A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.

The Hwangi Art Museum was opened to honor the works of the painter, Kim Hwan-Gi. Kim Hwan-Gi (1913-1974) was Korea's top artist of modernism. He began painting abstract paintings in 1930, and in 1950 began using nature as his motivation to portray the emotions of Korea. Kim Hwan-Gi was famous for his unforgettable pieces. He is the role model for many young aspiring artists in Korea. On the first floor of the museum there is an art shop with scarves, ties, and other various products with Kim's designs are available for purchase. Upon entering the exhibits all bags must be checked in at the front desk. As you enter, aside from the paintings and art pieces, the most eye-popping sight is the beautifully decorated windows. You cannot help but marvel at their beauty. For those that are tired and need rest, there is a rest area on the second floor. There is a nice outdoor view from this area. Outside you can go for a walk on the trail. As you walk up the narrowing trail you will see a pond, and at the end of the trail you will enter a wooded area where you can rest.

Located in Gyoha-eup (Paju, Gyeonggi-do), Paju Book City is a giant cultural complex, belonging to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. It is home to 250 publishers with over 10,000 workers. It covers the entire process of publishing from planning to printing and distribution.Asia Publication Culture & Information Center houses book cafes, used bookstores, galleries, and restaurants, hosting diverse exhibitions and forums; Tan Tan Story House, run by Yeowon Media specializing in illustrated storybooks for children, is a cultural center for children with a performance hall, a gallery, and a book café. Other notable attractions include Yeolhwadang, Chameleon (BIR Publishing’s book outlet), Darakwon Book Café, and Moongongsa Book Café. The first floor of Paju Book City is full of book stores and cafes.Visitors need to be aware that some stores are closed on weekends and during holidays and only open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Aside from bookstores and cafes, Paju Book City also boasts many attractions. For instance, its chic building meshes perfectly with the beautiful surroundings; in the corner of Asia Publication Culture & Information Center is an elegant Hanok (traditional Korean house) that boasts both traditional beauty and modern touches. 

Located in Nogobong Valley in Taehwasan Mountain in Gwangju-gun, Gyeonggi-do Province, Konjiam Resort is only an hour away by car from the Gangnam area in Seoul. The year-round resort boasts the largest ski slopes of Gyeonggi-do Province, a condominium with 476 rooms, the nation’s first residential spa, and a variety of other facilities.Some of the most unique features of the resort are the ecological stream running through the resort and the cave wine cellar where about 90,000 bottles of wine are stored. Another visitor favorite is the Konjiam Arboretum, which has 3,700 species of plants and about 20 themed gardens.

Running through the central part of the Korean Peninsula, the Hangang River flows from Gangwon-do towards Chungcheongbuk-do, Gyeonggi-do, through Seoul and continues on to the Yellow Sea. The river has witnessed the history of the Korean people for over five thousand years, through good and bad times. The riverside parks offer a nice retreat for the citizens of Seoul. The Namhangang River (South Hangang River), which is the main source, originates from Taebaek-si in Gangwon-do. The water runs north through Goljicheon Stream in Samcheok-si and then passes through Gwangdong Dam before flowing into Songcheon Stream. Songcheon Stream starts from Hwangbyeongsan Mountain (1,407 meters) in Jeongseon-gun and flows into Joyanggang River. After joining Odaecheon Stream, it flows south into Donggang River, which in turn flows into Seogang River. Then after joining Dalcheon Stream in Chungju-si, Seomgang River and Cheongmicheon Stream, the river combines with the branch streams of Yanghwacheon, Bokhacheon, and Heukcheon before it finally joins Bukhangang River (North Hangang River) in Yangsu-ri.

When it opened in 1988, Seogwipo Submarine was the first of its kind in Asia the third in the world. Seogwipo Submarine offers safe undersea tours in its recently acquired state of the art submarine from Finland. Munseom, where the submarine travels, is home to outstanding coral reefs, colorful schools of fish, and rich seaweed. The exquisite landscape makes it one of the most beautiful places to dive as well. Going deep into the 40 meter sea-bed, visitors can see countless fish, rare iridescent coral reefs, and a surreal-looking shipwreck with schools of fish surrounding it. Over 20 years of technical knowhow and safe operation (in fact, the longest submarine tour without a single accident on record) make Seogwipo Submarine a must-see attraction on Jeju Island. 

The house of entrepreneur and activist Seo Sang-don is located in the heart of Daegu. Seo ran a business manufacturing paper, linen, and cotton products, and briefly managed text crops for the government. In 1907, in an effort to repay national debt and to gain independence from Japan, Seo launched the National Debt Repayment Movement as well as a nationwide campaign calling for people to quit smoking.In celebration of Seo's leadership, the City of Daegu restored Seo's old house and opened it to the public. The City also built the National Debt Repayment Park and erected a statue of Seo in his honor.

Jeju International Passenger Terminal opened in 1998. Jeju Port serves as an entry point for international and domestic visitors, tourists, and cargo entering Jeju Island.

Opened in May 2001, the Suwon World Cup Stadium boasts a massive seating capacity of 43,000. The concept of its roof was inspired by the image of a bird in flight. Its seats were designed with Hwaseong Fortress in mind. It hosted World Cup matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, and the stadium is currently open to visitors.

Located in Danyang, Danuri Aquarium houses a lot of fish with a wide array of fish species from Korea and overseas countries, consisting of 13,000 fish of 83 species and 2,000 fish of 62 species, respectively. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of fish including Siniperca, a traditional fish from Namhangang River, sweetfish and Korean bitterling, as well as various fish species from other countries all in one spot. Also, the aquarium offers a special sightseeing point, in the form of a fish tank decorated with the theme of Eight Scenic Views of Danyang.* Fish tanks: 82 exhibition tanks, 36 habituating tanks, approx. 854 tons* Display state: 145 species from domestic and overseas countries, 15,000 fish (83 from Korea (approx. 13,000 fish) / 62 from overseas countries (approx. 2,000 fish)