Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Hyochang Park covers 122,245 square meters spanning across Hyochang-dong and Cheongpa 2-dong. It is a historic landmark that once contained several royal tombs, and was known at that time as Hyochangwon. The cemeteries that were originally located in Hyochangwon belonged to Crown Prince Munhyo (King Jeongjo’s first son, who died only at the age of five), Royal Noble Consort Uibin of the Seong Clan (King Jeongjo’s royal concubine and Crown Prince Munhyo’s mother), Royal Noble Consort Sugui of the Park Clan (King Sunjo’s royal concubine), and her daughter Princess Yeongon. The royal tombs were moved to Seooreung Tombs in the waning months of the Japanese colonial period. The Japanese empire began the development of Hyochangwon into a park in 1924, and the Japanese governor-general officially assigned the site as a park in 1940.Presently, several of Korea’s greatest leaders are buried in Hyochang Park. The remains mostly belong to independence activists including Yoon Bong-gil, Lee Bong-chang, and Baek Jeong-gi, whose graves are collectively known as “Samuisa-myo” (graves of the three martyrs). A statue of Lee Bong-chang has been built in the graveyard. Among the other patriotic martyrs who are interred in the park are Kim Gu and some of the key figures of provisional government such as Lee Dong-nyeong, Cha I-seok, and Cho Seong-hwan. An ancestral shrine named Uiyeolsa has been built along the main gate and holds the portraits of the deceased independence activists.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun Design Plaza (DDP) has a meaning of Dream, Design, and Play. It holds various exhibitions, fashion shows, forums, conferences, and other domestic and international events. Registration for touring the architecture is available on-site and other event schedules and kid program information are available on the website.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Yeongdong-gun)

Situated in Yeongdong (Chungcheongbuk-do), Wine Korea is the only winery in Korea that maintains a vineyard and produces the wine brand, Chateau Mani.Beginning in November 2006, Wine Train run by Wine Korea offers a one-day train tour between Seoul and Yeongdong. Departing from Seoul Station, its passenger cars, themed Red/White Wine or Ginseng, boast an elegant café atmosphere. Above all, visitors can enjoy as much of the wine produced in Yeongdong as they want.Upon arriving at Yeongdong, visitors head to Wine Korea, enjoy foot massages in wine, participate in making natural cosmetics, and tour the wine production facilities. The tour goes on to visit Ginseng Exhibition Hall in Geumsan and Traditional Medicinal Herb Market. High quality wine, wellbeing grape juice, and Chateau Mani cosmetics are also available online for purchase. 


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

Kukkiwon (국기원, World Taekwondo Headquarters) was established to spread knowledge of the national Korean sport of Taekwondo, and raise popularity of the martial art. Currently, the World Taekwondo Championships and various national competitions are held at Kukkiwon. Kukkiwon also serves as a place where coaches are trained, and offers Taekwondo experience programs for foreigners.Various experience programs for foreigners including the basic Taekwondo stances, the art of self-defense, and the art of wood breaking are offered at the Seoul, Jongno-gu Gyeonghuigung Palace with reservation services available online. Reservations can be made up to one day in advance and can be made for single guests. Guests can choose to training sessions at any time between Tuesdays and Fridays. Be aware that classes may be cancelled on rainy days, and sessions will be instructed in Korean and English only.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The signature markings of the Presidential Residence of Cheong Wa Dae are its blue tiles. It is the first thing that catches one's attention upon entering the premises. The blue tiles and the smooth roof blend beautifully with Mt. Bugaksan in the backdrop. The unique buildings of Cheong Wa Dae are comprised of the Main Office, Yeongbingwan (Guest House), Chunchugwan (Spring and Autumn Pavilion), Nokjiwon (Green grass), the Mugunghwa (Rose of Sharon) Valley, and the Seven Palaces. It is interesting to see that these buildings all have distinctive shapes. They are unique and beautifully designed, built in the Korean traditional style. The blue tiles and the smooth curve shape of the main office roofs are elegantly built. Approximately 150 thousand tiles compose the roof of the Blue House. Each were baked individually which make them strong enough to be used for hundreds of years. If you turn to the right you will see Chunchugwan. The roof of Chunchugwan was made of earthen tiles. This is where the president's press conferences are held. On the left side of the main office, there is the Yeongbingwan. It was designed to hold large conferences and official events for foreign guests. You can walk along Nokjiwon and the Mugunghwa Valley. At Nokjiwon a succession of presidents planted trees on memorial occasions. There is one famous tree which is 310 years old. The Mugunghwa Valley has colorful flowers, a fountain, and a phoenix statue, which makes it perfect for taking pictures. It is best to visit here between July and October when the Mugunghwa flowers bloom. A walk around the paths just outside the Blue House grounds is a pleasure as the surroundings are peaceful and beautiful. The paths follow Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House and to Samcheong-dong Park. The walk from the East Gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace to the Blue House is the most beautiful part. With the road in the middle, there is the Gyeongbokgung Palace stone wall on the left and galleries and old buildings on the right. The stone wall of Gyeongbokgung Palace is scattered with beautiful old trees that will comfort you. Across the street are Hyundai Gallery, Geumho Gallery and other famous galleries and stylish cafes. Of the many nice cafes and restaurants, there is "The Restaurant." Its interior is modern and one side of the building is a glass wall where you can enjoy viewing the scenery and the stonewall alley while dining. After you pass this area, and before you reach the Blue House, turn to the right and you will reach Samcheong-dong Park. There are also many famous restaurants and galleries in the area.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

Yuseong Hot Springs is located at the center of Daejeon. The hot spring is known to be effective in countering many kinds of maladies. The water here contains alkaline minerals such as calcium, and potassium, sulphur, carbonic acid, silicic acid and radium.An especially high concentration of radium is found here. Such alkaline hot springs are known to be good for treating neuralgia and geriatric diseases. Nearby are large accommodations with many convenient facilities, which make it easy to visit here while touring.Yuseong Hot Springs has long been associated with cranes. During the final days of Baekje Kingdom, a man who was the only son and heir of a family for seven generations was seriously wounded during a war with Silla. His mother worried greatly over her son’s wounds.One day she saw a crane with a wounded wing dip itself into a hot spring in the midst of snow covered ground and healed. She took her son there and his wound was healed as well so the legend goes. Perhaps because of this legend, the Yuseong Hot Springs is famous for its incredible healing properties.


