Travel/Culture List

Chunhyang Theme Park in the Namwon Tourist Complex in Namwon City, Jeollabuk-do Province celebrates the story of Chunhyang, a love story similar to that of Romeo and Juliette. Set in the Joseon Dynasty, the story tells of the secret love between Chun-hyang (the daughter of a former courtesan) and Mong-ryong (the son of a local governor). Chunhyang Theme Park consists of five different sections illustrating the famous story: “Scene of First Encounter," "Scene of Pledge," "Scene of Love and Separation," "Scene of Suffering," and "Scene of Celebration.” “Scene of First Encounter" houses an information center, a lighted fountain, and a souvenir shop. In "Scene of Pledge," visitors are met with Okjihwan (a jade ring), a stone pagoda, and promise plaques. At the "Scene of Love and Separation," visitors can see a replica of Wolmae’s house, Buyongdang (where Chunhyang and Mong-ryong spent their wedding night together) and other filming locations of the movie version of “Chunhyang.” In the section "Scene of Suffering," patrons can visit Dongheon and Oksajeong (where Chunhyang's life in jail is reenacted). The final section (“Scene of Celebration”) not only houses performance centers, but also offers visitors a scenic open-air rest plaza.  

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.

Hangang Park opened six outdoor swimming pools (including one at Yeouido Hangang Park). Supported by meticulous water quality management, they are not only safe, but also an inexpensive to private facilities. Excellent amenities offer swimming equipment rentals, food, and beverages.* Location- In front of Jamsil Indoor Stadium, Jamsil Sport Complex

Mongchontoseong Fortress is an earthen fortification from the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC-660 AD). It was built sometime between the 3rd and 4th centuries, using the natural protection offered by a tributary to the Hangang River on one side and wooden barricades for added defense on the other side. The fortress has been designated as Historic Site No. 297, and is currently located inside the Seoul Olympic Park.Mongcheontoseong Fortress features an overlapping structure of the outer and inner fortifications that were built along the hilly areas descending down from the Namhansanseong Fortress. On display inside the fortress are artifacts excavated from the site that date back to the Baekje Dynasty. The exhibited items include various earthenware and living tools. The site also displays dugout hut and storage pit sites in the state they were at the time of excavation.

A Window of Asian Culture Facing the World The Asia Culture Center (ACC) is an international arts and cultural exchange organization that produces new, future-oriented results through the convergence of Asia’s past and present arts and culture with innovative ideas and beliefs. Having the context of artistically sublimating the significance of the May 18th Democratic Movement’s human rights and peace as its point of departure, the ACC, which opened in November 2015, is a Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism–affiliated institution established for the advancement of mutual understanding and cooperative growth with different Asian countries through exchange, education, research, and other efforts with regard to Asian culture. The ACC plays the role of an integrated platform for participants from Asia and the rest of the world to freely unite and exchange their ideas while transcending boundaries in carrying out the steps of research, creation, and production. At the ACC, diverse and dynamic programs (exhibitions, performances, education, festivals, and other events) using collected research data, resources, etc., are held year-round with the creative output of experts from various fields who have exchanged their creativity and ingenuity with one another.  

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. 

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.  

Opened in 1972, the Gyeongju Express Bus Terminal is located in Noseo-dong, Gyeongju-si, Gyeongsangbuk province.

The Banpo Seoraeseom Island is an artificial island built in the mid-1980s. Located in Banpo-jigu District by the Hangang riverside, the island is connected to Hangang Banpo Park by three bridges. The island features weeping willows along the edges, as well as a migratory bird habitat, flower garden, water ski site, and more.

Cheomseongdae is the oldest existing astronomical observatory in Asia. Constructed during the reign of Queen Seon-deok (632-647), it was used for observing the stars in order to forecast the weather. This stone structure is a beautiful combination of straight lines and curves, and was designated as National Treasure No.31 on December 20th, 1962. Cheomseongdae was built in a cylinder shape with stones 30cm in diameter. 362 stones were piled up to make 27 levels. Roughly 4.16m up from the bottom there is a 1㎡ square entrance and a space to hang a ladder under it. The inside is filled with soil up to the 12th level, and the 19th, 20th, 25th, and 26th levels all have long rocks hanging on two areas, shaped as the Chinese letter '井' (jeong). It stands 9.17m high and the base stone on each side measures 5.35m. The Vernal Equinox, Autumnal Equinox, Winter Solstice, Summer Solstice and the 24 solar terms (also known as the astronomical solar year) were determined by the observation of stars. The pavilion stone is believed to have been used as a standard of deciding directions, north, south, east and west. The 362 stones used to build Cheomseongdae represented the 362 days in a lunar year.