Travel/Culture List

Seoul Bangidong Ancient Tombs
 
Seoul(Songpa-gu)
The ancient tombs in Bangi-dong were discovered during the land readjustment project of Jamsil-jigu District in 1975. A total of eight ancient tombs were excavated until 1976, and the site was restored into a park in 1983. The Bangi-dong area was originally a low line of hills with an altitude of 30-50m above sea level, but it has been made into flatland for urban development purposes. Tomb numbers 1 to 6 lie on the same hill, while tomb no. 7 and 8 are located on another hill a short distance away. All eight tombs have circular burial mounds. The insides of the a tomb feature a square or rectangular-shaped burial chamber with earthen ground and stone walls, and a passage leading from the tomb entrance to the chamber. However, details of the burial chambers vary by tomb. Most of the tombs had been robbed before the investigation, but a few relics such as plates and pots have been excavated. At the time of excavation, the relics were presumed to have come from the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC-660 AD), but it is now estimated that they date back to the Unified Silla Period (676-935 AD).

Deogyusan National Park
 
Jeollabuk-do(Muju-gun)
Deogyusan National Park covers Geochang-gun of Gyeongsangnam-do and Muju-gun of Jeollabuk-do. Starting from Mt. Deogyusan's main peak, Hyangjeokbong, the ridges are about 1300m above sea level, and as it stretches southwestward for about 18km, it branches out in many directions to create a long series of mountains. For every branch of the mountain ridgeline, there are matching valleys at Mt. Deogyusan. Among these valleys, Mujugucheondong Valley, stretching 25km from the Deogyu peak to Seolcheon River on the north, is the most famous. There are 33 wonderful scenes in the valley that are praised for their beauty, called Gucheondong 33 Kyeong. Susimdae is a valley 400m deep. Because water as clear as jade flows through here, it is also referred to as Suhwa. Deogyusan also has three valleys that are grouped together: the Chilyeon, Jeoksang, and Munan. Among them the Chilyeon Valley is the most beautiful. It is famous for its Chilyeon Waterfall, where clear water passes by thick pine forest and winds through a series of rock formations. This water current has created seven ponds, and the way they are all lined up makes up for a very interesting view. Clear water circulates into each of these ponds, and then flows into another pond to create a series of seven segmented waterfalls. The Chilyeon Waterfall complements the surrounding old pine trees and maple trees. In the summer, many vacationers, and in the fall, people looking for autumn colored leaves visit this area. Mt. Deogyusan has many beautiful valleys, waterfalls, pine forests, and intresting rock formations. Mujugucheon-dong local officials, in conjunction with the National Park Administration Office, provide visitors with many convenient facilities in order to make for a pleasurable stay.

Lafesta
 
Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si)
Lafesta is Korea’s largest open street shopping mall, full of fun events year-round. Resembling Santa Monica Pier in California or Shinjuku Street in Tokyo, Lafesta is tailored to maximize pedestrian shopping experiences. Consisting of six buildings, Lafesta is a unique place full of shopping and entertainment. Its main facilities include Fashion Outlet, accessory shops, food courts, restaurants, theme cafes, a game center, a book store, and a movie theater.Near Lake Park, Lafesta has become a wildly popular place in Ilsan among Korean and international tourists by offering exquisite shops, fun entertainment, and colorful events. It is also surrounded by shopping malls (e.g. Lotte Department Store and Homever), Ilsan Dong-gu Office, banking and finance institutions, MBC, and China Town. 

Artee Riders Club
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Artee Riders Club is the first company that offers rickshaw tours in the nation. Not only do you get to ride on the rickshaw to tour around popular attractions including Bukchon Village, Seochon Village, the rickshaw tour guides you to the smaller alleys as well. Travelers to Bukchon Village may have their belongings or luggage stored at the center, and individual's insurance as well as a complimentary drink are offered.

Yuldong Park Bungee Jump
 
Gyeonggi-do(Seongnam-si)
* What is bungee jumping? Bungee jumping was once a ritualistic part of adulthood ceremonies among the South Pacific's Pentecost Island natives. Those who successfully took the plunge would emerge with more confidence and courage, and were also able to chase away their stress. Though no special techniques are required, you will need plenty of courage and an adventurous spirit. * Special Features of Yuldong Park's Bungee Jump - Experienced bungee instructors are on hand and technicians who continually inspect the machinery and framework to provide the utmost in service - Take a bungee jump into the natural lake for an added thrill. - At a staggering x_height of 45m, you have great views of Bundang and Yuldong Park from the bungee jump platform. - All profits are deposited into the Seongnam safe, and reinvested for the city's citizens.

