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

The Seoul Arts Center is the representative art complex of Korea. It is comprised of the Opera House, the Concert Hall, the Art Gallery, the Art Morgue, the Calligraphy Hall and the Performance Theater which is exclusively for plays. You can enjoy various performances and exhibitions at this one site.One of the prominent aspects of the Seoul Arts Center is that it was built to the quality of the world's ten best art centers. The Opera House that stands in the middle of the complex, represents the Gat - a traditional Korean hat made of bamboo. You will notice that the roof of the building is the shape of the Gat. Since it is the only place in the world that has a well-preserved collection of written Chinese Characters, the Calligraphy Hall is a nice place for foreigners to visit. You can watch movies and videos at the Art Morgue.The plot of this complex is approximately 276,800 square yards. Even if you do not enter the buildings of the complex, you will be surprised at the facilities. The outdoor space is fit for the citizens of Seoul and tourists to rest and relax. Behind the complex you will see the mountains. Follow the trail up the mountains and you will reach Daesungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple in the mountains.The Seoul Arts Center is famous for its free, relaxing outdoor space. At the 'Jangteo' (meaning 'market') there are many events and shows. There is an outdoor theater, which has a half-moon shaped stage along with a square where many performances are held. You can also rest by Umyeonji, the Korean-style pond. You can find further information about the Seoul Art Center, the programs and events held there, on its online English homepage.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Discover the Incheon Art Platform: A Hub of Ever-Evolving Art and Culture Introduction to Incheon Art Platform When planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, a must-visit destination is the Incheon Art Platform. Opened in September 2009, this vibrant cultural and artistic space was created as part of Incheon’s old downtown regeneration project. It offers a unique blend of history and modern creativity, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. A Historical and Modern Fusion Incheon Art Platform is situated in Haean-dong, an area known for its well-preserved architectural heritage. The complex comprises 13 buildings that were originally constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. These buildings have been thoughtfully remodeled to retain their historical charm while being repurposed into studios, galleries, performance halls, and other cultural facilities. This transformation has created a space where the past and present coexist harmoniously, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience. Facilities and Attractions The Incheon Art Platform is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a comprehensive cultural ecosystem designed to support and promote the arts. The facilities include: - Building A (Training Center): Home to the Incheon Foundation for Arts & Culture Life Culture Center. - Building B (Exhibition Hall): Features an exhibition hall and storage rooms. - Building C (Performance Hall): Equipped with a performance hall, practice rooms, and waiting areas. - Building D (Archive): Contains material rooms, a media lab, and spaces for facility management and policy research. - Buildings E1-E3 (Studios): Provide 22 studios, resting rooms, media labs, and workspaces for artists. - Building F (Guesthouse): Offers guestrooms, a laundry room, and rest areas. - Building G1 (Small Gallery): Used for exhibitions. - Building G2 (Platform Lounge): A research and meeting area for registered workers and a participation area for citizens. - Building G3 (IAP Promotional Hall) - Building H (Community Hall): Includes a café, community hall, and life culture center. Cultural Activities The platform hosts a variety of activities that cater to both artists and the public. It operates artist residency programs, and organizes exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that encourage community participation. This makes the Incheon Art Platform not only a place for artistic creation but also a space for cultural exchange and community engagement. Nearby Attractions In addition to the art platform, the surrounding area offers several other attractions: - Incheon Chinatown: A vibrant area where you can explore unique architecture and enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine. - Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village: A whimsical village decorated with fairy tale-themed murals and sculptures, perfect for families and children. - Wolmido Island: Known for its amusement park, scenic views, and seafood restaurants, it’s a great place to relax and have fun.  Visitor Information - Address: 11-5 Haean-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon - Hours: 09:00 - 21:30 - Admission: Free (Some special programs and performances may have fees) - Parking: Not available - Directions: From Incheon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 1. Take Bus 15 or 28 and get off at Jung-gu Office. The Incheon Art Platform is a dynamic space where historical architecture meets contemporary art, offering a rich and engaging experience for all visitors. Whether you are an art lover or simply looking to explore Incheon’s cultural heritage, this platform is an essential stop on your itinerary.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon Dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics. The passage behind the Statue of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Square is home to The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall, which describes some of the king’s most astounding contributions to the development of Korea as a nation.The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall comprises of 9 different sections with a total area of 3,200㎡. Throughout the museum are a variety of displays detailing Sejong’s invention of Hangeul, and his scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions (including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics).*General InformationFor the convenience and entertainment of visitors, the museum also has a special exhibition room, the King Sejong Multimedia Room, books, a souvenir shop, and a lounge.The Exhibition Hall’s relatively new ‘Cia-Cia Hangeul Story Hall’ (opened in Feb. 12, 2010) gives visitors an even better chance to see the far-reaching effects of Sejong’s efforts. The Cia-Cia tribe in Indonesia, in lieu of having its own writing system, adopted Hangeul as their official written language.The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall is linked to the KT building on the left and the Sejong Center for Performing Arts on the right through an easily-accessible underground passageway.The museum is open every day (except Mondays) from 10:30am to 10:30pm. 


