Seoul(Yongsan-gu)

Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine is located on the small hill just five minutes away from Yongsan Eletronics Market. 10 Catholics were martyred on this hill during the Gihae Persecution in 1839 including Choi Gyeong-hwan (Francis)'s wife Lee Seong-rye (Maria). Nine of the 10 martyrs are now recognized as saints. Lee Seong-rye, the mother of Father Thomas Choi Yang-eop (Korea's second ordained priest), has not yet been canonized although she did suffer martyrdom. The reason was that the mother briefly put aside her faith because of the pressures of raising five children after she had her oldest son Thomas. However, the difficulty of combining these two interests was eventually overcome and she died a martyr. Aside from serving as a memorial site, Danggogae Catholic Martyrs' Shrine also offers a commanding view of Seoul. Nearby tourist attractions include Saenamteo Catholic Holy Place of the Martyrs, which is a Catholic church with Korean architecture, and Yongsan Family Park.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Designated as Historic Site No. 10, the Seoul City Wall is an 18.627km-long wall surrounding Hanyang (present-day Seoul), formerly the capital of the Joseon Dynasty (1392–1910). The wall underwent regular repairs during the 500-year Joseon Dynasty. The wall itself yields evidence of the different skills and materials used, thereby giving it a significant historical value. The Seoul City Wall Museum became full operational on July 31, 2014 after conducting partial operation since April. The museum displays historical artifacts relating to the transformation of the city, and has a permanent exhibition hall, special exhibition hall, information center and multi-purpose lecture room.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

The Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center is a guesthouse facility located in Jeonju Hanok Village. This center gives the unique experience of life in a traditional-style Korean house. The center was originally a royal house that was constructed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It is currently enjoyed by many for its traditional lodging facilities. This is a great place for foreigners to experience the rich traditional culture of Korea. The buildings are newly built in the traditional style. They may be lacking somewhat in an antique feel, but offer comfort in a traditional setting.Visitors can enjoy chopping their own firewood to warm their traditional style rooms. There is a special heating system called "ondol," that was developed to radiate heat throughout the room from under the floor. Here you will sleep on a cushioned comforter on the floor without the worry of staying warm. Visitors can also learn traditional folk songs, as well as participate in traditional tea parties. It is also possible to ride bicycles around the premises. Meals are included in lodging costs.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Wongudan (Hwangudan) Altar refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo Dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon Dynasty. Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Wongudan (Hwangudan) Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon Dynasty was renamed the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived. Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Templestay Information Center is located across the street from Jogyesa Temple, and can easily be accessed from Anguk Station (Seoul Subway Line3) or from Insa-dong Cultural Street. The center is a five-story cultural complex that houses the main Templestay offices, an information center, education center, a traditional temple restaurant called “Balwoo Gongyang”, the Lotus Cafe, and a Buddhist bookstore on the basement floor. The Templestay Information Center on the first floor handles all general information concerning Templestay programs. Here one can pick up pamphlets and other brochures about the programs, as well as get answers to questions. The Education Center on the third floor has facilities for both seated programs and open rooms for other activities. The fifth floor houses a restaurant called “Balwoo Gongyang”, specializing in traditional temple food, where one can taste the carefully prepared dishes, handmade by Buddhist practitioners.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Also known as Pagoda Park, Tapgol Park, located on the former site of Weongaksa Temple from the Joseon Era, is the first modern park to be built in Seoul. Weongaksa Temple was known as Heungboksa Temple during the Goryeo Dynasty, but was renamed when it was enlarged during the early years of the Joseon Era. However, it was destroyed during the reign of Yeonsangun and Jungjong due to the repression policy of Buddhism. Thereafter, a western park was built due to the proposal of an Englishman, John Mcleavy Brown, but no precise information on the reason and date can be found. The park contains several national treasures, including Wongaksaji Sipcheungseoktap and Weongaksabi, and Palgakjeong, where the Independence Proclamation was read; the independence movement relief plate; and the statue of Son Byeong-hee. The park is of great historical value and national spirit as it was the starting point of the March 1, 1919 Independence Protest.


Gyeonggi-do(Bucheon-si) , Bucheon

Aiins World is a theme park where miniature recreations of world famous buildings are on display. The miniatures at Aiins World were crafted with such painstaking attention to detail that visitors feel like they are looking at the real thing. People also feel as if they have taken a trip around the world all in one day.The miniature version of the Great Wall of China and Mt. Kilimanjaro, blowing out smoke and ash, attracts many visitors with realistic models as well as sound effects. Other miniatures include the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center with its famous ice rink, and the street of Broadway in New York City. Aiins World lights up at night, creating a romantic and festive mood. Taking pictures next to some of the most famous structures in the world can be a rewarding experience and fun for everyone.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

AmorePacific, a Korean brand, initially gained popularity in New York since its opening of AMORE Beauty Gallery & Spa in Soho, New York. The AMORE Spa is a popular spa and treatment center frequented by many international celebrities. The AMORE Spa Seoul branch, opened in April 2005, offers approximately 30 different kinds of programs. One of the most popular spa programs is Spa Therapy, which uses a diverse range of natural therapy materials including lotus flower, ginger and bamboo. Another popular program is the Halla Green Tea program, which uses green tea leaves grown in Jeju's Hallasan Mountain. Other programs include Gold & Silver Energy Healing therapy, Mystic Bamboo Forest, facial therapies, body slimming and massages.


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

The Shinhan Museum was established in February, 1997 with the purpose of helping the general public gain a deeper understanding of the development and history of Korea's finance industry. The Shinhan Museum is located on the third and fourth floors of the Shinhan Bank Gwanghwamun branch in Jung-gu Taepyeong-ro and measures a total of 1,320.93㎡. Over 3,500 items are on display detailing the past, present, and future of Korean finance.


Gyeonggi-do(Anyang-si)

The Anyang Art Park (안양예술공원), located near Anyang station, used to be the Anyang Amusement Park (안양유원지). Built around a swimming pool that uses clean water sourced from the valleys of Gwanaksan and Samseongsan Mountains. The Park is fully equipped with a variety of recreational facilities such as an artificial waterfall; open-air stage; exhibition hall; square; walking path; and a lighting facility. With limpid waters flowing through the nearby valley and lush forested surroundings, the park is an easily accessible resting place near the Seoul metro area.