Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

The Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center offers a convenient one-stop service center for tourists visiting Korea and offers foreign lagnuage interpretation services in English, Japanese and Chinese. The center is equipped with more than 400 tourism pamphlets (the largest number in Korea) that cover a variety of tourism sites in Korea as well as performances, transportation, accommodations, etc. Tourists can also purchase souvenirs at the information center. The grand opening was November 29, 2013


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Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Changdeokgung Palace was the second royal villa built following the construction of Gyeongbukgung Palace in 1405. It was the principal palace for many kings of the Joseon Dynasty, and is the most well-preserved of the five remaining royal Joseon palaces. The palace grounds are comprised of a public palace area, a royal family residence building, and the rear garden. Known as a place of rest for the kings, the rear garden boasts a gigantic tree that is over 300 years old, a small pond and a pavilion.The palace gained importance starting from the time of Seongjong, the 9th king of Joseon, when a number of kings began using it as a place of residence. Unfortunately, the palace was burned down by angry citizens in 1592 when the royal family fled their abode during the Japanese invasion of Korea. Thanks to Gwanghaegun, the palace was restored in 1611. Even today, it houses a number of cultural treasures, such as Injeongjeon Hall, Daejojeon Hall, Seonjeongjeon Hall, and Nakseonjae.Changdeokgung Palace’s rear garden was constructed during the reign of King Taejong and served as a resting place for the royal family members. The garden had formerly been called Bukwon and Geumwon, but was renamed Biwon after King Kojong came into power. The garden was kept as natural as possible and was touched by human hands only when absolutely necessary. Buyongjeong, Buyongji, Juhabru, Eosumun, Yeonghwadang, Bullomun, Aeryeonjeong, and Yeongyeongdang are some of the many pavilions and fountains that occupy the garden. The most beautiful time to see the garden is during the fall when the autumn foliage is at its peak and the leaves have just started to fall.Though it has been treasured by Koreans for centuries, Changdeokgung Palace was recognized as a World Cultural Heritage site by the UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Committee in December of 1997 during the committee meeting in Naples, Italy.(Click here for more information on Changdeokgung Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site)Changdeokgung Palace was one of the places visited by the first ladies of the Seoul G20 summit during the G20 conference in Seoul in November 2010. It is one of the most historically significant attractions that represent the beauty of Korea.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Jongmyo Shrine was a primary place of worship for kings throughout Joseon Dynasty. The memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, is said to be the oldest complete ceremony in the world, and was carried out in obedience to the king’s order. The ceremony was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in December 9, 1995, for its well-preserved ancient customs, such as memorial services and traditional music, which is Important Intangible Cultural Asset No.56. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was held when the season changes and the twelfth month of the lunar year, but was stopped during the Japanese colonial period. Now, it is annually reenacted on the first Sunday of May. Jongmyo Jaeryeak, the musical part of the ceremony, is produced by instruments, songs, and dances that originated over 500 years ago. In May, the Korean Royal Palace Culture Festival is to be held with a variety of other cultural heritage festivals.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Airport

The Incheon International Airport Traditional Culture Workshops are exhibition areas where traditional Korean culture experiential programs have been prepared for people awaiting flights departing from Korea, or for travelers waiting for connecting flights. Currently, there are two programs available in the exhibition areas, made available for all travelers using the third floor departure area.  Participants will be able to learn how to make jewelry boxes out of hanji (traditional Korean paper) or make cell phone straps using traditional sewing techniques that were used to make clothing and accessories. Even if you lack the skilled hands needed for these crafts, anyone can follow the simple instructions provided in English, Japanese, and Chinese, and have fun at the workshops. Aside from these programs, there are special programs that are prepared for visitors every 3 to 4 months, such as drawing traditional patterns, coloring traditional Korean fans, and making small purses by using traditional knotting techniques.  You can also take a look at the traditional arts and crafts that are put on display in the exhibition areas as well. There are two traditional culture workshops located at Incheon International Airport in both the east and west wings.  The traditional culture workshops and traditional craftworks exhibition are provided free of charge for all interested guests. The craftworks exhibition is located diagonally across from the fourth floor departure area convenience facility, and is open 24 hours a day. Also, if you visit between the hours of 10:00 and 18:00 Monday to Friday, English guides will be available for your added convenience. At present, the exhibition is showcased under the theme of presenting over 70 arts and crafts, including traditional Korean ceramic ware, clothing, various accessories, and other traditional cultural arts made by skilled artisans. Telephone  +82-32-743-0357, +82-32-743-0359, +82-32-741-3215 Closed  N/A (Open all year round) Activity Information  [Learning Programs] Multicolored Folding Fans, Square Pincushions, Traditional Knots, Image rubbing (of a paper or an inscription), etc. [Exhibitions]  Traditional Korean Crafts: Ceramics, Mother-of-pearl lacquerware, Wooden crafts, Chimseon (sewn clothing), etc. [Hands-on activities]  Wearing raditional clothes and accessories/photography, etc. [Performances]  Traditional Music (gugak): Sanjo, Traditional folk songs, Ensemble, Chamber music, etc.  * Available at no charge at Incheon Airport Traditional Culture Workshops for international tourists waiting for departure. * Program availabillity and details are subject to change, please refer to the airport's official website. Operating Hours  07:00-22:00 Restrooms  Available Interpretation Services Offered  English, Japanese, Chinese English guided tour for the traditional art crafts exhibition hall. Monday - Friday from 10:00-18:00


