Travel/Culture List

Art Sonje Center
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Art Sonje Center is an art complex which was built in 1998. It has a short history but is famous for exhibiting high-quality artwork. As an art complex, in addition to regular art exhibitions, movies, dance & music performances and plays are also shown here. On the B1 floor there is an art hall with a capacity for 250 people. Exquisite lightning and audiovisual system equipment are used for showing movies, performances and symposiums. At the art hall, many reviews on movies of the dramatic lives of artists are shown. Other events range from international concerts to project exhibitions of German filmmakers. If you want to relax, head to the traditional Korean house hall, Hanokgwan on the 1st floor. It boasts the unique architecture of modernized traditional Korean style. It is surrounded by bamboo, making it just the place for visitors to rest. It is also used as an exhibition space from time to time. Near Art Sonje Center are Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insa-dong. 

Seolleung / Jeongneung (a.k.a. Seonjeongneung) [UNESCO World Heritage]
 
Seoul(Gangnam-gu)
"The Stone Guards of the Royal Tombs" Seonjeongneung is comprised of Seolleung Royal Tomb (선릉) and Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉). Located in downtown Seoul, this place offers tranquil and pleasant promenades for couples and office workers. Seonjeongneung houses the burial mounds of King Seongjong (1469-1494), his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong (1506-1544) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Upon entering the grounds, you can see a red gate (the red colour denotes holiness) with a taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol. The stone paths leading to the sacrificial building are noteworthy because there are two stone paths—the elevated path is for the dead King and the lower one is for living people. In the past memorial rites were performed in the sacrificial building. Small sculptures on the eaves called Japsang were carved in the shape of animals, such as monkeys, and were believed to exorcise evil spirits. Next to the sacrificial building, there is a pavilion and a tombstone which is the tomb of the King. Sculptures of sheep and tigers surround the tomb and are guardians of the deceased king. There is also a statue of a military officer bearing a sword. In front of the tomb is an outstanding sight called 'Mangjuseok,' which is a pair of stones designed to guide the spirit of the king to his tomb. Unlike the tombs of the Kings, the queen’s tomb, Wanghureung, is simple. It doesn’t have any pavilions or sacrificial buildings, and is surrounded only by stone sculptures as guardians. Seonjeongneung has a lush forest, and benches on the promenade provide an ideal place to relax. There are numerous small hills with clusters of trees that create a border between the mystery and serenity of the royal tombs and the hustle and bustle of downtown Seoul.

Olympic Park
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu)
Olympic Park is an impressive leisure facility in which historic remains from the Baekje Era share space with modern, state-of-the-art sports stadiums, an eco-friendly forest, and spacious grassy fields. The legacy of the 1988 Seoul Olympics, the park not only houses the country’s largest sports arena, but has also become a place where Seoul residents come to relax and unwind. Spread across 430,000 pyeong (approximately 1.45 million ㎡), Olympic Park encompasses the land that was once Mongchontoseong Fortress and Mongchonhaeja (manmade lake) from the early Baekje period. The park is divided into several zones, including a leisure sports park, a cultural art park, an eco-park, and the History Experience Park dedicated to the area’s rich historic heritage. Because Olympic Park is so large and takes over three hours to explore, visitors are advised to familiarize themselves with entrances and exits and travel routes before they start. To further save time, visitors can ride the Road Train (“Hodori Train”) located next to Peace Square. * Cultural Art Park The Cultural Art Park is a place where visitors can enjoy diverse cultural experiences and performances. The park also features Olympic Museum, Seoul Olympics Museum of Art (SOMA)—one of the world’s top five sculpture museums—and Music Fountain. * Leisure Sports Park This area is comprised of Sports Square (walking/jogging paths, an acupressure path, inline skating area, etc.) and Peace Square (a pleasant area with a wide variety of activities and sports lessons). * Environmental Eco-Park Persistent efforts have succeeded in restoring natural splendor to this place where a equally splendid civilization once blossomed. People and nature co-exist comfortably within Environmental Eco-Park, which has become home to families of spot-billed ducks, white herons, cuckoos, pheasants, Korean squirrels, chipmunks, and frogs. More recent efforts to rejuvenate the local ecosystem have resulted in the appearance of woodpeckers and raccoons, both of which are rarely spotted in cities. The croaking of small round frogs can now be heard within the park as well. * History Experience Park Visitors to the park can experience Korean history firsthand at Mongchontoseong Fortress and Baekje Museum, while hearkening back to the more recent, grand spirit of the Olympics in the "Holy Land of Peace."

Daecheong Dam Water Culture Center
 
Daejeon(Daedeok-gu)
This center shares how water resources are developed, used, and managed through various educational tools and exhibits. The center also hosts events and performances for visitors and local residents. The facility offers guests with a thorough knowledge of the life-cycle of water and the important benefits it provides. 

Bukchon Cultural Center
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Boasting over 600 years of history, The Bukchon Cultural Center is situated inside the traditional Bukchon Hanok Village, a narrow series of roads between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo.The Bukchon Cultural Center immerses visitors in a traditional Korean atmosphere as it is centered between two of Seoul’s main royal palaces. A traditional experience hall and hanok-style restaurant were recently built inside the complex, presenting a more enjoyable experience for all visitors.The Bukchon Cultural Center is a traditional Korean-style building called Hanok Gaok and not only provides a genuine traditional Korean atmosphere, but also offers cultural programs that educate visitors on Korea’s history and traditions. Classes are also available with lectures lead by specialists covering a host of topics, and special extended lecture programs that last anywhere from 3 to 6 months. Registration can be made over the phone after selecting the lecture of your choice. However, be aware that all classes are conducted in Korean only, so you may need to bring a guide or someone who will be able to translate for you. 

