Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Paik Nam-june explained: ‘Marcel Duchamp achieved everything in every field except for video art. He created a large entrance and an extremely small exit. The small exit is video art. When we take the exit, we are out of the scope of influence of Marcel Duchamp.’ The NJP Art Center is a creative space, wherein it is possible to practice the ‘mediation of endless potential unfolded outside the exit of Duchamp’. As a space of ‘introspective anarchy of infinite light and life’, the NJP Art Center aims to become a venue for the ‘escape from enlightenment’, going beyond enlightenment. Paik Nam-june, who was well versed in aesthetics and music, rather than the figurative arts, discovered a new ‘exit’ by combining electronic music and happenings. He didn’t regard video and television, with their great disseminative power, or communication networks, as a means for communicating messages, but as an explosion of time, instead creating a space for mandala-based televisuals, and for participation by the public where ‘consilience’ among heterogeneous fields can take place.Inheriting the spiritual legacies of Paik Nam-june, the NJP Art Center will expand the possibilities of creating new media for information and communication in the information age, and create a new space for cultural participation from aesthetic, ethical, and political perspectives. The center aims at expanding effective, creative consumption by encouraging reflections on the aspects of human existence that are still involuntary and lack freedom. The center aspires to become a space for cultural mediation that expands the space of freedom’s activities throughout the globe.


Gwangju(Dong-gu)

Stretching from the (former) Jeollanam-do Provincial Government Office to the Geumnam-ro area, this famous plaza is where the landmark May 18th Democratic Uprising took place. In May 1980, the Jeollanam-do Provincial Government office building was the headquarters of the civil resistance movement and the scene of a number of rallies. The plaza has been officially known as the May 18 Democracy Square (5.18 민주광장, Minju Gwangjang) since 1996.


Busan(Nam-gu)

The regional name in olden times for the area of Oryukdo Skywalk was Seungdumal (승두말), as the shape resembles a saddle, and it was originally called Seungduma (승두마) as well as Jallokgae (잘록개) by residents and women divers. The construction of Oryukdo Skywalk finished on September 12, 2012 at the Seungdumal area, which is regarded as the dividing point between the East Sea and the South Sea, and started operating on October 18, 2013, with the theme of "Walking over the sky.” Iron columns were set up over a 35-meter-high coastal cliff, and a 15-meter glass bridge comprised of 24 glass plates and shaped like a horse’s hoof connect the iron columns. The bottom of the glass was specially produced with four attached 12-millimeter glass pieces coated with a bulletproof film that has a thickness of 55.49 millimeters, making the structure quite safe. Visitors will be thrilled with the view of the waves while looking down through the transparent floor. The sea stretches out ahead of the skywalk, perfect for a photo op, as well as the best spot to see Daemado Island on sunny days. It has also been recently selected as a tourist destination where the Busan Korea Route stops


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , The Eastern Part of the Jeju Island

Situated to the north of Jeju City, Yongduam was created by strong winds and waves over thousands of years. However, there are plenty of other stories of how it came to be. One legend has it that a dragon stealing precious jade from Mt. Halla was shot down by an arrow from the mountain deity. When he fell down on Yongduam, his body immediately sank into the ocean and his head rapidly froze looking at the sky. Another legend has it that a white horse, who dreamed of being a dragon and ascending to the sky, came to be caught by a soldier and froze into the rock.From Yongduam, visitors can see Haeneo women divers working on catching seafood. Near the rock are various cafes, bars, and restaurants. The coastal road between Aewol-eup and Yongduam is a popular spot for couples. Cafes and seafood restaurants began to appear there five years ago and now form a pleasant café village.Drinking a cup of coffee at the village café and driving along the scenic coastal lines, visitors can encounter Iho Beach where black rocks contrast with the emerald-blue ocean, Hagwi Coast, and Aewol Port. Aewol Port is also home to small seafood restaurants and fishing boats coming in and out, adding flavor to the coastal drive. Further from the port is one of the most popular beaches on Jeju Island, Hyeopjae Beach, showcasing the deep royal-blue sea year-round with splendid white sand. 


