Seoul(Jongno-gu)

King Sejong, the 4th king of the Joseon Dynasty (1397-1450, reigning from 1418-1450) was responsible for some of the most brilliant achievements in the history of Korea, including the creation of Hangeul (Korean alphabet) and great advancements in the areas of science, culture, art and politics. The passage behind the Statue of King Sejong in Gwanghwamun Square is home to The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall, which describes some of the king’s most astounding contributions to the development of Korea as a nation.The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall comprises of 9 different sections with a total area of 3,200㎡. Throughout the museum are a variety of displays detailing Sejong’s invention of Hangeul, and his scientific, artistic, military, and political contributions (including the theory of Minbon, which recognized the people as the base of politics).*General InformationFor the convenience and entertainment of visitors, the museum also has a special exhibition room, the King Sejong Multimedia Room, books, a souvenir shop, and a lounge.The Exhibition Hall’s relatively new ‘Cia-Cia Hangeul Story Hall’ (opened in Feb. 12, 2010) gives visitors an even better chance to see the far-reaching effects of Sejong’s efforts. The Cia-Cia tribe in Indonesia, in lieu of having its own writing system, adopted Hangeul as their official written language.The Story of King Sejong Exhibition Hall is linked to the KT building on the left and the Sejong Center for Performing Arts on the right through an easily-accessible underground passageway.The museum is open every day (except Mondays) from 10:30am to 10:30pm. 


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Past names of Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine included Yongdubong (Dragon Head Peak) and Jamdubong (Silkworm Head Peak), but was renamed in 2000.Jeoldusan Martyrs' Shrine is the site of the Byeonin Persecution of 1866, where many Roman Catholics were brutally murdered.This site was built to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Byeonin Persecution and to remember the spirit of martyrdom at Jeoldusan.The Martyrs’ Museum and Martyrs’ Memorial were built in 1967, and in 1972 Martyrs’ Park was opened to the public. Pope John Paul Ⅱ visited in the site in 1984 and Mother Teresa visited in 1985.


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)

Seoul Children's Museum is a facility established by the Seoul City government to help enhance the children's creativity and imagination. The museum offers various cultural activities, as well as arts and science programs that are fun for kids and also enjoyable for parents and teachers. There are about 100 interactive items on display from the basement level to the third floor.


Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

Bugok Hot Springs, located at the foot of Deokamsan Mountain, was designated as a national tourist resort in 1977. It is one of the best hot springs in South Korea, appointed as Special Tourist Complex in January 1997. ‘Bugok’ was named according to the iron pot shape of the land. The temperature of the water is 78°c, high enough to softly boil an egg. As a representative sulfur hot spring, the spa is good for those who have difficulties with breathing, neuralgia, rheumatism, skin disease, chilblains, bruises, prickly heat and leucorrhoea. Other than sulfur, the water also contains over 20 kinds of inorganic matters such as silicon, chlorine, calcium and iron. As a multi-complex resort, Bugok Hot Spring Tourist Special Complex covers various facilities other than the large spa, such as the grand performance hall, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, zoo, botanical garden, five tourist hotels, 23 accommodation and 21 shopping centers. It is a suitable place for short family trips where you can relax your tired body at the hot spring, and rest at the accommodation and recreation facilities in the complex. There is a footprint of a herbivorous dinosaur in front of the Ilsung Condominium and eggs boiled in the hot spring water are served in the Bugok Tourist Hotel. Also, there are facilities for adolescents, which are frequently used for training and seminars. The Bugok Hot Spring Festival is held in every October to promote the Bugok Hot Springs.  


Busan(Jung-gu)

Busan Trick Eye Museum is the only 3D art experience hall in Busan where visitors can directly experience famous paintings through not only sight but also by touching and taking photos inside the paintings. Opened in 2013, the museum has rised into a must-visit place of Busan, welcoming over 200,000 tourists. Since its opening, the museum has make efforts to continually increase their attractive appeal by installing new artworks.


Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si)

The fields in Suncheonman Bay is thickly covered with reeds taller than a full-grown man. It is the biggest colony of reeds in Korea. The image of the entire field swaying in the wind is as dazzling as waves on the sea.The field of reeds is home to many plants that thrive in damp conditions, like the common reed and the starwort. Among the world’s wetlands, Suncheonman Bay is widely known for attracting the largest number of rare birds. Internationally rare birds such as the hooded crane, white-naped crane, white stork, black-faced spoonbill, Eurasian Oystercatcher, as well as birds designated as natural treasures, can be spotted here. There are about 140 species of birds including the snipe, wild duck, shelduck, and wild goose in total. In order to get to Suncheon, visitors can either fly to Yeosu Airport from Gimpo or Jeju, and then take an airport bus to Suncheon.For more information, visit the Suncheonman Bay website at www.suncheonbay.go.kr


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)

