Travel/Culture List

Bosu-dong Book Street
 
Busan(Jung-gu)
Bosu-dong Book Street has a unique background. It was formed after the independence of Korea (August 15) as a residential area in the empty place where the previous Gukje Market was demolished. People started selling the books Japanese left behind, and later on, when it became a private area, book sellers moved to the current place to sell their books. When Busan became the provisional capital during the Korean War, refugees brought and sold their precious books for a living. As time went by, professors and students came to the alley and started purchasing books, contributing to the build up of the current book street. Once, used books were gathered in the alley and rare books could be found. Thanks to this, more temporary buildings were formed. At that time, about 70 books stores were available for students to sell and buy used books. In the early 60’s when the publication culture was not yet settled down, many students and educated people had to sell their books and then buy secondhand books or magazines. After going through this time, the Bosu-dong Book Street became a famous book street throughout the nation. The prices of books are scaled according to the conditions of the book or bargaining.

The Lock Museum
 
Seoul(Jongno-gu)
Located in Dongsung-dong, Daehakro (College Street), The Lock Museum displays an impressive array of locks. The owner of the museum, Mr. Choi Hong-gyu worked as a hardware shop employee most of his life and ran his own store, Choi Family Hardware in Gangnam. He invested all of his fortune to make The Lock Museum. Opened in November 2003, The Lock Museum boasts locks, keys, and key holders from around the world. The museum aims to collect, preserve, and study Korean locks and to promote their benefits and design worldwide.The Lock Museum is an important spot in which visitors are exposed to new perspectives on locks. It offers visitors the opportunity to understand the cultural and aesthetic meaning of them. Centered on visitors, the museum will continue to be a facilitator of cultural communication between visitors and locks. 

Suwon Hwaseong Museum
 
Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si)
The city of Suwon established the Suwon Hwaseong Museum to present the history and culture of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, an important Korean cultural asset and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.The museum has two permanent exhibition spaces: ‘The Exhibition Hall on Construction of Fortress’ (construction process of the Suwon Hwaseong Fortress and the development of the city) and ‘The Cultural Center’ (illustrates various historical events related to the fortress such events held during the 8-day visit of King Jeongjo in 1795).In addition, the museum runs a ‘Children’s Experience Center,’ where children can learn ancient measurement systems, try on royal court costumes, and more. The Suwon Hawseong Museum not only displays relics from Suwon Hwaseong Fortress (one of Korea’s most impressive historical heritages); it also gives visitors an opportunity to experience and explore.

Bukhansan National Park (Dobong)
 
Seoul(Gangbuk-gu)
Mt. Bukhansan is situated in the northern part of Seoul. Designated as a national park in 1983, the mountain is 78.45km wide and has 6 districts and extends out into Gyeonggi-do Province. The name Bukhansan means "big mountain in the north," and it is also called Mt. Samgaksan. Mt. Bukhansan has such smooth curves that the large granite rocks sometimes look as if they would slide down the mountain. The sharp peaks provide contrast to the dozens of valleys and rivers flowing below. The mountain has many different kinds of peaks but its main peak is Baegunbong. The granite peaks blend well with trees, and there are about 1,300 kinds of animals and plants living on the mountain. Among the granite peaks, the best known is Insubong Peak's Giam rocks. The world famous granite rock peak Insubong is over 200m above sea level, and there are about 100 mountain paths leading to the rock. When you stand on Baegundae and look down, sometimes you can see as far as Seoul City and the Hangang River. Bukhansan has a rich history as well. Silla's King Jinheung Sunsubi Monument on Bibong Peak, the Bukhansanseong Fortress built along the mountain's ridges, Sangunsa Temple built by the monk Won-Hyo, and numerous other temples occupy the mountain areas. Especially, Bukhansanseong Fortress is a must-see tour site if you are visiting the mountain. The fortress was built with a wall spanning about 8,500m, built specifically to stop foreign invasion. It is one of the representative mountain fortresses of the Joseon Era. In the fall, the view you can get from the fortress of the mountain is spectacular. Temples are also representative of rich culture that flourished on Bukhansan. The Seungasa Temple on the east Bibong Peak, with Maaeseokgayeoraejwasang (seated rock-carved Buddhas) carved into a 5m granite rock, and the Munsusa Temple located halfway up the Musubong Peak, with purified mountain water dropping from the ceiling of Munsugol Cave, are indicative of both Bukhansan's history and culture. With its granite peaks and Bukhansanseong Fortress, Bukhansan is perfect for hiking in all seasons. In the spring, all kinds of flowers bloom, and in the summer, lush forests carpet the numerous valleys. The hiking path along the valley is perhaps the best summer mountain climbing course. And the fall is the perfect time to visit the temples and pavilions in their autumn colors. In the winter, the snow-covered mountain scenery is very beautiful. The park averages 5 million visitors and has received the Honor of being in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the national park with the highest number of visitors per square foot.

