Seoul(Jongno-gu)

A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

The Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin was erected at the front of Gwanghwamun Square on April 27, 1968, in honor of the brave spirit and leadership of the Admiral. At 17 meters tall, the bronze statue stands firmly with a sword in his right hand, representing protection and patriotism. In front of the statue is a miniature turtle ship that the Admiral built, and at each front corner are two drums that were used to increase the morale of soldiers going to the battlefield.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Youngpoong Bookstore is a bookstore that also sells gifts, small electronics, stationery and much more. It also hosts various recitals, book signings, and literary programs. The Jongno branch of Youngpoong is the nation’s largest bookstore, boasting a total area of over 10,600 meters square.The basement level of the store houses over 350,000 Korean and international books and there is also a customer service center and electronic search program where shoppers can find information on books.On the B2 floor is the “Stylish Gift Mall,” which houses various stationery items, gifts, accessories, and brand shops like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung Digital.There is also a CD section, healthcare section, diaries, home-décor items, luxury fountain pens, Hello Kitty section, café, eateries, and much more.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Arko Art Gallery (formerly Marronnier Art Gallery) is located inside Marronnier park in Daehakno, where many youth flock. Daehakno is a place where many couples have their dates and is beloved by the artisans who use the area as a performance center. The Arko Art Gallery is situated in the partk. The Arko Art Gallrey was founded by the Korean Culture Promotion Department to flourish and enrich the Korean arts. Founded in 1979, when there were not many exhibition spaces for artists, it was a place of hope for many of them. With low general exhibit fees and relatively important self-planned exhibit openings, it became a place that contributed significantly to the development of Korean art.The exhibits taking place in the Arko Art Gallery can be divided into two. One is the General Exhibition and the other is the Planning Exhibition. Both of these exhibitions take place in the small gallery on the 1st floor. Since the exhibits are admitted through strict screening it is recommended that you just go and visit them. There is no admission fee. However, during August, repairs usually takes place. You should try to avoid visiting the gallery during that time or you should call and inquire about the opening times. On the 2nd floor there is a family café. There are six computers to use along with refreshments, so you might want to visit it as well. There are many other places to rest and drink along Daehakno street. While walking through Marronnier Park if there is a specific place you are interested in, just visit it. Wherever you visit, the place's unique atmosphere will be evident. During the Christmas season especially, you may not even find a vacant seat in the area. It is that crowded and popular. 


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.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Myeongdong Theater is an exclusive theatrical performance center, which has opened in the building where the National Theater of Korea used to be located. From 1934 to 1973, the National Theater of Korea pioneered Korean arts and culture, functioning as a movie theater, performance hall and art theater. Though it closed its doors in 1975, after 3 years of renovation, the theater has been renamed and was reopened as Myeongdong Theater in June 5, 2009. Complete interior renovations were carried out, leaving outside wall design untouched.The theatre has now been re-born as a mid-sized performance hall with state-of-the-art stage equipment and 588 seats, offering audiences a great view of the stage while the close proximity allows them to share the passion of the performers. The theater presents a range of performances such as serious plays, experimental plays, non-verbal performances, and musicals. Not only that, the place is a popular venue for diverse events like acting contests, theater festivals and performance festivals.


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

Opened in April 2004, Donglim Knot Museum has on exhibit a variety of decorative traditional Korean maedeup (knots): norigae for hanbok, belts, pouches, as well as materials like thread, cord, and accessories. Housed in a hanok, a traditional Korean house, the gallery has a variety of exhibits, including old and new artwork, and creations that reflect modern trends.The museum also operates a maedeup class taught by an apprentice of museum curator Sim Yeong-mi. Lessons are available in a one-day program as well as in a long-term program. To participate, call (+82-2-3673-2778, Korean) at least two days in advance. The classes operate from 10am to 6pm and have a maximum capacity of 12 people. The museum is closed on Mondays. 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

If you are an owl lover or enjoy seeing handcrafted pieces of art, the Owl Museum is the place for you. This owl themed museum is filled with pieces of art, crafts, useful household items and accessories. The items here come from over 70 countries including China, the United States, the Czech Republic, and Poland. Over 2000 pieces can be found right under one roof.Owl themed folding screens, dishes, vases, sculptures, and even owl stamps are among the diverse selection on display here. When people think of an owl museum, an image of a stuffed owl usually pops into their heads. No stuffed owls can be found at this museum. It is full of many unique items.The Owl Museum was originally a private residence. The structure was remodeled and made into a museum, but managed to keep its original charm. The owner’s second son, who majored in design, chose owl wallpaper to add to the unique atmosphere. Visitors to the museum are treated to a free, tasty cup of tea.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

CGV Myeongdong Station is a multiplex cinema located on the 10th & 11th floor of Tabby Shopping Mall. The shopping mall is directly linked to Myeongdong Station. CINUS Myeongdong is relatively small in scale with 6 cinemas, but it has a unique, sophisticated interior design. Its walls are made entirely from glass and so offer panoramic views of Mt. Namsan and Myeongdong shopping towns. Visitors, therefore, feel as if they are in a sky lounge. Also, the screening halls are all equipped with a special air purification system. This system even has an aromatherapy effect, so audiences can enjoy movies in a clean and refreshing environment. The theater is located in Myeongdong, Korea’s shopping and cultural center, so audiences can enjoy shopping and live performances after watching a movie.


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

Korea House was once the private residence of Park Paeng-nyeon, a Joseon Dynasty scholar, that had been renovated with architectural features of an anicent court before opening to the public in 1981. The idyllic premises play host to a variety of cultural programs designed for experiencing various Korean traditions, ranging from food and arts to tea etiquette and wedding ceremonies. Participation in up to two to three programs at a time is possible with an advanced registration. Meanwhile, visitors may enjoy shopping at the handicraft souvenir shop or try traditional dishes at the restaurant.