Travel/Culture List

The Gwanghwado and Incheon areas are known for their plentiful catches of baendaengi (large-eyed herring). After a little street started specializing in serving baendaengi some 30 years ago, the fish has continued to grow in popularity.Located in Guwol-dong, across from the Incheon Culture & Arts Center, Baendaengi Street has expanded, and so has the variety of dishes served. Visitors can try baendaengi prepared sashimi-style, roasted, or in a spicy soup. For this particular species of herring, locals believe the flavor is best in March and April when they grow to their largest size. Salted Baendaengi also makes an excellent side-dish for Korean meals.*Baendaengi is one of many types of small prey fish referred to as ‘Soeo’ for their fierce struggle in fishing nets. Soeo have internal organs that are proportionally smaller than other species of fish and are known for their feisty nature. These attributes are thought to signify a stress-filled life, which is why many Koreans refer to narrow-minded or hot-tempered people as ‘baendeangi.’

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.

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.

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.

Soyanggang Skywalk is an observatory facilty set up on Uiamho Lake. The walking path, comprised of transparant glass, is 156m long and offers thrills to tourists as they feel they are walking over the lake.

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.

Fish cakes are one of the most popular snacks in Busan. Among many fish cake makers in the city, Samjin Fish Cake is the oldest fish cake producer. Its main store in Yeongdo looks like a bakery shop. Visitors can choose among a variety of fish cakes and there is a separate space in the store where they can eat purchased fish cakes.

Opera Gallery is a French gallery that has 11 branches worldwide: Paris, London, New York, Hong Kong, Singapore, Venice, Miami, Seoul, Monaco, Geneva, and Dubai. The gallery features a range of tasteful collections ranging from the works of European masters to the modern artists of Asia. Preparations are now underway for an open-run exhibition.

The Teddy Bear Museum lives up to its name, boasting quite an impressive variety that have been loved for more than a hundred years the world over. Inside the two galleries you can view the teddy bears from various countries. You can also enjoy yourself at the museum shop, café, restaurant or the outdoor park where you can view the spectacular Jungmun Sea. The gallery is grouped into three sections: the History Hall, the Art Hall and the Project Exhibition Hall. In the History Hall, you can witness the 100-year history of teddy bears including famous scenes, popular teddy bears of different eras, and antique teddy bears. The Mona Lisa teddy bear and the teddy bears of the “The Last Supper” (Leonardo Da Vinci) will especially catch your eyes. In the Art Hall are the latest artworks of world’s famous designers, and you will also find animation characters beloved by children. A section not to miss is where you can find the smallest Teddy Bear in the world at the size of 4.5mm. In the project exhibit hall you can meet teddy bears grouped to suit the theme of each exhibition. You can dine or drink coffee at the museum cafe or bar while appreciating the beautiful landscape of Jejudo Island. The museum bar is a luxurious space only for adults, which is open in the summer. But there are other places besides the fancy cafe or bar. At the museum garden, you can meet the marvelous teddy bear sculptures and models. The garden decorated with various themes such as the Korean Black bear family and the magical pond is also a great site to behold.

Sealala is located within the LOOX Building in Mullae-dong in the Yeongdeungpo-gu area of Seoul. The design of this spa & water park has been inspired by the island of Santorini in Greece. You can have great fun playing in the various pools, which are as blue as the Mediterranean Sea. Sealala contains the Water Stream Pool, Beach Pool, Aqua Kid’s Land, and spa facilities with 11 different types of underwater massages.   SeaLaLa Water Park & Jjimjilbang (Spa & Sauna) Daily Pass Discount Ticket ◀◁◀◁