Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in the heart of Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace was first built by the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (r.1418-1450), for his retiring father, King Taejong. It often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines. During the reign of King Seongjong (r.1469-1494), the palace was renovated and renamed to Changgyeonggung Palace. It later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during Japanese colonial rule. The palace was then relocated in 1983 and regained its old grace after years of restoration. Past the entrance of Changgyeonggung Palace, the Honghwa Gate, you will find Okcheongyo Bridge. All palaces of the Joseon Dynasty have ponds with an arch bridge over them, just like Okcheongyo Bridge. Cross Okcheongyo Bridge, pass the Myeongjeongmun Gate, and you will find Myeonjeongjeon. This is the office of the king, and Myeongjeongjeon is the oldest of the Joseon Dynasty palaces. The houses face southwards, but Myeongjeongjeon faces east. Because the ancestral shrine of the royal family is located to the south, the gate couldn't face the south, as is required by Confucian custom. There are stones with the status of the officials carved on the yard. Behind Myeongjeongjeon on the upper left side is Sungmundang. This building utilizes the slope of the mountain. If you look at Myeongjeongjeon and Munjeongjeon, the combination of the high and low roofs offers a beautiful view. Tongmyeongjeon was built for the queen. It is the biggest building in Changgyeonggung Palace, and you can recognize the delicate details of its structure in various parts of the building. Walk up the stones past Tongmyeongjeon and there you will find Jagyeongjeon. On the southeast direction of the Jagyeongjeon is the Punggidae. This Punggidae is a measuring instrument. It is a long pole with a cloth hung at the end used to check the speed and direction of the wind. If you head north there is a large pond called Chundangji. Half of the pond was originally a rice field that the king took care of. But during the Japanese occupation, the rice field was changed to a pond with little ships floating on it. And the botanic garden built above the pond still remains today.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

The main feature of Dongsoong Arts Center is that it accepts various cultural genres. Movies, plays, dances and traditional Korean music (Gukak) that are artistic and experimental are mainly held here. The main facilities are the Dongsoong Hall, the Studio Theater, Hypertheque NADA, etc. Dongsoong Hall is a performance theater where you can watch performances such as plays, dances, and concerts. Located on the B1 floor of the art center, it has a capacity of 450 people on the 1st and 2nd floor balcony. The Studio Theater is on the 5th floor. It boasts a stage set that can be easily changed to fit the performance features. There are 150 seats in the small theater. The most eye-catching facility at Dongsoong Art Center is the Hypertheque NADA, which is on the 1st floor. Its name means 'the theater of the audience.' Here you can spend the night watching various movies that are bizarre. In this theater you can find 147 names of celebrities on the seats. You'll be able to sit in a chair with a celebrity's name written on it. At the Hypertheque Character Shop you will find the 'NADA' character and various movie character products. After browsing around the shop, you can go to the cafe for tea and snacks. There you can relax in the tranquil space and cultural atmosphere of the art center.


Seoul(Yangcheon-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

The International Seon Center, operated by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is a global templestay center where both local residents and foreign visitors alike can experience Korea’s Buddhist cultural practices. The seven-story building with three basement floors is equipped with various facilities including the Seon (Zen) practice hall, templestay hall, Great Dharma hall, and education and culture halls. The temple offers opportunities to experience traditional Korean Buddhist culture through such programs as Ganwha Seon (meditation classes), Templestay, Seon Culture Class, and temple food lectures. The regular Sunday ceremony provides a dharma talk both in Korean and English.


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)

Sheraton Walker Hill Riverpark is a swimming pool using water comprised of alkali ingredients such as sodium and potassium from underground granite. Since it opened in 1994, the Riverpark is one Seoul's most popular summer getaways to enjoy swimming. Surrounded by Hangang River and Achasan Mountain, it provides fresh air as well as natural scenery. People can use any of the various facilities, including the main pool, lazy river, swimming pool for children, pool-side restaurant offering special summer lunch, and one of the 250 sun tanning beds.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Artee Riders Club is the first company that offers rickshaw tours in the nation. Not only do you get to ride on the rickshaw to tour around popular attractions including Bukchon Village, Seochon Village, the rickshaw tour guides you to the smaller alleys as well. Travelers to Bukchon Village may have their belongings or luggage stored at the center, and individual's insurance as well as a complimentary drink are offered.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

