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

The Bank of Korea Museum, open in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Bank of Korea, introduces the history of the currency culture home and abroad through the history and related documents of the Bank of Korea. In doing so, the museum aims to raise public awareness on currency culture while highlighting the importance of price stabilization in the development of the economy.The museum is not just a cultural space, but also a great place for hands-on education. The museum currently preserves & presents around 4,500 kinds of international and domestic currency as well as documents related to the work done by the Bank of Korea. Other exhibitions explain the minting process and the recognition of counterfeits as well as displaying systematic research documents on money and the state economy.


Daegu(Dalseong-gun)

Dongdo Confucian Academy is located in Dongdo-ri, Guji-myeon, Dalseong-gun and is one of the five major Confucian schools in Korea along with Byeongsanseowon, Oksanseowon, Sosuseowon and Dosanseowon Confucian Academies.The school was first established by Confucian scholars in 1568 at the eastern base of Biseulsan Mt., but was burnt down during the Japanese Invasion in 1592. In 1605, the school was reconstructed on its current site and was re-named ‘Borodong.’ In 1607, the name was changed to ‘Dongdo.’ ‘Dongdo’ means that the teachings (Do) of Sung Confucianism come from the East (Dong).Dongdoseowongandangsadangbujangwon, National Treasure No. 350, is part of the school and was designated Cultural Site No. 488 on Oct. 10th 2007. This unusually long name refers to the classroom, shrine, and walls of the Confuncian Academy in Dongdo.Must-see features of the school are the earthen wall, a hall named ‘Jungjeongdang,’ the Suwollu Pavilion and the 400-year-old ginkgo trees. The earthen wall has beautiful patterns in the shape of birds engraved in it and is the only earthen wall in the nation to be designated a national treasure.If you continue past the ginkgo trees outside you’ll see the Suwollu Pavilion. The picturesque view from the pavilion is breath-taking.At Jungjeongdang, there is a sculpture with four dragon heads, each holding either cintamani (a bead) or a fish in its mouth. This sculpture, which is called 'Samuljam,' symbolizes the teaching of Confucius telling us not to speak, act, or even listen if it’s not done in the right way.Dongdoseowon Confucian Academy contains the ancestral tablets of Kim Geong-pil and Hangang Jeong Gu. The school holds ancestral ceremonies on the day of Jungjeong every February and August.


Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Samsung Innovation Museum is a business hall as well as the largest sized industrial electronics museum in Korea, displaying the growing steps of Samsung Electronics Corporation at a glance. It is located inside of Suwon Digital City where Samsung Electronics Corporation was initially established 47 year ago. Starting from the time when electronics were first produced to the current trend of cutting-edge smart devices, the electronic industry has become more and more innovative. This history of innovation and the future of electronics are reflected in the museum while looking at the various exhibition halls, comprised of History of Samsung, Seeds of Innovation, Core of Innovation and Inspiring Innovation. The halls of Samsung Innovation Museum give a meaningful experience to figure out what innovation really means.


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(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Seoul Sky is located on floors 117-123 of Lotte World Tower, the nation's tallest and the world's fifth tallest building. The observatory offers a panoramic view of the entire capital city, beautiful both day and night. In addition to the outstanding view, visitors can enjoy a small snack or coffee from the dessert cafe while sitting in the lounge or on the sky terrace. While waiting for the elevator up, visitors can enjoy art in the exhibition zone in basement levels 1-2. The exhibition includes artwork displaying the history, culture, and pride of Korea's foundation and success over the centuries. Visitors can also purchase Seoul Sky merchandice from the gift shop to remember their trip or give as a souvenir. The observation deck has two story-high glass windows for an uninterrupted view. The Sky Deck, located at 478m, hold the Guinness World Record as the highest glass-floored observatory in the world. On days when visibility is limited, visitors can still enjoy a clear sky through the Sky Theater. The 120th floor holds the Sky Terrace, open to the elements. Visitors looking for refreshments can enjoy the one-of-a-kind menu served at the dessert cafe Sky Friends Cafe on level 119, or refreshing wine sold at the premium lounge on floor 123. This cozy spaces is the highest lounge in Seoul and is perfect for taking in the view in a relaxing ambiance. To get to Seoul Sky, you will have to take the Sky Shuttle, a double-deck elevator that reaches a speed of 600m per minute. In no time at all, you'll be at the top of the world!


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

At Dongdaemun History & Culture Park, traditional buildings, relics, ruins, and cutting edge modern cultural facilities come together harmoniously. Seoul Fortress, Igansumun Water Gate, Dongdaemun History Exhibition Hall, Dongdaemun Excavation Site Exhibition Hall, Dongdaemun Stadium Memorial Hall, an event hall, and Design gallery can all be found at the park. Also, the remains of the old Dongdaemun Baseball Stadium can still be seen, including two stadium light towers used for night games and a giant torch. During the construction work of the park, remains and relics were unearthed, including Igansumun Water Gate and Chiseong (the first defense facility found) of Seoul Fortress, 44 buildings sites from as early as the Joseon Dynasty including Hadogamteo Site (military training ground), and 1,000 relics including Joseon Baekja (white porcelain of the Joseon Dynasty) and Buncheong Sagi (grayish blue powdered ceramics) from the early Joseon Dynasty through the Japanese colonial rule period. The excavated relics and remains will be restored and exhibited around the park.


