Gwanguimun Gate is said to be originally constructed in 1396, the 5th year of King Taejo, in the southeast of the capital city (Seoul). It was often referred to as Sugumun Gate (water channel gate) and was actually used as a Sigumun, literally meaning “corpse gate”, as funeral processions passed through this gate when exiting to the east.During the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea, 1592-1598), the fortress gate was destroyer to such a degree that it made finding the original location close to impossible. Nevertheless, rebuilding efforts were started in 1711 (37th year of King Sukjong) and the water channel gate was restored and a gate tower built. Gwanghuimun Gate remained intact even when the fortress walls were demolished to build tram tracks during the Japanese occupation, but it was damaged during the Korean War and left neglected. In 1975, restoration work was carried out to relocate Gwanghuimun Gate to a site 15 meters south of its original location since it stood in the middle of the road.

Bamseom Island gets its name from its shape (‘bam’ meaning ‘chestnut’ in Korean) and has long been famous for its great view and beautiful surroundings. The Hangang River waters flowing around Bamseom Island were once so clean that the river was used as a source of drinking water for island residents. As part of the Yeouido Development Project, the 443 island residents and their 62 houses were mass migrated to Changcheon-dong, Mapo-gu and the hillside area of Wusan Mountain on Feb 10, 1968. As time passed on the newly uninhabited island, the river deposited sediment around the island and a bunch of wild water plants grew. In the early 1990s, the island became famous as a ‘migratory bird habitat in the middle of a city,’ which is a rare occurrence worldwide. On August 10, 1999 the Seoul Metropolitan Office designated the island an ‘Ecosystem Reserve,’ providing special care and preservation of the island. * Island Ecosystem Birds (41 species): the island is home to mandarin ducks, spotbill birds, reed warblers, white herons, and ringed plover (which also use the island as a breeding grounds). The island is a winter habitat for over 5,000 migratory birds. Fish (29 species): cornet fish, Korean bullhead, carp, mandarin fish, etc. Plants (189 species): common reed, dicentra, prince’s feather, salix matsudana, etc. Insects (15 species): small cabbage white, fabricius, faust, black-horned katydid, scopoli, etc. * Elevation: often submerged when large volumes of water are released from Paldang Dam due to flooding. * Island circumference: mudflats, sand, pebbles, etc.

Located east of Naksan Mountain at Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu in Seoul, Myogaksa Temple offers the urbanites a chance to experience Temple Stay. Since 2002, Myogaksa Temple has run its special Temple Stay program titled “Free from All Anxiety”, which sees a growing number of foreign participants every year. Moreover, you may also have a chance to experience Korean traditional culture as well as get to know Korean history better through interesting stories.

The Total Museum is a branch of Jangheung Art Park (formerly “Total Outdoor Museum”) that opened near Bukhansan in April, 1992. It houses facilities such as an art academy, library, art shop, and outdoor performance stage. In addition to exhibitions, the museum holds a variety of art and culture programs like musical concerts, events, lectures, and seminars. In particular, the members-only educational programs and gallery concerts provide a chance to enjoy high-quality cultural events.

The Traditional Arts & Crafts Studio was created to give both locals and international visitors a chance to experience the traditional arts of Korea firsthand. For international visitors, programs serve as a brief introduction to some of the finer points of Korean art. For many Koreans, the studio’s programs are ways to relive childhood memories or experience traditional culture as a family.

Soon after its opening in 1983, the Park Ryu Sook Gallery moved to Cheongdam-dong, an uncharted territory back in 1988. Ever since, the gallery has played a significant role in turning the region into one of the most representative art places in Korea. The Park Ryu Sook Gallery mainly deals with modern art, and contributes to the development of Korea's modern art scene by recruiting and supporting talented rookies in the field, and by introducing artwork of major modern artists from abroad. Moreover, the gallery works to promote Korean art worldwide by joining major art fairs such as the Chicago, Koln, and Basel art fairs. Through these and similar activities, the Park Ryu Sook Gallery works to provide the public the invaluable opportunity to enjoy quality artwork, maximize their own creativity, and take a moment out of their hectic lives to indulge in a little self-reflection.  

The Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall located in central Seoul showcases a collection of materials, personal belongings, and relics related to the independent movement activist Ahn Jung-geun’s. It also carries out memorial events to honor and remember the patriot. The two-story building that also has two underground floors consists of a memorial room, exhibition room, multimedia room and an auditorium. The memorial hall is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and visitors are allowed entrance up to one hour before closing.

Hangang (Han River) Citizen's Park, composed of 12 areas including Jamsil, Ttukseom and Jamwon, is an eco-friendly park providing areas for sports and leisure. The park is equipped with various cultural and recreational facilities and also has an ecological park. Gwangnaru Hangang Park formed naturally through rich silt that flowed in from the upper Hangang River that was then filled with reeds, creating an ideal habitat for groups of migratory birds.

Over 1,485㎡, Atrium is a spacious spot to rest for customers in the middle of the huge Times Square mall. It extends through the building to a glass roof so that customers see the blue sky while shopping. This pleasant place also offers colorful events regularly as well as themed performances every month on its round stage, bringing exciting cultural and entertainment experiences to visitors. Performances are offered free of charge.

Opera Gallery is a French gallery that has 11 branches worldwide: Paris, London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Venice, Miami, Seoul, Monaco, Geneva, and Dubai. The gallery features a range of tasteful collections ranging from the works of European masters to the modern artists of Asia. Preparations are now underway for an open-run exhibition.