Travel/Culture List

Daegu Gyesan Catholic Church
 
Daegu(Jung-gu)
The Daegu Gyesan Catholic Church was built by Priest Robert, A.P. (1853-1922), who came to Daegu for missionary work. In 1899, the church building was constructed with wood using a Korean-style design, but was destroyed by fire a few months after construction began. Priest Robert created a new building design and imported stained glass and galvanized iron from France and Hong Kong, since these types of building materials were hard to find in Korea. Construction was finally completed in 1902, three years after the project was first started.The Catholic Church is the only remaining structure in Daegu from the early 1900s. The church is Latin cross-shaped with a nave and transepts on both sides. Such formations are seen both inside and outside the building. This predominantly Romanesque church also features some Gothic architectural elements such as stained-glass windows and pinnacles.Daegu Gyesan Catholic Church played a pivotal role in promoting Catholicism in the Yeongnam area. In 1911, it was separated from the Joseon Catholic parish and became the main Catholic parish in Daegu area, naming Priest Robert as the first chief priest. Statues commemorating the priest stand in the rectory and a memorial hall named ‘Gwandeokjeong’ holds the remains of 65 Catholic martyrs.

Baek In-je House
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Baek In-je House, located in Bukchon Hanok Village, is a hanok built during the Japanese administration that showcases modern hanok features. The structure consists of a main room offering a good view of the whole village, spacious bedrooms, a large garden, and an annex building. As it withholds the beauty of a traditional hanok while embracing the modern trend of its time, Baek In-je House is considered to be highly valuable in means of both architecture and history, representing the Bukchon Hanok Village together with Yun Bo-seon House. Baek In-je House was built from black pine, which was first introduced to Seoul during Gyeongseong Expo in 1907, distinguishing itself from other upper-class houses in its time. Unlike other traditional hanok that separate the main building from the other rooms, Baek In-je House connects the two with a hallway, allowing convenient access between the two structures. The house also consists of a Japanese style hallway and floor mat rooms, reflecting the architecture trend during its period. Baek In-je House is also unique as the main room is partly built as a two-story structure, a style that was never seen in any traditional hanok built during the Joseon period.

Namsan Octagonal Pavilion
 
Seoul(Yongsan-gu)
Originally known as Unamjeong Pavilion, the pvailion was built to comemorate Lee Seung-mahn in 1959, was demolished by the 4.19 movement in 1960, and then rebuilt on November 11, 1968.This pavilion now sits atop Namsan Mountain, with views covering the entirity of Seoul below.

Seochon Village
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Seochon Village, literally meaning west village, is named in reference to its location west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The old hanok houses lining the long alleys well harmonize with newly emerging shops and stores. Walking through the alleys that resembles a big maze, visitors will be nicely surprised by murals and adorable pictures.A hint of Korea's tradition is truly well balanced with many modern and stylish spaces that bring out the authentic and simple beauty and coziness of Seochon Village.

Incheon Metropolitan City Museum
 
Incheon(Yeonsu-gu)
Incheon Metropolitan City Museum opened in April 1946 and been serving as a cultural space for Incheon citizens ever since. With a 60 year history, the museum has been hosted many exhibitions, musical performances and other cultural and social events for the public.The museum underwent a major transformation and had a reopening on July 10, 2006 adding more spacious exhibition halls and facilities like a library and cafeteria.Close to Incheon Palmido Island, the museum allows visitors to learn the history of Incheon, which played a significant role in protecting the Korean peninsula from many invasions in the past, as well as enjoy the breathtaking ocean view.Incheon Metropolitan City Museum is dedicated to research and regional preservation programs founded within the region’s site, and offers many ancient artifact exhibitions hard to find elsewhere.

Hansangsoo Embroidery Museum
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
The museum, which is located in Bukchon Hanok Village in Gahoe-dong in Seoul, has on exhibit embroidery-related relics and works of Han Sang-soo, who has been named Intangible Cultural Asset No. 80. The museum was established to promote Korean embroidery artwork, preserve traditional techniques, and encourage new creations.Visitors can view the permanent exhibition and the special exhibitions, and take part in regular hands-on embroidery programs for a fee of 3,000 won. The program operates from 10am to 5pm and does not require a reservation. The one-hour program starts with a demonstration by an instructor, after which participants embroider a handkerchief according to instructions. The handkerchief is to take home after the program is finished. Instructions are given only in Korean, so foreigners are advised to come with a local guide. 

