Travel/Culture List

Modern Design Museum (근현대디자인박물관)
 
Seoul(Mapo-gu)
Located in the Hongdae area, the Modern Design Museum is one of the first design museums in Korea. It opened in March 2008 and exhibits historical records that are dedicated to Korea’s design development, featuring more than 15,000 items. The items displayed are mostly from the private collection of Park Arm-Jong, who is a Seonmun University professor as well as the museum’s director. He has gathered items for over 20 years and has arranged them in such a way that visitors can get a very good idea of Korea’s modern design history. Under the theme of “The Big Dipper, 7 stars lighting up the night sky,” exhibitions are categorized into different periods of time. Section 1: Inception Stage (Introduction of Modern Western Culture. 1876-1910), Section 2: Stationary Stage (Slump of Traditional Korean Culture and the Beginning of the Corporate Era. 1910-1945), Section 3: Incubating Stage (Beginning of Understanding the Utility of Design. 1945 – 1961), Section 4: Early Developing Stage (1961 – 1976), Section 5: Developing Stage (Systemizing Design and Development through International Sports. 1976 – 1988), Section 6: Take-off stage (1988 – 2000), and Section 7: Maturing stage (2000s and after).

Oeyeondo Island (외연도)
 
Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)
Located about 50㎞ west of Boryeong-si, Oeyeondo Island is the farthest of over 70 islands off the coast of the city, and has a population of only a couple of hundred people. Designated as one of eight treasures of Boryeong-si, the island offers a small hiking trail that takes its course through an ancient evergreen forest and towering sea cliff views of surrounding islands. Island History The history of the island's inhabitation dates back to 202 BC when a Chinese General named Jeonhoeng settled here with about 500 followers after fleeing his failing Je Kingdom. The shrine in the evergreen forest is said to have been erected by the General to commemorate his arrival on the island. Today, a festival is held for him on every January 14th in the hope of healthy child bearing, followed by another festival on January 15th for the Yongwang (Water Dragon Spirit) in the hope of good haul from the Sea.

