Some are small, others big, but all offer a refreshing getaway with plenty of green alongside cascades of clean, pure water.

A large number of nearby pensions provide easy accommodation, creating a new trend that deviates from the traditional way of sleeping at a local "minbak" (homestay), hotel or condominium.

Because there are too many to choose from, the Korea Tourism Organization has come up with a recommended list.

Gyeonggi Province

In Bukhan-dong, Deokyang-gu of Goyang City, there are two gorges, Bukhansanseong and Baekun - the most famous valleys of Mount Bukhan.

As they are located within the metropolitan region, they are quite crowded. Due to the proximity to the city, Seoulites can drop by for the day, and people often relax or read there. Be sure to visit the Joseon Wangneung there. They are just some of the 40 royal tombs of the Joseon Dynasty, which have been registered as world heritage sites by UNESCO.

The area is filled with forests and a wide green field, a perfect destination especially for families with children. A road lined with poplar trees that leads to a nearby stables is also great for a walk. For more information, Goyang City's culture and arts department can be reached at www.goyang.go.kr or 031) 8075-3377.

South Gyeongsang Province

Located around Byeokgye-ri in Uiryeong county of South Gyeongsang Province are a number of scenic gorges frequented by travelers.

The Chalbi gorge of Mount Hanu is the starting point of the streams that flow down the mountain. Chalbi is the Hangeul interpretation of Mount Hanu (meaning cold rain in Chinese), named after the cold rain that falls even during the hot summers. Local authorities explain this results in the well-kept nature of the area with luxuriant woodland and clean water. It is worth hiking up the mountain and there are two starting points, one from Byeokgye village and another from Bakhak village.

You can even choose to ride to the top on mountain bikes, as the paths are well made. There is also a temporary road that is paved from Byeokgye camping site that cars can drive on. Other interesting destinations around the region are the wood-crafting center (where you can try your hand at carpentry), and Ilbung Temple, which is said to be the largest cave temple in Asia.

At the center, each child (or any participant) will be given a piece of wood to be carved into an agricultural item, such as a pole signifying a prayer for a good harvest. The program runs from 5,000 won to 8,000 won depending on the size of the item and takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. A group of at least 10 people can also experience making "manggae tteok," a local variety of rice cake using mangae leaves (from a vine tree) and glutinous rice.

Uiryeong County office can be reached at www.uiryeong.go.kr or (055) 570-2400, the Byeokgye tourism agency at (055) 570-4958, the woodcraft center at www.storyfarm.co.kr or (055) 572-3765, and Ilbung Temple at www.ilbungsa.or.kr or (055) 572-7777.

North Gyeongsang Province

The road to Cheongsong seems almost endless, with one mountain range after another stretched along the way. It takes patience to get to this quiet and undisturbed area, but it is all the more rewarding. One of the best ways to appreciate the natural beauty of Cheongsong is to stop at one of its gorges, and one of the most famous is Sinseong gorge of Mount Cheongsong.

The gorge stretches from Sinseong-ri of Andeok-myeon, and curves through different ridges and cliffs toward Andong, creating a magnificent view along the way. As the water is pure, Cheongsong also operates various projects related to spring water, such as Solgi hot spring and a hydropower plant. Solgi hot spring is an alkali spring bubbling up from 710 meters underground.

Cheongsong is also home to many artists including Lee Mu-nam, who makes earthenware, Lee Won-jwa, who paints, and Park Suk-ja, who is an expert in organic dyeing.

Lee Mu-nam's family have been making their dark brown-glazed pottery for four generations. Lee is in his 70s but says he still enjoys making them. Children can also try making one but reservation is recommended at least three days in advance.

Located at the former site of Sinchon Elementary School in Sinchon-ri of Jinbo-myeon is an art gallery constructed by the county. The gallery is dedicated to paintings by Lee Won-jwa, including a 2.4-meter high, 12-meter wide landscape painting.

Next to an old house built in the 1880s in Deokcheon-ri of Pacheon-myeon, there is a center where one can try dyeing clothes under the guidance of Park Suk-ja. Reservation is a must.

Cheongsong County can be reached at http://tour.cs.go.kr or (054) 870-6227, Solgi hot spring at www.juwangspahotel.co.kr or (054) 874-7006 and the dyeing shop at (054) 873-6300.

North Jeolla Province

During Joseon times, the best way for the gentleman to survive the summer heat was to seek a place with clean water and soak their feet. As the feet are considered the main engine of the whole body in oriental medicine, soaking the feet enabled them to cool off the heat all over.

Gorges along Mount Jiri are perfect for that, especially at Guryong gorge, which is situated at the foot of Mount Jiri on the Namwon side. The gorge includes several cliffs, creating the Guryong waterfalls. Guryong gorge spreads some 3.1 kilometers. Those who would "soak their feet" rather than trek along the gorge should try the site just near Yukmo Pavilion. As there are large rock floors, the water flows wide and is perfect for playing in the water safely. "Chueotang," one of Korea's favorite dishes, a soup made with ground loach (mudfish) is also famous in Namwon.