Sochang Experience Center Ganghwa-Do
 
Incheon(Ganghwa-gun)
Discover the enchantment of the Sochang Experience Hall - Immerse in the history and tradition of Ganghwa Island's textile industry, journey through the life of a cotton flower, and relish the joy of crafting your own Sochang fabric. Ganghwa Sochang Experience Hall - Experience timeless elegance of the 1938 Hanok, savor the unique flavor of the specialty turnip tea, and explore the deep roots of Korean textile art. Sochang Experience Hall, a living testament to Korean history - Delve into the textile journey from Hwamunseok to Sochang, engage in traditional stamping techniques, appreciate beautiful interior design, and indulge in a feast of culture and art. Discover the legacy of Incheon's Ganghwa Island textile industry at the enchanting Sochang Experience Hall. A treasure trove of history and tradition, it immerses visitors in the fascinating journey of Sochang fabric - from cotton flower to your fingertips. Our hall stands as a testament to the significance of the Sochang textile industry, having been remodeled in 2017 from the original Pyeonghwa Textile mill, which opened in 1956 and served as a cornerstone of the Ganghwa textile sector.         Sochang is an authentic 23-count cotton fabric, traditionally handcrafted from threads derived from the fluff of cotton. Before the advent of disposable diapers, it was widely used for cloth diapers, demonstrating its remarkable softness and absorbency. At the Sochang Experience Hall, we offer the extraordinary opportunity to create your very own hand towel by using traditional stamping techniques. This hands-on activity is free of charge but highly popular, so reservations are recommended. Amidst the timeless elegance of a Hanok, constructed in 1938 and fondly known as the '1938 Hanok,' guests can immerse themselves in a unique tea experience. We primarily serve tea made from roasted turnip, a specialty of Ganghwa Island. Visitors are welcomed to unwind in our serene setting, savoring the rich and refreshing flavors of our turnip tea.   Our doors are open from 10 am to 6 pm, providing a welcoming haven for guests seeking a deeper understanding of Korea's textile heritage. However, please note that we are closed on Mondays. Reimagined in 2016, the Sochang Experience Hall is a beautiful blend of a Hanok built in 1938 and the former Pyeonghwa Textile mill, exuding charm and history in every corner. As a celebration of Ganghwa County's traditional industry, it offers not only an insight into the textile industry's journey from Hwamunseok to Sochang, but also provides interactive experiences such as Sochang hand towel stamping, tea ceremonies, and Sochang weaving demonstrations. This allows you to engage with Sochang on a multi-sensory level. Planning a trip to Korea? Make sure to include the Sochang Experience Hall on your itinerary! As a hub of Korean history and a stunning architectural gem, it offers an experience like no other. From its alluring interior design to its intriguing narratives of the past, it's a feast for the eyes and the mind. Embark on a journey through time and tradition, experiencing the true essence of Sochang - right here at the Sochang Experience Hall.  

Myogaksa Temple Stay
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Located east of Naksan Mountain at Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu in Seoul, Myogaksa Temple offers the urbanites a chance to experience Temple Stay. Since 2002, Myogaksa Temple has run its special Temple Stay program titled “Free from All Anxiety”, which sees a growing number of foreign participants every year. Moreover, you may also have a chance to experience Korean traditional culture as well as get to know Korean history better through interesting stories.

Hwaseong Haenggung Palace
 
Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si)
A haenggung is a temporary palace where the king and royal family retreated to during a war. Hwaseong Haenggung Palace is the largest one of these, use by the Joseon kings since the time of King Jeongjo (r. 1776-1800).In addition to being used as a shelter during war, King Jeongjo also stayed here during trips to worship at his father's tomb. The palace was the location of a splendid feast held on the 60th birthday of his mother, Hyegyeonggung Hong, and many other events, including award certificates for successful candidates of special national exams.Jangyongyeong guard ceremony is held at the front gate every Sunday from April to October.

O’sulloc Museum
 
Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)
The O’sulloc Museum, located on Jeju-do Island near Seogwangdawon, teaches visitors about Korea’s traditional tea culture. The “o” in “o’sulloc”, means to appreciate and enjoy, and it also stands for the origin of sulloc, only sulloc, and of sulloc tea.The museum, which first opened in September 2001,is widely known in Korea. The entire building takes the shape of a green tea cup. It seeks to harmonize the cultures of the West and East, and past traditions with the modern world.At the O’sulloc Museum, not only can visitors enjoy unique o’sulloc teas, but they can relax next to the lotus pond in the indoor garden. The second floor of the building has an observatory, so visitors can enjoy the views of the nearby green tea fields and the surrounding landscape. 

Yoo’s Family
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
With over 600 years of history, Yoo’s Family is situated inside Bukchon Hanok Village, between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo. The region resonates with a traditional atmosphere as the cozy venue sits nestled amongst traditional Korean houses and in the middle of Seoul's two main palaces.Yoo’s Family is a Hanok family managed by Yoos, offering traditional culture experiences for foreigners interested in Korean living cultures and traditions. Most classes are short-term courses and reservations can be made up to one day in advance. Reservations are only available for groups of 2 or more. For groups of 10 or more, you may even customize a timing to hold the classes. Translation in English and Japanese are available for all courses as well.