ELYSIAN GANGCHON SKI RESORT
 
Gangwon-do(Chuncheon-si)
  ELYSIAN GANGCHON SKI RESORT Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort offers unparalleled accessibility, allowing travelers to journey straight from the heart of Seoul via a seamless subway ride. Out of its 10 meticulously groomed slopes, 8 are thoughtfully designed for beginners and intermediate winter enthusiasts, providing a gentle and comfortable environment for everyone. Its strategic proximity to Nami Island—one of South Korea’s most iconic landmarks—creates the ultimate winter itinerary: enjoy thrilling morning runs down the slopes, followed by a serene afternoon stroll amidst the breathtaking snow-covered pathways of Nami Island. Where Urban Convenience Meets Alpine Splendor: The Seamless Winter Paradise of ELYSIAN GANGCHON Nestled along the scenic valleys of Gangwon-do, Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort represents a revolution in winter travel. For global jet-setters who wish to balance the vibrant energy of metropolitan Seoul with the pristine serenity of Korea’s snow-capped mountains, this resort stands as the definitive answer. It masterfully strips away the typical logistical friction of ski trips—such as long, exhausting drives or complex transfers—offering international guests an effortlessly elegant escape into a winter wonderland. The Only Ski Resort with Its Own Subway Station: Revolutionizing Travel Logistics The most extraordinary luxury Elysian Gangchon offers is time. It holds the proud title of being the only ski resort in South Korea accessible directly via the Seoul metropolitan subway network. Travelers can simply hop onto the Gyeongchun Line or board the premium ITX-Cheongchun high-speed train from major hubs like Yongsan, Cheongnyangni, or Sangbong stations. Within approximately one hour, guests step off at Baeyangri (Elysian Gangchon) Station, where the platform itself opens up to the resort's welcoming gateway. A complimentary, synchronized shuttle service glides guests from the station to the ski house in under three minutes. This unmatched transit efficiency eliminates the need for expensive private car rentals or navigating unfamiliar winter roads, making a spontaneous day-trip from a luxury hotel in Seoul not just possible, but completely stress-free.   A Nurturing Sanctuary for New Skiers and Intermediate Cruisers While expert-level black diamond runs have their place, Elysian Gangchon embraces a philosophy of inclusivity and joyful learning. The resort boasts 10 brilliantly engineered slopes, each carved along a unique valley layout that protects skiers from harsh winter winds while maximizing snow retention. The true charm lies in its layout: 8 out of the 10 slopes are exclusively dedicated to beginner and intermediate levels. Unlike many high-altitude resorts where novice slopes are confined to crowded base zones, Elysian Gangchon features gentle, wide-set panoramic trails that stretch from the higher ridges. This allows less experienced skiers and snowboarders to experience the genuine thrill of high-point descents and sweeping mountain vistas without the intimidation of steep drops. The slopes are exceptionally wide and feature continuous, gentle gradients, drastically reducing the anxiety of collisions and allowing families, couples, and first-timers to master their turns in absolute comfort and safety. The Ultimate Dual-Destination Winter Odyssey: From Slopes to Nami Island What elevates a visit to Elysian Gangchon from a standard sports outing into a world-class travel experience is its geographical synergy with Korea's premier cultural landmarks. Positioned at the border of Gapyeong and Chuncheon, the resort serves as the ultimate basecamp for a curated multi-experience winter holiday. The quintessential premium itinerary begins with a crisp morning session on the uncrowded, freshly groomed slopes. As the midday sun warms the valleys, a short 20-minute transfer carries guests to the legendary Nami Island (Namiseom). Famed globally as the romantic epicenter of the Korean Wave, Nami Island undergoes a sublime metamorphosis during the winter months. Walking down the iconic Metasequoia and Ginkgo lane, framed by majestic frosted canopies and delicate snow blossoms, offers a poetic, cinematic contrast to the high-energy adrenaline of the morning. This flawless combination allows international visitors to check off two bucket-list Korean experiences within a single, unforgettable day.   Midnight Gliding and Foreigner-Friendly Global Hospitality Elysian Gangchon extends its premium experience well into the starlit hours. The resort is highly celebrated for its state-of-the-art night and midnight skiing operations, utilizing an advanced, glare-free LED illumination system that blankets the slopes in a brilliant, soft glow. Sliding down the quiet, crisp night slopes under a star-filled Gangwon sky is a favorite insider experience for discerning travelers. To ensure a flawless stay for global citizens, the resort provides an array of tailored international services: • Multilingual Ski & Snowboard Academy: Certified, English- and Mandarin-speaking instructors specialize in international guest instruction, offering personalized lessons that transform absolute beginners into confident gliders in a single session. • Smart Rental Ecosystem: The resort utilizes a streamlined rental process featuring top-tier international winter sports brands, ensuring that high-performance, sanitized gear and stylish apparel are precisely fitted to each guest. • Wellness and Culinary Indulgence: Beyond the snow, guests can retreat to the premium condominium suites overlooking the illuminated slopes, relax in therapeutic saunas, or indulge in upscale dining venues serving both traditional Korean winter delicacies and refined global cuisine. Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort successfully reframes the entire alpine narrative. It proves that a world-class ski vacation does not require sacrificing urban comforts or spending days in transit. By blending unparalleled subway convenience, a welcoming and safe trail design, and instant access to the romantic snowscapes of Nami Island, it delivers an authentic, sophisticated, and deeply memorable Korean winter experience tailored perfectly for the global traveler.

Jwagusan Natural Recreation Forest (좌구산자연휴양림)
 
Chungcheongbuk-do(Jeungpyeong-gun)
Jwagusan Natural Recreation Forest is located at the foot of Jwagusan Mountain (alt. 657m). The name of mountain “Jwagusan” comes from the Chinese characters “jwa” meaning sitting down and “gu” referring to a turtle, because the shape of the mountain resembles a turtle sitting down. The lush forest along the hiking trail offers a refreshing stroll through the woods and the nearby Samgi Reservoir adds to the picturesque beauty of the mountain on misty days. The recreation forest offers easy access to many recreational facilities in the area including a resort village, Samgi Reservoir, a woodland park, and a mountain bike course. Because of its natural beauty and recreational facilities, it is becoming more popular as a tourist spot.

