Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

The Goethe-Institute operates in all corners of the world as a cultural extension of Germany. The institute promotes the German language and facilitates international cultural exchanges abroad by providing information on the country’s culture, society and politics.With an extensive network around the globe that consists of Goethe-Institutes, Goethe-Centers, cultural organizations and information centers, language examination centers, and language learning centers, it is able to carry out tasks centered on foreign culture and educational policies. The institute also engages in activities as a partner to Germany’s private and public cultural organizations, federal government, and local communities.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Wolhwawon Garden at the west point of Hyowon Park, located in Paldang-gu of Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, is known for unqiue style resembling Chinese elements. With a concept heavily influenced from ancient Guangdong Province of China, visitors can easily experience a Chinese culture from this grandeur establishement without having to travel far. The story of how the Chinese garden came to the Korean soil begun with a special memorandom of agreement (MOU) made between the provicial governments of Gyeonggi-do (Korea) and that of Guangdong (China) in October 2003. In appreciation of each other's cultural heritages and the friendship, both parties agreed to build traditional gardens of the counterpart, in each city. Following the agreement was the construction of Wolhwawon on June 15, 2005 and thereafter the opening to the public as of April 17, 2006. In a detailed note, this replica is similar to those largely found from Yeongnam region of China. The grand site not only inspires visitors to this garden, but also offers enjoyable views of the man-made mountain and lake located outside, visible through the building's windows. The artificial fountain in particular, was built with a pavilion modeled after a ship. Following the traditional architectural style of buildings in Guangdong province, Chinese poems and words are also found in multiple places written in white, over blue bricks and wood. Roofs were made of bricks, wood and lime combined.   About 80 Chinese laborers came to Korea in June 2005 to build this garden of 6,026㎡ (1,820 pyeong), costing about 3.4 billion won in completion, and the incurred fee was beared by the Guangdong province. Consequently, based on the MOU, Gyeonggi-do on the other hand constructed a 'Gyeonggi Garden' in Yuexiu Park in Guangzhou province, China, which became open to the public in December 2005. The garden was remodeled after Soswaewon Garden, a traditional Korean garden currently located in Damyang-gun, Jeollanam-do.  


Seoul(Seocho-gu)

The Banpo Seoraeseom Island is an artificial island built in the mid-1980s. Located in Banpo-jigu District by the Hangang riverside, the island is connected to Hangang Banpo Park by three bridges. The island features weeping willows along the edges, as well as a migratory bird habitat, flower garden, water ski site, and more.


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Established in 1974, the Great Mountains Sky Ranch has a 40-year-old history with a huge ranch of 900 million (=three times the size of Yeouido in Seoul). Currently, about 400 Holstein cows are breeded along with a hundred of hanu (Korean Cow) in a environmentally friendly way. The ranch boasts itself in producing first-class 1,400 tons of crude oil  per year as well as top quality hanu. The environment is well preserved and most of areas are remained intact from human touch that can bring your best nature ranch experience.


Seoul(Eunpyeong-gu)

Jingwansa Temple, located to the west of Seoul, is one of the four major temples around Seoul along with Bulamsa, Sammaksa, and Seunggasa temple located to the east, south and north respectively. The temple was dedicated to Preceptor Jingwan in 1010 BC by King Hyeonjong, the 8th king of the Goryeo Dynasty.During the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong built a library in Jingwansa for Confucian scholars to visit and read. The temple was reduced to ashes during the Korean War, but since Preceptor Jingwan lead as head priest in 1963, the temple buildings have been restored and renewed over the past 30 years to the present day condition.The temple consists of Daeungjeon (Hall of Sakyamuni), Myeongbujeon (Hall of Judgment), Nahanjeon, Chilseonggak, Nagawon, Hongjeru, Dongjeonggak, Dongbyeoldang, Yosache and others. Daeungjeon, the centerpiece of the temple, enshrines the god Sakyamuni (the main statue of Buddha) along with Mireukbosal and Jehwagalhwabosal on each side. Myeongbujeon is dedicated to Jijangbosal, Domyeongjonja, mudokgwiwang and Sipdae daewang while at Nahanjeon, the gods of Sakyamuni, Mireukbosal, Jehwagalla bosal, and Simnyungnahansang are enshrined.The temple is not only neighbor to the beautiful surrounding of Bukhansan National Park, but also contains an impressive collection of cultural and historical properties. It also provides a quiet place for urbanites to enjoy all the while sharing the teachings of Buddha.


