Travel/Culture List

Seonyudo Park in Yangwha-dong is one of Seoul's most famous parks. Connected to the mainland by a beautiful, arching bridge, the island was once an area of industry. The Hangang River History Museum exhibits geological features, ecosystem and cultural heritages of this surrounding region. An aquatic Botanical Garden provides much information on the growth and purification process of aquatic creatures. In particular, the time garden is very popular among visitors for its unique structure of every small garden that has various seasonal flowers and plants. Seonyugyo (Seonyudo bridge), which links Hangang river’s Seonyudo Park & Yangwha Area with Seonyudo is made of environmentally-friendly wood. The arch-shaped bridge, also known as a Rainbow Bridge, gives out an exotic light every evening. The bridge is one of the beautiful night views of Seoul.

Since opening in 2001, Incheon International Airport received the best airport in the world award for 12 straight years. And to further improve, the Terminal 2 officially opened in 2018 after 9 years of construction. Terminal 2 themed Artport adds the Art to the Airport for an entertainment space full of things to see and enjoy. With self-checking counters and smart counter that automatically checks in the luggage for the convenience of the passenger, an high tech airport provides both information with info-robots and stronger security. With a shorter security check line, passengers can enjoy all the cultural space and attractions the airport has to provide. “Korean Food Street” offers top of the line franchise restaurants and various dessert cafes. Cultural art space is filled with an indoor garden, art sculptures and exhibitions. Also don’t forget to watch different performances in front of Korea Traditional Culture Center.

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.

The Plateau (formerly Rodin Gallery) is a cultural relaxation site where you can appreciate the works of Rodin, including ‘The Gates of Hell’ and ‘The Burghers of Calais.’ The Glass Pavilion, a permanent exhibition hall, is entirely decorated in semi-transparent glass to allow viewers to appreciate Rodin’s famous pieces under natural light. These glass walls and the ceiling slanted in the direction of ‘The Gates of Hell’ were inspired by Rodin’s masterpiece 'Cathedral.' The building itself aspires to vitalize the artistic spirit of Rodin.At the planning gallery halls you can see other art pieces aside from Rodin’s. These are pieces by contemporary artists both foreign and domestic, who left great works in art history.

Dongdaegu Station opened on June 10th, 1969. With the introduction of Korea Trail Express (KTX) in 2004, the station expanded to become what it is today. As the largest train station in Daegu, Dongdaegu Station has the second highest number of passengers in Korea after Seoul Station. It is also one of the busiest stations, as almost all Gyeongbu line (Seoul-Busan) KTX trains as well as Saemaul, Mugunhwa and general trains bound for Gyeongju stop at the station.Dongdaegu Station is expected to become a powerful transportation hub and transit center when its expansion construction finishes in 2012, and then connects to the Express Bus Terminal and Dongdaegu Subway Station in 2013.

Yakhyeon Catholic Church was established as a result of Korea gaining religious freedom in the 23rd year of King Gojong’s reign (1886) and the subsequent increase of the Catholic population.In 1891, Myeongdong Cathedral's head priest Doucet laid down the foundation stone in Hap-dong. Coadjutor bishop Coste was in charge of design and construction and the building was eventually completed in 1892.The church was named after "Yakjeonhyeon" (藥田峴,), or a hill of medicinal herbs. This is because the place where the church is located was once a hilly area covered with medicinal herbs. Later on, "Yakjeonhyeon" was shortened to "Yakhyeon" and it became the name of the hilly area between Malli-dong and Seoul Station.Yakhyeon Catholic Church was the first Western-style church ever built in Korea. It's Gothic architecture features a 12m-wide and 32m-long cruciform construction with low arched windows and a pointed-arch entrance gate.

Using a long abandoned railway, the Yangpyeong Rail Bike offers a unique bike ride at speeds of 15km/h from Yongmun to Wondeok. This 3.2km journey passes along a gleaming river and tree covered mountains. The bike ride delivers picturesque scenery all year round: blooming flowers in the spring with the light green buds blossoming on the trees, the flush greens of summer time, vivid autumnal tones coloring the ridge of Yongmunsan Mountain, and the clean white snowflakes resting delicately on the limbs of trees.  

