Travel/Culture List

[1883 Incheon Global Stamp Tour – Important Notice] Hello, Stamp Tour explorers! We’d like to let you know about the Incheon International Airport Tourist Information Centers, which are only open during the specified time periods below. Please review this information before joining the Stamp Tour so that you can collect your stamps smoothly without any inconvenience. • Incheon International Airport Tourist Information Center (East Side): Operates only from January to April 2025 • Incheon International Airport Tourist Information Center (West Side): Operates only from May to August 2025 • Incheon International Airport Terminal 2 Tourist Information Center: Operates only from September to December 2025 Thank you for your cooperation. We hope you have a wonderful time exploring Incheon! Explore Incheon with Ease and Convenience: Visit the Incheon Tourist Information Centers! If you're planning a trip to Incheon, one of the best ways to make your visit smooth and enjoyable is by utilizing the Incheon Tourist Information Centers. Incheon city operates a total of 10 tourist information centers strategically located across the city to cater to the needs of travelers. These centers offer a wide range of services and materials to help you navigate the city and make the most of your visit. You can find travel guides and brochures in multiple languages, including English, Korean, Chinese, and Japanese, ensuring that language barriers are minimized. The tourist information center at Incheon International Airport is particularly convenient for travelers, as it is open year-round, from 7 AM to 10 PM. This means you can get the help you need as soon as you land or just before you depart. The other tourist information centers in Incheon generally operate from 9 AM to 6 PM, except on major Korean holidays such as Seollal (Lunar New Year) and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving), ensuring that you have access to assistance during most of the year. At each of these centers, friendly and knowledgeable staff are ready to provide detailed explanations about the best attractions, dining options, and activities suited to your interests. They can help you plan your itinerary, find transportation, and even recommend hidden gems that you might not find in typical travel guides. Visiting the Incheon Tourist Information Centers can significantly enhance your travel experience by providing you with the latest updates on must-see spots and essential services. Whether you're looking for cultural experiences, historical sites, shopping destinations, or dining recommendations, these centers are your go-to resource. So, when you visit Incheon, don't forget to stop by one of the Incheon Tourist Information Centers. Not only will you get valuable information and services, but you'll also ensure a more convenient and enjoyable trip. With their help, navigating Incheon becomes a breeze, allowing you to focus on creating memorable experiences in this vibrant city. Make your Incheon adventure hassle-free by taking advantage of the resources and expertise offered at the Incheon Tourist Information Centers. Your journey to discovering all that Incheon has to offer starts here!

Myogaksa Temple is located on the east side of Mt. Naksan in Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. First established by Monk Taeheo Hongseon in May of 1930, it has since expanded and underwent two renovations. The temple’s location was selected based on the principles of Feng Shui, which dictated that a temple built in its location would bring peace and comfort to Seoul’s residents. The Myogaksa Temple complex on Mt. Naksan accommodates a Deabul (Grand Buddha) Shrine, a Wontong Buddhist shrine, a Nakga preaching hall, Seokgulam Grotto, Sanshingak (Mountain Spirit Pavilion), and the Mae Buddha Statue. Deabul and Wontong shrines are two of the finest Buddhist architectural masterpieces. The Buddha statue, located inside the Seokgulam Grotto, was built around the ninth or early tenth century and has been designated a national cultural treasure. The Mae Buddha Statue, also located in this temple, was carved out of the rocky cliffs of Mt. Naksan and has been designated a cultural asset of the City of Seoul.Since the 2002 FIFA World Cup when Myogaksa began operating its temple stay program, the temple has become a wonderful place where locals and tourists can escape the daily hustle-and-bustle of Seoul to experience the serenity of Buddhism. 

Deokjinjin was the key strategic point of the outer castle wall used for defending the Ganghwa Straits during the Goryeo Dynasty (918-1392). It was originally a military camp commanded by an official with the rank of Cheomsa under the command of the Korean naval base. In 1677, an official with the rank of Manho was assigned to this camp along with 26 military officials, 100 soldiers, 2 battle ships, and other military equipment. In 1679, the Namjangpodae and Deokjinpodae batteries were stationed here. Deokjinjin Camp was the scene of fierce battles that took place during Byeonginyangyo (the French invasion in 1866) and Shinmiyangyo (the American invasion in 1871). The battlements and gatehouse of Deokjinjin that had all been destroyed during Sinmiyangyo were restored in 1977. At the Namjangpodae Battery, cannons used by the Joseon military have been reproduced and installed for display.

Sangdangsanseong Fortress (상당산성) in Cheongju, Chungcheongbuk-do is a fortress built along the natural slopes close to downtown Cheongju. It was comprehensively improved in 1596 (29th year of King Seonjo’s reign) during Imjinwaeran (Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592) and later remodeled into a stone fortress during the 42nd year of King Sukjong’s reign.This 4.2km-long, 3-4m-tall fortress was built with stones of various sizes, earth and sand. The fortress has three gates, located in the east, west and south respectively. The three gates remain almost intact, and all still have their gate towers. The front gate in the south, named ‘Gongnammun Gate,’ is crescent-shaped while the East and West gates are square. The East and West Command Posts also stand within the confines of the fortress itself. This fortress was designated as Historic Site No. 212 in 1970. Additionally, visitors can sample Jujube Wine (Korean traditional wine) as well as a variety of local cuisine.

