Seoul(Gangbuk-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

Hwagyesa Temple, which falls under the Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located at the foot of Mt. Samgaksan in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Although it is located in the city of Seoul, the beautiful surrounding mountains and landscapes create a serene atmosphere to escape urban life.It was built in 1522 AD (the seventeenth year of the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty) by monk Shinwol, but was destroyed in a fire in 1618. In 1866 (the third year of the reign of King Gojong), it was rebuilt through financial support from his royal elders.The temple was built in an early architectural style and has Daeungjeon, a main sanctuary (Tangible Cultural Asset No. 65), Myeongbujeon shrine, Samseonggak pavilion, Cheonbulobaekseongjeon shrine, a temple bell pavilion, Bohwaru tower, and Hakseoru tower.A small water spring, named Oktakcheon and located in the valley (Hwagyegol) beside Hwagyesa Temple, is famous for supernatural healing powers of skin and stomach diseases. The legend says this spring was formed from crows pecking away at the rocks.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

The Hongdae Music Show Wedding Theatre which used to be the Hongdae Nanta Theatre opened on September 9, 2013 in Hongdae. Music Show Wedding is a show that combines live music, acting, and performances. The show features 23 musical instruments and a striking stage lit with 30,000 LED lights.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Seoul Namsan Gugakdang (Traditional Theater), located in Namsangol Hanok Village, is a performance hall dedicated to Gugak Performance. The 330-seat hall’s acoustics, lighting, and stage facilities are all specifically designed to enhance the sound and experience of Gugak. It is the only performance hall in Korea where patrons can enjoy the pure, natural sound of Gugak without the use of any electro-acoustic technology.The Performing Gugakdang runs a range of hands-on experience programs including lectures on Gukak instruments & traditional arts and cultural activities for teens. With the combination of performances and interactive programs, the Seoul Namsan Gugakdang aims to increasingly give the citizens of Seoul the chance to personally experience and appreciate the beauty and joy of Gugak, Korean traditional music.


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

I Like Dalki (Strawberry) is a children's theme park based on the famous fashion accessory brand 'Dalki.' Not just an entertainment facility, I Like Dalki is a park that's educational too, featuring a variety of colorful programs and attractions designed to stimulate the imagination. This family park is filled with fun, fairytale entertainment like the Watermelon Railway Station, Strawberry House, Bubble Hair Salon, Wind Hill, and more! A visit to I Like Dalki is a family adventure sure to delight adults and children alike.


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

The Bank of Korea Museum, open in celebration of the 50th anniversary of the foundation of the Bank of Korea, introduces the history of the currency culture home and abroad through the history and related documents of the Bank of Korea. In doing so, the museum aims to raise public awareness on currency culture while highlighting the importance of price stabilization in the development of the economy.The museum is not just a cultural space, but also a great place for hands-on education. The museum currently preserves & presents around 4,500 kinds of international and domestic currency as well as documents related to the work done by the Bank of Korea. Other exhibitions explain the minting process and the recognition of counterfeits as well as displaying systematic research documents on money and the state economy.


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

The Seoul Olympic Museum was established to remember the success and significance of the 1988 Olympics. It was opened in September of 1990 in order to recreate the events and success that resulted from the events of the Olympic Games, and also continue the atmosphere of the Games and plant a seed of sports into the next generation of athletes through education, games and themed sections in this global tourist attraction.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Situated in Myeongryun-dong (Seoul) and established in 1984, Waryong Park is located near Malbawi, one of the best overlooks from which to see the city of Seoul. The park is close to natural attractions such as Samcheong Park, Changgyeong Park, and Bukaksan (Mt. Bukak).Although it was difficult to grow trees in the park (and other parts of the country) because of the shallowness of the soil, many citizens participated in the nationwide campaign to plant over 10 million trees across the country, transforming places like Waryong into lush areas filled with flowering plants.In the park, spring blooms forth in a colorful assortment of cherry trees, ume flowers, azaleas, and forsythias, making it a popular destination for family visitors. There are also a variety of excellent amenities: badminton courts, aerobic fields, fitness facilities, and pavilions, wonderful for exercise, leisurely walks, or simply taking a break.A famous hiking trail, running between the Seoul Fortress Wall and Samcheong Park, passes right through the park. Flanked by cherry blossoms, the trail attracts droves of nature lovers throughout the year and especially in spring, when the trees are in full bloom. The trail also passes by the Fortress Wall in Bukaksan. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Food and Culture Academy has been providing Korean cooking classes and culinary culture programs for international visitors since 2002. The classes are designed for visitors who simply wish to have a culinary experience, or avid cooks who wish to learn about Korean cuisine. Participants can choose from a wide range of hands-on cooking classes. The cooking classes are conducted in English and Japanese, and are taught by experienced teachers.With an added charge of 5,000 won, participants can experience wearing a hanbok (traditional Korean clothes) or visit a nearby traditional market (Tongin Market) to buy ingredients. The programs are offered from 9am to 6pm every day except for Sundays and a minimum of two participants is required.


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

Boramae Park is a former Air Force Academy site that has been transformed into a recreational park. It adopted the name ‘Boramae’ (meaning hawk) which was the symbol of the site when it was the Air Force Academy. There are a variety of exercise facilities including multi-purpose areas, badminton courts, an X-game court and climbing wall, a turf field, an air park, a musical pond, a playground, picnic sites and various other facilities.The symbolic tower of the Air Force Academy still stands as a powerful symbol of loyalty and filial piety. Visitors can get a more intimate feel of the old Air Force Academy with a visit to the aircraft display (8 pieces in all) located behind the main fountain. 


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

Background Information: The Chungdong Church, having being completed in 1898, is Korea’s first Protestant church. The church was 115 pyeongs when it was first built, but as they added some extra buildings to each wing in 1926, it now stands at 175 pyeongs.The Church has been declared the 256th greatest achievement, displaying a North American style Gothic architecture. Inside the church grounds stands a bust of the founder, Minister Appenzeller, and a 50th year commemoration memorial. In 1889, the church appeared in a monthly publication magazine called ‘Church’ as having Korea’s first summer Bible studies and also one of the leading churches who does missionary work. Chungdong Church is located in the center of the beautiful Chungdong Street, and is especially beautiful in autumn, when the leaves fall from the trees that line the street. Chungdong Theater, Deoksugung Palace, and Seoul Museum of Art are also in the vicinity, making it a great place for tourism.