This pagoda was once the central feature of a Buddhist temple that no longer exists.

The name of the only golden Buddhist temple in Korea translates as "the temple that protects the country."

A unique structure located on the grounds of one of five grand palaces that were built by the Joseon dynasty.

This tiny museum immortalizes the birthplace of an iconic Chinese-Korean noodle dish.

A thriving surf community exists in relative remoteness along the former boundary between North and South Korea.

Its humdrum facade only adds to its electrifying appeal: a rooftop with panoramic views of a shapeshifting metropolis.

The world's longest bridge fountain has hundreds of nozzles that create a beautiful, illuminated spectacle.

Japan and South Korea both lay claim to islands inhabited by one woman.

The world's first cruise ship-shaped hotel is perched atop a cliff.

Buy your fish and have it cooked to order in this bustling, eight-floor seafood market.

To enter the lower hall of this temple, you must first walk through a dragon.

South Korea's love of the silly photograph is on full display at this goofy collection of trompe l'oeil paintings.

Plenty of old carney magic still haunts this photogenic amusement park.

Step into a cartoon at this Seoul café that aims to evoke a two-dimensional scene.

About as hidden as can be, this specialty coffee shop is wedged between multi-story buildings at the end of a dark, skinny alleyway in Seoul.

Tracking the 1,500-year history of Korea's star cabbage.

A remnant of Korea's colonial past lies forgotten in a hip neighborhood in Seoul.

One man's lifetime collection of tiny objects of wisdom gathered from around the world, on display for public enjoyment.

There is a small island in the Gulf of Nicoya where the only human inhabitants are dead.

This Costa Rican chapel is the most metal church in the world, literally.

A secret climbing tree hides along the side of a Costa Rican road.

Balanced rock sculptures pay tribute to a murdered conservationist and his pioneer wife.

This abandoned hospital is one of the most haunted places in Costa Rica.

One Costa Rican island is so beset by illegal shark poachers that the local rangers have built an entire bridge with their confiscated gear .