Travel/Culture List

Times Square
 
Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu)
Times Square is a large, comprehensive lifestyle complex equipped with various leisure, entertainment, accommodation, and dining establishments. The complex houses Shinsegae Department Store, which features a number of luxury brands and high-end local products, CGV Starium, which houses 12 movie theaters, including the world's largest screen, a multi-purpose performance center, Kyobo Book Center, E-Mart Discount Supermarket, Courtyard by Marriott, which features 273 rooms, Kolon Sporex Luxury Fitness Center, Amoris Banquet and Convention Center, I Like Dalgi Children's Theme Park, various dining establishments, and many more. In addition, several large outdoor spaces, which collectively span over near 14,850 ㎡, provide perfect spots for relaxation and enjoying the nature inside the metropolitan complex.

Incheon Munhak Sports Complex (Incheon Worldcup Stadium)
 
Incheon(Michuhol-gu)
The Munhak Sports Complex is situated in Michuhol-gu, Incheon. Its construction began in July 1994 and was completed by February 2002. This expansive facility boasts a versatile main stadium, an auxiliary stadium, a baseball field, a sports center, and several other amenities. Notably, the INK Concert, or Incheon K-POP Concert, is a hallmark event for K-pop enthusiasts. Organized by the Incheon Metropolitan City and Incheon Tourism Organization, this annual event typically takes place in September or October. It's a major attraction, drawing both local and international tourists and K-pop fans. The Incheon Munhak Stadium, originally called the Incheon World Cup Stadium, served as the home ground for Incheon United from 2004 to 2011. This stadium was a venue for three preliminary matches during the 2002 FIFA World Cup. Additionally, it played host to the 2005 Asian Athletics Championships and several football matches for the 2014 Asian Games. It was also the backdrop for the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2014 Asian Para Games. Gaming fans might recognize it as the venue for the 2018 League of Legends World Championship final held in November 2018. Structure Size * Plottage 432,034.60 ㎡ * Total area 251,937.02 ㎡ Main Facilities Main stadium, subsidary stadium, baseball stadium, futsal field, etc. Parking Facilities Available Parking Fee Regular cars: 2,000 won / Large van (more than 15 seats): 4,000 won / Large bus (more than 25 seats): 6,000 won * Monthly Pass: 40,000 won

Mireuksaji
 
Jeollabuk-do(Iksan-si)
Mireuksa was the largest Buddhist temple of the ancient Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). According to Samgukyusa (historical records published in 1281), King Mu (30th king of Baekje, in power 600-641 AD) and his wife Queen Seonhwa were said to have seen a vision of Mireuksamjon (the three Sanskrit) emerging from a large pond. At the time of their revelation, the king and queen were on their way to visit a Buddhist monk in Sajasa Temple on Yonghwasan Mountain (now known as Mireuksan Mountain). In response to their vision, the king drained the nearby pond and established Mireuksa Temple. The temple is believed to have shown the most advanced architectural and cultural skills of Baekje, Silla, and Goguryeo (the three main kingdoms at that time). Records indicate that King Jinpyeong of Silla even sent his craftsmen over to assist with the temple construction.The two main features of the Mireuksa Temple Site are the stone pagoda (Mireuksaji Seoktap) and the flagpole supports (Mireuksaji Dangganjiju). The 14.24-meter-high west stone pagoda (National Treasure No. 11) is the oldest and largest Korean stone pagoda in existence. The west pagoda currently has only six tiers, but is estimated to have originally had nine. The nine-story east stone pagoda (27.67m in x_height) was restored to its original stature in 1993 based on historical records. Other surviving landmarks include the flagpole supports (Treasure No. 236) to the south of the stone pagodas. The 395 centimeter-tall poles are estimated to have been created during the Unified Silla period (676-935 AD) and are set 90 meters apart from east to west.

Namiseom Island
 
Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)
Namiseom Island was formed as a result of the construction of the Cheongpyeong Dam. It is a half moon shaped (462,809㎡) isle, and on it is the grave of General Nami, who led a great victory against the rebels in the 13th year of the 7th king of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejo (reign 1455 ~ 1468).Namiseom Island is 63 km away from Seoul in the direction of Chuncheon, and is famous for its beautiful tree lined roads. The island is 30 minutes away from Chuncheon and an hour away from suburbs of Seoul. Since it is not far from Seoul, many couples and families come to visit.A special feature of Namiseom Island is that there are no telephone poles. This is because all electric wires were built underground to keep the natural feeling of the landscape. The complex is 553,560 square yards with chestnut trees and poplar trees around the isle.In the middle of the isle, there is a grass field about 316,320 square yards. It is composed of education and training facilities, camping sites, swimming pools and water-sports facilities for motorboats and water skiing. There is also a theme park with merry-go-rounds, a shooting range, roller skating rink, and there are lodging facilities such as resort villas and bungalows.

Charlotte Theater
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu)
Charlotte Theater is Korea’s first theater designated exclusively for musicals, imitating the elegant ambience of European architectural design. The most distinctive feature of the Charlotte Theater is that the stage is very close to the audience, creating an intimate feel. Though the theater seats 1,000, the distance from the last seat on the second floor to the stage is only 28 meters, allowing guests to feel the liveliness of the performance.Light refreshments are available at the cafes located on each of the four floors, and hotel bar services are available at the VIP rooms. There are also rooms designed for families with small children located on the first floor, so that all family members may enjoy the performances.The theater is conveniently located a 5 minute walking distance from Lotte Shopping Mall, Songpanaru Park (Seokchon Lake), and Lotte World Adventure.

Saemangeum
 
Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)
The name of Samangeum signifies the breakwaters that enlarge and freshen the Mangyeong•Gimje Plains, famous for their fertile soil.

