Travel/Culture List

Woljeongsa Temple
 
Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)
Woljeongsa Temple is located in the forest of the valley east of Mt. Odaesan, and it is composed of 60 temples and 8 monasteries made into one large temple. Woljeongsa Temple was established by Monk Ja Jang (590~658). At Woljeongsa Temple there is the Seongbo Museum where you can view the Buddhist culture of the Goryeo Dynasty (918∼1392), the nine-story octagonal pagoda, also called as the Sari-Pagoda (relic pagoda), and the Stone Seated Buddha figure. Also there is the Jeokmyeolbogung where Buddha's bones are said to be preserved, and the large sermon hall Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion. Usually in a Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion the Vairocana figure is enshrined, but it is interesting that the Sakyamuni figure is enshrined at Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion at Woljeong temple. Woljeongsa Temple of today was restored after the Korean war in 1950 when the Chilbulbojeon, Yeongsanjeon, Gwaneungjeon, Jinyeonggak and 17 other buildings were burned. Many cultural assets and historic data were lost at this time. The Silla Dongjong, which was excavated from the Seonrimwon site in Yangyang-gun, was also lost. The Budo site (relic site) and sagoji (historic document storage) is nearby Woljeongsa Temple. The Budo site is a 15-minute walk from the Woljeongsa Temple to its location at the Sangwonsa Temple, just before crossing the Banya Bridge. Here there are 22 pagodas that hold the remains of the monks who had lived here. Sagoji is an hour’s walk from Woljeongsa Temple towards Sangwonsa near Yeonggamsa Temple.

Bank of Korea Money Museum
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
The Bank of Korea Museum, open in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Bank of Korea, introduces the history of the currency culture home and abroad through the history and related documents of the Bank of Korea. In doing so, the museum aims to raise public awareness on currency culture while highlighting the importance of price stabilization in the development of the economy.The museum is not just a cultural space, but also a great place for hands-on education. The museum currently preserves & presents around 4,500 kinds of international and domestic currency as well as documents related to the work done by the Bank of Korea. Other exhibitions explain the minting process and the recognition of counterfeits as well as displaying systematic research documents on money and the state economy.

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
Seoul Namsan Gugakdang (Traditional Theater), located in Namsangol Hanok Village, is a performance hall dedicated to Gugak Performance. The 330-seat hall’s acoustics, lighting, and stage facilities are all specifically designed to enhance the sound and experience of Gugak. It is the only performance hall in Korea where patrons can enjoy the pure, natural sound of Gugak without the use of any electro-acoustic technology.The Performing Gugakdang runs a range of hands-on experience programs including lectures on Gukak instruments & traditional arts and cultural activities for teens. With the combination of performances and interactive programs, the Seoul Namsan Gugakdang aims to increasingly give the citizens of Seoul the chance to personally experience and appreciate the beauty and joy of Gugak, Korean traditional music.

International Convention Center Jeju (ICC Jeju) (제주국제컨벤션센터)
 
Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)
International Convention Center Jeju (ICC Jeju) is located within Jungmun Resort, with fantastic views of Hallasan Mountain and the ocean. Opened on March 22, 2003, the convention center is comprised of two underground levels and five above-ground floors. Amenities include an international meeting hall that can accommodate up to 4,300 people, as well as exhibition halls and related facilities for all types of international events and meetings. The exterior of the center is designed with a motif of Jeju Island and stands in harmony with the surrounding nature.

Lotte World Aquarium
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu)
With the motif of "Communication between people and the ocean," Lotte World Aquarium is located in the B1-2 floors of the popular downtown amusement park, Lotte World. Visitors to Lotte World Aquarium can learn about the marine life from both rivers and oceans, while exploring the various themed areas

Dodamsambong Peaks
 
Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)
Dodamsambong are three stone peaks rising out of the Namhangang River. The big rock is called Janggunbong (Husband Rock), the rock on the left side which appears to be showing coquetry is called Cheopbong (Mistress Rock), and the rock on the right side which is turning away from the big rock is called Cheobong (Wife Rock). The peaks are said to represent an angry wife turning away from her husband who has taken a concubine in order to secure a male heir. It is said that Jeong Do-jeon, a politician who made contributions to the establishment of the Joseon Dynasty, spent his young days here and used 'Sambong' as his pen name.Surrounding the three peaks is a musical fountain which was set up in 1998. The fountain becomes a place for tourists to relax, especially during the nighttime, when watching the water cascade and flow in time with the music is a thing of beauty.

Spa Land Centum City
 
Busan(Haeundae-gu)
Spa Land, equipped with all the benefits of a traditional Korean spa, is located in 'Shinsegae Centum City' in Haeundae, Busan. Spa Land consists of 22 spas fed by two different kinds of all-natural spring water pumped up from 1000m underground, 13 distinctively themed 'Jjimjil-bangs' and saunas, and an open-air foot spa. The 1st floor houses the Korean traditional 'Jjimjil-bang' and traditional saunas from all over the world. Visitor favorites include a radiant heat-based 'Roman Sauna,' which recreates the ancient roman bath using modern technology, and the traditional 'Finnish Sauna,' which is an all-natural, Finnish-style sauna said to keep you healthy during the freezing winter months. Entertainment Zone on the second floor provides a range of beautification programs, a PC room, a restaurant, and a conference room. Spa Land is a refreshing place for relaxing with your friends and family. * Scale: 8264.5m² (1F: 4132.25m², 2F: 2975.22m², Outdoor: 826.45m²)  

Itaewon Special Tourist Zone
 
Seoul(Yongsan-gu)
Itaewon was the first special tourist zone designated in 1997 among the 5 special tourist zones in Seoul. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors. The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s, when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has been a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products are famous in particular. This is a go-to street for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shopping malls selling clothes and bags, as well as accommodations including hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,200 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops stretch from Hamilton Hotel to Hangangjin Station. At night, Itaewon is brilliantly illuminated by nightlife for those from abroad and home-alike. Travelers can taste cuisines and cultures from around the globe on the World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants owned by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into streets of cultural diversity. In October, the “Itaewon Global Village Festival” takes place with a range of performances and events. Most of the staff at the stores can speak English, Japanese or Chinese. * Current State of Itaewon Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: The 1.4 km-long street stretching from Itaewon-ro to Hannam 2 (i)-dong office. 2) Area: 383,292㎡ * Tourist Attractions 40 restaurants run by foreigners, Hamilton Hotel, Art Museum, nightclubs, Antique Furniture Street, etc.

Jeonju National Museum
 
Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)
The Jeonju National Museum was established in 1990 as an institute for the research, preservation, and exhibition of Jeollabuk-do’s most prized cultural treasures. The museum houses over 30,000 artifacts, a majority of which were excavated from the Jeollabuk-do area, and has on exhibit over 1,300 pieces spread throughout 5 exhibition halls and 1 outdoor exhibition hall. The museum also serves as a venue for numerous cultural activities and educational programs, providing visitors with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s proud history.