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

Seodaemun Prison History Hall is a special museum located at Seodaemun Independence Park. It was built near the end of the Joseon Dynasty (~1910), and was where Japanese soldiers tortured then later executed Korean followers of the Independence Movement. Seodaemun Prison History Hall was built in remembrance of Seodaemun Prison, and to salute the Korean patriots. There you'll find seven jail cells, a historical exhibition hall, an execution room, watchtowers and a basement jail cell where Yu Gwan-sun an historic figure during the independence movement died. The 1st floor is “A Place of Reverence,” where you can learn about Seodaemun Prison via the graphic systems. A large screen shows the background of its founding and the transition periods in its history. The Material Room has displays and information on Korea's history. The museum also holds special exhibits. The 2nd floor is “A Place of History,” where you can view the “National Resistance Room,” “Prison History Room” and the “In Prison Life Room.” This floor shows examples of how the people fought through this dark chapter in history continuing to hold on to their hope and resolve for freedom. “A Place of Experience” is the most horrifying and dreadful place in the prison. In the “Temporary Detention Room” and “Torture Room” you will see recreated torture scenes that are frighteningly realistic. At the Seodamun Independence Park nearby you can visit the Independence Hall, the Patriotic Martyr Monument, the March 1st Declaration of Independence Monument, relic no. 32 and no. 33.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Samcheongdong-gil Road stretches from Gyeongbokgung Palace to Samcheong Tunnel. Just past Samcheong Tunnel, at the end of the walkway, you’ll find Samcheong Park—a park famous for its thick forest and scenic views. Samcheongdong-gil goes through the middle of the city, but is a peaceful, quaint area. The street is lined with cafes, museums, antique shops and a number of famous art galleries. Since each art gallery building along Samcheongdong-gil has its own unique architectural design, taking a walk and appreciating the buildings is a journey in itself. Many galleries have their own cafes, restaurants, or craft shops, allowing visitors to enjoy art, shopping, and lunch all under one roof.


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

Seoul World Cup Stadium is shaped like a traditional Korean kite, and if seen from above, it looks as if a rectangular shield is being flown like a kite. The shape of the stadium represents flight towards victory, and it combines the hopes of the World Cup games and spirit and traditional culture of the Korean people. The very first impression the stadium gives is that it is very large. It provides over 60,000 seats, and in fact, in terms of area and facility, it is the best in Asia. There are also large screens on either side of the stadium for people wanting close-up view of the games. Near the stadium there are a variety of parks, ideal for leisurely walks. There are also five theme parks around the stadium – Peace Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Noeul Park among them. Thick groves of trees, modern street lights, and magnificent fountains make the parks ideal walking areas in the morning and evening. In the evenings, many in-line skaters come and hang out as well. The stadium is open from 9 to 5 pm, and many interpreters are always on duty. After the successful completion of the 2002 FIFA World Cup Korea/Japan, the Seoul World Cup Stadium has been leading the campaign to promote soccer culture, and is also a frontrunner in hosting various cultural events. Located within the facilities are also places to shop and enjoy cultural activities- providing all visitors with much to see and do. In Seoul, it is rising as a popular tourist spot. [Nearby Attractions]CGV Sangam 10 Cineplex A 10-screen Cineplex located within the Seoul World Cup Stadium, the CGV Sangam 10 is the first movie theatre to be located inside the sports stadium. With 10 screens and over 1,800 seats, all theatres are equipped with 3-way Dolby Surround Sound. Discount Shopping Mall ‘Homever’ Of all the ‘Homever’ stores in Korea, the one inside the Seoul World Cup Stadium is the largest. The basement floor is for parking, the 1st floor is for groceries, and the 2nd floor holds a mix of necessities, electronics, and clothing as well as a food court. -Tel: +82-2-300-7000 (Korean/English) -Parking Facilities: about 900 vehicles -Hours: 10:00-24:00 -Closed: New Year, Lunar New Year, Harvest Moon Festival-Note: The information provided may differ from what's currently available. Please check the details from the official website or by calling.