Gwangnaru Safety Experience Center was founded with the goal of preventing tragedies and saving the lives of children and youth. Because of fire accidents like "Sirent" in 1999, which occurred in Hwasong city in Gyungi-do, and another fire accident in the bar of Enhyon-dong located in Inchon Gwangyuok city where a lot of children and youth lost their lives, the necessity of establishing a disaster training center for common citizens was urgently felt. To teach people how to remain safe during disasters the Seoul Citizen Training Center was created. Gwangnaru Safety Experience Center is a three-story building of more than 5000 m². The basement floor includes a small theater. The first floor is set up for natural disaster training and consists of an orientation hall, storm simulation training room, earthquake simulation room, computer tests on fire safety knowledge and others. The second floor is a place for artificial catastrophe training. It consists of a smoke escape training room, fire extinguisher training room, first-aid (CPR) training room and practicing place for calling 119 (The emergency number in Korea). The third floor is used for people rescue training and consists of a rescue training room, screening room, training for professionals and video examples of five biggest disasters that have occurred in Seoul. Overall there are about 20 training corners established, so citizens can experience the imitation of a disaster by themselves and learn easily and in an interesting way to cope with a disaster. We believe that if children, youth and common citizens listen to fire fighters and personally experience training, it will help to learn the correct way to face dangerous situation and deal with a disaster.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

In 2013, the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea opened a new branch in Sogyeok-dong, Jongno-gu at the former site of the Defense Security Command. The announcement for the construction of the National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Seoul (MMCA Seoul) came out in 2009, and the architecture for the museum was selected through idea proposals and an architectural design competition in 2010. What makes the Seoul branch different from the others is that it introduced Korea’s traditional architectural concept of ‘madang’, which is a spacious courtyard where people can come in and gather together to socialize. MMCA Seoul's building is also designed to harmonize with the surrounding nature around the city.Equipped with facilities including a reference center, a project gallery theater and a multipurpose hall, MMCA Seoul strives to accommodate every mode of new artistic endeavor and to communicate with the public. The site is where Korea’s historical and political developments were achieved. Most of the old buildings are gone but a few still remains to remind people of its significant role.MMCA Seoul was inaugurated on November 12, 2013


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Discover the Incheon Art Platform: A Hub of Ever-Evolving Art and Culture Introduction to Incheon Art Platform When planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, a must-visit destination is the Incheon Art Platform. Opened in September 2009, this vibrant cultural and artistic space was created as part of Incheon’s old downtown regeneration project. It offers a unique blend of history and modern creativity, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. A Historical and Modern Fusion Incheon Art Platform is situated in Haean-dong, an area known for its well-preserved architectural heritage. The complex comprises 13 buildings that were originally constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. These buildings have been thoughtfully remodeled to retain their historical charm while being repurposed into studios, galleries, performance halls, and other cultural facilities. This transformation has created a space where the past and present coexist harmoniously, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience. Facilities and Attractions The Incheon Art Platform is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a comprehensive cultural ecosystem designed to support and promote the arts. The facilities include: - Building A (Training Center): Home to the Incheon Foundation for Arts & Culture Life Culture Center. - Building B (Exhibition Hall): Features an exhibition hall and storage rooms. - Building C (Performance Hall): Equipped with a performance hall, practice rooms, and waiting areas. - Building D (Archive): Contains material rooms, a media lab, and spaces for facility management and policy research. - Buildings E1-E3 (Studios): Provide 22 studios, resting rooms, media labs, and workspaces for artists. - Building F (Guesthouse): Offers guestrooms, a laundry room, and rest areas. - Building G1 (Small Gallery): Used for exhibitions. - Building G2 (Platform Lounge): A research and meeting area for registered workers and a participation area for citizens. - Building G3 (IAP Promotional Hall) - Building H (Community Hall): Includes a café, community hall, and life culture center. Cultural Activities The platform hosts a variety of activities that cater to both artists and the public. It operates artist residency programs, and organizes exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that encourage community participation. This makes the Incheon Art Platform not only a place for artistic creation but also a space for cultural exchange and community engagement. Nearby Attractions In addition to the art platform, the surrounding area offers several other attractions: - Incheon Chinatown: A vibrant area where you can explore unique architecture and enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine. - Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village: A whimsical village decorated with fairy tale-themed murals and sculptures, perfect for families and children. - Wolmido Island: Known for its amusement park, scenic views, and seafood restaurants, it’s a great place to relax and have fun.  Visitor Information - Address: 11-5 Haean-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon - Hours: 09:00 - 21:30 - Admission: Free (Some special programs and performances may have fees) - Parking: Not available - Directions: From Incheon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 1. Take Bus 15 or 28 and get off at Jung-gu Office. The Incheon Art Platform is a dynamic space where historical architecture meets contemporary art, offering a rich and engaging experience for all visitors. Whether you are an art lover or simply looking to explore Incheon’s cultural heritage, this platform is an essential stop on your itinerary.