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(Mapo-gu) , Yeouido・Yeongdeungpo・Mapo

Haneul Park (Sky Park), located within the World Cup Stadium Park, is a grassland park that was formed where the second site of the Nanjido Landfill once stood. As it was once a landfill and the soil especially poor, the Haneul Park wasteland recovery project demonstrates how nature can flourish out of what was once barren land. Since the year 2000, around 30,000 butterflies have been realeased on Nanjido Island, which is located in the middle of Haneul Park. At Haneul Park, visitors are met with scenic views of Seoul in every direction with Bukhansan Mountain to the north, Namsan Mountain and the 63 Building to the east, Han River to the south and Haengjusanseon Fortress to the west. These spectacular sights can be fully enjoyed from the observation platform. The park also offers benches and other areas for visitors to take a short rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Haneul Park.


Busan(Jung-gu)

Bosu-dong Book Street has a unique background. It was formed after the independence of Korea (August 15) as a residential area in the empty place where the previous Gukje Market was demolished. People started selling the books Japanese left behind, and later on, when it became a private area, book sellers moved to the current place to sell their books. When Busan became the provisional capital during the Korean War, refugees brought and sold their precious books for a living. As time went by, professors and students came to the alley and started purchasing books, contributing to the build up of the current book street. Once, used books were gathered in the alley and rare books could be found. Thanks to this, more temporary buildings were formed. At that time, about 70 books stores were available for students to sell and buy used books. In the early 60’s when the publication culture was not yet settled down, many students and educated people had to sell their books and then buy secondhand books or magazines. After going through this time, the Bosu-dong Book Street became a famous book street throughout the nation. The prices of books are scaled according to the conditions of the book or bargaining.


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Daegu Concert House, previously Daegu Citizen’s Hall, is newly opened after undergoing renovations from April 2011 to August 2013 to reconstruct eaves and columns of the large concert halls and to build a performance support hall perfect for international concerts. The hall is equipped with sound facilities matching international standards. Grand Hall has 1,284 seats, Chamber Hall (small concert hall) has 248 seats, and the parking lot can accommodate a total of 387 cars throughout 215 spaces in the basement level parking lot and 72 spaces in the parking tower. In addition, the concert hall houses an exhibition hall, practice room, and community facilities. In particular, the Grand Hall offers vivid, visible, and acoustic effect by shortening the distance between the performers and audience so that it fits the international standard for concert halls with the best sound facilities.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Myogaksa Temple is located on the east side of Mt. Naksan in Sungin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul. First established by Monk Taeheo Hongseon in May of 1930, it has since expanded and underwent two renovations. The temple’s location was selected based on the principles of Feng Shui, which dictated that a temple built in its location would bring peace and comfort to Seoul’s residents. The Myogaksa Temple complex on Mt. Naksan accommodates a Deabul (Grand Buddha) Shrine, a Wontong Buddhist shrine, a Nakga preaching hall, Seokgulam Grotto, Sanshingak (Mountain Spirit Pavilion), and the Mae Buddha Statue. Deabul and Wontong shrines are two of the finest Buddhist architectural masterpieces. The Buddha statue, located inside the Seokgulam Grotto, was built around the ninth or early tenth century and has been designated a national cultural treasure. The Mae Buddha Statue, also located in this temple, was carved out of the rocky cliffs of Mt. Naksan and has been designated a cultural asset of the City of Seoul.Since the 2002 FIFA World Cup when Myogaksa began operating its temple stay program, the temple has become a wonderful place where locals and tourists can escape the daily hustle-and-bustle of Seoul to experience the serenity of Buddhism. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

After Korea gained independence from Japan in 1945, the former president Lee Seungman and his wife lived in their house called Ihwajang. Even though he moved out of the house after he was elected the first president of Korea, he used to return and visit for walks in the garden. After he relinquished his appointment as president, he stayed here for a while before coming to America as an exile.Ihwajang house consisted of the bonchae, or the main building, which was where Lee Seungman and his wife’s living quarters were, jogakdang(president’s office area) and other buildings. Jogakdang, the president’s office area, is a small and narrow building but it is an important historical place where he had a conference to form the first Korean ministry. Ihwajang house shows the change of Korean traditional house under Japanese control.