Discover Jemulpo Gurabu: A Cultural Landmark in Incheon for International Visitors For international tourists visiting South Korea, Jemulpo Gurabu in Incheon is a captivating destination that offers a unique blend of history and culture. This site, originally established as a social club in 1901, has been a significant venue for cultural exchange and interactions among various nationalities, including Americans, British, Germans, French, Russians, and even a small number of Chinese and Japanese residents. Jemulpo Gurabu, initially known as the Jemulpo Club, was built to foster camaraderie and social interaction among the foreign residents of Incheon during a crucial period of Korea's opening to the world. The club is housed in a picturesque two-story brick building, topped with a tin roof, echoing the architectural style of its era. The interior was thoughtfully designed with facilities such as a social room, a library, a billiards table, and a tennis court, reflecting its purpose as a hub for leisure and socialization.         ​ The club's history is marked by various transformations, mirroring the dynamic political and cultural shifts in Korea. After the foreign concession areas were abolished in 1914, the building served multiple purposes, including a Japanese veteran's hall and a women's association center. Post Korean liberation, it was used by the U.S. military. The building's role as a cultural center continued as it became the Incheon City Museum from 1953 to 1990 and later the Incheon Cultural Center from 1990 to 2006. In 2007, Jemulpo Gurabu was reborn, emphasizing its historical significance and the Japanese pronunciation of "club". Today, it stands as a testament to the rich cultural interactions of modern history, attracting visitors from all around the globe. For international tourists, especially those interested in the history of international relations and cultural exchange, Jemulpo Gurabu is an unmissable destination. Its rich history, architectural beauty, and significance as a site of cultural confluence make it a fascinating stop in Incheon. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an architecture admirer, or simply in search of unique travel experiences, Jemulpo Gurabu offers a deep dive into Korea's diverse and intricate past, making it a must-visit landmark in South Korea.

In 2013, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea opened a new branch in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu at the former site of the Defense Security Command. The announcement for the construction of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA Seoul) came out in 2009, and the architecture for the museum was selected through idea proposals and an architectural design competition in 2010. What makes the Seoul branch different from the others is that it introduced Korea’s traditional architectural concept of ‘madang’, which is a spacious courtyard where people can come in and gather together to socialize. MMCA Seoul's building is also designed to harmonize with the surrounding nature around the city.Equipped with facilities including a reference center, a project gallery theater and a multipurpose hall, MMCA Seoul strives to accommodate every mode of new artistic endeavor and to communicate with the public. The site is where Korea’s historical and political developments were achieved. Most of the old buildings are gone but a few still remains to remind people of its significant role.MMCA Seoul was inaugurated on November 12, 2013

With 24 granite pillars, a splendid blue dome, and white exterior, the National Assembly Building is a beautiful piece of architecture. The historic building came to life in 1975 after six years of construction. The pillars and the dome symbolize the various opinions of the public emerging as one. The building is a favorite among tourists as it is located next to the Hangang River. The Hangang River sits behind the building as a beautiful backdrop.The National Assembly Building contains the Visitor Center, a walking area, and benches alongside the Hangang River. The easiest way to visit the National Assembly Building is by applying at the Visitor Center. One can tour various parts of the National Assembly Building as well as the main conferencing area. The application process lasts roughly twenty minutes. The drawback is that it does not offer a foreign language service. Those who are interested in seeing Korean politics in action may also see sessions as they proceed. However, those not particularly interested in Korean politics will be more than satisfied with the regular tour.

The Ewha Womans University Museum was established in 1935 with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Korea. Originally, items related to folk art, traditional woodwork, and pottery were put on display in the hall of the main university to keep them from being confiscated during the Japanese occupation. This later led to the opening of the museum to display and store the growing collection.Regular exhibitions of the museum’s collection have been taking place annually from 1972. Starting in 1996, the museum has also been holding special exhibitions that focus on other themes of cultural heritage. Additional small-scale exhibitions are also held frequently to promote Korea's traditional culture and art.A ceramics research facility as well as a more traditional museum, a large portion of the museum’s efforts is focused on the research and excavation of kilns. To this aim, excavation teams from the museum have traveled to various parts of the country to conduct studies on historic sites and assess the value of artifacts. Through the publication of books and reports on its discoveries, the museum has contributed to raising knowledge and awareness of Korean cultural heritage in academia and among the public.

