Travel/Culture List

Bokcheon Museum
 
Busan(Dongnae-gu)
Bokcheon Museum, an archaeological museum in Busan, opened its doors to the public on October 5th, 1996 as a tribute to the long-honored history of Busan from the Samhan Era to the Samguk (Three Kingdoms) Era. The museum displays relics and artifacts excavated from the ancient burial ground in Bokcheon-dong. As many as 169 pieces of ancient helmets, diverse types of earthenware and iron-made weapons found in a series of seven excavations are on display throughout the museum. The array of relics and tombs discovered in the Bokcheon-dong ancient burial ground, designated as Historic Site No. 237, are essential to solving the mystery of the Gaya Kingdom, which remains an uncharted, secret land. Since opening, the museum has been conducting further research at the site of the burial grounds and remains in the local area to better understand the antiquated history and culture of Busan as well as the ancient kingdom of Gaya. The museum, as a reputable venue for historical education and exploration, also holds academic seminars and special exhibitions to share the research results and achievements with scholars and the community alike.

Sanwoolim Theater
 
Seoul(Mapo-gu)
The Sanwoolim Theater Company is the only drama group in Korea to have its own exclusive theater. The theater company began with the staging of Samuel Beckett’s Nobel Prize winning play “Waiting for Godot” in December 1969. The director Lim Young-woong and the cast performers who had participated in this play co-founded Sanwoolim Theater Company. Since then, it has grown into Korea’s representative drama group by staging over 60 theatrical productions and receiving more than 80 awards over the years. Following the foundation of Sanwoolim Theater Company, company director Lim Young-woong and his wife Oh Jeung-ja built a three-story building with two basement floors near Seoul’s Hongik University at their own expense. The theater building was designed and constructed for theater-use only so that it may not be used for any other purposes. Hence, the exclusive theater for Sanwoolim Theater Company opened in March 3, 1985.

Daehangno Street (University Street)
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Daehangno Street, known as the street for young people, is the former location of Seoul National University. In the 1980s, many theater groups started moving to Daehangno, and it soon developed into a cultural center. In a short period of time, movie theaters, live-cafes, regular cafes and pubs sprung up, and it grew into an entertainment district. Its popularity is still maintained by famous small theaters such as Parangsae (Blue Bird) Theater and Hakjeong Theater, and some 30 additional theaters have concentrated here to contribute in keeping Daehangno as the root of performance art in Korea. The center of Daehangno, Marronnier Park, has frequent live acts and dance performances by young people. This is why Daehangno is called the “Play Mecca” and “Young Street” as well. Another reason Daehangno became so popular with young people is the various interesting sights and food to be found here. Many restaurants, fast food joints, cafes, and bars are concentrated here, making it convenient for people to find something to do after plays and live-performances. Its unique atmosphere and space continues to be loved by many young people.

Incheon Asiad Main Stadium
 
Incheon(Seohae-gu)
Incheon Asiad Main Stadium is the main stadium for the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon. Construction began in June 2011 and the stadium opened on June 1, 2014. Built on a 631,975㎡ lot, the five-story stadium has a total floor area of 113,620㎡ and 61,818 spectator seats (capacity to be reduced by 32,514 seats after the 2014 Asian Games). The stadium has an oval running track enclosing a regulation-size soccer field. Outside, there's a tennis court, a subsidiary stadium, and the 1,415.13㎡ Yeonhui Cricket Ground (연희크리켓경기장).

Seoul Children's Museum
 
Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)
Seoul Children's Museum is a facility established by the Seoul City government to help enhance the children's creativity and imagination. The museum offers various cultural activities, as well as arts and science programs that are fun for kids and also enjoyable for parents and teachers. There are about 100 interactive items on display from the basement level to the third floor.

Olympic Park Ice Skating Rink
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu)
The Olympic Park Peace Plaza ice skating rink, located in the Songpa-gu district of Seoul, is open for every winter. Seoul Olympic Museum, Soma Museum of Art, and Mongchontoseong Fortress are also within the vicinity.

K-Style Hub
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
K-Style Hub has the information to meet all tourists' needs, from a tourist information center to a hallyu experince, hansik exhibition and experience hall, medical tourism information and more. Expounding upon the center of just providing information, K-Style Hub also aims to provide various chances to learn about Korean culture and food, as well as easily participate in traditional experiences.

SEA LIFE Busan Aquarium (SEA LIFE 부산아쿠아리움)
 
Busan(Haeundae-gu)
The Busan Aquarium takes visitors into the exciting world of life under the sea. The aquarium covers an area of 36,000 ㎡ and is spread over 3 underground levels and one above-ground level with different sections divided into special themes. The underwater tunnel experience resembles a walk along the ocean floor with various sea creatures swimming above, serving as a popular attraction within the aquarium. The aquarium is home to over 250 different species of fish, algae, reptiles, and amphibians, including large sharks, turtles, seahorses, and more, for total of over 10,000 sea creatures.

Arko Art Center
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Arko Art Gallery (formerly Marronnier Art Gallery) is located inside Marronnier park in Daehakno, where many youth flock. Daehakno is a place where many couples have their dates and is beloved by the artisans who use the area as a performance center. The Arko Art Gallery is situated in the partk. The Arko Art Gallrey was founded by the Korean Culture Promotion Department to flourish and enrich the Korean arts. Founded in 1979, when there were not many exhibition spaces for artists, it was a place of hope for many of them. With low general exhibit fees and relatively important self-planned exhibit openings, it became a place that contributed significantly to the development of Korean art.The exhibits taking place in the Arko Art Gallery can be divided into two. One is the General Exhibition and the other is the Planning Exhibition. Both of these exhibitions take place in the small gallery on the 1st floor. Since the exhibits are admitted through strict screening it is recommended that you just go and visit them. There is no admission fee. However, during August, repairs usually takes place. You should try to avoid visiting the gallery during that time or you should call and inquire about the opening times. On the 2nd floor there is a family café. There are six computers to use along with refreshments, so you might want to visit it as well. There are many other places to rest and drink along Daehakno street. While walking through Marronnier Park if there is a specific place you are interested in, just visit it. Wherever you visit, the place's unique atmosphere will be evident. During the Christmas season especially, you may not even find a vacant seat in the area. It is that crowded and popular. 

Deoksugung Palace's Daehanmun Gate
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
Inhwamun Gate used to be the main gate before the main hall, Junghwajeon Hall, was built. The palace was expanded in 1902, building Junghwajeon Hall, Junghwamun Gate and Jowonmun Gate in order to furnish the sytem of law books. After that, the site for Inhwamun Gate became the site for Geongeukmun Gate, and Daehanmun Gate was built to the east of Jowonmun Gate, using it as the main gate. The gate was rebuilt in 1904 and it was currently moved back due to the expanded road.