Travel/Culture List

A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.

The name Cheongsan (靑山) carries the meaning that all of the surroundings - the mountains, ocean and sky - are blue. Cheongsando Island is a small island located 19.2km from Wando in Jeollanam-do, featuring beautiful scenery and is the southernmost island in Dadohae. The island looks to Geomundo Island in the east, Soando Island in the west, Jejudo Island in the south, and Sinjido Island in the north. Cheongsando Island was designated as part of Dadohaehaesang National Park on December 23, 1981 and the first Asian slow city on December 1, 2007. The slower visitors walk through the island, the more beautiful the island is. Likewise, the island was picked as one of must-visit tourism spots by Korea Tourism Organization and CNN. The island also features the valuable agricultural asset of Gudeuljangnon (구들장논), terraced rice paddies. ​

The Korean Folk Village Sledding Hills possess 3 slopes, one for adults(140m long), one for children (60m long) and a snow square (20m long for infants). Since the hills are an accessory facility service of the Korean Folk Village, there is also a big family park. When you reach the market within the folk village, you can taste Korea’s traditional appetizers served with drinks such as injeolmi, bukeogui, bindaeddeok, and pajeon, as well as the alcohol, dongdongju.There is a bus every 20 minutes going to the Korean Folk Village at the Seoul Nambu Terminal (40 min) 

Incheon Port Floodgate is located between the beautiful Wolmisan Mountain and Sowolmido Island. Surrounding the floodgate is a large 66,000 square meter garden covered with grass, pine trees, ginko trees, and cherry blossom trees, creating a beautiful scene. Especially in the spring, azaleas, royal azaleas, cherry blossoms, and magnolia blossoms are blooming, adding to the beauty of the garden.If you visit when the floodgate opens, you will witness giant cargo ships and cruise ships passing through the gate to enter and leave the port. Also, at the situation room of the floodgate management office, an introductory video of Incheon Port is played to offer more information on the facility.There are two floodgates at Incheon Port. One floodgate is 36 meters wide by 363 meters long. The other is 22.5 meters wide by 202 meters long. The larger one can accommodate vessels up to 50,000DWT and the smaller one can dock ships up to 10,000DWT. Per day, up to 20 vessels can enter and leave the port.

Construction on Gukchaebosang Memorial Park (located in Dongin-dong, Jung-gu District) began in March 1998 and was completed in December 1999. The park was established to retain the spirit of the National Debt Remuneration Movement (a national movement that originated in Daegu in 1907) and to help overcome the debt crisis of 1997. Of course, the park was also created in order to expand green space in the downtown area and offer a place of rest and relaxation to the general public.Spanning 42,500 square meters in size, the park boasts the Dalgubeol Grand Bell, a bell pavilion, walking trails, and other amenities. The famous Dalgubeol Grand Bell was installed on the park grounds in December 1998 as a representation of harmony and prosperity and to symbolically awaken the people with its pure and clear ringing.The park has an ample parking lot (3 underground floors) and is frequented by students who study at the Central Library located within the park. Gukchaebosang Memorial Park is also a popular date destination because of its proximity to the Daegu downtown area. As one of the most recently established parks in Daegu, the park boasts thousands of trees, a large grass plaza, and plenty of benches and resting areas. The beautiful fountains, pavilion, and stone artworks add to the charms of the park. The park hosts diverse cultural events such as music concerts and exhibitions and draws many visitors each Saturday and Sunday for the ceremonial ringing of the Dalgubeol Grand Bell.

Tezroc Cruise is a cruise package that offers various routes to attractions in Busan such as Oryukdo (Island), Taejongdae, and Busan Port. Called Nurimaru, the cruise was made as the Holland-style cruise during the 19th century. The name, Nurimaru refers to the "Top of the World." Consisting of three decks, the cruise offers party rooms, karaoke rooms, restaurants, open-deck benches, an outdoor performance stage and audience seats. Tezroc Cruise departs at Coastal Ferry Terminal near Jungang-dong Station. Check information on routes and departure schedules at least a week before intended visit.

Goryeogung Palace Site on Ganghwado Island is the site of the royal palace where the people of the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392) resisted the Mongolian invasion for 39 years. In June 1232, King Gojong moved his capital to Ganghwa on account of its natural and strategic advantages. The construction of the government office and the royal palace in Ganghwa was completed in 1234. Ganghwado Island holds historical significance as the place where metal type was developed and where the Palman Daejanggyeong (the Tripitaka Koreana printing woodblocks) were made during the Goryeo dynasty. Upon the conclusion of the peace treaty with Mongolian forces in May 1270, the capital was moved back to Gaeseong (present-day Gaeseong in North Korea), and the royal palace in Ganghwa was subsequently destroyed.In the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1897), Haenggung (the king’s temporary palace) was constructed on the same site as the Goreyo palace. During the Byeongjahoran (Chinese invasion of Korea) in 1637, the palace was conquered by the force of Ching dynasty of China. Afterward, Ganghwa Yusubu (Ganghwa governor’s office) buildings were built on the palace site. Nowadays, the only structures that remain are the Dongheon main office (built in 1638) and Ibangcheong administration office (built in 1654). The palace and its subsidiary buildings were restored in 1977.

The Amethyst Cavern Park is the largest man-made cave tourist attraction in Korea. It is made inside a closed amethyst mine. Connected like a labyrinth, the cave is 2.5 kilometers long and about 16,529 square meters wide. The average temperature is between 12 and 14 degrees Celsius year round. Visitors can observe amethyst stones, see exhibitions, and attend a circus performance full of thrills. Outside the cave, visitors can enjoy a snow sleigh during winter, play facilities, ceramic workshop for youths and children, and hands-on learning experiences using sweet potatoes, peanuts, corn, and herbs.

The Sockcho Lighthouse Observatory provides fantastic views of the nearby Seoraksan Mountains, East Sea and Sokcho area. The most breathtaking views are the ocean vistas.The white lighthouse has a romantic atmosphere to it. Inside the lighthouse, binoculars are available to view distant points of interest. This area is also famous for its sunrises. 

The Hwangi Art Museum was opened to honor the works of the painter, Kim Hwan-Gi. Kim Hwan-Gi (1913-1974) was Korea's top artist of modernism. He began painting abstract paintings in 1930, and in 1950 began using nature as his motivation to portray the emotions of Korea. Kim Hwan-Gi was famous for his unforgettable pieces. He is the role model for many young aspiring artists in Korea. On the first floor of the museum there is an art shop with scarves, ties, and other various products with Kim's designs are available for purchase. Upon entering the exhibits all bags must be checked in at the front desk. As you enter, aside from the paintings and art pieces, the most eye-popping sight is the beautifully decorated windows. You cannot help but marvel at their beauty. For those that are tired and need rest, there is a rest area on the second floor. There is a nice outdoor view from this area. Outside you can go for a walk on the trail. As you walk up the narrowing trail you will see a pond, and at the end of the trail you will enter a wooded area where you can rest.