The K Art Hall (Formerly, Seoul Center of Education and Culture) is located in Yangjae-dong, Seocho-gu district. The natural surroundings are beautiful, and the air is very clean. The center has one basement floor, and eleven floors above ground. Its main facilities include the main theater, which can provide for an audience of 1,000, the Culture Center, Art Exhibit, Education Promotion Center, and the Sports Center. Outside the building are the Grass Square, Sculpture Park and Drive-in Theater. The main theater can hold a variety of performances such as plays, dances, movies, operas, musicals, and others. There are frequently performances for children as well. At times, the theater is used as an international stage, as in the case of the Russian Leningrad Ballet company’s performance in 1991. The Culture Center has guest quarters and convention halls, and so is often used for conferences. The Sports Center has an indoor gymnasium, a swimming pool, health and aerobics rooms, a bowling alley, and a golf practice range. The facilities here are used primarily as a resting area. One unusual facility is the outdoor Drive-in Theater. Called “Karma 21,” the theater can accommodate a total of 250,000 cars. Each car is charged 15,000 won a ticket. Usually the latest releases are shown here. The theater is located in “Yangjae People’s Grove” Park, which boasts a very clean environment. It is the perfect spot to relax while enjoying a movie in the fresh air.

S.J. Cho Korean Paper Art Gallery is dedicated to hanji (traditional Korean paper) art and opened in July of 2011. Hanji art uses an array of colorful hanji paper to create an image that is similar to a painting, but without the paints and brushes. Paper can be torn, folded, or crumpled into different shapes to create a unique work of art. S.J. Cho Korean Paper Art is the center of the Korean Hanji Art Organization, which has helped popularize hanji art over the past 30 years. Visitors can browse through hanji art at the gallery, enjoy traditional tea at the café, or look out at Bukhansan Mountain on the rooftop. The Experience Hall is located in the basement, where visitors can learn more about hanji art, or even try their hand at making their own.

The Incheon Children’s Museum is an interactive museum with hands-on interactions at its core. The museum offers a variety of interactive exhibitions, educational programs and serves as a platform where children may search and express their ideas in creative ways. The museum houses many interactive exhibition centers including the ‘Global Village Culture Search,’ ‘Science Exploration,’ ‘Teaching Tools Study,’ ‘Book Study,’ and ‘Dino Exploration.’ There is also a 3D screen room, an art experience center, and many other convenience facilities.

The phenomenon of Jangchungdong Jokbal Street started 50 years ago with the opening of two Korean jokbal (steamed pig trotters) restaurants, followed by the influx of new jokbal restaurants during the late 70's and early 80's.Today, the jokbal restaurants continue to serve one of the most sought after Korean delicacies from the main road and the alleyways of the Jangchungdong 1(il)-ga Street area.

Bugok Hot Springs, located at the foot of Deokamsan Mountain, was designated as a national tourist resort in 1977. It is one of the best hot springs in South Korea, appointed as Special Tourist Complex in January 1997. ‘Bugok’ was named according to the iron pot shape of the land. The temperature of the water is 78°c, high enough to softly boil an egg. As a representative sulfur hot spring, the spa is good for those who have difficulties with breathing, neuralgia, rheumatism, skin disease, chilblains, bruises, prickly heat and leucorrhoea. Other than sulfur, the water also contains over 20 kinds of inorganic matters such as silicon, chlorine, calcium and iron. As a multi-complex resort, Bugok Hot Spring Tourist Special Complex covers various facilities other than the large spa, such as the grand performance hall, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, zoo, botanical garden, five tourist hotels, 23 accommodation and 21 shopping centers. It is a suitable place for short family trips where you can relax your tired body at the hot spring, and rest at the accommodation and recreation facilities in the complex. There is a footprint of a herbivorous dinosaur in front of the Ilsung Condominium and eggs boiled in the hot spring water are served in the Bugok Tourist Hotel. Also, there are facilities for adolescents, which are frequently used for training and seminars. The Bugok Hot Spring Festival is held in every October to promote the Bugok Hot Springs.  

Ichon Hangang Park is located on the northern side of the river between Jungrangcheon Bridge and Wonhyo Bridge. Along the riverside grow beautiful flowers and plants such as reed, eulalia and cosmos by season making the riverside path a popular course for a walk and family outing.Within the part, there are Teen Square, X-Game center, In-line skating rink, basketball court, tennis court, and gate ball field. Plus, the part also has , a rafting program where you may cross the river in a rubber boat navigating your way from one side of the river to the other. The program is popular as a teamwork training center for school students and office workers.Your joyful experience in the park doesn’t end here - there are more things to see and enjoy including a nature experience center, water sports, Cha Beom-Geun football class, and Nodleseom Island.