Travel/Culture List

Gwangju World Cup Stadium is a major symbol of Gwangju. Designed to reflect the notion of ‘spreading far and wide’ the exterior is shaped like spokes of a wheel. When lit up, the stadium looks like a glowing dome. The ceiling and large ‘Y’-shaped pillars resemble a ‘Go,’ an instrument used in a traditional game from Gwangju, Gossaumnori. It is with design touches such as these that architects of the stadium have sought to capture and reflect traditional aspects of the Gwangju area.

Janganmun Gate is the northern gate of Hwaseong Fortress and also serves as the main entrance. "Jangan" means capital, and Hwaseong Fortress carries the meaning of being a secondary capital. Janganmun Gate is considered the main gate because this is the direction that the king would come from when arriving from Hanyang, the capital city, now modern-day Seoul. It is interesting to note that this gate is larger than Sungryemun Gate in Seoul.

Geumho Art Hall was built exclusively for classical music concerts. It is located on the cultural street by Gwanghwamun. With 315 seats, it has the perfect structure for chamber concerts. All seats are recital hall chairs and the wide spacing between rows of chairs helps the audience to have a pleasant time. Portable chairs are also provided for the handicapped. Once you enter the theater, your cell phones will turn off automatically. This will help you to enjoy the concert without being interrupted by ringing cell phones. The interior is cozy and luxurious, and the stage is made of maple. 150 concerts are held yearly. You can also view the art exhibits displayed at the reception hall. If you are lucky, you will be able to view the art exhibits after watching a concert. Near Geumho Art Hall there are other cultural facilities such as Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and Kyobo bookstore.

Cheonggyesan Mountain surrounds Seoul Grand Park, SeoulLand and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon. The mountain boarders the area of Yangjae-dong, Seoul and Gwacheon-si, Seongnam-si, and Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do. The mountain is nestled at the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain, south of downtown Gwacheon. Dense forests, neat valleys, parks, and temples are available in the mountain, making it a suitable climbing course for families. Also, varied walking courses are set up. The top of the mountain, Manggyeongdae, is not open to public access as a government facility is situated on the peak. Guksabong Peak (alt. 538m) and another peak (alt. 545m) are connected through a mountain path.It is said that a faithful person, Joyun in the late Goryeo period entered Cheonggyesan Mountain from Songdo after the demolition of Goryeo by Yi Seong-gye who was the first King of the Joseon Dynasty. Also, it was referred to as “Cheongryongsan” because the area is regarded as the place where a blue dragon (Cheongryong; 청룡) ascended to heaven. Based on the principles of geomancy, Gwaksan Mountain and Cheonggyesan Mountain are called “Baekho” (White Tiger) and “Cheongryong,” respectively.

When it opened in 1988, Seogwipo Submarine was the first of its kind in Asia the third in the world. Seogwipo Submarine offers safe undersea tours in its recently acquired state of the art submarine from Finland. Munseom, where the submarine travels, is home to outstanding coral reefs, colorful schools of fish, and rich seaweed. The exquisite landscape makes it one of the most beautiful places to dive as well. Going deep into the 40 meter sea-bed, visitors can see countless fish, rare iridescent coral reefs, and a surreal-looking shipwreck with schools of fish surrounding it. Over 20 years of technical knowhow and safe operation (in fact, the longest submarine tour without a single accident on record) make Seogwipo Submarine a must-see attraction on Jeju Island. 

Jeju International Passenger Terminal opened in 1998. Jeju Port serves as an entry point for international and domestic visitors, tourists, and cargo entering Jeju Island.

After Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, the former president Lee Seungman and his wife lived in their house called Ihwajang. Even though he moved out of the house after he was elected the first president of Korea, he used to return and visit for walks in the garden. After he relinquished his appointment as president, he stayed here for a while before coming to America as an exile.Ihwajang house consisted of the bonchae, or the main building, which was where Lee Seungman and his wife’s living quarters were, jogakdang(president’s office area) and other buildings. Jogakdang, the president’s office area, is a small and narrow building but it is an important historical place where he had a conference to form the first Korean ministry. Ihwajang house shows the change of Korean traditional house under Japanese control. 

The Jeongdongjin Rail Bike is one of the must-try experiences when you are traveling in Gangwon-do. Departing from Jeongdongjin Station, ride on the rail bike and feel the fresh air from the sea that is just alongside the railway tracks.

Operated under the business slogan “Innovative Brilliant Hospital,” Incheon Baek Hospital is the only general hospital located in Dong-gu, Incheon. The hospital offers friendly medical service as well as caters to incoming international patients.

Paradise Olympus Hotel, which is in a very short distance from Incheon International Airport, is a superior business hotel near the representative places of Incheon, such as Wolmido. It has 175 rooms as well as Korean, Japanese, Chinese and Western restaurants. There is also a coffee lounge, various kinds of banquet rooms and a casino of a Las Vegas atmosphere. Paradise Olympus Casino was built for the purpose of serving foreign guests and a holds numerous amusing events every season. The kinds of games that can be played at this casino club are Roulette, Blackjack, Baccara, Tai-sai, Bigwheel, and Slotmachine.