Jeonpyeongje Reservoir (전평제)
 
Gwangju(Seo-gu)
Jeonpyeongje was a neglected reservoir for decades originally built to provide agricultural irrigation to farms in the Maewol-dong and Byeokjin-dong regions as well as to prevent both floods and droughts. Since 1999, the reservoir had been changed little by little into a rest area and in 2002 was developed into an ecological park.

Marado Island (마라도)
 
Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)
This island is the southernmost part of Korea. Fishing is good when the tide rises on the east and when the tide goes out on the west. There are a variety of fish species and it’s a great spot for damselfish and yellowtail, even though most bites and nibbles will probably be from Icefish porgy. Float fishing is popular at night on Marado Island. Fish bite well in the rough seas following a typhoon alert. The shoreline of Marado Island forms rugged cliffs with fantastic rocks. A lot of sea caves are scattered under the cliff areas and the whole island itself is basalt. The seashores in this area are the perfect habitat for a variety of aquatic life including shellfish, seaweed and mollusks. There are more marine products found here than in any other area around Jeju Island. Abalone, conch, sea cucumber, sea urchin, sea mustard and Hizikia as well as Marado coralfish (caught in spring and summer) have long been famous. The eastern seashore has been eroded by strong wave action from the Pacific forming a vertical cliff that the residents on Marado call “Geujeong.” The cliff is 39m high and gives an aura of mystery to the island thanks to the cactus and silver grass that grow on it. There are 4 docks: Salraedeok, Jarideok, Jangsideok and Sinjakro. ‘Jarideok’ was named after the coralfish caught in the adjacent area all year round here. The 20 to 30m-high cliffs standing like a folding screen act as a natural windbreak when the wind blows from the southeast.

Seongjusan Recreational Forest (성주산자연휴양림)
 
Chungcheongnam-do(Boryeong-si)
Seongjusan Recreational Forest (성주산자연휴양림) in Boryeong, Chungcheongnam-do is especially popular in spring because of its cherry blossoms and beautiful wildflowers. Also, the observatory on the mountain peak (680m in elevation) offers a great view of Seongju-myeon and Oesan-myeon, and it takes about 2-3 hours to hike to the peak and return. Nearby tourist attractions include the Seongjusaji Temple site and a coal museum (15 minutes on foot), as well as Daecheon Beach and Muchangpo Beach (20-30 minutes by car).

Jaunam Hermitage (자운암)
 
Seoul(Gwanak-gu)
Jaunam Hermitage was originally built in 1396 by Great Monk Muhak of Joseon Dynasty. It was renovated in 1734, and finally took shape of the hermitage we know today in 1976 when Monk Boryun added Daeungjeon Hall, Chilseonggak Pavilion, and Sansigak Pavilion. It is currently located in the famous Jahadong Valley on the Seoul National University campus.

Cheongansa Temple (천간사)
 
Seoul(Eunpyeong-gu)
Cheongansa Temple was first built in 1960, and was re-built in 2009. It has many pagodas and monuments: a pagoda filled with sari relics of Buddha; Budotap Pagoda, which is a shrine to the monk who found the temple and his sacred relics; and a monument honoring the late first lady Yuk yeong-su. The re-built temple was awarded the Hanok Prize in the Hanok Competition 2011. Located along the Bukhansan Mt. Dulaegil Trail, the temple provide visitors with the chance to enjoy fresh air and a rest from hiking along the trail.

