridge (대둔산 구름다리)

"Whatever you do, don't look down."

Daedun Mountain is famous for its bright autumn colors and its 81-meter-high Geumgang Suspension Bridge.

The red bridge that connects Imgeum Rock and Ipseokdae makes mountain climbing seem easy. 

Wanju-gun, Jeollabuk-do / Geumsan-gun, Chungcheongnam-do (전북 완주군, 충남 금산군)

37. Haeundae Beach (해운대 해수욕장)

Unfortunately, you'll almost never find the beach as empty as it is in this photo.

Hundreds of thousands frequent to this renowned beach every summer, but summer is not the only season you can see some flesh at Haeundae -- the Polar Bear Festival is held every January, when contestants leap in the cold ocean screaming and laughing.

Around 2,000 people attended this year's festival, marking the largest number of participants to date. 

Woo 1-dong,Joong-dong, Haeundae-gu, Busan (부산 해운대구 우1동 , 중동)

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38. Yongam Temple (옥천 용암사) 

This sight brought tears to one prince's eyes.

Originally built in 552, this temple takes its name from a nearby rock that was supposed to have been shaped like a dragon but was destroyed along with most of the temple during the Japanese occupation.

According to legend, the last prince of the Shilla Dynasty wept here after glimpsing a view of his hometown. He was on his way to Geumgang Mountain after the fall of the dynasty.

On brisk fall mornings, the mountains surrounding this temple are slathered with a sea of clouds, and the sight of the sun rising through this dense whiteness of clouds renders the viewer speechless. 

Samcheong-ri, Okcheon-eup, Okcheon-gun, Chungcheongbuk-do (충북 옥천군 옥천읍 삼청리)

39. Snow in Taebaek Mountain (태백산 설경)

Mountain country.

Gangwon province is famous for catastrophically heavy snows in the winter.

While driving there may be rough, the snowfall makes for the best skiing in the country. 

The High1 Resort features the highest peak (1,345 meters) and puffiest snow among ski and snowboard resorts in Korea. 

The 18th Taebaek Snow Festival will take place January 27-February 5 this year and will feature sledding, snow rafting, ice slides and snowball fights. For more information

Mungok-dong, Taebaek-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 태백시 문곡동)

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40. Yang Dong Traditional Village (양동 한옥마을)

The hottest brunch spot in Yangdong Village.

The nature and culture of this village remains the same as it was during the Chosun Dynasty.

One of the most recent additions to the UNESCO world heritage list, the village has featured famous guests such as Prince Charles and Ban Ki-Moon. 

Yangdong-ri, Gangdong-myeon, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk-do (경북 경주시 강동면 양동리)

41. Nami Island (남이섬)

Fans of "Winter Sonata" will recognize this famous road.

Despite the fact that Nami Island is a place of historical interest (the island is named after Minister Nami, a Minister of War during the Chosun Dynasty), most visitors come to stroll down the famous Metasequoia road or see where Bae Yong-joon and Choi Ji-woo stood or sat during the filming for the original Hallyu drama "Winter Sonata."

Fun fact: Nami Island was not an island until the 1940s, when the Cheongpyeong dam was built.

Bangha-ri, Namsan-myeoon, Chuncheon-si, Gangwon-do (강원도 춘천시 남산면 방하리) 

42. Suncheon Bay (순천만)

The perfect respite from city life.

One of the biggest coastal marshes in the world, Suncheon Bay is home to countless plants and marine life and features the biggest field of reeds (5.4 kilometers squared) in Korea.

The Suncheon Bay Reed Festival is held every year in October, but the bay is just as beautiful and charming any other month of the year.

162-2 Daedae-dong, Suncheon-si, Jeollanam-do (전라남도 순천시 대대동 162-2)

43. Inje Smelts Festival (인제 빙어축제)

How to catch some rest at an ice fishing festival.

The Inje Smelts Festival takes place on Soyang lake every winter and offers families and couples (and the occasional single visitor) some major fun on ice.

Even if fishing is not your idea of fun, you'll enjoy the eating part. 