Dongdo Confucian Academy is located in Dongdo-ri, Guji-myeon, Dalseong-gun and is one of the five major Confucian schools in Korea along with Byeongsanseowon, Oksanseowon, Sosuseowon and Dosanseowon Confucian Academies.The school was first established by Confucian scholars in 1568 at the eastern base of Biseulsan Mt., but was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion in 1592. In 1605, the school was reconstructed on its current site and was re-named ‘Borodong.’ In 1607, the name was changed to ‘Dongdo.’ ‘Dongdo’ means that the teachings (Do) of Sung Confucianism come from the East (Dong).Dongdoseowongandangsadangbujangwon, National Treasure No. 350, is part of the school and was designated Cultural Site No. 488 on Oct. 10th 2007. This unusually long name refers to the classroom, shrine, and walls of the Confuncian Academy in Dongdo.Must-see features of the school are the earthen wall, a hall named ‘Jungjeongdang,’ the Suwollu Pavilion and the 400-year-old ginkgo trees. The earthen wall has beautiful patterns in the shape of birds engraved in it and is the only earthen wall in the nation to be designated a national treasure.If you continue past the ginkgo trees outside you’ll see the Suwollu Pavilion. The picturesque view from the pavilion is breath-taking.At Jungjeongdang, there is a sculpture with four dragon heads, each holding either cintamani (a bead) or a fish in its mouth. This sculpture, which is called 'Samuljam,' symbolizes the teaching of Confucius telling us not to speak, act, or even listen if it’s not done in the right way.Dongdoseowon Confucian Academy contains the ancestral tablets of Kim Geong-pil and Hangang Jeong Gu. The school holds ancestral ceremonies on the day of Jungjeong every February and August.

The May 18th National Cemetery, located in front of Mt. Mudeungsan, is the symbol of freedom and democracy and is the grave of victims during the contention for democracy in May 1980. Victims were carried and buried by handcarts and garbage trucks in 1980. In 1997 the cemetery was exhumed and reburied at this memorial. May 18th became a national holiday of commemorating our desire for democracy.To enter The May 18th National Cemetery, pass the Democracy Gate, built in a traditional Korean style. Passing the widely spread Plaza of Democracy, you will reach the Commemoration Passage. Keep walking and you will reach a round figure (4m high) of an enclosing hand. This is the Memorial Tower, which symbolizes the resurrection of new life. Under the tower there is a worship platform with burning incense to show respect. Through the Memorial Tower you will find carvings on both sides. On the right there is an enshrinement where pictures and monetary tablets are placed, and across from it stands the Door of History showing the images in those days. You can understand Korean history by viewing these works.After viewing this part of Korean history, it will be pleasant to take a walk and enjoy the surroundings of The May 18th National Cemetery. 

The Hanbok Museum is located across the street from Gyeongbokgung Palace main entrance ticketing booth. For this reason, it makes sense for anyone who has just completed looking around the palace to drop by this place as well to get a look at the traditional Korean clothes, if time permits. The museum only opens on the first and the third Saturday of every month, so make sure you plan your trip accordingly. The Hankbok Museum is not just a museum highlighting traditional Korean clothing, but rather it boasts all the events and the rituals people go through from birth to death, and what proper clothing they have to wear to suit their respective occasions. All hanbok displayed at the museum are created by the hanbok designer Lee Ri-Ja herself, made with care and great attention to detail. All together there are roughly 300 varieties on display, and some are practical enough to be worn for daily living now. Besides hanbok, there are also ornaments and other small articles on display. You will fall in love with many of the beautiful ornaments you see. Once you have visited Gyeongbokgung Palace and Hanbok Museum, try visiting Gwanghwa-mun or Insa-dong. At Gwanghwa-mun, you can enjoy different kinds of modern Korean cultural activities, and at Insa-dong, you can experience traditional Korean art and culture.