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

Founded in 1395 by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace. Roughly meaning “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world,” the name symbolizes the resounding dedication that the people of the Joseon Dynasty had in creating a new dynasty. Constructed solely out of granite, its center is an entrance that resembles a rainbow, called Hongyemun. Above that is a gate tower. Gwanghwamun holds a painful memory in Korean history. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, in order to dampen the spirits of the Korean citizens, the Japanese governing general destroyed the gate and built his own government building. The present appearance of the gate is that of 1968 when it was rebuilt using concrete, and it’s location is about 10m behind the original spot. Though Gwanghwamun is the most beautiful of the five palace gates, it was not designated by the Korean government as a national treasure because it is made purely of concrete. The government is now in the process of removing the Japanese building and restoring the palace. Gwanghwamun has its name written on a sign on the gate, and it was personally written by then-president Park Jeong-Hui. On either side of the gate you can see the word “Haetae” facing south. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was a fire around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes were put beside the gate.  


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

Located on the top floor of the Park Hyatt Seoul in Gangnam, Park Club boasts a state-of-the-art fitness studio along with exquisite spa facilities, pools, restaurants, and bar. The Park Club has over 30 treatments for the skin and body including the renowned "Park Club Back Massage" and indulgent spa packages like the Namu (Wood), Dol (Stone), and Mul (Water) packages that utilize natural elements. “La Stone Therapy” helps visitors restore the balance of mind and body by using the energy of earth and stone while the “Experience Seoul” Package (KRW 680,000 with 10% value added tax charged separately) offers customers the ultimate experience of extravagant pampering. The Park Club employs only the most qualified spa care professional to ensure customers the best in beauty care.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)

This early printing museum, located on the site of Heungdeoksa Temple in which Jikji, the world's oldest extant book, printed by movable metal type, was printed, was founded on March 17, 1992. Since the technology’s inception, Korea has substantially developed its metal-type printing methods. In this museum, approximately 650 artifacts including ancient movable metal and wooden print books from the Goryeo and Joseon periods, relics from the Heungdeoksaji Temple site (흥덕사지) and printing tools are on display. Here, visitors can learn about the history of the Korean printing technologies and culture.In addition to exhibition, the museum has been promoted to hold the Cheongju International Printing & Publishing Fair, to study early printing culture and printing types and to publish museum journals and early printing-related papers.


Gwangju(Buk-gu)

Gwangju National Museum collects and preserves cultural relics from Jeollanam-do. The exhibits are grouped in seven categories according to period and type. The Prehistoric Hall displays stone age tools from the Paleolithic Era, Neolithic Era, and Bronze Ages, as well as other relics from the early Iron Age. Samguk Hall displays many earthenware and ironware items from the Great Onggwan in the Jeolla-do area.The Buddhist Art Hall exhibits cultural Items related to the religion, the Painting Hall exhibits works of artists of the Honam district from the Joseon and modern periods. Jeolla-do is also considered the birthplace of Korean Pottery. The Goryeo Pottery Exhibit Hall showcases the transition from the Cheongja of the Goryeo Period to the Joseon Period's Buncheongsagi and Baekja. It is possible to witness the entire pottery-making process at once. Pottery items are also on display at Joseon Buncheongsagi Baekja Hall.The Shinan Ocean Floor Relic Hall is a unique exhibit hall with items on display from a trade ship submerged for 600 years in the Shinan Sea. The items were excavated during 11 operations that took place from 1976 to 1984. Admission is free on the first Sunday of every month, and the museum is closed on Mondays. 


Jeollabuk-do(Gunsan-si)

The name of Samangeum signifies the breakwaters that enlarge and freshen the Mangyeong•Gimje Plains, famous for their fertile soil.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Cheongju-si)


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Daejojeon Hall was the queen’s residence at Changdeokgung Palace. Originally built in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty), the hall had been destroyed by fires multiple times since then. The current structure is the one rebuilt in 1920 with materials taken from Gyotaejeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace after being burnt down in 1917. Daejeojeon is differentiated from other palace buildings in that it has no ridge on the roof. The center bedroom is surrounded by small-sized rooms for court ladies to attend to the king and the queen.


5.0/1
Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

The Teddy Bear Museum lives up to its name, boasting quite an impressive variety that have been loved for more than a hundred years the world over. Inside the two galleries you can view the teddy bears from various countries. You can also enjoy yourself at the museum shop, café, restaurant or the outdoor park where you can view the spectacular Jungmun Sea. The gallery is grouped into three sections: the History Hall, the Art Hall and the Project Exhibition Hall. In the History Hall, you can witness the 100-year history of teddy bears including famous scenes, popular teddy bears of different eras, and antique teddy bears. The Mona Lisa teddy bear and the teddy bears of the “The Last Supper” (Leonardo Da Vinci) will especially catch your eyes. In the Art Hall are the latest artworks of world’s famous designers, and you will also find animation characters beloved by children. A section not to miss is where you can find the smallest Teddy Bear in the world at the size of 4.5mm. In the project exhibit hall you can meet teddy bears grouped to suit the theme of each exhibition. You can dine or drink coffee at the museum cafe or bar while appreciating the beautiful landscape of Jejudo Island. The museum bar is a luxurious space only for adults, which is open in the summer. But there are other places besides the fancy cafe or bar. At the museum garden, you can meet the marvelous teddy bear sculptures and models. The garden decorated with various themes such as the Korean Black bear family and the magical pond is also a great site to behold.


4.5/2
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Mt. Namsan is a symbolic mountain located at the center of Seoul. Although not as high as other surrounding mountains, Mt. Namsan is a very popular nonetheless as a resting site. At the top, there are various facilities such as Palgakjeong (octagonal hall), Seoul Tower, Maritime Aquarium, fountains, and Namsan Library. You may take a cable car to the top or walk up the stairway path. Other than this path, there are many other walkways to Namdaemun, Hoehyun-dong, Taegyero 3(sam)-ga, Jangchung Park, Itaewon, Huam-dong and much more. The driving courses here are also popular for couples. Namsan Park is a historical site. You will find Bonghwadae (beacon mound) at the top as it was once the center of capital defense. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) the capital was changed to Hanyang,(current Seoul) and to protect the city from invasions, castle walls were built on the 4 major mountains like Mt. Bukaksan, Mt. Inwangsan, Mt. Naksan and Mt. Namsan. On Namsan peak, five beacons were built to report the news from local governments to the central government with a five-signal system. Also on the top of Mt. Namsan, there is the Palgakjeong Pavilion, which has a fantastic view. At Seoul Tower (479.7m), you can view the whole landscape of Seoul and the West Sea beyond Incheon. The rotating restaurant in the Seoul Tower also boasts excellent views. With excellent night view, you should try having dinner at the tower. It would be a great experience to visit Namsangol Traditional Korean Village which is a village of 5 traditional Korean houses.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

Jangchung Gymnasium is Korea’s first domed gymnasium and opened Februrary 1st, 1963. The gym holds diverse athletic events such as basketball, volleyball and handball competitions as well as boxing, wrestling, weight-lifting and ssireum (Korean traditional wrestling). The gym also presents other cultural performances and events including international competitions, concerts and madangnori. The Jangchung Fitness Club, is also located within the facility and offers monthly memberships.