Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

Gwanguimun Gate is said to be originally constructed in 1396, the 5th year of King Taejo, in the southeast of the capital city (Seoul). It was often referred to as Sugumun Gate (water channel gate) and was actually used as a Sigumun, literally meaning “corpse gate”, as funeral processions passed through this gate when exiting to the east.During the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea, 1592-1598), the fortress gate was destroyer to such a degree that it made finding the original location close to impossible. Nevertheless, rebuilding efforts were started in 1711 (37th year of King Sukjong) and the water channel gate was restored and a gate tower built. Gwanghuimun Gate remained intact even when the fortress walls were demolished to build tram tracks during the Japanese occupation, but it was damaged during the Korean War and left neglected. In 1975, restoration work was carried out to relocate Gwanghuimun Gate to a site 15 meters south of its original location since it stood in the middle of the road.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

A Window of Asian Culture Facing the World The Asia Culture Center (ACC) is an international arts and cultural exchange organization that produces new, future-oriented results through the convergence of Asia’s past and present arts and culture with innovative ideas and beliefs. Having the context of artistically sublimating the significance of the May 18th Democratic Movement’s human rights and peace as its point of departure, the ACC, which opened in November 2015, is a Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism–affiliated institution established for the advancement of mutual understanding and cooperative growth with different Asian countries through exchange, education, research, and other efforts with regard to Asian culture. The ACC plays the role of an integrated platform for participants from Asia and the rest of the world to freely unite and exchange their ideas while transcending boundaries in carrying out the steps of research, creation, and production. At the ACC, diverse and dynamic programs (exhibitions, performances, education, festivals, and other events) using collected research data, resources, etc., are held year-round with the creative output of experts from various fields who have exchanged their creativity and ingenuity with one another.  


Seoul(Gangdong-gu)

Hangang Park opened six outdoor swimming pools (including one at Yeouido Hangang Park). Supported by meticulous water quality management, they are not only safe, but also an inexpensive to private facilities. Excellent amenities offer swimming equipment rentals, food, and beverages.* LocationBetween Olympic Bridge and Namsa River Basin


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

The National Science Museum is a scientific culture facility which studies and exhibits various scientific materials. At its center is the Astronomical Hall, which is the largest dome in Korea. From here you can vividly see the phenomenon of the celestial sphere and the human development of space. It also has the only world-class space theater in Korea. The 242 seats are available on a first-come first-serve basis. It can re-create the appearance of a night sky, the highlight being the view of the starlight at the planetarium. The Astrovision is also a special visual device, giving a magnificent and realistic view of space development.There are exhibits featuring about 4000 items based on nature and natural science at the Permanent Exhibit Hall. There are also exhibit halls featuring Korean nature, weapons, and folk musical instruments. You can see the stages of collecting energy from nature, and its use in transportation. Outside the Hall is Cheomseongdae, a weather evaluating machine from the Goryeo period; models of plant-eating dinosaurs; and a steam engine. The exhibits help to easily understand the theories of science, and the wonders of nature. The museum has a movie theater. Science movies and other excellent movies are shown at 11am and 2pm every day, and the seating can accommodate 776 people.


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Yangnyeongsi Oriental Medicine Cultural Center was established in 1993. On the first floor is the herbal medicine market, which opens every five days and sells different types of herbal medicine from across the country. The second floor, divided into six zones, houses various experience station, a souvenir shop and an outdoor garden. The third floor, divided into four zones, displays the general and historical facts about Oriental medicine development in the city of Yangnyeong. Through multiple exhibitions and various hands-on experience programs, the Cultural Center continues to provide an opportunity to experience the 350-year-old traditions in the history of Yangnyeong-si and Yakjeon Medicine Alley.


Seoul(Eunpyeong-gu)

Jingwansa Temple, located to the west of Seoul, is one of the four major temples around Seoul along with Bulamsa, Sammaksa, and Seunggasa temple located to the east, south and north respectively. The temple was dedicated to Preceptor Jingwan in 1010 BC by King Hyeonjong, the 8th king of the Goryeo Dynasty.During the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong built a library in Jingwansa for Confucian scholars to visit and read. The temple was reduced to ashes during the Korean War, but since Preceptor Jingwan lead as head priest in 1963, the temple buildings have been restored and renewed over the past 30 years to the present day condition.The temple consists of Daeungjeon (Hall of Sakyamuni), Myeongbujeon (Hall of Judgment), Nahanjeon, Chilseonggak, Nagawon, Hongjeru, Dongjeonggak, Dongbyeoldang, Yosache and others. Daeungjeon, the centerpiece of the temple, enshrines the god Sakyamuni (the main statue of Buddha) along with Mireukbosal and Jehwagalhwabosal on each side. Myeongbujeon is dedicated to Jijangbosal, Domyeongjonja, mudokgwiwang and Sipdae daewang while at Nahanjeon, the gods of Sakyamuni, Mireukbosal, Jehwagalla bosal, and Simnyungnahansang are enshrined.The temple is not only neighbor to the beautiful surrounding of Bukhansan National Park, but also contains an impressive collection of cultural and historical properties. It also provides a quiet place for urbanites to enjoy all the while sharing the teachings of Buddha.


