Great smoky mountain national park, Tennessee, USA

Ridge upon ridge of seemingly endless stretch of virgin forest sits on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee. Known in the world as Great Smoky Mountains National Park, this most-visited American park houses the beauty of the ancient mountains, diverse wildlife and southern Appalachian mountain culture. With a stunning scene of nature and a full line of outdoor activities to enjoy, Great Smoky Mountain National Park attracts a huge number of visitors all throughout the year.

Being a United States National Park, an International Biosphere Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site validates the reason why Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of the world’s treasures. The park comprises of almost 95% of unspoilt forests where 100 native trees and over a thousand of flowering plants found their sanctuary. It is also a home to over a hundred of bird species, almost 50 kinds of native fish, reptiles and amphibians. Its high elevation paves the way to a pleasant weather which is ideal when exploring and sight-seeing this most-popular park of America.

Embraced by nature’s stunning wonders, outdoor activities become even more fun in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Appalachian Trails is just one of its many hiking trails and the hike to the Clingmans Dome, the highest point of the park and the whole of Tennessee also adds to the adventure. From that highest peak, enjoy the scenery from the Morton Overlook, a point where the captivating view of the sunset can be seen. The streams that flow all throughout the park are gateway to many water-fun activities. And while the Chimney Tops is a popular hiking destination, the Mount LeConte provides numerous points to see the magnificent beauty that surrounds the Great Smoky Mountains.

After all the nature-tripping is done, visitors slow things down in Cades Cove, a valley surrounded by scenic mountain views and also a popular destination in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Here is where one can witness exotic animals such as bears, raccoon, skunk, coyote and ground hog enjoy their natural playground. Because of its rich history as proofed by the ancient homesteads and buildings that still erect in the place, Cades Cove Historic District has become a part of the National Register of Historic Places. 

Whether it be for the cool mist of the waterfalls or the splashes of the streams, hiking on its trails or camping under its stars, being one with the wildlife or appreciating history, the Great Smoky Mountains National Park has it all. With the park’s abundance of nature’s gifts, the adventure to this famous American park creates memories hard to forget.

Everland, Kyonggi-Do, South Korea - Travel Guide

Everland Resort, found in Kyonggi-Do in South Korea, is the country’s largest theme park that attracts over 6 million of visitors every year. With an impressive number of visitors it generates, it has become a major contributor in South Korea’s tourism since it opened in 1976. Operated by Samsung Everland, a subsidiary of Samsung Group, Everland excites park-goers through its facilities, rides and attractions that are equally distributed in its five distinct zones: Zoo-Tapia, Global Fair, Magic Land, American Adventure, and European Adventure.

Everland boasts of signature rides that conform to the adventurous people. There are 40 stomach-flipping rides, including the famed Dragon Coaster, two circuit powered roller coaster and the world-known T-Express, the country’s steepest, fastest and longest roller coaster. And if the family wants to ride together, there is the Herky & Timmy's Racing Coaster, a roller coaster that is built for the whole family. 

Everland is probably the first in the world bring out an excellent idea of a safari experience as a major theme park attraction. Visitors can get up-close and personal with rare animals such as giraffes, elephants and ostriches-- something that adds delight to the whole family. To those who love speed, there is a racing track called Everland Speedway, an attraction that gives an opportunity to non-racers to feel how it is like to actually race.

Visitors of Everland are fortunate, as they are also in for the Caribbean Bay experience. Caribbean Bay is the country’s largest water park. Similar to Everland, Caribbean Bay is also divided to five zones: Wild River, Sea Wave, Fortress, Aquatic Center and Bay Slide. All the five zones are dedicated to bringing out fun and thrill through water slides, tube rides, streaming pools, artificial waves, indoor wave pools, saunas and spas. The hot spring in this outstanding water park is available all-year round and with its numerous water facilities, Caribbean Bay has become a favorite family destination.

Those who appreciate the gifts of nature also love touring this particular attraction of the park—the Everland gardens. The gardens are perfectly landscaped, neatly designed and creatively styled to make the beauty of every blooming flower standout. The stunning gardens of the Everland have been a fixed feature since the Rose Festival in 1985.

Hungry tummies are served by the dining areas found in all the zones of the theme park, such as Burger Café Europe in the European Adventure Zone, Town’s Market Restaurant in Magic Land, and Café Jungle Camp in Zoo-Tapia. Just like the restaurants, shops are also all over the place. These establishments are where visitors go to not just to satisfy their need for retail therapy, it is where they go to when they need to tone down the thrill and excitement of the Everland adventure.