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

Opened on June 18, 2005, Seoul Forest had previously undergone a series of changes on Ttukseom (Ttuk Island). In the past the forest had been a royal hunting ground for kings and served as a military inspection facility. But, in more recent decades the area has served a wide variety of functions. Ttukseom initially served as a water-treatment facility, and later as a golf course, horse racing track, and eventually a sports park. Consisting of five parks spread over 350,000 pyeong (approximately 1.16 million ㎡) of land, Seoul Forest is an eco-friendly zone appreciated not only by the people of the city but also those visiting Seoul. Seoul Forest is rapidly developing into the premium city-park of Korea like Hyde Park in London and Central Park in New York. * Cultural Art Park (220,000㎡) Situated in the heart of Seoul Forest, the Cultural Art Park features Seoul Forest Square, Ttukseom Family Field, decorative flower beds, a visitors’ center, a skate park, an outdoor stage, a waterside lounge (restaurant), an in-forest open space, an in-forest play ground and a water play area. * Ecological Forest (165,000㎡) The Ecological Forest, once an area covered by the Hangang River, has been transformed into an eco-forest connecting the Han and Jungnang-cheon (Jungnang stream). This natural habitat for wildlife animals is home to fallow deer, formosan deer, elks, chipmunks, mandarin ducks, mallards, spot-billed ducks and moorhens, there is also an observatory to help visitors get a better view of the local wildlife. * Nature Experiencing Study Field (85,000㎡) Occupying the structure of the former Ttukseom Water Treatment Facility, this refurbished educational area was established to house an insect botanical garden, a wild flower garden, a themed flower garden, an event ground and a surrounding protective forest. * Wetlands Ecological Field (70,000㎡) Making use of the local reservoir’s natural environment, the Wetlands Ecological Field contains a wetlands ecological management office, an ecological playground, an outdoor nature classroom, a bird observatory, a wetlands flower garden and a botanical garden fed with local, clear waters. * Hangang River Waterside Park (33,000㎡) Located southwest of Seoul Forest, this riverside area at the junction of the Hangang River and Jungnang-cheon features a waterfront park, a marina and a rest area.


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Situated in Yeouido, the heart of politics, media, banking and finance, Yeouido Hangang Park is easily accessible via public transportation. As one of the most popular parks along Hangang River, the park attracts many visitors, residents, and office workers. The park offers exciting events year-round: the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, the World Fireworks Festival in the fall, as well as concerts, and marathons. Well-preserved natural areas such as Bamseom and Yeouido Saetgang Tributary provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about nature and ecology. In addition, thanks to the Hangang Renaissance Project, the park is full of new attractions: the Water Light Square, Waterside Fountains, the Waterside Stage, Festival Land, the Piano Waterway, Waterfalls of Light, the Yacht Marina, and more. Facilities for the Handicapped: Free wheelchair rental services


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Itaewon was the first special tourist zone designated in 1997 among the 5 special tourist zones in Seoul. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors. The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s, when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has been a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products are famous in particular. This is a go-to street for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shopping malls selling clothes and bags, as well as accommodations including hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,200 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops stretch from Hamilton Hotel to Hangangjin Station. At night, Itaewon is brilliantly illuminated by nightlife for those from abroad and home-alike. Travelers can taste cuisines and cultures from around the globe on the World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants owned by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into streets of cultural diversity. In October, the “Itaewon Global Village Festival” takes place with a range of performances and events. Most of the staff at the stores can speak English, Japanese or Chinese. * Current State of Itaewon Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: The 1.4 km-long street stretching from Itaewon-ro to Hannam 2 (i)-dong office. 2) Area: 383,292㎡ * Tourist Attractions 40 restaurants run by foreigners, Hamilton Hotel, Art Museum, nightclubs, Antique Furniture Street, etc.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , The Eastern Part of the Jeju Island

Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak rose from under the sea in a volcanic eruption over 100,000 years ago. Located on the eastern end of Jejudo Island, there is a huge crater at the top of Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak. The crater is about 600m in diameter and 90m high. With the 99 sharp rocks surrounding the crater, it looks like a gigantic crown. While the southeast and north sides are cliffs, the northwest side is a verdant grassy hill that is connected to the Seongsan Village. The ridge provides an ideal spot for walks and for horse riding as well. The sunrise from the crater is magnificent. Also the Seongsan Ilchulbong Peak surrounded by bright yellow colored rapeseed flowers in the spring is truly a sight to behold.