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

Gyeonghuigung Annex Building of Seoul Museum of Art originally opened as the annex building of the Seoul Museum of Art in July 2003. The site was the original location of Gyeonghuigung Palace. After undergoing a recent renovation, it is now the annex building as we know it today boasting beautiful views of the gardens and historic sites. A wide range of art exhibitions take place here.The two-story building has two exhibition halls and a management office. Its unique exhibition space has round corridors and winding corridors that feel flexible and dynamic. The annex building of Gyeonghuigung is primarily used for paid exhibitions. 


Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si)

Jumunjin Beach (주문진 해수욕장) is located in the northern-most part of Gangneung, and is a great place for family vacations due to the beach's shallow water. The flat bottom and clear water make it easy to gather clams and to fish at the nearby lake. You can also easily purchase low-priced, fresh seafood because of its proximity to Jumunjin Harbor. Jumunjin Beach is a medium-sized beach characterized by fine sand and unusually blue water. Many dark colored rocks and stones are visible as well, which are interesting sites for tourists visiting the beach. The fine view of pine trees behind the white sands only accentuates its beauty.Nearby is a place called Mureung Valley, named after its scenery of Mureungdowon, a Chinese landscape where you can see a waterfall flowing down a rock wall and cows grazing in the area. Nearby is a rock called Sikdangam, believed to have been used as a dining table, and Geumgang temple, which was rebuilt in 1964. Sites you don't want to miss are the legendary rock called Adeulbawi Rock (Son Rock), which people believe can grant you a son. Guryong Waterfall, which is made up of 9 different waterfalls of different sizes, and Sogeumgang’s Manmulsang, which looks like a miniature version of Mt. Geumgangsan.


Daegu(Dalseo-gu)

The Daegu Culture and Arts Center opened in May, 1990 and is a grand facility housing a performance center, exhibition hall and outdoor stage.The performance hall consists of a large (1,090 seats) and small (320 seats) theater. The large stage is mainly used for concerts, dances, plays and opera performances while the smaller stage is for solo recitals and plays. The exhibition hall consists of 13 rooms and an international conference hall. Behind the exhibition hall building is an outdoor stage with seating for 700 guests. The stage is also used for concerts, dances and madangnori and also can be rented for wedding ceremonies.The outdoor facility at Duryu Park is among the largest in Korea with a capacity of 27,000 people. The hall is for performances of diverse genres such as music concerts, plays, musicals and operas. Other amenities at the park include an art shop selling traditional living items and a coffee house.Daegu Culture and Arts Center is a top attraction in Daegu. The schedule is always filled with events hosting various municipal art groups (orchestra & choir, dance corps, Korea traditional music group, theatre, youth choir and opera group) and local artists. At the same time, it maintains a pleasant atmosphere to rest and relax for Daegu urbanites.


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

The National Gugak Center (Formerly: National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts) is the governing body established to preserve and promote traditional Korean performing arts. It consists of three performance halls. First, the largest venue for traditional Korean performing arts is the Reservation Hall. The outward appearance of this theatre is based on Suwon Castle. The interior is built to accentuate all the features of the performing platform for traditional performing arts, and can accommodate every single type of traditional performing art, such as Palace Music, Court Music, and all other genres including major productions of Changguek (Korean musical drama). The structure of the stage and seats are reminiscent of a Korean yard.Long ago in Korea, traditional arts were performed in the yard. The audience was separated into an area in the shape of an earthen wall, and the ceiling had a shield/kite shaped emanating plate. The theatre gives the illusion of being in an ancient Korean household. On the 2nd floor of the Reservation Hall, there is a separate children's playground, which allows for quiet enjoyment of the music in the performance hall. Umyeondang (small hall) was designed to accommodate performances which were held outdoors. The performing space can be adjusted to fit the needs of the production.The National Gugak Center Outdoor Performance Stage is also called the "Star Welcoming Stage." You can watch many traditional performances that are usually held on traditional holidays. You can listen to traditional music, and if you want more information on the music try going to the Gugak Museum. Videos on Korea's traditional instruments and other Gugak related videos are always exhibited here. Also at the shop you can buy various Gugak related souvenirs. Having a Gugak CD or a cassette will be a great souvenir to remember the inspiration of Gugak for a long time. At the Front courtyard of the museum you can try to play traditional games and instruments from 10am to 5pm. You can play traditional games like neol ttwigi (seesaw jumping) or jegi chagi (Korean hacky sack) and try playing traditional instruments like the jing (gong), janggu (drum), kkwaenggwari (cymbal) and buk (drum).