Daegu(Dong-gu)

Donghwasa Temple (동화사) is located on the south side of Palgongsan Mountain, about 22km northeast of Daegu. It was built by Monk Geukdal in the 15th year of King Soji’s reign (reign 493, 21st king during the Silla period). The original name of the temple was Yugasa, but Simjiwangsa rebuilt the temple under King Heungdeok (reign 826~836) and named it Donghwasa, which means even during the winter season, the paulownia tree still blooms. The present temple was last rebuilt in 1732.When you turn the corner, the first thing that catches your eye is the Seolbeopjeon Building. To the left of Seolbeopjeon is Daeungjeon, the main temple, and to the right of the building leads to the Geumgang Stairs. If you turn left in the direction of Daeungjeon you will see Bongseoru, aptly named to signify a Bonghwang (phoenix) with its tail pointed downward. Past Bongseoru are stairs that are typical of the ones leading into Daeungjeon, called "Nugak Stairs". On either side of the stairs are railings in the shape of a dragon, and in the middle of the stairs, there is a round stone marble that resembles a Yeouiju (or a dragon orb), a ball often associated with dragons.Donghwasa’s Daeungjeon is segmented into 3 sections at the front and side, and its natural looking pillars are one of its main attractions. It includes the statues of Seokgamonibul, Amitabul, and Yaksayeoraebul inside. If you walk down the stone stairs beside Bongseoru and walk along the cement road for a while, you will find the huge Seokjoyaksa Yeoraebul. Created as a prayer for reunification, this large Buddha statue is 17m high. The stone tower, stone light, lion statue, and the lotus flower that decorate the Buddha statue are all very large in size. Behind the statue are also stones arranged in a circular form, resembling a beautiful scroll painting. These are world-class size stone artifacts.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

The COEX Aquarium is spread out over a large area and showcases no less than 40,000 sea creatures, which come from 600 different species. The aquarium is unique in Korea because it has been designed around the theme of “Water Journey”. On entering the museum, visitors will embark on an adventure that follows water on its journey from the high Andean mountains, through the Amazon tropical rainforest to swamps, rivers, seashores, and finally to the depths of the ocean. Visitors will get an in-depth look into some of the world’s fascinating underwater creatures. 


Jeollabuk-do(Jinan-gun)

Mt. Maisan Provincial Park is located in Jinan-gun, Jeollabuk-do. During the Silla Kingdom, it was called Seodasan, during the Goryo Dynasty, Yongchulsan, and finally named Maisan during the Joseon Dynasty. Maisan is referred to by different names depending on the season. In the spring, it is called Dotdaebong, in the summer, Yonggakbong, in the fall, Maibong, and in the winter, Munpilbong.There is a myth that has been passed down through the generations regarding Mt. Maisan. It tells of two gods that came down from the sky, had a child and lived on earth for a while. As they were going back up to the sky, a village woman saw them ascending, and were trapped on earth and were transformed in to a rock mountain. Even today, you can see the father peak and the child peak, and the mother peak on the other side. The pagodas atop Mt. Maisan were built from native rocks and the top of these towers look as sharp as nails. On the south side of the mountain, it is said that there were over 120 of these pagodas, but only about 80 exist today. There is also something very mysterious about these pagodas. No matter how bad the weather, even during storms, they somehow do not sway or fall. Another interesting thing about Mt. Maisan are the icicles. If you put water into a bowl during the winter, the water freezes into a pole reaching for the sky. No one knows why or how this happens, but it makes Maisan just that much more mysterious and interesting to visit. 