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)

Gwangnaru Safety Experience Center was founded with the goal of preventing tragedies and saving the lives of children and youth. Because of fire accidents like "Sirent" in 1999, which occurred in Hwasong city in Gyungi-do, and another fire accident in the bar of Enhyon-dong located in Inchon Gwangyuok city where a lot of children and youth lost their lives, the necessity of establishing a disaster training center for common citizens was urgently felt. To teach people how to remain safe during disasters the Seoul Citizen Training Center was created. Gwangnaru Safety Experience Center is a three-story building of more than 5000 m². The basement floor includes a small theater. The first floor is set up for natural disaster training and consists of an orientation hall, storm simulation training room, earthquake simulation room, computer tests on fire safety knowledge and others. The second floor is a place for artificial catastrophe training. It consists of a smoke escape training room, fire extinguisher training room, first-aid (CPR) training room and practicing place for calling 119 (The emergency number in Korea). The third floor is used for people rescue training and consists of a rescue training room, screening room, training for professionals and video examples of five biggest disasters that have occurred in Seoul. Overall there are about 20 training corners established, so citizens can experience the imitation of a disaster by themselves and learn easily and in an interesting way to cope with a disaster. We believe that if children, youth and common citizens listen to fire fighters and personally experience training, it will help to learn the correct way to face dangerous situation and deal with a disaster.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

The fields in Suncheonman Bay is thickly covered with reeds taller than a full-grown man. It is the biggest colony of reeds in Korea. The image of the entire field swaying in the wind is as dazzling as waves on the sea.The field of reeds is home to many plants that thrive in damp conditions, like the common reed and the starwort. Among the world’s wetlands, Suncheonman Bay is widely known for attracting the largest number of rare birds. Internationally rare birds such as the hooded crane, white-naped crane, white stork, black-faced spoonbill, Eurasian Oystercatcher, as well as birds designated as natural treasures, can be spotted here. There are about 140 species of birds including the snipe, wild duck, shelduck, and wild goose in total. In order to get to Suncheon, visitors can either fly to Yeosu Airport from Gimpo or Jeju, and then take an airport bus to Suncheon.For more information, visit the Suncheonman Bay website at www.suncheonbay.go.kr


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Past names of Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine included Yongdubong (Dragon Head Peak) and Jamdubong (Silkworm Head Peak), but was renamed in 2000.Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine is the site of the Byeonin Persecution of 1866, where many Roman Catholics were brutally murdered.This site was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Byeonin Persecution and to remember the spirit of martyrdom at Jeoldusan.The Martyrs’ Museum and Martyrs’ Memorial were built in 1967, and in 1972 Martyrs’ Park was opened to the public. Pope John Paul Ⅱ visited in the site in 1984 and Mother Teresa visited in 1985.


Busan(Jung-gu)

Busan Trick Eye Museum is the only 3D art experience hall in Busan where visitors can directly experience famous paintings through not only sight but also by touching and taking photos inside the paintings. Opened in 2013, the museum has rised into a must-visit place of Busan, welcoming over 200,000 tourists. Since its opening, the museum has make efforts to continually increase their attractive appeal by installing new artworks.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

The old building of the Seoul train station was designed by Tsukamoto Yasushi, a professor of Tokyo University. Construction of the station started in June, 1922 and was completed in September, 1925. Due to its unique domed roof and large size, the station attracted much attention in its early years.After Korea regained its independence from under Japanese colonial rule, the station’s name was changed from ‘Gyeongseong Station’ to ‘Seoul Station’. During the Korean War, the station was partially destroyed but later restored. After Korea began industrializing after the war, the South annex and West annex were constructed to handle the increasing transportation volume.In 2004 when the privately-funded new station was constructed, the old station closed down, but after reconstruction in 2011 opened as a multicultural space called ‘Culture Station Seoul 284’. The main section (Jungang Hall) is for performances, exhibitions, events, and cafés, while the 2nd floor houses a hall that serves as a venue for cultural performances, exhibitions, academic seminars, business meetings, and more.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Ichon Hangang Park is located on the northern side of the river between Jungrangcheon Bridge and Wonhyo Bridge. Along the riverside grow beautiful flowers and plants such as reed, eulalia and cosmos by season making the riverside path a popular course for a walk and family outing.Within the part, there are Teen Square, X-Game center, In-line skating rink, basketball court, tennis court, and gate ball field. Plus, the part also has , a rafting program where you may cross the river in a rubber boat navigating your way from one side of the river to the other. The program is popular as a teamwork training center for school students and office workers.Your joyful experience in the park doesn’t end here - there are more things to see and enjoy including a nature experience center, water sports, Cha Beom-Geun football class, and Nodleseom Island. 


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Jeondong Catholic Church in Jeonju (Historic Site No. 288) was built in honor of Roman Catholic martyrs of the Joseon Dynasty on the very same spot the martyrs lost their lives. The land was purchased by French Priest Baudenet in 1891 (28th year of King Gojong), but construction of the church did not begin until 1908. The church was designed by Priest Poinel, who also designed the famous Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. Construction was completed in 1914, a time during which Korea was under Japanese rule. Though originally built just outside of Pungnammun Gate, the site of the martyrs, the church was later moved to its current location for expansion.The first Romanesque building in the Honam region, the Jeondong Catholic Church is made of gray and red bricks and bears a striking resemblance to the Myeongdong Cathedral in Seoul. Not only considered one of the most beautiful Catholic churches in Korea, some even go so far as to say it is one of the most beautiful structures in all of Korea, citing the church’s unique combination of Byzantine and Romanesque architectural styles. The rectangular building is topped with three Byzantine bell towers (to the right, center, and left) and boasts arched ceilings, several of which meet in the form of a cross.It is interesting to note that some of the bricks used in construction of the church were made using materials from the Jeonjueupseong Fortress, which was torn down by the Japanese. It is also said that the cornerstone of the church came from a wall of Jeonjueupseong Fortress near Pungnammun Gate.