Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Naksan Park gets its name from its camel hump-like appearance. In Korean ‘nakta’ means camel and ‘san’ means mountain. So people refer to the park as Nakta Park or Naksan Park. The mountain is a solid granite bedrock. The Joseon royal family enjoyed the natural beauty of the granite mountain, but during the Japanese Colonial Period, a hasty manner of urban planning resulted in the demolition of most parts of the mountain. In an effort to save the remaining green belts, Naksan was designated as a park on June 10, 2002. Located in the center of the Seoul, this historical and beautiful park allows its visitors to view the magnificence of the entire city.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

Jeonju, the mecca for the traditional culture and style of Korea! The Korea Traditional Culture Center was established to preserve and develop Korean traditional culture, to promote it in and outside Korea and to create an industry. The center supports traditional cultural projects in order to preserve the cultural assets of Korea, such as hanok (traditional Korean housing), hansik (Korean food), hansori (traditional Korean music) and Hangeul (Korean alphabets), and graft modernity onto traditional culture. Visitors can participate in education and activity programs related to Korean culture. The Korea Traditional Culture Center has the Hanji Industry Support Center, the Traditional Culture Creation Center, and Jeonju Masterpiece Onn, which is why the center is called the mecca for traditional Korean culture and style.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.


Daegu(Jung-gu)

Yi Sang-hwa is a nationalist poet, who resisted the Japanese colonialism. This house had been his residence from 1939 until he died in 1943. Unfortunately, the house had been neglected since. However, the citizens' movement in 1999 to preserve the house urged the Military Mutual Aid Association to purchase it, and donate it to the City of Daegu on October 27, 2005. It has been restored and opened to the public, serving as the center for education of the poet's brave spirit and work.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

The Gyeongju Historic Area, registered as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage on November 2000, is an area that embodies the time-honored history and culture of Gyeongju, the ancient capital of the Silla Kingdom (新羅, 57-935)The Gyeongju Historic Area can be divided into 5 major sections.The first section is the Namsan Area, a treasure trove of Buddhist art masterpieces dating back to the Silla Kingdom. Gyeongju Namsan Mountain (often referred to as an ‘outdoor museum’) is home to many historical heritage sites from the Silla Kingdom. Major attractions include: Poseokjeong (Historic Site No.1), Tapgok Maaejosanggun (Treasure No. 201), Cheollyongsaji Three-story Stone Pagoda (Treasure No. 1188), Chilbulam Maae Stone Buddha (Treasure No. 200), Bulgok Seated Stone Buddha (Treasure No. 198), and 37 other Buddhist relicsThe second section is the Wolseong Area, one of the former palace sites of the Silla Kingdom. The area consists of Gyerim (Historic Site No. 19); Imhaejeonji (Historic Site No. 18), a Silla Royal Palace site; and Cheomseongdae (National Treasure No. 31), the oldest observatory in the East. Daereungwon area, the third area, features a cluster of the royal graves of the Kings and Queens of Silla.Also in the same area are Gobungun (a cluster of old graves) in Nodong-ri (Historic Site No. 38), Gobungun (a cluster of old graves) in Noseo-ri (Historic Site No. 39) Gobungun (a cluster of old graves) in Hwangnam-ri (Historic Site No. 40), and Oreung (Historic Site No. 172), among others. Archaeologists have discovered a number of invaluable relics and historic items in this area such as Geumgwan (golden crown), Cheonmado (a painting of flying horses), and numerous pottery pieces. These finds are perhaps the greatest clues into the life of the people of the Silla Dynasty.Area number four, the Hwangnyongsa Area, is where the former site of the Hwangnyongsa Temple (Historic Site No. 246) and Bunhwangsa Stone Pagoda are located. Lastly, is the Sanseong Area, housing remnants of the major defense system for the capital city. The site consists of Myeonghwalsanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 47) which is estimated to be around 400 years old.The Gyeongju Historic Area has a total of 52 designated cultural assets that are registered as World Cultural Heritages. 