An Jung-geun Memorial Hall
 
Seoul(Jung-gu)
The Ahn Jung-geun Memorial Hall located in central Seoul showcases a collection of materials, personal belongings, and relics related to the independent movement activist Ahn Jung-geun’s. It also carries out memorial events to honor and remember the patriot. The two-story building that also has two underground floors consists of a memorial room, exhibition room, multimedia room and an auditorium. The memorial hall is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., and visitors are allowed entrance up to one hour before closing.

Wolhwawon Garden
 
Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si)
Wolhwawon Garden at the west point of Hyowon Park, located in Paldang-gu of Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, is known for unqiue style resembling Chinese elements. With a concept heavily influenced from ancient Guangdong Province of China, visitors can easily experience a Chinese culture from this grandeur establishement without having to travel far. The story of how the Chinese garden came to the Korean soil begun with a special memorandom of agreement (MOU) made between the provicial governments of Gyeonggi-do (Korea) and that of Guangdong (China) in October 2003. In appreciation of each other's cultural heritages and the friendship, both parties agreed to build traditional gardens of the counterpart, in each city. Following the agreement was the construction of Wolhwawon on June 15, 2005 and thereafter the opening to the public as of April 17, 2006. In a detailed note, this replica is similar to those largely found from Yeongnam region of China. The grand site not only inspires visitors to this garden, but also offers enjoyable views of the man-made mountain and lake located outside, visible through the building's windows. The artificial fountain in particular, was built with a pavilion modeled after a ship. Following the traditional architectural style of buildings in Guangdong province, Chinese poems and words are also found in multiple places written in white, over blue bricks and wood. Roofs were made of bricks, wood and lime combined.   About 80 Chinese laborers came to Korea in June 2005 to build this garden of 6,026㎡ (1,820 pyeong), costing about 3.4 billion won in completion, and the incurred fee was beared by the Guangdong province. Consequently, based on the MOU, Gyeonggi-do on the other hand constructed a 'Gyeonggi Garden' in Yuexiu Park in Guangzhou province, China, which became open to the public in December 2005. The garden was remodeled after Soswaewon Garden, a traditional Korean garden currently located in Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do.  

Korea Botanic Garden
 
Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)
Founded in 1999, the 105 square-kilometer Korea Botanical Garden grows approximately 1,300 Korean native plants. The Garden is composed of the Indoor Exhibition Hall, Herb Garden, Cultivation Area, Ecosystem Garden, Singal Mountain Path, and Theme Garden. On display are potted plants in the Indoor Exhibition Hall, fragrant herbs such as wild chrysanthemum and chamomile in the Herb Garden, gregarious plants like iris and aster koraiensis in the Cultivation Area, naturally mixed plants in the Ecosystem Garden, and plants with human or animal names, such as the pasque flower, in the Theme Garden. The two kilometer-long Singal Mountain Path, where Mongolian oak trees mingle with azaleas and rhododendron, is a very popular walking course.The Korea Botanical Garden distributes flower seeds to all visitors when they buy tickets, and all types of native flowers can be purchased at the store. Also in the Garden are convenience facilities such as Cafe Bian, serving tea and ice cream, as well as rest rooms and benches. The best season for visiting Korea Botanical Garden is from June to August.