Seoul(Yeongdeungpo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Situated in Yeouido, the heart of politics, media, banking and finance, Yeouido Hangang Park is easily accessible via public transportation. As one of the most popular parks along Hangang River, the park attracts many visitors, residents, and office workers. The park offers exciting events year-round: the Yeouido Cherry Blossom Festival in the spring, the World Fireworks Festival in the fall, as well as concerts, and marathons. Well-preserved natural areas such as Bamseom and Yeouido Saetgang Tributary provide visitors with an opportunity to learn about nature and ecology. In addition, thanks to the Hangang Renaissance Project, the park is full of new attractions: the Water Light Square, Waterside Fountains, the Waterside Stage, Festival Land, the Piano Waterway, Waterfalls of Light, the Yacht Marina, and more. Facilities for the Handicapped: Free wheelchair rental services


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

The Grand Hyatt Hotel's beautiful ice skating rink has been featured in a number of Korean TV commercials and dramas. It’s particularly popular with couples as the rink’s gorgeous lights, night view of the city, and smooth music make it very romantic. The Grand Hyatt Hotel holds several events: * Mondays - 50% off couple admissions and skate rentals * Tuesdays - Free skate rentals from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. * Wednesdays - Free polaroid picture and a rose for couples * Thursdays - Free ice skating all day long * Fridays - Proposal event (other additional fees may apply)


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, exhibits traditional and modern works of art by Korean and international artists. The museum itself is just as fascinating as the works of art on display, since its three buildings were designed by the internationally renowned architects, Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. MUSEUM 1 houses traditional Korean works of art, such as calligraphy, paintings, ceramic arts, and metal craftwork, while MUSEUM 2 displays modern and contemporary art by both Korean and foreign artists. On Saturday and Sunday guided tours in English are conducted at 3pm. If you plan to visit during the weekdays and wish to receive an English guided tour, you will need to call at least 2-3 days in advance to make a reservation. Audio guides in English, Japanese, and Chinese are available, which provide detailed information on the works of art. These can be rented at the museum for a small fee. This is one of the places that the "first ladies of the Seoul G20" visited during the G20 Summit in Seoul in November 2010. This attraction represents the beauty of Korea.


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(Jung-gu) , Sinsadong・Garosu-gil

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. A passageway for traffic is located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun’s tablet has its name written vertically. When the first king of Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong-Gye (reign 1335-1408), had constructed the capital city, he believed that fire will reach to Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the capital city as Mt. Gwanaksan of Seoul is shaped like fire according to feng-shui principles. Sungnyemun’s name means fire, which is from the harmony of the Five Elements and if written vertically, the Chinese character ‘fire’ looks as if it is providing protection. This was Taejong’s (1367-1422) first son, Yangnyeongdaegun’s (1394-1462) famous writing. On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate has been re-opened to the public again as of May 4, 2013.


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

Seoul Plaza was established in 2004, and is centrally located by Seoul City Hall. The plaza is shaped like an egg and the full moon. Seoul Plaza hosts a wide array of cultural events including concerts and exhibitions for residents and visitors. The plaza transforms into an outdoor skating rink every winter, and is a popular winter attraction in the city. The facility houses one rink for beginners and one for advanced skaters, and also hosts various events during its operating hours. There are also convenience facilities like skate rental, and outdoor break room, outdoor standing area and rest area for ice skaters. Ice skaters at the rink must wear gloves, and the plaza also offers a training program to teach interested individuals how to skate in a fun and accessible way. To learn how to skate, visit the homepage to register for a training session in advance.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Situated in Jamsil-dong (Songpa-gu), the Seoul Sports Complex was completed in December 1976. Seoul Olympic Stadium, the centerpiece of the Seoul Sports Complex (also called Jamsil Sports Complex) is surrounded by the Housing Complex for Players, Jamsil Apartment Complex, Hangang River, and Tancheon Stream. Olympic Park is located 3.5km from the stadium. Close to the Sports Complex Station (on Subway Line No. 2), the complex is easily accessible to the public. The complex is also home to a baseball stadium, two swimming centers, an indoor sports facility, a supplementary track field, and an indoor sports facility for students. A large park frequently hosts wedding ceremonies. Seoul Olympic Stadium has hosted some of the biggest global sporting events including the 10th Asian Games and the 24th Seoul Olympics. Naturally, it has attracted millions of visitors to its various sporting events. In recent years, it has been a popular venue for giant concerts, events, and, of course, sporting events.