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

The Korea Culture House (KOUS) opened in April 2003 to introduce Korea’s traditional culture and provide a series of experience programs to both tourists visiting Korea and foreigners already residing in Korea.The Korea Culture House comprises a traditional arts performance stage, traditional culture workshops, a traditional teahouse, and a cultural products store. The Traditional Arts Performance Stage has been designed in the shape of a Norimadang (traditional Korean performance stage).Performances are held everyday at 8:00pm except on Sundays. The Traditional Culture Workshop currently offers a variety of experience programs including handcrafts. Telephone reservations are required for large groups of 30 people or more. KOUS also provides a traditional teahouse and a cultural products store for visitors to enjoy.* Experience Programs - Make Knot Accessories 15,000 won- Needle Sewing Arts 15,000 won- Make Hanji (Korean paper) Ornaments 15,000 won- Make Ceramic Cups 20,000 won- Patterned Fan Coloring 10,000 won- Rubbed Copy Program 10,000 won- Taekgyeon (traditional military martial arts) 10,000 won- Traditional Korean Bongsan Masked Dance 10,000 won- Learn Pungmul (traditional Korean percussions) 10,000 won


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

"Neglected for Royal Ascendance"Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉) is the tomb of Queen Consort Sindeok, the second wife of King Taejo (1392-1398), founder of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). However, this tomb was not well-maintained compared to other royal tombs because of a power struggle. The queen consort had many children, which naturally induced a battle for the throne. Usually the son of the first wife is the successor of the throne, but Queen Consort Sindeok was determined to have one of her sons ascend the throne instead. However, the successor, King Taejong, killed all her sons and developed an extreme abhorrence towards the queen consort. When she died, King Taejong issued an order to not maintain and preserve her tomb. Therefore, the tomb is rather unkempt and the layout and composition is different from other royal tombs.Upon entering the red gate, the sacrificial building can be seen in front of the tomb along with a pavilion and tombstone. Stone sculptures of sheep and tigers watch over the tomb. A major difference between this tomb and other royal tombs is exhibited in the path from the red gate to the sacrificial building. Usually the path is a straight line, but at Jeongneung Royal Tomb, it is crooked and bent. Furthermore, the color of the sacrificial building is dull and faded.Even though the tomb symbolizes the turmoil and wrath of political struggles, many couples and families come to Jeongneung Royal Tomb for a stroll because of its peacefulness and natural surroundings.


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

Mt. Daemosan behind Heonilleung Royal Tomb was originally called Halmisan (meaning grandmother in Korean) because it resembles the shape of an old lady. Daemosan Mountain embraces Heonilleung Royal Tomb, guarding the royal tomb.Heonilleung Royal Tomb houses the mounds for two kings of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910): King Taejong (1401-1418) and King Sunjo (1800-1834). Heonilleung Royal Tomb possesses numerous stone statues and vestiges, and is a good place to experience the culture of the Joseon Dynasty. Upon entering the grounds, the striking red gate with the taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol appears to draw the line between this world and the one beyond. Passing the red gate leads to a sacrificial building where ancestral memorial services were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are animal sculptures called japsang, which are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is situated. The royal tomb is surrounded by statues carved in the shape of animals such as tigers and sheep. There is also a statue of a solemn military officer bearing a sword with his horse behind him. The stone sculptures are guardians of the dead king.


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

Along with the other great mountains near Seoul, Suraksan Mountain has its own unique beauty throughout the year. Its cluster of small peaks is reminiscent of Seorak or Wolchul mountains and among its valleys and peaks, a number of treasures unfold. As you explore the mountain and the surrounding area, you’ll discover Geunnyu, Eunnyu, and Ongnyu waterfalls, Heungguksa Temple (Silla Kingdom), Seongnimsa Temples (Joseon Dynasty), and Gwesanjeong Pavillion.One of the most popular hiking courses on Suraksan Mt. is the one that starts from Danggogae Station (Subway Line 4) and passes Hangnimsa Temple and Yongguram. In the springtime, the ridge between Suraksan Mt. and Buramsan Mt. is covered with gorgeous royal azalea blossoms.Suraksan Mountain is located on the border of Seoul, Eujeongbu-si and Byeolnae-myeon, Namyangju-si. Buramsan Mountain is located to the south of Suraksan Mountain and Dobongsan Mountain rises up to the west. Suraksan Mountain is easily accessible via public transportation and is a popular daytrip for residents of Seoul.