Sungnyemun Gate (Namdaemun Gate)
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. A passageway for traffic is located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun’s tablet has its name written vertically. When the first king of Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong-Gye (reign 1335-1408), had constructed the capital city, he believed that fire will reach to Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the capital city as Mt. Gwanaksan of Seoul is shaped like fire according to feng-shui principles. Sungnyemun’s name means fire, which is from the harmony of the Five Elements and if written vertically, the Chinese character ‘fire’ looks as if it is providing protection. This was Taejong’s (1367-1422) first son, Yangnyeongdaegun’s (1394-1462) famous writing. On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate has been re-opened to the public again as of May 4, 2013.

Kukkiwon
 
Seoul(Gangnam-gu)
Kukkiwon (국기원, World Taekwondo Headquarters) was established to spread knowledge of the national Korean sport of Taekwondo, and raise popularity of the martial art. Currently, the World Taekwondo Championships and various national competitions are held at Kukkiwon. Kukkiwon also serves as a place where coaches are trained, and offers Taekwondo experience programs for foreigners.Various experience programs for foreigners including the basic Taekwondo stances, the art of self-defense, and the art of wood breaking are offered at the Seoul, Jongno-gu Gyeonghuigung Palace with reservation services available online. Reservations can be made up to one day in advance and can be made for single guests. Guests can choose to training sessions at any time between Tuesdays and Fridays. Be aware that classes may be cancelled on rainy days, and sessions will be instructed in Korean and English only.

Seoul Grand Park
 
Gyeonggi-do(Gwacheon-si)
Covering an area of about 9,157,000 ㎡ (2,770,000 pyeong), Seoul Grand Park consists of themed areas for education, nature, and amusement. The park is known for its various amusement facilities and scenic beauty. Seoul Grand Park’s major attractions include Seoul Grand Park Zoo, Children's Zoo, a rose garden, Seoul Land amusement park, and the Seoul Museum of Modern Art.Seoul Zoo is home to over 2,975 animals belonging to about 348 species from all over the world. The zoo is the 10th largest in the world and a recognized member of the International Species Information System (ISIS) and the World Zoo Organization (IUDZG-WZO).* SizeSite area 9,157,066m² (2,770,000 pyeong)Zoo and botanical garden 2,423,151m² (733,000 peyong)Amusement park 820m² (248,000 pyeong)Lake 274,381m² (83,000 pyeong)Youth training center 76,033m² (23,000 pyeong)Rose garden 178,513m² (54,000 pyeong)Exercise facility 36,364m² (11,000 pyeong)Management office 327,274m² (99,000 pyeong)National Museum of Contemporary Art 66,116m² (20,000 pyeong)Natural green belt 2,323,977m² (703,000 pyeong)[Children’s Grand Park]Children’s Grand Park covers 530,000 square meters and is an ultimate leisure facility for families, offering a zoo, botanical garden, amusement facilities, and diverse performance events. Children can learn about animals at the children’s zoo or through the classes where they can get up close and personal with the animals by feeding them.[Rose Garden]The Rose Garden, which is located near the lake, has about 30,000 roses belonging to over 200 species. The roses are in full bloom in June, attracting many visitors to the park.[Botanical Garden]The Botanical Garden in Seoul Grand Park is located near the foot of Cheonggyesan Mountain. Opened on May 1, 1985, the garden has an area of 2,825㎡ and exhibits tropical and subtropical plants, succulent plants such as cactus, orchids and ferns.[Forest Bathing Park]The Seoul Grand Park Forest Park is located inside the natural forest of Cheonggyesan Mountain, which surrounds the Seoul Grand Park. The park is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including 470 tree species and 35 bird species. It also has a 6.3㎞-long hiking trail that is divided into four sections, as well as rest areas with different themes like the Forest of Meditation featuring a 450m barefoot walking path. It is an ideal place for a forest bath, which involves exploring through a forest all the while enjoying the positive energy, beautiful sights and soothing atmosphere that the forest has to offer. Visitors will enjoy 11 different themes such as ‘forest with nature,’ ‘forest for meditation,’ and ‘forest for rest.’ Walking through the forest bathing area takes as little as 50 minutes or as long as 2.5 hours.* What is Forest Bathing (Sallimnyok)?Forest bathing is the act of taking a leisurely walk in the woods while breathing in the aromatic scent of trees and nature. Wearing moisture-wicking clothes is recommended to keep you cool and comfortable during the warmer months.

Kidzania (Children’s Job Experience Theme Park)
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu)
Kidzania, located in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, is a unique family entertainment space especially for children age 3 to 16. The theme park provides children with a chance to experience jobs that they might want to have when they grow up! The park, which originated in Mexico and has spread throughout the world, opened its doors in Korea in February of 2010.Kidzania has a total of three floors and lets children experience over 57 different jobs. By experiencing a variety of realistic role playing jobs (all of which are included in the entrance fee) children can learn about real-life economic principles in a unique and interesting environment. Job experiences include working as a policeman, flight attendant, firefighter, or chef (uniforms are provided). When you work hard in Kidzania, you get paid in Kidzo (a virtual currency). You can put your money in the bank for your next visit or purchase goods at the department store.Kidzania mimics a real city environment, has diverse jobs, and is full of events. When there is a fire, a fireman rushes to help, and a news reporter covers the story. While 911 paramedics give first aid to fire victims, in another part of “town” delivery personnel are dropping off packages. Kidzania teaches the next generation how to live as responsible members of society and gives them an introduction to how the economy works.In order to make the environment as realistic as possible, every building, car, and tree is reduced to 2/3 its real size, helping children feel more adult-like in their new world!