Busan(Jung-gu) , Nampo-dong(Jagalchi Market)

Located in Gwangbok-dong, Restaurant Street is one of the most popular places in Busan. The area between tourist attractions such as Gukje Market and Nampo-dong offers more than 20 restaurants with over 60 years of history. There is even a variety of delicious street foods available at KRW 1,000-2,000. Great food, inexpensive prices, and generous street merchants make this street one of the popular spots among international tourists.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

During the latter half of the Joseon period, Gyeonghuigung Palace served as the secondary palace for the king. Situated on the west side of Seoul, it was also called Seogwol, literally meaning "a palace of the west." The secondary palace was where the king moved to in times of emergency. From In-Jo to Cheol-Jong, about ten kings from the Joseon Dynasty stayed here at Gyeonghuigung. This palace was built using the slanted geography of the surrounding mountain, and it boasts traditional beauty in its architecture and huge historical significance. For a time, it was of a considerable size, even to the point of having an arched bridge connecting it to Deoksugung Palace. For the king’s royal audience, there was Sungjeongjeon and Jajeongjeon buildings, and for sleeping quarters, Yungbokjeon and Hoesangjeon buildings. Altogether there were about 100 small and large buildings on the palace grounds. But when Japan began occupation of Korea in 1908, the Japanese school, Gyeongseong Middle School moved into the palace, and as a result, much of the palace became leveled or moved. Currently, Gyeonghuigung’s front gate, Heunghwamun, is being used as front gate for Shilla Hotel’s main entrance, and Sungjeongjeon is at Dongguk University. The school moved out to a different area, and the Sungjeongjeon and some of the other buildings have been reconstructed. Nearby the Gyeonghuigung Palace is Seoul History Museum, Jeongdong Street, and the busy Jongno Street. After you have been to Gyeonghuigung, you can cross to Jeongdong Street and walk to Deoksugung Palace. The stonewall road to Deoksugung Palace is considered one of the most elegant roads in Seoul.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Since the main branch’s grand opening in 1979, there are now a total of eight Lotte Department Stores in Seoul alone, with stores in Jamsil, Yeongdeungpo, Cheongnyangni, Gwanak, Gangnam, Nowon and Mia, totaling 24 department stores nationwide. The Lotte Department Store Main Branch is located in Myeong-dong’s fashion district. Myeong-dong offers the largest shopping area in Korea, with 2 million shoppers visiting on a daily basis. Hence, Myeong-dong plays as an essential role in international tourism. The Lotte Department Store is conveniently located near major forms of transportation and is the leading department store in Korea.


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

Central City Terminal is a major transportation hub with service to more than 60 provincial cities nationwide. The Terminal, conveniently accessible by Seoul Subway Lines 3, 7 and 9, is the center of operations for 60 intra-city bus lines, Incheon International Airport limousines, and numerous express buses. In addition to its transportation services, Central City Terminal is packed with convenient facilities such as a bank, hospital, post office, and a large parking lot. Visitors will even find major landmarks such as Sinsegae Department Store, Marriott Hotel, Central Park, and Millennium Hall. Many young people visit Central City (Central City Terminal) purely for entertainment purposes. Popular points of interest include the Marquis Plaza luxury shopping mall, Synnara music store, Yongpoong Bookstore, Central 6 multiplex theater, and the arcade (known for its high-tech simulation games). Visitors can also enjoy a wide range of cuisine from all over the world at Central City’s restaurants and World Food Court, a large café with a unique interior design.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Blue Square is a culture complex built by Interpark Group to help advance the performing arts. It opened in November 2011 as the largest performing art hall in Korea. It has a musical theater seating 1,726, a 1,400-seat concert hall with 3,000 standing spaces, and two grand theaters.


Daejeon(Dong-gu)

Notice※ Terminals Daejeon Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal and Daejeon Express Bus Terminal are under construction and will be completed in Dec. 2011. Currently, buses arrive and depart from the temporary bus stop (see map). Once construction is completed, buses will depart from Daejeon Express Bus Terminal and arrive at Daejeon Dongbu Intercity Bus Terminal.