Discover Incheon's Must-Visit Gem: Songdo Hanok Village If you're planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, one destination you absolutely must visit is Songdo Hanok Village. This unique village, located in Songdo-dong, Yeonsu-gu, Incheon, isn't an assembly of old traditional houses but a newly constructed hanok complex built in 2013. The stunning contrast between the high-rise buildings of Songdo International City and the traditional Korean architecture of the hanok creates a fascinating blend of East meets West. Originally intended to serve as a space for experiencing traditional Korean culture, Songdo Hanok Village has now evolved into a vibrant commercial area. The entire site is leased to various businesses and features a hanok-style hotel, restaurants, and cafes, offering visitors a taste of Korean culture with modern amenities. Moreover, this picturesque village has become a popular filming location for several famous Korean dramas, including "Goblin," "Queen of Ambition," and "Bluebird's House." Its scenic beauty and unique charm attract numerous visitors who come to walk the same paths as their favorite TV characters.

Story Garden by Amore Pacific is a special space where visitors can learn about and experience the company's products and history. The Story Garden is designed mainly based on three elements: stories, space design, and experiences. Visitors can learn about the history of beauty that Korean women have pursued from the modern era until now in the Story Garden. Tourists can visit exhibition halls and see how cosmetics are manufactured. There are many things to experience and see as well. With beautifully designed lights, the Story Garden is an ideal photo spot. Visitors will be given a special lipstick with their own special message printed on it.

Daesosan Signaling Station, created in beginning of the Joseon Dynasty, was the communication tool that sent messages and news via smoke signals and torchlight. The signaling station, often viewable from afar atop the mountain, sent smoke signals during the day and fire signals by night. The Daesosan Signaling Station was one of numerous provincial signaling stations that informed Namsan Signaling Station in Seoul of the status in the Yeongdeok, Chuksanpo region. From Daesosan Signaling Station either fire or smoke signals pass onto Byeolban Station to the south, Pyeonghae Hurisan Station to the north and Gwangsan Station to the west, and then arrives at Namgaksan Signaling Station. Daesosan, a major mountain in the Southeast coast of Yeongdeok, is 282m above sea level. The top of the mountain has a fortress wall made of stone within which the cone-shaped signaling station sits. Daesosan Signaling Station is a well-preserved example of the communication tools used during the Joseon Dynasty.

The Hajodo Lighthouse, built in February 1909, shines light up to a distance 39 kilometers away. It is responsible for safely guiding the ships passing through Jangjuk waterway, the key route that connects the southern and western coasts. Hajodo Lighthouse is 12 meters high and stands tall on a steep rugged cliff. There is a path leading up to the lighthouse, which is an excellent way for taking in the beautiful sights of Dadohae (Sea of Many Islands). The magnificence of the rugged cliff can be fully appreciated when taking a boat to the lighthouse from Eoryupo Port.

The trees that line Beoryeong-ri Metasequoia Trail were planted and cared for by a single individual. The tall trees that seem to touch the sky create a peaceful feeling, as if all will be right in the world. The forest trail is open to visitors for free, making it a popular destination for relaxing in a natural environment.

Located to the west of Byeonsan Peninsula, Wido Island was once the lonely destination of exiled government officials during the Goryeo Dynasty (AD 918-1392). Wido is more famous for its salt-water fishing than for its sightseeing, and has maintained its pristine beauty because it has few visitors. Most impressive is the vast sand beach known as Wido Beach. Among other attractions are Chido Village, where “Moses Miracle” occurs twice a day, as well as other splendid coastal scenery little known to the public. For those who bring their cars, the coast road offers a stunning drive along the blue sea.

Gwangju Culture & Art Center is located in the northeast of Gwangju-si and includes a range of representative cultural pieces from ancient times to the modern era. The Art Center is affiliated with several museums nearby including the Gwangju National Museum, Jungoe Park, the Municipal Folk Museum, and the Gwangju Museum of Art. The 4,145-pyeong / 13,700 square-meter center consists of a main stage for performance art, 10 practice rooms, 8 electrical rooms, an auditorium with 1,792 seats and over 600 pyeongs / 1,983 square meters of lobby space. The center, as a performance art hall complex, supports all types of art including opera, ballet, modern dance, theater, and Korean traditional opera. It is set amidst the beautiful Unamsan Mountain area and serves as a soothing getaway for urbanites.

Pungdong Anygol (formerly known as ‘Aehyeongol’ and ‘Aeingol’) is a ‘food street,’ where many restaurants are located close to one another. Anygol originally started near Baekma Station (Gyeongui Subway Line), where eccentric cafés playing folk music were once popular dating spots among young people in the 1970’s and 80’s. When Anygol near Baekma Station disappeared in the early 1990’s, cafés and restaurants started sprouting around Pung-dong, Goyang-si, which is known for its art and cultural spaces as well as beautiful lakes. Today, there are over 80 restaurants and cafés that host folk music performances as late as 3 a.m. on Pungdong Anygol.