Busan(Gijang-gun) , Haeundae

Haedong Yonggungsa Temple is situated on the coast of the north-eastern portion of Busan. This superb find of a tourist spot and temple offers visitors the rare find of a temple along the shore line. Most temples in Korea are located in the mountains. Haedong Yonggungsa Temple was first built in 1376 by the great Buddhist teacher known as Naong during the Goryeo Dynasty. Haesu Gwaneum Daebul (Seawater Great Goddess Buddha), Daeungjeon Main Sanctuary, Yongwangdang Shrine, Gulbeop Buddhist Sanctum (enclosed in a cave), and a three-story pagoda with four lions can all be seen looking out over the ocean. The main sanctuary of the temple was reconstructed in 1970 with careful attention paid to the colors that were traditionally used in such structures. On the right-hand side, inside the a cave, is a uniquely designed Buddhist sanctum, while situated just in front of the main sanctuary is a three-story pagoda with four lions. The four lions are symbolizing joy, anger, sadness, and happiness. Other special sites at the temple are the 108 stairs and stone lanterns lining the rocky landscape. After going down the 108 steps, one will be delighted with the beauty of the temple. Midway down the 108 steps one can stop and enjoy the calming sounds of the waves, and view the majestic sunrise. Many people often come to this spot on New Year's Day to make a wish for the new year as they watch the sun come up. April is an especially beautiful time of year with cherry blossoms in full bloom. The birth of Buddha is also celebrated in April (following the lunar calendar) and offers a spectacular night view as the temple area is aglow with electrically lit lanterns.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Doosan Art Center, which opened on October 1st, 2007, is structured around three different spaces: The Yonkang Hall, exclusively designed for musical performances, Space 111, a “space for art incubation,” and the Doosan Gallery, built for installations.The Yonkang Hall a theatre with a 620 person seating capacity, specially designed lighting and a world-class audio-visual system, provides a second-to-none sensory experience.Space 111 can accommodate a broad range of performing arts: From theater and dance to film and music concerts. The Doosan Gallery is open to the public, and art exhibitions and performances here can be enjoyed free of charge.All three theaters include spacious lobbies with handicapped access, designated seating for parents with infants, and meeting areas. Rest rooms are also available nearby, in order to avoid long queues and long walks during intermission.Visit the Doosan Art Hall website (www.doosanartcenter.com) for more details on performance and exhibition schedules as well as reservations. (Korean language only.)


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

T.um is a venue to experience the future of mobile communications. The name T.um comes from the word for “sprout” in Korean and refers to this innovative space from SK Telecom, where the future sprouts with the company’s advanced technology. Visitors are offered a chance to actively take part in and enjoy the cutting-edge IT environment with an interactive 4D experience. While corporate exhibition halls are conventionally limited to one-sideded information delivery or function-oriented experiences, T.um breaks from these standards by presenting a futuristic vision of the mobile communications industry that converges around IT technology. The venue provides the pleasure of virtually experiencing the ubiquitous world of the future for consumers and the collaborative possibilities for business partners.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Youngpoong Bookstore has six branches as well as an on-line bookstore. Of those, the most famous branches are the Jongno and the Gangnam stores. Since both places are connected to the subway station, the location is very convenient. The Youngpoong Bookstores are not ordinary bookstores. They are exclusive cultural centers that carry all kinds of cultural products. The Jongno branch, located in the Youngpoong Building is spread out over two floors. There are roughly one million books to choose from here. Various kinds of stationary are also available and you can also enjoy fast food at several adjoining restaurants. At the record shop you can listen to the latest Korean hit songs. Since you can reserve tickets there for events and performances, if you see something on the posters that interest you, you can purchase them on the spot. At the large bookstore you will find quite a number of people reading books. Facilities for visitors such as photocopy machines, a gift-wrap center and photography studios are on hand. Outside the bookstore, the streets are directly connected to the areas of Jongno and Euljiro. As one of the most intricate places in Seoul, Jongno offers many places to eat and enjoy oneself. Euljiro has so many buildings that it actually seems like a forest of buildings. If you follow these buildings you will soon find yourself in the area of Myeongdong, another Mecca for shoppers.The Youngpoong Book store in Gangnam is located in the basement of Central City's Young Plaza, the area's giant shopping mall. It is 3600 pyong (pyong = 2.2 m2), roughly 600 pyong larger than the Jongno store. It provides all the latest cultural information and features a book café, event hall, magazine plaza, and information center. Even those not wishing to purchase any books can still spend time enjoying the atmosphere. Central City Plaza also has a lot to offer visitors seeking enjoyment: a department store, movie theater, hotel, car exhibition, game room, record shop, sauna, international conference rooms, bank, post office, medical center, and food courts. Therefore if you feel bored staying inside the bookstore, you can always get out and enjoy the many other activities on hand. The Express Bus Terminal is also connected to the bookstore. You may want to buy a book for your bus ride to the countryside.