Travel/Culture List

As the largest gateway of the ever popular Jeju Island, Jeju International Airport is one of the busiest airports in Korea. Originally established in 1942 as a military facility, it reopened as an international airport in 1968, and has since served millions of travelers every year. In 2009, the number of passengers on domestic flights to Jeju International Airport reached over 13 million, exceeding that of Gimpo International Airport in Seoul. The airport services domestic flights to 14 major cities in Korea as well as international flights to Japan, China, Taiwan and Guam.

Jeju Soingook Theme Park is Jejudo’s major tourist attraction, covering about 20,000 square meters of land, holding various miniature models of famous architecture from all over the world including Korea’s Bulguksa Temple, Jeju International Airport, Jageumseong Castle, Tower Bridge, Basilique du Sacre-Coeur, Leaning Tower of Pisa, and much more from 30 countries, totaling 100 miniature models. The theme park also provides a traditional cultural experience with Jejudo’s rock culture, folk religion, hands-on programs, an outdoor concert stage, a mini RC car stadium, and dinosaur fossils. Each corner is designed in its own unique fashion. The theme park is a combination of an exhibition hall and a cultural space where visitors can experience a variety of entertainment and culture. What is a Miniature Theme Park? All miniature objects, both human and architecture, have been made to the curate and identical proportions of the original piece and displayed on a wide space, showing the each era’s culture. Jeju’s Soingook Theme Park is a popular tourist attraction both for Koreans and foreigners alike.  

Horse racing has become a unique attraction in Jeju Island, also referred to as the Hawaii of Asia. The Korean Horse Affairs Association dedicated 2 years and 6 months to complete the construction of Jeju Racecourse, which opened on October 28, 1990 and became a popular local attraction since then. It is the only horse race game in the world that uses Jeju Island’s native ponies, Jejuma, as race horses, providing exotic and unique entertainment for the audience. The race takes place at the mid-slope of Hallasan Mountain that offers scenic views of its magnificent mountain slopes in the background. The summer night race with its silver-gray light from the light tower and the nearby artificial waterfall provides a romantic and enthusiastic atmosphere enough to chase away the summer heat. * Establishment Purpose – To protect and breed Jeju Island’s native horses, Jejuma (designated as the Natural Monument No. 347) and in result make a contribution to the local community by promoting Jeju Island tourism and livestock production industry. * Jejuma – Jejuma, name given to the native horses of Jeju Island, is a symbol of Jeju Island. Jejumas are bred in the wild with minimum human contact. They also represent the people of Jeju Island as Jejumas are known for their great adaptive nature and strong perseverance compared to their size. Jejumas are designated as the Natural Monument No. 347 as their number has drastically decreased due to the development of transportation and farming equipments.

The Haegang Ceramics Museum (해강도자미술관) is Korea’s first museum dedicated to ceramics. It displays beautiful ceramic works, the very essence of traditional Korean art, including the celebrated celadon porcelain, as well as punch’ong ware and white porcelain. The main building, which is a combination of Eastern and Western architecture, offers something to see in and of itself. The museum was founded by the late Yu Geun-hyeong (pen name Haegang) and his son Yu Gwang-yeol (pen name Haegang) in the spring of 1990; it fosters the inherited traditions of Korean ceramics culture and strives to develop it further. In addition to exhibiting and preserving traditional ceramics, the museum is engaged in various academic activities, and publishes relevant materials as well. It contributes to cultural preservation and development by educating Korea’s youth and public about ceramics. As of now, it has become an attached gallery to an international university.

First opened on September 30, 2011, the Gunsan Modern History Museum covers the history of Gunsan's transformative role as an international trading port. The museum exhibits past images of Gunsan showing its rise and importance as a West Sea maritime distribution port.  

Located in Jung-gu, Incheon, Jamjindo Island is a small island connected with Yeongjongdo Island. A newly opened road from the mainland to the island makes access to Jamjindo much more convenient. Its sunset views of mud flats dyed fantastic shades of red by the setting sun attract many visitors to take pictures and to dig out clams at low tide. There are also crowds of visitors waiting to take the short (just 5 minute) ferry ride to Muuido Island (famous for connecting to Silmido Island) at the ferry dock in Jamjindo Island. Visitors should check out the schedule of the ferry in advance as the ferry may not run to Muuido Island at low tide. Eurwangni Beach, Hanagae Beach, and Deokgyo Beach are easily accessible to the island.

Established in 2003, Nanoori Hospital specializes in spine and joint treatments. It was designated as a specialized hospital for spinal diseases by the Ministry of Health & Welfare of Korea. Nanoori Hosptial now runs four hospitals in Korea. These are in Seoul, Incheon, Gangseo and Suwon. Nanoori has maximized patient satisfaction by tailoring treatments to the specific needs of the individual.

The ritual grounds of King Taejo and Muhakdaesa and the castle wall built on the outer skirts of Seoul, stretching from the Sajik Tunnel to Jahamun, can still be found on the grounds of Mt. Inwang. Many people enjoy hiking from path that begins at the Sajik Tunnel and leads to the peak of the mountain then walk along the castle wall and finally arrive at Buamdong. The hiking course is also connected to the road situated before Cheongwadae so hikers can walk to historical locations such as Palpan road, Hyoja road, and Gyeongbok Palace. The hiking path located behind Sajik Park leads to Hwanghakjeong, where archers from the Joseon Dynasty once honed their marksmanship. The Hwanghakjeong was originally located in the Gyeongbok Palace but was relocated to the mountain. From the top, a panoramic view of the surrounding area, with the Gyeongbok Palace in the center, spreads as far as Mt. Nak, Mt. Nam, and Mt. Baegaksan.The hiking route along the caste wall is popular for the beautiful scenery hikers enjoy while climbing the mountain. When following the path located inside the caste wall, a set of stone steps will appear after passing Changuimun. After climbing the steps the path branches out to the outer part of the walls. The path stretches for 200m and leads to a set of rocks that were once used for building castles during the regimes of King Taejo, Sejong, and Sukjong. The thick dark-colored moss on the stones is a sign that indicates the long history of Seoul. The path also leads to the Tangchundae Castle. The castle was built with the purpose of reinforcing the capital’s defenses after the Japanese invasion in 1952 and the Manchu war of 1636.Mt. Inwang stands at a x_height of 338.2m and the mountain covers Honghedong, located in Seodaemungu, and Muakdong, Nusangdong, Ogindong, and Buamdong, located in Jongnogu. The unique and colossal rock formations and the view of Seoul and Cheongwadae are only a few of the many charms of Mt. Inwang.

Founded in 1946, Seoul National University is the most reputable university in Korea based on its long academic history and tradition. It was the first national university in Korea established by merging several institutions of higher education around the Seoul area, including Kyongsong University. It has two campuses in Seoul: the main campus at Daehak-dong, Gwanak-gu and the medical campus at Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu. The university comprises 16 colleges and associated graduates schools, and 9 professional schools.