Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Sajik Park is one of the three most popular parks in Jongno-gu along with Tapgol Park and Samcheong Park. Located west of the Government Complex-Seoul on the southeastern foothills of Mt. Inwang, the park measures an impressive 188,710m².The name of the park dates back to 1395 when Taejo Lee Sung-gye made the first Sajikdan (altar to the State deities) along with the Jongmyo Shrine (Royal Ancestral Shrine) at the center of the park. "Sa" refers to the deity of the earth while "jik" refers to the deity of the five grains. Rites wishing for a good harvest were held regularly at the Sajikdan. However, the area was not officially recognized as a park until 1922 under the Japanese colonial period.In the park are several playgrounds, statues of Sin Saimdang, Hwanghakjeong, and Yi I (often referred to by his pen name ‘Yulgok’), and the Municipal Children's Library. Dangun Shrine and Jongno Library are situated nearby. By following the path next to Sajik Park for approximately 5 minutes, travelers can reach the Mt. Inwang hiking path with relative ease.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Gilsangsa Temple is located in the Seongbuk-dong neighborhood of northern Seoul. The temple was built on the site of a fancy restaurant called Daewongak. The restaurant owner donated her property to the revered Buddhist monk Venerable Bupjeong (1932-2010), who turned the property into a temple that opened in 1997. Although Gilsangsa has a relatively short history, it is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul so it attracts many local and international visitors alike. The temple also serves as a downtown cultural space by offering a variety of Buddhist programs like temple experience, classes on Buddhist teachings, and templestay. The temple features Gilsang Seonwon (zen center) and the House of Silence, which are special halls dedicated to practicing meditation. While Gilsang Seonwon provides meditation rooms for Buddhists with experience in meditation, the House of Silence is open to the general public at liberty to pursue personal meditation. Gilsangsa also has a branch temple in Paris.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The Hwangi Art Museum was opened to honor the works of the painter, Kim Hwan-Gi. Kim Hwan-Gi (1913-1974) was Korea's top artist of modernism. He began painting abstract paintings in 1930, and in 1950 began using nature as his motivation to portray the emotions of Korea. Kim Hwan-Gi was famous for his unforgettable pieces. He is the role model for many young aspiring artists in Korea. On the first floor of the museum there is an art shop with scarves, ties, and other various products with Kim's designs are available for purchase. Upon entering the exhibits all bags must be checked in at the front desk. As you enter, aside from the paintings and art pieces, the most eye-popping sight is the beautifully decorated windows. You cannot help but marvel at their beauty. For those that are tired and need rest, there is a rest area on the second floor. There is a nice outdoor view from this area. Outside you can go for a walk on the trail. As you walk up the narrowing trail you will see a pond, and at the end of the trail you will enter a wooded area where you can rest.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Yeonghwiwon and Sunginwon are burial mounds once designated for princes and consorts. The social hierarchy was very strict during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and it influenced the patterns of the royal tombs. The tombs for kings and queens called ‘neung’ are larger and more luxurious than tombs for princes and consorts called ‘won.’Yeonghwiwon houses the tomb of Queen Consort Sunheon (1854-1911), King Gojong’s concubine and Sunginwon is for King Yeongchin’s son, Ijin (1921-1923). The composition of the two tombs is similar, but Yeonghwiwon is larger than Sunginwon. The first sight when entering the burial grounds is the red gate (the red color denoting holiness). Beyond the red gate is a sacrificial building where the memorial rites were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are stone sculptures called japsang, which are carved into the shapes of animals such as monkeys and are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is located. The tombstone indicates who lies in the mound. The stone figures guarding the king’s tomb are memorable. A sacrificial building called "jasil" is now used as maintenance office and is worth visiting. The eaves, latticework and wooden floor are so well preserved that visitors can truly get an authentic feeling when walking through the premises.Yeonghwiwon & Sunginwon boast splendid views in the fall when the leaves change colour. The promenades and the stonewalls of the entrance are beautiful. Its tranquil and pleasant atmosphere attracts many families and the couples. 


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

The beloved outdoor swimming pools at Yeouido was reborn as Supia, a year-round theme park in Hangang. Unlike the previous pools, Supia at Ttukseom and Yeouido is a water park that added Flow Pool to the existing Adult Pool, Youth Pool, and Children’s Pool.* What is Supia?- Combining Arisu (the former name of Hangang) and Utopia, Supia is a fun theme park in the middle of the city that can be enjoyed all year long. 


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

Yangjae Citizens' Park, located near Yangjae Tollgate, was created in anticipation of the Seoul Asian Games (1986) and the 24th Olympic Games (1988). The park provides a scenic habitat for 94,800 trees from 43 different species including pine, zelkova, purple bloom maple, horse chestnut, and nut pine. The leafy green woods, such as is rarely seen in cities, are a popular date spot for couples. In the fall, the trees in the park bear an abundance of persimmons and quinces.Amenities and facilities include an outdoor wedding venue, 4.8-km walking course, basketball court, volleyball court (also used for foot volleyball), tennis court, barefoot walking path, and outdoor workout equipment. Memorial sites and monuments like the memorial of Patriot Yun Bong-Gil can also be found scattered throughout the park grounds.


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

The Yangjaecheon stream (15.6km long) is one of the tributaries of the Hangang River, originating from Cheonggyeosan and Gwanaksan mountains and flowing through the Gwacheon region to Gangnam. The small road and path that run from Dogok-dong to Daechi-dong along Yangjaecheon Stream is known as the ‘Yangjaecheon Stream Gil’.The Trail is the perfect place to take a drive since the road is lined with around 830 stately metasequoia trees. The walking path that runs along the banks of the stream (known as the ‘streetlight walk’) is a particularly popular date spot, since the trees backlit by the streetlights provide a wonderfully romantic atmosphere. The ‘Yangjaecheon Stream Trail’ area is famous as well for its bike course that runs all the way from Gwacheon to Gangnam.


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

Located on the top floor of the Park Hyatt Seoul in Gangnam, Park Club boasts a state-of-the-art fitness studio along with exquisite spa facilities, pools, restaurants, and bar. The Park Club has over 30 treatments for the skin and body including the renowned "Park Club Back Massage" and indulgent spa packages like the Namu (Wood), Dol (Stone), and Mul (Water) packages that utilize natural elements. “La Stone Therapy” helps visitors restore the balance of mind and body by using the energy of earth and stone while the “Experience Seoul” Package (KRW 680,000 with 10% value added tax charged separately) offers customers the ultimate experience of extravagant pampering. The Park Club employs only the most qualified spa care professional to ensure customers the best in beauty care.


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.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Located in Dongdaemun-gu Seoul (the largest distribution market of herbal medicine in Korea), the museum is situated on the grounds of Bojewon, a medical institution that was in operation during the Joseon Dynasty. The Seoul Yangnyeongsi Herb Medicine Museum was established with the goal of preserving and developing Korea’s herb medicine culture. It has on display oriental relics and samples of medicinal herbs.Opened on September 13, 2006, the museum boasts a wide assortment of items: 500 pieces of equipment used by practitioners of herbal medicine, 420 artifacts related to the field of oriental medicine, and about 350 herbal medicinal items.A large number of antique books related to herbal medicine are also on exhibit at the museum, helping visitors unfamiliar to the practice gain an overall understanding of what effect each herb or technique has and how each is used when treating patients.In addition, the museum also houses a model of the Bojewon from the Joseon Dynasty, an oriental medicine experience zone, a multi-purpose auditorium, a rest area, and museum shop.