Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Gilsangsa Temple is located in the Seongbuk-dong neighborhood of northern Seoul. The temple was built on the site of a fancy restaurant called Daewongak. The restaurant owner donated her property to the revered Buddhist monk Venerable Bupjeong (1932-2010), who turned the property into a temple that opened in 1997. Although Gilsangsa has a relatively short history, it is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul so it attracts many local and international visitors alike. The temple also serves as a downtown cultural space by offering a variety of Buddhist programs like temple experience, classes on Buddhist teachings, and templestay. The temple features Gilsang Seonwon (zen center) and the House of Silence, which are special halls dedicated to practicing meditation. While Gilsang Seonwon provides meditation rooms for Buddhists with experience in meditation, the House of Silence is open to the general public at liberty to pursue personal meditation. Gilsangsa also has a branch temple in Paris.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Of the 4 Great Gates (Sukjeongmun, Namdaemun, Dongdaemun, and Seodaemun), established by the Emperor of 1396, Sukjeongmun is called the north gate.Located to the north of Seoul, this gate, with Gyeongbokgung Palace in the center and Changaemun (Jahamun) to the right, make up the wings of the north gate. Due to the possible danger of the area being damaged from all the pedestrians, the Emperor of 1413 planted pine trees and prohibited passing this area. Henceforth, Sukjeongmun became a scenic walkway until the North Korean Communist infiltration of 1968, which prohibited the passing of all civilians.The reopening of Sukjeongmun in April of 2006 has led to the opening of Bukak Mountain in April of 2007 and is in the process of dividing it into 3 courses. Bukak Mountain has been kept well-preserved due to a long period of restriction in this area, and if you climb the mountain, you will be able to see all of Seoul in one breath. 


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Located at the foot of Mt. Halla on Jeju Island, Seongeup Folk Village is a small town that holds a vast amount of culture.Cultural properties in the folk village have been handed down from generation to generation and include treasures such as residential houses, Confucian shrines and schools, ancient government offices, stone statues, large millstones (pulled by horses or ox), fortress ruins, and stone monuments. Among the cultural gems of the folk village are intangible cultural assets such as folk plays, native foods, local folk craftsmanship, and local dialect. Even the trees are an important part of the area’s heritage. Several zelkova and nettle trees that are hundreds of years old stand at the center of the village, preserving the dignified atmosphere of a bygone era.The Seongeup Folk Village shows the unique culture of Jeju Island: the black lava rock walls, the straight but curvy alleys to block the wind, and the stone grandfather statues (Harubang), which have become a prime feature of the landscape. The local black-haired pigs and tongsi (pigsty / restroom) are especially well-known characteristics of Jeju folk culture. The Jeju black pork is said to be very nutritious.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Suwon Hwaseong Museum presents the history and culture of Suwon Hwaseong Fortress, an important Korean cultural assert and UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site. Visitors to the museum will be able to see a systematic information outlined about Joseon Dynasty. Due to the main theme featuring Suwon's Hwaseong that is not only a valuable architectural asset in Korea's history, the museum occupies the size of a small village, housing an extensive items and exhibitions on display. Therefore, effective learning and exploring of Korea's impressive historical heritages is possible by simply being on-site as the venue represents all about Korea back in the 18th century. It includes an entire process of construction and people involved in the project. as well as, captures of scenes from the day 1 of its establishment.    


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Located in Danyang, Danuri Aquarium houses a lot of fish with a wide array of fish species from Korea and overseas countries, consisting of 13,000 fish of 83 species and 2,000 fish of 62 species, respectively. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of fish including Siniperca, a traditional fish from Namhangang River, sweetfish and Korean bitterling, as well as various fish species from other countries all in one spot. Also, the aquarium offers a special sightseeing point, in the form of a fish tank decorated with the theme of Eight Scenic Views of Danyang.* Fish tanks: 82 exhibition tanks, 36 habituating tanks, approx. 854 tons* Display state: 145 species from domestic and overseas countries, 15,000 fish (83 from Korea (approx. 13,000 fish) / 62 from overseas countries (approx. 2,000 fish)


Gyeonggi-do(Pyeongtaek-si) , Pyeongtaek

The Songtan Special Tourist Zone in Pyeongtaek is located near a US military base and consists of shopping malls and entertainment facilities. It is often referred to as “Little Itaewon” because it bears a similarity with Itaewon’s alleys. The districts of Sinjang and Seojeong are part of this tourist zone.The main attraction in the Sinjang district is the shopping mall that was completed in 1998. Visitors can shop and spend their leisure time along the 300-meter-long pedestrian road that starts from the US military base. In Songtan’s Seojeong district, there is a popular cherry blossoms road and a public park where people can relax.There’s a bike path on Buraksan Mountain and a wide variety of delicious food at the Pyeongtaek Jungang International Market. The Korea-US Friendship Culture Festival is held in September and the Moro Culture & Art Festival in October. The tourist zone is conveniently located near Songtan Station (Seoul Subway Line 1).[Songtan Special Tourist Zone]Areas included: Areas around Sinjang 1 (il) to 2 (i), Jisan, Songbuk and Seojeong-dong in Pyeongtaek-si, Gyeonggi-doArea size: 491,316㎡Tourist attractions: Sinjang Shopping Mall, Jungang International Market, Culture Street, Buraksan Mountain, etc. 


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Busan Cinema Center is the venue of the Busan International Film Festival, which is a major world film festival. There are theaters of different sizes in the 3 buildings of the center, named Cine Mountain, BIFF Hill, and Double Cone. The center runs a tour program as well as film-related lectures. Known as the cinema paradise of Korea, the center is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Busan.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

The Yejiwon is located in Seoul Jung-gu Jangchung-dong and has been offering traditional Korean etiquette education programs since its inception on September 16th, 1974. Furthermore, the Yejiwon also serves to introduce the traditional cultures and living cultures of Korean etiquettes to foreigners. Most programs offered are short-term classes, and reservations can be made on the homepage up to 15 days in advance. Reservations are only available for groups of 10 or more and classes are instructed in Korean only, so it may be a good idea to be accompanied by a guide.


Gyeonggi-do(Uijeongbu-si) , Uijeongbu


Gyeonggi-do(Bucheon-si) , Bucheon

Located in Jung-dong, Wonmi-gu, Bucheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Bucheon Park is a new major park in the area. The park was constructed from 1992 and 1993, and was rebuilt in 2000 as an ecological park. The park holds various events throughout the year, and also has an outdoor wedding hall that can be reserved free of charge.