Located in the middle of COEX Central Plaza, Starfield Library offers visitors a perfect reading space. Two-floored library has 13-meter high bookshelf and soft lights to ease the eyes as well as various types of tables with electric plugs for those with laptops. With more than 50,000 books ranging from literature to hobbies as well as over 400 types of magazines, visitors can enjoy reading interesting books in the middle of a shopping center.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Must-Visit Attraction in Incheon: Wolmi Sea Train If you're planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, the Wolmi Sea Train is a must-visit attraction. Recognized by the Korea Tourism Organization as one of the "Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots for Koreans," this urban tourist monorail offers a unique way to explore the scenic beauty of Wolmido. The Wolmi Sea Train is the longest urban monorail in Korea, covering a total distance of 6.1 kilometers at an average speed of 9 kilometers per hour. The entire journey around Wolmido takes approximately 42 minutes. With tracks elevated between 7 and 18 meters above the ground, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of Wolmido, Incheon Inner Port, the Yellow Sea, and even the distant Incheon Bridge. One of the highlights of the Wolmi Sea Train is the stunning sunset over the Yellow Sea, which paints the sky in beautiful shades of orange and red. The train ride offers a perfect vantage point to enjoy this natural spectacle, making it a memorable experience for all visitors. The Wolmi Sea Train operates from Wolmi Theme Park, a popular destination that has been loved by many since its opening in 1992. The theme park was revamped in 2009 and now features major attractions like the Disco Pang Pang, Viking rides, and a giant Ferris wheel. The park has been featured in various Korean TV programs such as "1 Night 2 Days" and "SBS Running Man," showcasing its appeal as a fun and exciting destination. In the evenings, the theme park is beautifully illuminated, offering a romantic and picturesque night view unique to Wolmido. It's an ideal spot for families, couples, and friends to enjoy both the natural beauty and the lively atmosphere. Location: Wolmi Sea Train, 269 Jemullyang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea Contact: +82-32-450-7600 Operating Hours: Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Weekends: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Ticket Prices: Adults: 8,000 KRW Teenagers (13-18 years): 6,000 KRW Seniors (65 years and older): 6,000 KRW Children (3 years and older): 5,000 KRW Disabled/State Meritorious Persons: 4,000 KRW Make sure to include the Wolmi Sea Train in your Incheon travel itinerary. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this wonderful city. Don't miss out on this unique and enjoyable attraction!


Gyeonggi-do(Gwangju-si) , Namyangju

The Konjiam Resort boasts the largest ski slopes in the Seoul area and features four hundred seventy-six condominium rooms, a spa, golf course and other subsidiary facilities. The resort is a mere forty minutes away from Seoul’s Gangnam, making it a great option for visitors from Seoul who are pressed for time.With skiing being so popular in Korea, overcrowded ski slopes are sometimes a problem, but the Konjiam Resort has solved this by enforcing Korea’s first maximum occupancy rule. Consequently, skiers will no longer have to endure long waits at the ski lifts and will have a safer, more enjoyable ski experience.The Konjiam Resort has eleven double-x_width slopes for beginner and intermediate skiers and snowboarders. There are also three ski lifts that take skiers up to the peak of the slopes for a 1.8km length run down the mountain, the longest ski-run in the metropolitan area.In addition to great ski facilities, the resort also features an ecological river and has introduced state-of-the-art spa services, perfect for relaxing your muscles after a long day on the slopes.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Opened in 1992, Seoul Art Center Gongpyeong Gallery is a 17,791 sq. ft., two-story building with four exhibition halls. It is one of the main pavilions of Insa-dong, displaying diverse artwork ranging from Western and Korean paintings to sculptures. Due to the great interest in Korean paintings, 2~3 of the annual long-term exhibitions focus solely on them.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Andong-si)

Hahoe Mask Museum is located in Andong Hahoe Village, which is both a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Important Folklore Material No. 122. Hahoe Village is a representative traditional Korean folk town and is the home of the Hahoe Mask (National Treasure No. 121) and the Byeolsin Gut Mask Dance (Important Intangible Cultural Properties No. 69). The museum not only displays Hahoe masks, but also other traditional masks from all over the world. The museum consists of a 1-story main building, a two-story annex building, an outdoor event garden, and a research room. The research room houses a wide range of books, documents, and video-audio materials related to masks. At the museum, you’ll encounter time-honored Korean masks that have long since been used in a variety of traditional mask dances. Masks include Bongsan, Gangnyeong, and Eunnyul masks from Hwanghae-do province; Sandaenori masks (Yeongju Byeolsandae and Songpa Sandaenori) from Seoul; Yaryu (Dongrae Yaryu, and Suyeong Yaryu masks) and Ogwangdae (Goseong Ogwangdae, Gasan Ogwangdae, Tongyeong Ogwangdae masks) from the Yeongnam region; Hahoe masks from Andong; Yeonghae Byeolsin Gut masks; Yeonggwang Nongakjapsaek masks; Yecheon Cheongdan Noreum masks; the Gangneung Gwanno Mask of the Gangneung Dano Festival; the Deotboegi mask of Namsadang nori; and Cheoyong, Bangsangssi ceremonial masks.