Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang (Traditional Theater), located in Namsangol Hanok Village, is a performance hall dedicated to Gugak Performance. The 330-seat hall’s acoustics, lighting, and stage facilities are all specifically designed to enhance the sound and experience of Gugak. It is the only performance hall in Korea where patrons can enjoy the pure, natural sound of Gugak without the use of any electro-acoustic technology.The Performing Gugakdang runs a range of hands-on experience programs including lectures on Gukak instruments & traditional arts and cultural activities for teens. With the combination of performances and interactive programs, the Seoul Namsan Gugakdang aims to increasingly give the citizens of Seoul the chance to personally experience and appreciate the beauty and joy of Gugak, Korean traditional music.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

The Hongdae Music Show Wedding Theatre which used to be the Hongdae Nanta Theatre opened on September 9, 2013 in Hongdae. Music Show Wedding is a show that combines live music, acting, and performances. The show features 23 musical instruments and a striking stage lit with 30,000 LED lights.


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

Hwagyesa Temple, which falls under the Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located at the foot of Mt. Samgaksan in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Although it is located in the city of Seoul, the beautiful surrounding mountains and landscapes create a serene atmosphere to escape urban life.It was built in 1522 AD (the seventeenth year of the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty) by monk Shinwol, but was destroyed in a fire in 1618. In 1866 (the third year of the reign of King Gojong), it was rebuilt through financial support from his royal elders.The temple was built in an early architectural style and has Daeungjeon, a main sanctuary (Tangible Cultural Asset No. 65), Myeongbujeon shrine, Samseonggak pavilion, Cheonbulobaekseongjeon shrine, a temple bell pavilion, Bohwaru tower, and Hakseoru tower.A small water spring, named Oktakcheon and located in the valley (Hwagyegol) beside Hwagyesa Temple, is famous for supernatural healing powers of skin and stomach diseases. The legend says this spring was formed from crows pecking away at the rocks.


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

Achasanseongseong Fortress boasts magnificent views of the Hangang River and skyline. The 200m-high mountain fortress wall was built to face southeast, towards the Hangang River. It is also called Janghan-seong or Gwangjang-seong. A fierce battle was once fought here among Gogury, Baekjae and Silla because of its strategic location during the period of the Three Kingdoms. King Gae-Ro of Baekje (reign 455 ~475) died in the war by the Goguryeo forces sent by King Jang-Su (reign 413 ~ 491) and General Ondal of Goguryeo was also killed in a battle with the Silla army in 590.Mt. Achasan is popular as a citizens’ resting place with a historical trail and a natural park including various facilities such as walkway, mountain walkway, a badminton court, a wrestling range, an archery range, various amusement facilities for children, benches, and pavillion.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Gana Art Gallery is located on Mt. Bukhansan. This gallery has the largest floor space in the country. Designed by world-renowned architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte, it reflects the best of modern, Western design. As Jean-Michel Wilmotte is the architect responsible for the design of the Incheon International Airport, the Gana Art Gallery should be considered an artwork itself. The interior has been built optimally for displaying art exhibits.The hidden lighting from the ceiling is luxurious and clean. The art center consists of three exhibit halls on two floors. The versatility of the exhibit halls allows many exhibits or events to be held. The first exhibit hall acts as a memorial of late artists, and displays their work. The second and third event halls are used for planned events. They are quite cozy despite their size. Plus they have a cutting-edge sound system and can hold classical or large musical performances and events with famous performers. The outdoor performance stage is also a noticeable feature of the Gana Art Center. With a capacity of about 300, it features many diverse events like musical concerts, dance, plays, and much more. The best part is that it is open to the public.The Gana Art Gallery has been built in the hills on the outskirts of Mt. Bukhansan, in order to display traditional Korean art in a beautiful setting. It shows how important the harmony of nature and art is to this place. Pyeongchang-dong, the district where it is located, is mostly a residential area, almost devoid of skyscrapers and business buildings. After looking around the gallery, taking a tour around town will help greatly in understanding the traditional culture of Korea.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Myogaksa Temple is located on the east side of Mt. Naksan in Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. First established by Monk Taeheo Hongseon in May of 1930, it has since expanded and underwent two renovations. The temple’s location was selected based on the principles of Feng Shui, which dictated that a temple built in its location would bring peace and comfort to Seoul’s residents. The Myogaksa Temple complex on Mt. Naksan accommodates a Deabul (Grand Buddha) Shrine, a Wontong Buddhist shrine, a Nakga preaching hall, Seokgulam Grotto, Sanshingak (Mountain Spirit Pavilion), and the Mae Buddha Statue. Deabul and Wontong shrines are two of the finest Buddhist architectural masterpieces. The Buddha statue, located inside the Seokgulam Grotto, was built around the ninth or early tenth century and has been designated a national cultural treasure. The Mae Buddha Statue, also located in this temple, was carved out of the rocky cliffs of Mt. Naksan and has been designated a cultural asset of the City of Seoul.Since the 2002 FIFA World Cup when Myogaksa began operating its temple stay program, the temple has become a wonderful place where locals and tourists can escape the daily hustle-and-bustle of Seoul to experience the serenity of Buddhism. 