OAK VALLEY SKI RESORT
 
Gangwon-do(Wonju-si)
OAK VALLEY SKI RESORT Oak Valley Ski Resort is an idyllic winter sanctuary perfectly tailored for beginners and family travelers. Boasting remarkably wide, gentle slopes, it offers a secure and reassuring environment where children and novices can master the art of skiing with absolute peace of mind. Uniquely, the resort complex is home to the world-renowned Museum SAN, allowing guests to effortlessly blend exhilarating winter sports with a sophisticated art tour. Frequented by global cultural icons like BTS leader RM and featured as a scenic backdrop in numerous acclaimed K-dramas, this premier destination promises an unforgettable tapestry of winter memories. Where Alpine Leisure Meets Avant-Garde Art: The Refined Winter Escape at Oak Valley Nestled within the snow-draped landscapes of Wonju, Gangwon Province—just a seamless 90-minute drive from the bustling heart of Seoul—Oak Valley Ski Resort redefines the traditional winter getaway. While Korea offers numerous rugged alpine destinations, Oak Valley distinguishes itself by curating a boutique, low-density winter experience. It is a place where the adrenaline of the slopes harmonizes beautifully with world-class contemporary art, making it the ultimate winter retreat for discerning international travelers seeking both relaxation and cultural enrichment.   A Safe and Seamless Haven for Aspiring Skiers and Families For those stepping onto the snow for the very first time, or parents guiding their children through their inaugural ski lessons, terrain geometry is everything. Oak Valley is meticulously engineered with this philosophy in mind. • Gentle, Extra-Wide Slopes: Unlike steeper, more chaotic resorts, Oak Valley features expansively wide runs with gentle, consistent inclines. This thoughtful design minimizes the risk of crowding and collisions, providing novices with a spacious canvas to practice their turns with confidence. • A Nurturing Learning Environment: The resort operates top-tier ski and snowboard academies with multilingual instructors certified to guide international guests. From securing the perfect rental gear to mastering the first snowplow stop, the entire process is smooth, welcoming, and entirely stress-free. • Family-Centric Snow Park: Beyond the main ski runs, the resort features dedicated snow sledding hills and winter play zones. This ensures that even the youngest family members, or those who prefer not to ski, can fully immerse themselves in the joy of a crisp, white winter. Museum SAN: An Architectural Masterpiece Immortalized by K-Culture What truly elevates Oak Valley into a realm of its own is an extraordinary cultural treasure located right within the resort estate: Museum SAN (Space Art Nature). Designed by the legendary minimalist architect Tadao Ando, this world-renowned museum is a breathtaking dialogue between stone, water, concrete, and light, designed to completely isolate the mind from the anxieties of modern life. The K-Culture Connection: Museum SAN has earned global reverence as a sanctuary of inspiration for BTS leader RM (Kim Namjoon), whose visit turned this architectural hidden gem into a bucket-list pilgrimage for global art enthusiasts. Its ethereal, floating concrete structures and serene water gardens have also served as the quintessential filming location for high-profile K-dramas (such as the hit luxury-thriller Mine), capturing the epitome of high-end Korean aesthetic sophistication. After a morning of crisp alpine air on the slopes, guests can transition seamlessly into a quiet afternoon of high art. Wandering through the museum's geometric walkways, exploring the mesmerizing light installations of the James Turrell exhibition, and sipping hot tea at the famous outdoor cafe terrace overlooking the snow-capped valley is an experience unmatched by any other ski resort in Asia.   Premium Living and the Ultimate Après-Ski Comfort The luxury of Oak Valley extends far beyond its outdoor activities. The resort's European-style condominiums and villas are designed to act as a warm, inviting sanctuary after a day in the sub-zero temperatures. Large, panoramic windows offer sweeping views of the snow-covered golf courses and pristine oak forests that give the resort its name. The après-ski experience here is focused on wellness and culinary delight. Guests can indulge in a variety of dining options ranging from comforting, steaming bowls of traditional Korean winter stews to refined international cuisine. With indoor heated pools, relaxing saunas to soothe tired muscles, and beautifully illuminated night walks winding through the property, Oak Valley ensures that every hour spent off the slopes is just as magical as the hours spent on them. For families and travelers looking for a sophisticated, safe, and culturally rich winter narrative, Oak Valley Ski Resort stands as Korea’s most elegant answer.