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.


Jeju-do(Jeju-si) , Former Jeju

Yongyeon is where the saltwater and freshwater meet. The legend goes that an envoy was sent to the pond frequently by the Dragon King. The pond is flanked on both sides by eight rock walls that look like folding screens. Also called as Yongyeon Yabeom, the pond is one of the twelve best scenic sites in Yeongju. Yongyeon Yabeom refers to the beautiful sight that is created when the full moon is reflected on the clear waters of the rocky cliffs. Hence, many people come to visit the pond at night for the beautiful night scenery. 


Jeollanam-do(Yeosu-si)

Hanhwa Aqua Planet Yeosu is the second largest aquarium in Korea and is a landmark of the southern province with a record of about 1 million visitors every year. There are approximately 34,000 marine organisms of about 280 species including rare animals such as beluga (white whale) and baikal seal.


Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

The Sockcho Lighthouse Observatory provides fantastic views of the nearby Seoraksan Mountains, East Sea and Sokcho area. The most breathtaking views are the ocean vistas.The white lighthouse has a romantic atmosphere to it. Inside the lighthouse, binoculars are available to view distant points of interest. This area is also famous for its sunrises. 


Chungcheongbuk-do(Danyang-gun)

Eight areas designated as the most beautiful sceneries in Danyang, are Haseonam, Jungseonam, Sangseonam, Sainam, Gudambong, Oksunbong, Dodamsambong, and Seokmun. These areas were visited many times by numerous scholars during the Joseon Period (1392-1910), and contain many historically and culturally important relics. There are Giamgwiseok on Mt. Sobaeksan, Mt. Geumsusan, and Mt. Doraksan and clear water flows through numerous falls in the valleys.The most famous of the eight is Dodamsambong Peak. Three Rocks create a large “S” figure as it stands tall in the middle of Namhangang River. This is the only place in the world where you can see such three longest rocks protrude in the middle of a river. The following legend still lives through to this day; among the three rocks, the big rock is called Nampyeonbong, Janggunbong the rock on the right side is called Cheobong (or Adeulbong), and the rock on the left is called Cheopbong (or Ddalbong). According to the legend there lived a couple who loved each other, but had no child. They found a mistress because they wanted to have a baby, but once she had the baby, she began to mistreat and taunt the wife. The heavens saw them, and turned all of them into stones. The way the rocks stand next to one another is very interesting.If you go to the opposite side of Dodamsambong, there is a small pavilion called lhoyangjeong. It was built to comfort the locals who lost their homes due to the flooding caused by Chungju Dam. When you look down from the pavilion, you can take in the entire Dodamsambong at once. If you walk in opposite direction from lhayangjeong Pavilion, a stone gate appears. As there is a big hole in the middle of the large stone, you would think it is artificial, but it is a natural rock. The other eight views should not be missed while you visit here.


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.


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

Hangang River Ferry Cruise is one of the best ways to enjoy the scenery around the Hangang River, which flows through the heart of Seoul. On the cruise, you can see Hangang River’s beautiful scenery, various small islands, Jeoldusan Park, 63 Square, N Seoul Tower, Jamsil’s Sports Complex, and other famous tourist spots. The cruise is often used for weddings, birthday parties, music performances, and other events. The tours often have live performances featuring piano and other instruments. During the summer, the docks also offer motor boat rentals. The cruise will make stops at 7 docks including Yeouido, Jamsil, Ttukseom, Yanghwa, Jamdubong, Seonyudo, Seoul Forest, and Incheon, in addition to 2 passenger terminal currently at operation. However this routes and connecting services are subject to change depending on the weather conditions, therefore visitors will need to check the details from the official website before visiting.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Jungmun Beach (중문해수욕장) has a sandy shore so fine that it is called Jinmosal. The white sand beach is 560m long and the water has an average depth of 1.2m. Different shades of black, red, and grey are beautifully mixed into the white sand of the beach. This helps to accentuate Jeju-do Island’s black Hyeonmuam stones. To the right side of the beach is a natural sea cave called Haesikgul Cave. This area is often used for TV commercials, and the turbulent water is great for windsurfing and other water sports.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , Paju(Heyri Art valley)

Located in Gyoha-eup (Paju, Gyeonggi-do), Paju Book City is a giant cultural complex, belonging to the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. It is home to 250 publishers with over 10,000 workers. It covers the entire process of publishing from planning to printing and distribution.Asia Publication Culture & Information Center houses book cafes, used bookstores, galleries, and restaurants, hosting diverse exhibitions and forums; Tan Tan Story House, run by Yeowon Media specializing in illustrated storybooks for children, is a cultural center for children with a performance hall, a gallery, and a book café. Other notable attractions include Yeolhwadang, Chameleon (BIR Publishing’s book outlet), Darakwon Book Café, and Moongongsa Book Café. The first floor of Paju Book City is full of book stores and cafes.Visitors need to be aware that some stores are closed on weekends and during holidays and only open between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. Aside from bookstores and cafes, Paju Book City also boasts many attractions. For instance, its chic building meshes perfectly with the beautiful surroundings; in the corner of Asia Publication Culture & Information Center is an elegant Hanok (traditional Korean house) that boasts both traditional beauty and modern touches. 


Jeollanam-do(Damyang-gun)

If you follow National Road No. 15 up from the Bamboo Museum, you’ll come across a beautiful and exotic boulevard that looks like it is came straight out of a fairytale. This unearthly place is the Metasequoia-lined Road. Metasequoia trees were planted along the street in the early 1970s when the Ministry of Internal Affairs officially designated the road as a “boulevard.” At that time, the saplings were only 3 to 4 years old and their branches stretched sparsely out into the sky; now, the trees have grown so high that they seem to block out the sun! Thanks to these stately trees, in 2002 the Korea Forest Service selected the boulevard as one of the most beautiful roads in Korea. The 4 kilometer-long boulevard is located along National Road No. 24 and is one of the most popular driving routes in Korea, especially during summer when the trees’ lush green leaves are at their x_height of beauty. Feel free to stop your car along the roadside to take a walk among these 10 to 20-meter-tall trees and breathe their fresh scent. Bicycling along this route and appreciating its real beauty at a leisurely pace is also highly recommended.