Seoul Nori Madang
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu)
Established in December 1984, Seoul Nori Madang (서울놀이마당) offers diverse traditional performances on an outdoor stage to promote Korean folk plays and culture among the public. Performances are regularly held every weekend; it hosts over 120 performances every year and each performance attracts over 1,300 visitors. Within Seoul Nori Madang is Songpa Folk Preservation Association (+82-2-412-8665), which offers seminars on folk plays—Songpa Sandae Nori (a mask play) and Songpa Baekjung Nori (a play performed on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month)—for students at no charge.

Incheon Sangsang Platform: Incheon Travel
 
Incheon(Jemulpo-gu)
Incheon Sangsang Platform: Where History Meets Modern Creativity Incheon Sangsang Platform, located at the heart of Incheon, South Korea, is a landmark cultural and tourism complex that beautifully bridges the city’s maritime legacy with contemporary art and innovation. Originally constructed in 1978 as a granary, this iconic structure has been reimagined into a vibrant hub for culture, history, and entertainment, making it a must-visit destination for travelers of all kinds. If you’re planning a trip to Incheon, Incheon Sangsang Platform is a destination you simply cannot miss. Its unique combination of history, culture, and modern attractions ensures an unforgettable experience for every visitor.   Highlights of Incheon Sangsang Platform 1. A Journey Through Culture and Art Museum L (1st and 2nd Floors) - Description: A cutting-edge museum spanning two floors, hosting exhibitions across various genres for immersive cultural experiences.   - Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM (Monday–Friday), 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)     Wave Hall (1st Floor) - Description : A spacious multipurpose venue for festivals, concerts, and art exhibitions.   - Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM   - Contact: +82-32-765-0730   Gallery GT (1st Floor) - Description: A gallery featuring clay sculptures, figures, and other handmade crafts for exhibition and sale.   - Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM (Tuesday–Friday), 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM (Saturday & Sunday)   - Closed: Every Monday   - Contact: +82-10-5162-5392   2. Reviving Korean Traditions Hanjisaenggak Leedak (1st Floor)  ▶▷▶▷ MORE - Description: Dedicated to hanji (Korean traditional handmade paper), this gallery exhibits, sells, and offers workshops for hanji craft lovers.   - Operating Hours: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM   - Closed: Every Monday   - Contact: +82-10-4220-1683 | Visit [Hanjisaenggak Leedak](https://www.leedak.co.kr)   3. Culinary Delights with a View Storage Incheon (3rd and 4th Floors) - Description: An ocean-view bakery café offering signature drinks and pastries made with local ingredients. Visitors can also enjoy barista and baking workshops.   - Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM   - Contact: +82-32-710-0008 | Visit [Storage Incheon](https://www.storage-incheon.com)   4. Learning for the Future AI Convergence Education Center (3rd Floor) - Description: A futuristic education center introducing visitors to AI and digital technologies.   - Operating Hours: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM   - Closed: Saturday Afternoon, Sunday   - Contact: +82-32-420-8471 (Education Office) | +82-32-320-0027 (Digital Education Center)     Outdoor Adventures at 1883 Open Port Plaza The outdoor plaza spans over 19,000 square meters of lush green space, providing breathtaking views of the ocean and golden sunsets. From K-pop concerts and cultural festivals to leisurely strolls, the plaza is a year-round venue for memorable activities. Interactive features such as media walls and smart music benches add a modern twist to this historical site. Why Visit Incheon Sangsang Platform? Incheon Sangsang Platform isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, history buff, or food lover, it offers something for everyone. Its thoughtful blend of the old and new, the artistic and technological, ensures an enriching visit that both celebrates Incheon’s storied past and looks toward its exciting future. No trip to Incheon is complete without visiting Incheon Sangsang Platform, where you can dive into the city’s cultural richness and innovative spirit all in one place. Getting There Conveniently located in Incheon’s central district, Incheon Sangsang Platform is easily accessible via public transportation. It’s an ideal stop for travelers looking to immerse themselves in Korea’s cultural and historical charm while exploring the city. Make Incheon Sangsang Platform Your Next Destination Step into a world where history and creativity collide. Incheon Sangsang Platform is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a testament to Incheon’s enduring spirit and innovation. Make it the highlight of your Incheon itinerary for an unforgettable adventure.

Bongeunsa Temple Stay
 
Seoul(Gangnam-gu)
Bongeunsa Temple, located on Sudosan Mountain in Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu, offers a 2-day, 1-night temple stay program designed to provide urbanites with an opportunity to take a break from their busy routines and meditate on Buddhist teachings. Every Thursday, the temple also holds ‘Thursday Temple Life’ for foreign visitors only. The temple has a volunteer group to help and accommodate the needs of foreigners attending the program.

Bugok Hot Springs - Bugok Hawaii
 
Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)
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.  

Rail Cruise Haerang
 
Seoul(Yongsan-gu)
Rail Cruise Haerang, a hotel-on-wheels, began operating in November 2008 as the nation's first tourist train with sleeping accommodations. With a name meaning "together with the sun," Haerang was designed to be a luxury train similar to a yacht traveling along a beautiful mountain river beneath the bright sun. The exterior of the train is painted in a deep blue with gold lines and a logo featuring a phoenix while the interior design has Korean elements. Tourists will enjoy their time on the train, with personalized trips and full amenities.