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

The Spa in Garden 5 is located on the 10th floor of Garden 5, a large shopping mall in Seoul's Munjeong-dong district. The spa features both baths and sauna rooms. The shower area also has divided stalls for more privacy. Sauna rooms range from a cypress room, helpful in the treatment of atopy, to a chimney steam room, using pine trees from Yangpyeong. Additional amenities include a snack bar, large-screen tv, and recliners.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Youngpoong Bookstore is a bookstore that also sells gifts, small electronics, stationery and much more. It also hosts various recitals, book signings, and literary programs. The Jongno branch of Youngpoong is the nation’s largest bookstore, boasting a total area of over 10,600 meters square.The basement level of the store houses over 350,000 Korean and international books and there is also a customer service center and electronic search program where shoppers can find information on books.On the B2 floor is the “Stylish Gift Mall,” which houses various stationery items, gifts, accessories, and brand shops like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung Digital.There is also a CD section, healthcare section, diaries, home-décor items, luxury fountain pens, Hello Kitty section, café, eateries, and much more.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Located in Cheongdam-dong, Gangnam-gu, Seoul-si, the Figurine Museum W is a new concept museum that combines figurines, toys, and a theme park all in one. The museum showcases unique figurines for all types of visitors, including children, youth, and adults in order to help visitors enjoy and experience a fresh culture and discover a tasteful hobby. Its aim is to establish a cultural tourism landmark for locals and visitors.Comprised of six themes, the exhibition hall includes a site for entertainment, a grand hall with a coffee shop, a "mania shop" available for shopping for figurines, and other facilities that allow visitors to experience various displays and activities.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

Gwangju Art Street is aimed at developing Gwangju’s traditional art scene through exhibition of local work. The street is 300m long and located behind Jungang Elementary School, nearby Gwangju Dongbu Police Station. Items commonly found here include Korean fine art such as paintings, ceramics, writings, and industrial art.Every Saturday, an art flea market famous for its unique pieces is held here. People from all over the nation gather to display items that include old calligraphy materials, collector coins, stone hairbrushes, Chinaware, wooden sculptures, folk drawings, classic books, ink, and incense burners. Part of the attraction is the stories the collectors share with each part of their collection. Enjoy the many shows and exhibitions that draw regular crowds to this famous road.The Mudeung art exhibit operates according to districts, and functions as a cultural festival as well. The outdoor exhibition was built in February 1995, and is open throughout the day. The large exhibition space has 32 booths and regularly holds special exhibits. Many regional cultural treasures are also on display here. Every Saturday, the Street of Fine Arts is blocked from traffic, and people gather to share and enjoy art culture. Gwangju Summer Universiade will be held this summer, 2015


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Kyobo Bookstore is Korea's largest chain of bookstores. Approximately 2.3 million books are categorized electronically so you can easily find whatever selection you are looking for. It is always crowded with people, especially on weekends with readers both young and old enjoying a good book. Kyobo also hosts a variety of events, including a book of the month event where authors come and meet with readers to discuss their work. There's also a character shop, a stationery store and a music store where you can listen to your favorite album. The foreign book corner is popular among foreigners because there are numerous books written in various languages. Those unable to find specific titles can order them for delivery at the counter. [ Branches in Seoul ] Jongno There are many streets around Kyobo Bookstore famous for delicious food. If it's traditional spirits and tasty side dishes you're after then head straight to Pimatgol. There are many different dishes to enjoy in a comfortable atmosphere. The Chungjin-dong haejang-guk (broth to relieve hangover) street and the Mukyo-dong octopus restaurants nearby are also very famous. Gangnam Carrying numerous national and international bestsellers and just about every other book imaginable, Gangnam's Kyobo Bookstore is a popular meeting point for people of all ages. It was also the filming location for the drama, "Yeongae Sidae (Alone In Love)."    


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Gangnam・Samseongdong(COEX)

Opened in 2004, Baekam Art Hall has 420 seats. Featuring an adaptable stage, it can host various types of performances, including plays, musicals, concerts and dances. Since it is located in Samseong-dong, an area frequented by young people, many performances targeting those in their 20s and 30s are staged there. In addition to the performance hall, it has a luxurious gallery cafeteria decorated in wood. 


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Horim Art Center is located in Sinsa-dong, Gangnam-gu. The Horim Museum at the art center is a branch of the Sungbo Cultural Foundation's Horim Museum. This museum has exhibition halls on the second through fourth floor, a museum shop, and a lounge. The building, themed to look like comb-patterned ceramics, is a piece of artwork in itself.