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

Cheonggyesan Mountain surrounds Seoul Grand Park, SeoulLand and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Gwacheon. The mountain boarders the area of Yangjae-dong, Seoul and Gwacheon-si, Seongnam-si, and Uiwang-si, Gyeonggi-do. The mountain is nestled at the foot of Gwanaksan Mountain, south of downtown Gwacheon. Dense forests, neat valleys, parks, and temples are available in the mountain, making it a suitable climbing course for families. Also, varied walking courses are set up. The top of the mountain, Manggyeongdae, is not open to public access as a government facility is situated on the peak. Guksabong Peak (alt. 538m) and another peak (alt. 545m) are connected through a mountain path.It is said that a faithful person, Joyun in the late Goryeo period entered Cheonggyesan Mountain from Songdo after the demolition of Goryeo by Yi Seong-gye who was the first King of the Joseon Dynasty. Also, it was referred to as “Cheongryongsan” because the area is regarded as the place where a blue dragon (Cheongryong; 청룡) ascended to heaven. Based on the principles of geomancy, Gwaksan Mountain and Cheonggyesan Mountain are called “Baekho” (White Tiger) and “Cheongryong,” respectively.


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

Opened in 2002, Gahoe Museum has on exhibit, folk paintings and amulets reflecting the lifestyle and wishes of the Korean people from ancient times. Inside the Hanok gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of Korea. You will find old paintings of the common people, paintings of religious beliefs, and roof tiles in the shape of human beings or goblins. You will also find folding screens made of amulets and see the wisdom of people in the old days to overcome difficult times through a variety of amulets. Guided tours of exhibits are available from Tuesday through Friday in English and Japanese.After viewing, you can participate in regular hands-on programs inside the gallery. For a small fee, you can choose a program of your liking that runs from 10am to 5pm. The programs can accommodate up to 20 to 25 people. There are many participants on weekends so before visiting, call in advance for availability (+82-2-741-0466, Korean and Japanese). Instructions are given only in Korean, so foreigners are advised to come with a local guide.


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

Located on the outskirts of Mt. Bugak, this park was the first officially-designated park in Korea (1940). The name Samcheong (literally "three blue") refers to the three highest ideals in Taoism that men can attain. Surrounded by cherry blossoms planted long ago, the park becomes crowded with tourists every April when the trees are in full bloom. The park offers many amenities: badminton and tennis courts, a playground, a snack bar, and a multi-purpose rest area.Major hiking trails winding through Samcheong Park connect the park to the Mt Bugak Seoul Fortress Wall Hiking Trail, a mineral spring spot in Seongbuk-dong, and Waryong. While hiking, visitors can encounter Malbawi, an excellent spot chosen by City of Seoul where they can overlook Seoul at a glance. Malbawi Historic Site Visit Program, run by Jongno-go Office (Seoul), provides children and adults with the opportunity to learn about natural ecology in Samcheong Park and the history of Seoul Fortress Wall from designated guides. Through well-developed roads around Samcheong-dong, visitors can easily move from Samcheong-dong to Seongbuk-dong. Currently, Samcheong Tunnel near the park connects the two localities.


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

Opening its doors in 1922, Namsan Library has enjoyed a long prosperous history. Located in the heart of Seoul, many people visit to search for research materials or to study. The numerous dictionaries or statistics and other reference sources make it the representative library of Korea.Comprised of five levels, the library can accommodate a variety of needs. The first floor is made up of the supervisor's office, exhibit hall, restaurant and snack bar. On the second floor, one can find the Periodical Room, the electronic information room and the audiovisual study room. The lounge and smoking room are also on the second floor. The language room and the reading room are on the third floor. The corner displaying domestic and foreign schoolbooks is especially eye catching. Both the Sociology Study Room and the reading room are on the fourth and fifth floors respectively.If you visit Namsan Library, try to visit the other tourist sites nearby. There are plenty of places see. One such attraction is Namsangol Hanok Village where you can see traditional Korean houses and the traditional lifestyles of the past. Also nearby is Namdaemun Market, the patriot An Jung-Geun Memorial, the National Theater of Korea and the Botanical Gardens. Luxury hotels such as the Hilton Hotel and Shilla Hotel are within walking distance, so tourists staying overnight should keep that in mind. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Korea Postage Stamp Museum displays all exhibits related to stamps and offers a stamp culture venue where people who likes stamps can share information regarding stamps. It is comprised of Postal Service History Gallery, Postal Stamp Information Gallery, Philately Class and Hands-on Postage Stamp Experience Gallery in a total area of 540㎡. Since 2013, they had changed their name from Korea Stamp World (우표문화누리) to the current ‘Korea Postage Stamp Museum’.


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

The Seoul Animation Center (management: Seoul Business Agency) was established by the Seoul Metropolitan Government in May 1999 with the aim of providing comprehensive support to Korea’s cartoon and animation industry. The center runs an information desk, offers educational programs, holds events to support new talents and productions, and hosts diverse events and exhibitions (animation film festival, etc.).A major facility of the Seoul Animation Center, AniCinema is a multicultural space that can accommodate diverse cultural events. Its primary objective is to facilitate the supply of domestic animation films to theaters and to promote animated works by holding a range of film festivals. The theater has 179 seats and state-of-the-art facilities for screening both digital and analogue animated films. High quality equipment at AniCinema, such as the 5.1 channel digital surround sound system and wide screen, allows for a pleasurable viewing experience.