Cheongdo Wine Tunnel
 
Gyeongsangbuk-do(Cheongdo-gun)
The Gam Wine Tunnel opened its doors in 2006 in Songgeum-ri, Cheongdo-gun, Gyeongsangbuk-do and is the world’s FIRST persimmon wine cellar! The Wine Tunnel is the perfect place for aging persimmon wine, which is made by the process of fermenting seedless persimmons, a local specialty of Cheongdo. The tunnel has become increasingly popular due to its scenic location, elegant inside atmosphere, and its beautiful surrounding orchards. At the tunnel, group tourists can participate in a number of programs such as making their own wine or picking persimmons. For the individual traveler, there are exhibitions, wine sampling, a café, and a wine market. The tunnel, located in the middle of a mountain, stays at a temperature of 15 Celsius with 60~70% humidity all year round, making it a naturally refreshing place to visit during the summer. The tunnel was originally called “Namseonghyeon Tunnel” and was built back in 1898 during the Joseon Dynasty. The wine cellar as we know it today was created a hundred years ago when persimmon growers put red bricks on the ceiling of the tunnel and reinforced the tunnel walls with natural stone, turning the railroad tunnel into a great wine cellar and unique tourist attraction!      

Daegu Duryu Park
 
Daegu(Dalseo-gu)
Daegu Duryu Park was built near Duryusan and Geumbongsan mountains in 1977. The park is home to Daegu Tower (the tallest observation tower in Korea), Ubang Tower Land, Daegu Culture and Arts Center, and numerous other cultural and leisure facilities. The park is a favorite relaxation spot for many Daegu citizens.There are over 133 species of trees and plants in the park, including flowers that bloom along the roadsides throughout the year. In summer, one of the most popular attractions is Osaek Fountain in the cathedral pond.Major facilities include soccer and baseball fields, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, tennis courts, an in-line skating rink, a golf course, and a judo center. In addition to sports facilities, there are also a variety of cultural attractions: Duryu Library, Sculpture Hill, 2ㆍ28 Memorial Tower, an outdoor concert hall, Cathedral Pond Osaek Fountain, Daeseongsa Temple, Geumyongsa Temple, and Byeokcheon Falls.

Ttukseom Hangang Park Sledding Hill
 
Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)
Introduction  The Supia Ttukseom year-round family theme park holds the ‘Snow Flower Village’ program every winter. The three major themed activities include: Fun Play Park, Ice Hill, and the Fun Snow Hill. Some amusement facilities in the village are the 90m long and 15m wide sleigh field, the Fun Snow Hill, a 4-D movie theater, mini train, space ship, mini Viking ship, and folk game zone. Other amenities include convenience stores, a café and a shaded area for visitors. Opening Date  December 25 , 2015 - February 14, 2016 Operating Hours  09:00-17:00 * Slopes closed from 12:00 to 13:00 for grooming. Admission Fees  General admission 6,000 won / Children under age 3 can enter free of charge.  * ID check required. Details here can be subject to change, therefore recommened to check details before visit. * See the latest information here. Administration  +82-2-452-5955 Maximum Occupancy  Up to 3,500 people Main Facilities  Snow sledding, snow park, rotating swing, air bounce, unique bike, 3D theater, folk game experience, bungee experience, making an arrow, smelt catching, magic show, themed exhibition Subsidiary Facilities  Ticket box, management office, medical room, snack bar, convenience store Parking Facilities  Available Parking Fee  Mon-Sat: 1,000 won for first 30min (200 won for each additional 10min) * Sunday & Holidays: Free * Inquiries: +82-2-3780-0521  

Beautiful Tea Museum
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
The Beautiful Tea Museum exhibits porcelain artwork by young ceramists. It also offers a large variety of world tea from Korea, China, Japan, Sri Lanka, India, Europe and more, totaling 130 types of tea. The museum not only exhibits tea, but it also provides a café for visitors to relax and enjoy the taste of their selected tea. The Beautiful Tea Museum exhibition of tea-items is divided into three sections; Korea, China, and Tibet. Visitors can gain an overall understanding of the tea traditions of each country. Also, young ceramists’ artwork are offered for purchase. The Beautiful Tea Museum has up to 130 types of tea ranging from an assortment of green tea, blue tea, black tea, brown tea, herbal tea, flower tea, and more. Visitors can purchase the various tea or enjoy them on the spot in the café. The museum is a renovated hanok, a traditional Korean house, and the central garden offers an outdoors café where visitors can view the museum while drinking tea.