Gyeonggi-do(Seongnam-si) , Bundang

Jeongja-dong Café Street is a popular place in Bundang. Because its chic atmosphere resembles Cheongdam-dong in Seoul, it is also called Cheongja-dong.The street, starting from Neulpureun High School to Geumgok-dong, is lined with charming cafes with lovely terraces. The wide array of cafes along the street boasts delicious food as well as chic atmosphere. Reminiscent of street cafes in Europe, Jeongja-dong Café Street has become a popular attraction among visitors who enjoy reading or promenading. It is also a fabulous spot for couples. 


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

Happy Day is a sports club and jjimjilbang complex located in Seoul Gwangjin-gu Jayang-dong, presenting a fitness club, golf facilities, a sauna, and jjimjilbang. A special feature of is its hotel-grade facilities with waters provided by a sulfur hot spring containing geranium and alkali. The grand facility’s main charcoal sauna sits on the 1st floor basement with separate men’s and women’s saunas on the 2nd and 3rd floors respectively, an exclusive women’s jjimjilbang on the 4th floor, and an outdoor aqua therapy facility situated on the 7th floor roof. The women-only jjimjilbang boasts a pinewood sweating room and ice room, along with an all-natural aqua therapy pool on the 7th floor. Aside from these facilities, Happy Day also offers rock-climbing health equipment at its fitness club as well.


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Located in Gangneung, Gangwon-do, Jeongdongjin is a picturesque area with a quaint, little railway station standing alongside the sandy beach. Although long since a favorite spot among the locals, the area gained widespread popularity after being chosen as the filming location for the popular soap opera Moraeshigae (Hourglass) and has since become a favorite haunt for drama lovers on the weekends.The combination of the area’s railroad station, beach, and groves of pine trees, makes Jeongdongjin a very peaceful and romantic mini getaway. The highlight of the Jeongdongjin tour, however, is the sunrise. The early morning sun reaching out over the ocean and outlining the dewy silhouettes of the station and surrounding pines is a sight that is straight out of a fairy tale. During the New Year, Jeongdongjin Sunrise Park is the location of the Sunrise Festival and the ceremonial ‘turning of the hourglass,’ signifying the changing year. 


Daejeon(Daedeok-gu)

The Gyejoksan Mountain Red Clay Trail is an eco-healing walking trail which can be found on the nation’s first mountain with a barefoot walking theme, Mount Gyejok. In 2008, it was considered as one of the ‘33 travel destinations to go back to’ by travel journalists. About 500 children from 100 different countries who took part in the United Nations Children's Conference on the Environment, and Republic of Seychelles President James Michel have also gone barefoot walking on Mount Gyejok. Visitors can walk on red clay and breathe in the fresh aroma of pine trees while enjoying a view of downtown Daejeon from Gyejoksanseong Fortress, which was built during the time of the Three Kingdoms. The trail helps restore the health of the body and soul and gives visitors a therapeutic and unique experience. This 14-kilometer long trail is situated at an altitude between 200 meters and 300 meters above sea level. In autumn, the mountain is bustling with bikers who come to enjoy the splendid landscape of Mount Gyejok. Every year the Eco-Healing Sunyang Masai Marathon, which requires participants to forgo shoes and traverse soft red clay trail, is held at Mount Gyejoksan in Daejeon, drawing a total of 5,000 participants including 600 foreigners from 40 countries. The marathon has established itself as a major festival of Daejeon and is held every year in May.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

With over 600 years of history, Yoo’s Family is situated inside Bukchon Hanok Village, between Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, and Jongmyo. The region resonates with a traditional atmosphere as the cozy venue sits nestled amongst traditional Korean houses and in the middle of Seoul's two main palaces.Yoo’s Family is a Hanok family managed by Yoos, offering traditional culture experiences for foreigners interested in Korean living cultures and traditions. Most classes are short-term courses and reservations can be made up to one day in advance. Reservations are only available for groups of 2 or more. For groups of 10 or more, you may even customize a timing to hold the classes. Translation in English and Japanese are available for all courses as well.