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , SinJeju

Iho Beach is conveniently located close to downtown Jeju City. The sandy, gently-sloping beach and its mix of city amenities and natural beauty make it a popular destination for tourists during the summer.There are plenty of things for visitors to enjoy in the beach area. Visitors can rent boats to go fishing or fish off the seawall, an area known among the local fisherman for its abundance of sea smelts. For a little exercise, take a walk by the pine trees to explore the lighthouses made in the shape of horses—both cute and functional. Finish up the day with dinner at one of the many nearby sashimi restaurants and enjoy the gorgeous nightscape.Sandy beach: 250m in length, 120m in x_width, 1.2m water depth, and 5-degree slope 


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.


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

Gyujanggak was founded in 1776 during the reign of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, at which time it was located on the palace grounds of Changdeokgung. It functioned as the royal library, which housed writings by the previous kings, their relics and books from home and abroad.Today Seoul National University maintains the items of Gyujanggak in a Korean traditional house, Hanok, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities necessary for preservation of cultural heritages. Moreover, Gyujanggak Library of Seoul National University collects or publishes books from a variety of sectors such as politics, economy and society.Gyujanggak now houses more than 280,000 items including 7 national treasures, 8 treasures, 180,000-plus old books, about 50,000 documents and 18,000 Chaekpan (printing blocks). Among them, Joseon Wangjo Sillok (the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, National Treasure No. 151), Seungjeongwon Ilgi (the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat, National Treasure No. 303) and Uigwe (the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty) have been designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritages. The exhibition hall in Gyujanggak is open to the public.


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.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Airport

Discover Eurwangni Beach: A Must-Visit Destination in Incheon Experience the Beauty of Incheon at Eurwangni Beach If you are planning a trip to South Korea, Eurwangni Beach in Incheon should be at the top of your list. This picturesque beach is renowned for its crescent-shaped white sand shores and lush pine forests, making it one of the most beautiful and serene spots in the region.  The Charm of Eurwangni Beach Eurwangni Beach is characterized by its unique half-moon shape, surrounded by dense pine trees and striking rock formations. The beach stretches approximately 700 meters in length and has an average water depth of 1.5 meters, making it ideal for families with children. The shallow waters and gentle slope ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors. The beach is particularly captivating at low tide, when the shoreline expands significantly, revealing vast sandy areas perfect for building sandcastles and exploring. The scenic beauty of the pine trees and rocky outcrops at either end of the beach enhances the overall experience, offering a picturesque setting that is perfect for relaxation and photography. Activities and Amenities Eurwangni Beach is not only about its natural beauty; it also offers a wide range of activities and amenities to ensure a memorable visit. Here are some of the highlights: - Tidal Flat Exploration: At low tide, visitors can explore the tidal flats, a fun and educational activity, especially for children. - Water Sports: The beach provides opportunities for various water sports, including banana boating and jet skiing. - Fishing: Sea fishing is another popular activity that visitors can enjoy. - Picnicking and Camping: Families and groups often set up tents and have picnics, making use of the ample space and beautiful surroundings. - Restaurants and Cafes: The area around Eurwangni Beach is dotted with numerous seafood restaurants and cafes. Here, you can enjoy fresh local seafood while taking in the stunning views of the beach and the setting sun. - Sunset Viewing: The beach is renowned for its breathtaking sunsets. As the sun dips below the horizon, the sky is painted with hues of orange and pink, creating a magical atmosphere. Accessibility and Best Time to Visit Eurwangni Beach is conveniently located near Incheon International Airport, making it easily accessible for international travelers. It is also just an hour and a half drive from Seoul, making it a perfect day trip destination. The best time to visit Eurwangni Beach is during the summer months, from late June to early September. During this period, the weather is warm and perfect for beach activities. However, it is also the peak season, so the beach can get quite crowded. For those who prefer a quieter experience, visiting in early September, when the crowds start to thin out, is recommended. Conclusion Eurwangni Beach offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, fun activities, and convenient amenities, making it a must-visit destination in Incheon. Whether you are looking to relax on the sandy shores, explore the tidal flats, enjoy water sports, or savor delicious seafood, Eurwangni Beach has something for everyone. Plan your visit to this beautiful beach and create unforgettable memories on your trip to South Korea. Visit Eurwangni Beach and immerse yourself in the serene beauty and vibrant activities that make it one of Korea's premier coastal destinations.