High1 Ski Resort
 
Gangwon-do(Jeongseon-gun)
High1 Ski Resort Set against a backdrop of majestic natural landscapes, High1 Ski Resort invites global travelers to embark on a premium wellness winter journey. Meticulously engineered along breathtaking mountain ridges, the resort features an intelligent slope system catering to all skill levels—allowing even complete beginners to safely glide down from the alpine summit while absorbing panoramic vistas. For non-skiers, the mountain peak hosts 'Snow World,' an enchanting snow playground, alongside a spectacular 360-degree rotating cafe, ensuring that everyone can fully immerse themselves in the sublime beauty of South Korea’s snow-capped peaks. Peak Luxury and Pristine Powder: The Definitive Winter Guide to High1 Ski Resort Tucked away in the pristine, clean-air alpine region of Jeongseon, Gangwon-do, High1 Ski Resort represents the pinnacle of premium winter tourism in South Korea. While many winter destinations focus solely on the athletic thrill of skiing, High1 has pioneered a sophisticated ecosystem that blends world-class winter sports with holistic wellness and luxury lifestyle experiences. It is a sanctuary where the grandeur of nature meets state-of-the-art infrastructure, making it a highly sought-after destination for discerning international travelers.   A Masterpiece of Alpine Engineering: The Inclusive Summit What sets High1 Ski Resort apart from global competitors is its uniquely inclusive philosophy of mountain design. Traditionally, the breathtaking panoramas of a mountain summit are reserved exclusively for advanced skiers who can navigate steep, intimidating black-diamond runs. High1 completely subverts this norm. The resort's three main peaks—Jijangsan Mountain, Valley Top, and Mountain Top—are interconnected by an ultra-modern lift and gondola network. From the highest peak (1,340 meters above sea level), the resort features the Zeus Slope, a beautifully winding, ultra-wide, 4.2-kilometer beginner-friendly trail. This allows novice skiers and snowboarders to experience the exhilaration of starting from the very top of the world, carving down gentle gradients while surrounded by a sea of snow-covered pine forests. For seasoned enthusiasts, High1 offers FIS-certified grand slalom courses and adrenaline-pumping advanced slopes that have hosted international winter sports competitions. The snow quality is maintained at an elite level through eco-friendly, automated snowmaking technology, ensuring consistent, velvety powder from early winter through spring.   The Peak Experience: 360-Degree Views and Winter Magic for Everyone High1 recognizes that the magic of winter should be accessible to all, including non-skiers who prefer to soak in the alpine atmosphere at a more relaxed pace. • The 360-Degree Rotating Cafe: Situated at the highest point of the resort, this architectural marvel completes a full, gentle rotation every 45 minutes. Guests can sit in refined comfort, sipping artisanal coffee or loose-leaf teas, while a moving tapestry of the Taebaek Mountain Range unfolds outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. • Snow World: This sprawling snow-play park is a winter fairy tale brought to life. Accessible via a scenic gondola ride, Snow World offers high-speed snow tubing, traditional sledding, beautifully sculpted ice illuminations, and wind-protected igloo resting zones. It provides a joyful, immersive winter playground for families, couples, and photography enthusiasts looking for that perfect, postcard-worthy travel memory.   Premium Après-Ski, Wellness, and Refined Hospitality The luxury of High1 extends seamlessly from the slopes to its world-class resort village. Designed as a self-contained premium destination, guests have access to an elite array of hospitality options. • World-Class Accommodations: From the sleek, contemporary luxury of the High1 Grand Hotel to the spacious, family-oriented mountain condominiums, every lodging option emphasizes comfort, privacy, and panoramic mountain views. • Holistic Wellness & Thermal Spas: After a day out in the crisp mountain air, guests can retreat to the resort’s premium wellness centers. Indulge in traditional thermal therapy, heated indoor pools, and curated spa treatments designed to rejuvenate tired muscles and restore inner balance. • A Culinary Epicenter: Jeongseon is famous for its exceptional gastronomy, and High1 elevates this with a stellar selection of dining venues. Guests can indulge in authentic Korean Hanwoo (premium domestic beef) barbecue, exquisite contemporary Asian cuisine, and international fine dining, all paired with world-class wines and spirits. High1 Ski Resort is not merely a place to ski; it is an elevated winter lifestyle experience. With its harmonious balance of thrilling slopes, non-skier attractions, and high-end wellness amenities, it stands as South Korea's premier winter wonderland for global travelers seeking the exceptional.

Oedolgae Rock
 
Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)
Oedolgae sits not far from the shores of Sammaebong Seogwipo City. It is an amazing rock 10 meters in circumference and 20 meters in x_height and is also known as the Changgun Rock. It is surrounded by beautiful islands such as Bum Island, Sae Island and Seonnyu (fairy) Rock.Oedolgae was also a filming location in the 2003 TV drama series, 'Daejangguem' where Hansangoong (Mee Kyung Yang) faced her death under a false accusation while being carried on Daejanggeum's (Young Ae Lee) back. Fantastic rocks of Oedolgae and fields of reeds in the extensive ranch is a perfect place to go trekking. The sunset of Bum Island, which can be seen from Oedolgae, has long been an essential stop for tourists going to Jeju-do Island.

Jungmun Saekdal Beach
 
Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si)
Jungmun Beach (중문해수욕장) has a sandy shore so fine that it is called Jinmosal. The white sand beach is 560m long and the water has an average depth of 1.2m. Different shades of black, red, and grey are beautifully mixed into the white sand of the beach. This helps to accentuate Jeju-do Island’s black Hyeonmuam stones. To the right side of the beach is a natural sea cave called Haesikgul Cave. This area is often used for TV commercials, and the turbulent water is great for windsurfing and other water sports.