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.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Dongdaemun

Heunginjimun, designated Treasure No. 1, was built to protect Hanseongbu, which historically housed important government facilities. Heunginjimun was the large gate on the east side of the outer wall of Seoul Fortress. Likewise, the name of Dongdaemun comes from the fact that ‘Dong’ means east and ‘Dae’ means large.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

Created by the government to hand down traditions and preserve important, intangible cultural assets, the center supports cultural masters in the training of their pupils and their efforts to promote Korean traditional culture to the general public.The center houses 8 groups that represent the music field. Serving not only as a training ground for those specializing in the arts, the center also seeks to reach out to the general public through regular programs and recitals. Musicians also participate in musical conferences, events and performances on a national and international level.There are 12 craft groups at the center that are directed by craft masters who have been designated 'Important Intangible Cultural Assets.' Craft groups host a number of training programs.Other special features of the center include the 'Pungryu,' a 147-seat folk theatre; the 2 or 3 story 'Traditional Craft Hall' with an open-run exhibition hall and planned exhibition hall; a shop selling the works of the artists; a seminar room; a training room; and a practical training room. 


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

Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden opened its doors on February 18th, 1997 in Hannam-dong, where the residential complex for foreigners once stood before it was demolished in 1994. Covering an area of around 59m2, it is divided into 13 themed gardens with a total 117,132 plants from 269 species. Among this diversity, 60,912 plants from 129 species are tree types and 56,220 plants from 140 species are grass types. The 13 themed gardens include a garden of herbal medicine, apricot trees, wildflowers, royal azaleas, shrubs, commercial plants and a garden for the blind.


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

Sanbangsan Mountain Hot Springs is a rare carbon hot spring, and the first public hot spring in Jeju, situated in the center of three islands (Marado, Gapodo, and Hyeongjedo) and five mountains (Hallasan, Sanbangsan, Gunsan, Songaksan, and Dansan). In May 2004, it was designated a site for protection as a hot springs source (Jeju Notice No. 2004-12). Gumyeongsu, a hot springs public bath, opened on the site, spanning 11,111 square meters, housed in a 3,300-square-meter building with an estimated 1,000-person capacity. Sanggoji is the on-site restaurant, and means "rainbow" in the local dialect. Carbon hot springs are known to have health benefits for the heart, as carbonic acid gas is absorbed in the skin, stimulating capillary vessels and expanding blood vessels. This enhances blood circulation, lowering blood pressure and reducing the burden on the heart.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Songpa Naru Park is a citizens’ park in Seoul. It has two lakes with Songpa-daero Boulevard running in between them, and a jogging course and walking trails along the lakes. Originally, a branch of Hangang River ran through the site, forming one large lake, but in 1971 when land was reclaimed from the river, two lakes were formed. The total size of the two lakes is 217,850㎡, and they hold about 737 tons of water. The depth of the lakes is 4-5 meters. The park now serves as a great place for Seoul citizens to relax.


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(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Yeouido Hangang Park turns into an outdoor swimming pool in summer and then transforms into a sledding hill in winter. The Yeouido Hangang Park Sledding Hill features small and large slopes for all visitors to fully enjoy the winter.


Seoul(Songpa-gu)

Established in December 1984, Seoul Nori Madang (서울놀이마당) offers diverse traditional performances on an outdoor stage to promote Korean folk plays and culture among the public. Performances are regularly held every weekend; it hosts over 120 performances every year and each performance attracts over 1,300 visitors. Within Seoul Nori Madang is Songpa Folk Preservation Association (+82-2-412-8665), which offers seminars on folk plays—Songpa Sandae Nori (a mask play) and Songpa Baekjung Nori (a play performed on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month)—for students at no charge.


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

Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park in central Seoul is the first ecological park in Korea. It houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, including kestrels (Nature Monument No.323), herons, minnows, etc. There is a 6㎞-long promenade that lies across the park, and information signs explaining various flower and plant species throughout the park.