January 28 - February 5; 

Soyang Lake, Inje-gun, Gangwon-do (강원도 인제군 소양호)

44. Ulsan Rock, Seorak Mountain (울산바위)

Who needs carved faces when you've got legends?

This six-peaked rocky mountain has five urn-shaped holes at the top and is named "Crying Mountain," due to legends and ancient records that claim the rocks on the mountain cry just before a big wind is about to blow.

Another legend behind the mountain's name says that a rock was wandering around looking for Geumgangsan but settled in Seoraksan when it couldn't find it, and became the Ulsan rock.

Seorak National Park, Seorak-dong, Sokcho-si, Gangwon-do (강원 속초시 설악동 설악산국립공원)

45. Bangwhasuryujeong, Suwon Hwa Seong (화성 방화수류정)

A literal setting for poetry.

Bangwhasuryujeong is one of four polygonal pavilions in Hwa Seong. 

During the Joseon dynasty, this pavilion was used to keep a lookout and for performances of King Jungjo’s archery skills; now people hold recitals of Korean traditional music and poetry surrounded by the duck pond, the willow trees and the flowers. 

Paldal-gu, Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 수원시 팔달구)

46. Namdae Stream, Muju (무주 남대천 섶다리)

Headbanging, Korean style.

Traditionally, a seop bridge -- a temporary bridge fashioned out of logs, mud, and pine branches -- was built to let the villagers cross Namdae River from early winter until the summer, when heavy rains would wash the bridge away.

Behold the traditions of yore at the seop bridge festival, which is part of the Muju firefly festival and will take place this year from June 8-16.

Namdae Stream, Muju-eup, Muju-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전라북도 무주군 무주읍 남대천)

47. Donglim Reservoir, Gochang (고창 동림저수지)

Approximately four fifths of the migratory birds that can be seen every year at the reservoir are teals.

Every year, more than 200,000 spectacled teals (the color takes its name from the bird) fly about in an orderly manner above this beautiful reservoir, which was voted "Kingdom of migratory birds" in 2004 in a national survey. 

Built in 1935, the 3.82-square-kilometer reservoir is also famous as a fishing hole. 

Heungduk-myeon/Sungnae-myeon, Gochang-gun, Jeollabuk-do (전북 고창군 흥덕면/성내면)

48. The Garden of Morning Calm (아침고요수목원) 

A new kind of horticulture lecture hall.

The Garden of Morning Calm is a beautifully designed and balanced arboretum in Gapyeong, run by a professor of horticulture. 

The garden features more than 20 themes and 5,000 different kinds of plants, and will be hosting a luminarie--a decorative structure studded with 6 million LED lightbulbs--until March 1. 

When there is a luminarie, the garden is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on weekdays and 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends. The luminarie lights turn on at sundown. 

When there is no luminarie, the garden is open from 8:30 a.m. until sundown. 

Tickets cost ₩8,000 for weekends and holidays, ₩7,000 for weekdays from April to November and ₩6,000 from December to March. 

255 Mountain Haenghyeon-ri, Sang-myeon, Gapyeong-gun, Gyeonggi-do (경기도 가평군 상면 행현리 산 255번지)

49. Chok-suk Pavilion (촉석루)

Where a dip in the river turned dramatic.

This beautiful, historical pavilion overlooking Nam River is most famous as the place where Nongae, the concubine of a government official in the Chosun Dynasty, jumped into the river with a Japanese general after the castle of Jinju fell into Japan’s hands.

Check out the view from the pavilion on the cliff, but don’t jump; they won’t be telling your story in the same way.

573-1 Bonsung-dong, Jinju-si, Kyeongsangnam-do (경상남도 진주시 본성동 573-1)

50. Samkwang Temple (삼광사 연등축제) 

The festival of lights is not just for Buddhists.

Every year, around Buddha’s birthday, the biggest Lotus Lantern Festival in Busan is held at Samkwang Temple.

The entire temple is strung with countless lotus lanterns and lanterns of other creative forms. 

This year, Buddha's birthday falls on May 28. 

131 Mountain, Choeup-dong, Busan Jin-gu, Busan (부산광역시 부산진구 초읍동 산 131)

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