The Elysian Gangchon Ski Resort, with its multitude of ski slopes, is a great destination for skiers of all abilities. The resort is located within a beautiful valley, and skiers can enjoy a panoramic view of the natural scenery while gliding down the slopes. Whether you choose to go down the beginner, intermediate, or advanced slopes, everyone can enjoy a 1 km-long run. Intermediate and beginner skiers can reach the mountain peak rest area on the B lift. A separate beginner’s slope is also available to be used as a practice slope.

Museum of Art, Seoul National University was established as an independent institution in 1995 after several years of development under the Department of Modern Art at Seoul National University Museum. It is the first university art museum in Korea dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary art. Designed by the world-renowned architect Rem Koolhass, the museum was constructed and donated by the Samsung Group. It has evolved into a cultural complex equipped with exhibition halls, auditorium, classrooms, and other educational facilities. The museum places special emphasis on educational programs that are open not just to the university's students and faculty, but also to the local community. In addition to modern and contemporary artworks, the museum brings together and exhibits diverse forms of art and culture such as architecture, music, literature, film, and theater.

The Cheonggyecheon Museum officially opened on September 26, 2005. The museum’s long, glass exterior represents the flowing waters of Cheonggyecheon Stream, which run through the heart of Seoul. The museum has a permanent exhibition hall, special exhibition hall, educational hall, and an auditorium.The permanent exhibition hall contains visual representations of Seoul before and after the transition of Cheonggyecheon Stream. The special exhibition hall holds exhibitions on diverse themes not only related to Cheonggyecheon Stream, but also to the diverse cultural aspects of the city and the nation. In addition, the museum offers a variety of cultural performances and hands-on learning programs for children. 

Aram Nuri means "a grand and beautiful world" in Korean. Built with a vision to accomplish Renaissance in culture and art, Goyang Aram Nuri Arts Center houses four theaters, an art gallery and several other facilities. The Aram Opera House is a four-story, horseshoe-shaped auditorium that holds 1,887 seats. Aram Concert Hall a rectangular hall that holds 1,449 seats. Saerasae Digital Theater is an experimental theater that allows free arrangement of 16 section floor panels that hold up to 300 seats. Norumok Outdoor Theater is an outdoor arena that can hold about 1,000 seats. Aram Art Gallery is an exhibition site with movable partitions. Aram Library manages special data and provides information on arts and culture. Aram Village, located at the entrance of the center, houses family restaurants and cafes. Aram Sun Plaza, home to four streets named Light, Water, Earth and Wind, is open to the general public.

The tomb of General Kim Yusin (595-673) is Historic Site No. 21. It is located in a scenic area thick with pine trees, on the eastern hill of Songhwasan Mountain.Known as the Hero of the Silla Kingdom, General Kim Yusin was the great grandson of King Guhae, the last king of the Geumgwan Gaya Dynasty, and the son of Seo Hyeon, a great general of the Silla Kingdom. Yusin joined the Hwarang (aristocratic youth military corps) at 15 and began dreaming of ways to unify the peninsula’s three kingdoms.Kim Yusin gained his political foothold by establishing a strong relationship with nobleman Kim Chunchu and made a name for himself through his valor on the battlefield.When Kim Chunchu eventually succeeded to the throne as the 29th king of the Silla Kingdom (changing his name to King Muyeol), Kim Yusin rose through the ranks and was eventually promoted to the extraordinarily high-ranking position of Sangdaedeung in the year 660 (7th year of King Muyeol’s reign). Kim Yusin then went on to defeat the Baekje Kingdom in cooperation with the Tang Dynasty, also later conquering the Goguryeo Kingdom in the year 668.The Tang Dynasty turned against Silla after the collapse of Goguryeo, but was defeated by Kim Yusin’s army in cooperation with the armies of Goguryeo and Baekje. With the fall of the Tang, Kim Yusin finally realized his dream of unifying the three kingdoms and was appointed the highest government post in Silla in honor of his heroic achievement.The tomb of General Kim Yusin is a large tomb measuring roughly 30m in diameter. The relief carvings of 12 Oriental zodiac gods (half man, half animal) stand guard around the tomb, brandishing weapons. The elaborately decorated tomb is second in grandeur only to those of royalty, further underscoring Yusin’s major contribution in unifying the three kingdoms.The path to this tomb is also a sight not to be missed. The street leading up to the tomb is called Heungmu-ro, and has been selected as one of the 100 Most Beautiful Streets in Korea. The street is full of cherry blossoms in spring and is famous for being a great place to take a walk or go for a drive.

Kim Soon Ja is the first Kimchi Master in Korea who has devoted 30 years of her life to developing and promoting Kimchi, Korea’s most famous delicacy. Kim Soon Ja, Kimchi Master’s Kimchi Theme Park share the time-honored secrets about this essential and quintessential Korean food and offers an opportunity to learn about the history, origin and the excellence of Kimchi. The hands-on program is open to both locals and foreigners alike and after the program, a simple meal that includes rice balls, makgeolli (rice wine) and of course, the master’s Kimchi will be served. Located at the Hanok Village in Bucheon Gongbang-geori (arts craft streets), the theme park also offers an opportunity to enjoy the genuine beauty of Korea through a variety of activities such as exploring the Hanok (a traditional Korean house), wearing the Hanbok (Korean traditional costume), meeting an archery master and a metal craft master. The beautiful nature surrounding the Hanok village offers a great backdrop for those travel photos as well.