Seoul Museum of History captures the traditional culture of Seoul. Vestiges from the prehistoric era to modern Seoul are on display. The museum was renovated with modern updates in May 2002, 17 years after opening. The main exhibit halls are on the 3rd floor. Many of the Joseon Dynasty relics were donated during the Relic Donation Campaign. Also, the landscape of Seoul is recreated when it was the capital of the Joseon Dynasty. Another exhibit showcases the daily life of the Seoulites, while another presents items through an online cyber museum. The 1st floor has many convenient facilities such as a coat check and the Kids Corner playroom. The Special Exhibition Hall, the Exhibition Hall for Donated Relics, and Museum Shop where cultural products are produced and sold, are also on the 1st floor. If you enjoy dainty foods and tea, visit the Gyeonghuigung Café. It is a cozy spot which stays open after museum hours.

Located in Pojeong-dong, Jung-gu, Daegu, the Daegu Modern History Museum was officially opened on January 24, 2011. The museum is housed in a building that is rich in history. First built by Japan in 1932 as a bank, the building was once a symbol of repression and exploitation during the Japanese colonial rule. Today, the building stands proudly as an educational site and bears the title of ‘Cultural Property No. 49’ in recognition of its historical and cultural significance.The two-story museum (1,971 square meters) houses a permanent exhibition (1F), featured exhibition (2F), and a hands-on exhibition room and classroom for diverse cultural activities and lectures. The history exhibition features the lifestyle of Daegu citizens, local customs, and education of the late 19th century and the early 20th century.Opening hours are between 9:00am and 7:00pm; the museum is closed on Mondays.

Chojijin Fortress was built in 1656 for the purpose of national defense against seashore attacks from foreign enemies. Chojijin Fortress also encompasses the fortifications of Jangjapyeongdon and Seomamdon, which were constructed in 1679. Chojijin was the scene of many hard-fought battles during Byeonginyangyo (the French invasion in 1866), Sinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871), and the confrontation with the Japanese warship Unyomaru in 1875. On April 23, 1871, the American navy under the command of Rear Admiral John Rodgers landed on Ganghwado Island, and an American force of 450 soldiers attacked Chojijin Fort, Deokjin Camp, and Gwangseongjin Camp one after another. On August 21, 1875, the artillery of Chojijin engaged a fierce firefight with the Japanese warship Wunyoho. Chojijin Fortress was restored in 1973, and bullet marks still remain on the old pine trees and the fortress walls. The canons used by the military of the Joseon Dynasty are displayed in Chojijin.

Dalseong Daegu Park (also referred to as ‘Gyeongsang-gamyeong Park‘) is the oldest and most intimate outdoor leisure places in Daegu. In the park, there is a grass plaza, cultural hall, zoo, and monument inscribed with the poem of the famous poet Lee Sanghwa.The park was once a fortress location of Dalgubeol, a tribal country of the Samhan/Three Kingdoms Era rooted in the area now known as Daegu. When the Sino-Japanese War broke out from 1894 to 1895, the land served as a Japanese military base. In 1905 (the 9th year of King Gojong of the Joseon Dynasty) the park was created and in February 1965 the City of Daegu transformed the park into the well-organized leisure area we know and love today.

Insa-dong PR Center opened in 2006 with the goal of providing accessible education for both domestic and international visitors to understand Korean tradition and history. It was built as a private residence for Prince Uichin (1877-1955), one of the sons of Emperor Gojong (1852-1919).It also introduces the tradition and culture of Insa-dong, and provides tour pamphlets and tourist assistance in multiple languages (English, Japanese and Chinese). Visitors can try the traditional costumes and enjoy Wi-Fi within the facility.

The Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance displays items that have been collected from Bukchon, a historical village that was once home to the nation’s nobility. For hundreds of years, treasured items in each household were passed down from generation to generation, but since Korea’s rapid development in the second half of the 20th century many of these became obsolete. Opened in 2003, the Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance seeks to preserve artifacts and present them in a cozy, homey environment where visitors can get a sense of how each object was used in daily life. The museum is full of household articles that were absolutely essential parts of life in the past, such as ‘maetdol’ (millstones used for grinding beans or mung beans), ‘jangdok’ (crocks for soy sauce or red pepper paste), and ‘yogang’ (Korean chamber pots that were kept in rooms and used as urinals at night). Visitors are even allowed to touch items on display to better be able to imagine life in Korea before industrialization.From Samcheong-dong (near Gyeongbokgung Palace) to Wonseo-dong (near Biwon, a royal garden in Changdeokgung Palace), Bukchon is an area well-known for its hanok houses (traditional Korean houses). Thanks to the complex structure of hanok, collectors were able to unearth a wide range of articles hidden in storage rooms, under floorboards, and in attics.Visitors to the museum with 10-15 people in their party may participate in programs that allow them to make old-fashioned toys or take part in making ssukgaetteok (rice cake made using mugwort).Near the Bukchon Museum Old Fragrance there are many colorful attractions worth visiting: the Bukchon Hanok Village, Samcheong Park, The Owl Museum, ToyKino Museum, the World Jewelry Museum, and the National Palace Museum of Korea, as well as royal palaces such as Gyeongbokgung Palace. 

Insa Art Space was established by the government to support artists who are experiencing financial difficulties. Opened on May 26th, 2000, the total exhibit maintenance fee is provided by the government. It is recognized as one of the more successful national art support policies. Mostly experimental and progressive artwork are exhibited here to activate the art. Curators research the present state of the art circles. Also various open exhibit projects are held to find new talented artists. The newly chosen artists for the events can exhibit their work here free of charge for two weeks. These events are held to help poor artists who cannot start their careers. You can visit without doubting the sincerity of the exhibited artwork. The displayed works are valued for their quality only. Annually 2~3 internal exhibitions and international exhibitions are held, and symposiums and “dialogues with artists” are also often held. Currently there is one curator and two assistant curators. Insa Art Space is a great place for travelers who want to have long day tours. Most galleries close between 5pm and 6pm, but Insa Art Space is open till 7pm or 8pm. It is also located in the traditional Korean street, Insadong, so there are plenty of things to do and see while visiting this gallery.

Rolling Hall is a cultural complex ideal for holding a wide variety of artistic and cultural events. It has hosted renowned international acts, underground musicians, and indie bands. Equipped with state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, the hall has the distinctive, liberal ambience of the live clubs in the Hongdae (Hongik University) area.Audiences can enjoy musical performances in pop, hip hop, jazz ballad, and rock in an intimate atmosphere that is not likely to be found in large concert halls.

The Seoul National Science Museum first opened its doors to the public in 1945. It was destroyed during the Korean War (1950-1953) and was later rebuilt at its current location in 1972. The museum features a range of exhibition halls and hands-on programs offering visitors an opportunity to experience the principles of science. In addition, the programs focus on nurturing the creativity of children and helping children better understand science.

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.