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(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

The Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum opened on October 27, 1998 with the goals of preserving Korean traditional patchwork quilting techniques, which are gradually being forgotten, and of exhibiting other countries’ textile crafts. The Chojun Textile & Quilt Museum in Namsan-dong, central Seoul, is the only museum in Korea that displays local and foreign textile art.The museum brings together a number of beautiful quilts and other textiles from around the world that embody the love and spirit of the women who created them. These works include Korean traditional personal ornaments, ceremonial dresses, everyday objects, and traditional costumes of the Chinese Miao tribe. The displays of rare foreign quilts and Korean traditional patchwork quilts dating back as far as 100 years have been attracting a continuous flow of quilt aficionados and international tourists.As you may already know, the term ‘quilt’ refers to a coverlet made of two layers of fabric decoratively stitched together with a layer of cotton in between. A long time ago, Koreans wore quilted clothes and held quilting parties similar to the Western quilting bee. Koreans have long since used various cloth remnants to make quilts.Though the actual type of cloth, pattern, and stitching may vary from country to country and person to person, quilts the worldover represent the resourcefulness and care of the people who made them. At the museum, visitors can compare the styles of a variety of beautiful Asian and Western textile works, which is perhaps one of the main draws of the museum.The museum’s first exhibition presented the winning works of the Japan International Quilt Contest. It then hosted the first Korean Quilt Contest and presented the winning works of the contest at the museum. It has since held several shows featuring quilts and other textile works including “The Manhole Quilt Exhibition for a Beautiful Environment” and the World Traditional Textile Exhibition.In addition to exhibits and various programs, the museum has served as an educational center for textile artists by organizing a number of workshops and seminars. Fast emerging as a favorite destination for foreign tourists thanks to its unique items and exhibitions, the Chojun Textile & Quilt Art Museum plans to hold more diverse exhibitions and contests in the future while continuing to exhibit its permanent collection of Korean textile art.The programs at the museum are aimed at providing the general public with opportunities to get closer to the textile arts, which remain unfamiliar to many, and to help preserve Korea’s textile traditions and promote them worldwide. In addition, by introducing unique textile artwork from overseas, the museum seeks to offer opportunities for local textile artists to obtain new ideas and techniques and gain a wider, global perspective.


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu) , Sinchon・Ewha Womans University

Located at the skirt of Ansan Mountain in Bongwon-dong, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, Bongwonsa temple , as the center of Korean Buddhism Taego, is a thousand year old temple with a long history and tradition. In 889 (3rd year of Shilla Jinseong Queen’s reign), Master Dosun founded it at the ground of Yeonhui palace (now Yonsei Univ.) and named it Banyasa temple. It was destroyed during the Japanese invasion of Korea in 1592, and later in 1748 (24th year of Joseon King Yeongjo’s reign), it was rebuilt and renamed “Bongwonsa” by two Buddhist monks, Chanjeup and Jeungam.“Yeongsanjae”, one of the Buddhist rituals and also the Important Intangible Cultural Properties No. 50, takes place at Bongwonsa on June 6 every year wishing for the world peace and the reunification of North and South Korea. It was designated as one of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO in 2009. During Yeongsanjae, visitors can enjoy the Buddhist arts such as Beompae (Buddhist temple music for rituals) and dancing. Also, during summer time, “Seoul Lotus Flower Culture Festival” takes place, so visitors can enjoy the beautiful lotus flowers which are a symbol of Buddhism. 


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.