Gyeonggi-do(Suwon-si) , suwon

Hwaseong Fortress is an impressive structure from the latter part of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) and the official fortress of Suwon-si, Gyeonggi-do. The fortress (constructed from 1794 to 1796) was built as a show of the King’s filial piety towards his father Jangheonseja and to build a new pioneer city with its own economic power.The fortress wall stretches for a total of 5.52km and has a great variety of military facilities that’s hard to find anywhere else. Four gates face each of the cardinal directions—Janganmun (north), Paldalmun (south), Changnyongmun (east), and Hwaseomun (west)—and the seven-arch style Sumun gates straddle the point where the nearby stream reaches the palace. Above the Sumun gates is a pavilion called Hwahongmun.Hwaseong Fortress was constructed under the guidance of Yu Hyeong-Won (1622-1673) and Jeong Yak-Yong (1762-1836), and is believed to have been constructed very scientifically. The fortress wall was built using Seokjae and Jeondol (bricks) and the holes between the bricks are just big enough to fire guns, arrows, or long spears through in case of an attack.During construction of the fortress Jeong Yak-Yong invented ‘Geojunggi,’ which uses a ‘hwalcha’ (lever) to lift up heavy stones, greatly reducing construction time.The Suwon Hwaseong Fortress went through many turbulent times and damage, and in the battle of June 25th, many of the facilities became so damaged that they were deemed irreparable. Even though the fortress restoration initiative (1975-1979) restored many of the sites to their former glory, Paldalmun to Dongnamgakru (an area 491 meters in length) has still not been renovated.The fortress was designated as Historical Monument No. 3 in January 1963, and in December 1997, it was designated a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site.a variety of performances and evens are held everyday and Suwon Hwaseong Cultural Festival takes place every autumn.>> Click here for more on Hwaseong Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.


Chungcheongbuk-do(Yeongdong-gun)

Situated in Yeongdong (Chungcheongbuk-do), Wine Korea is the only winery in Korea that maintains a vineyard and produces the wine brand, Chateau Mani.Beginning in November 2006, Wine Train run by Wine Korea offers a one-day train tour between Seoul and Yeongdong. Departing from Seoul Station, its passenger cars, themed Red/White Wine or Ginseng, boast an elegant café atmosphere. Above all, visitors can enjoy as much of the wine produced in Yeongdong as they want.Upon arriving at Yeongdong, visitors head to Wine Korea, enjoy foot massages in wine, participate in making natural cosmetics, and tour the wine production facilities. The tour goes on to visit Ginseng Exhibition Hall in Geumsan and Traditional Medicinal Herb Market. High quality wine, wellbeing grape juice, and Chateau Mani cosmetics are also available online for purchase. 


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

The street from the Cheongdam Station intersection to Galleria Department Store is lined with luxury brand stores and designated as the special fashion zone “Cheongdam-dong Fashion Geori (Street). Often frequented by celebrities, the area became a popular tourist destination for Hallyu fans.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

The Daejanggeum Park was co-created by Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC) and Yongin Municipal Office in August 2005. Located in Yongcheong-ri, Baekam-myeon, Yongin-si, this is an open set that measures a total of 29,421m² (8,900 pyeong).Different from other drama sets, Daejanggeum Park has been re-created based on historical records and very accurately reflects the structures and culture of ancient times. Dramia has served as the filming location for hugely popular Korean historical dramas such as “Jumong," “Queen Seon-deok,” “Isan,” and “Dong Yi” and many more of historical documents and films.


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

Located 14 km east of Jeju City, Hamdeok Beach is famous for its clean and shallow water, attracting many family visitors during summer vacations. The beach offers great scenery with its emerald-blue water, an arched bridge over black basalt and a red lighthouse. It boasts excellent amenities including dressing and shower rooms, guesthouses, hotels, and a camping site. In addition, motorboats, onboard fishing, waterskiing, and banana boats are available.Shielded from wind by Seoubong Peak, both sides of the beach are quite calm despite the change of wind directions, making it an ideal place for kayaking. Further out, wave kayaking is also popular during windy days. 


Incheon(Seo-gu) , Incheon Center

Ara Waterway flows downstream of the Hangang River to the West Sea. In the 13th century, King Gojong, the twenty-sixth king of the Korean Joseon dynasty started the waterway construction for the first time, but it was discontinued due to technical obstacles and the difficult state of the country. In 2011, Ara Wateway was finally completed. Along the main waterway are ports and water bridges. and people can enjoy the parkways and Ara-rium.  


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Leeum, Samsung Museum of Art, exhibits traditional and modern works of art by Korean and international artists. The museum itself is just as fascinating as the works of art on display, since its three buildings were designed by the internationally renowned architects, Mario Botta, Jean Nouvel, and Rem Koolhaas. MUSEUM 1 houses traditional Korean works of art, such as calligraphy, paintings, ceramic arts, and metal craftwork, while MUSEUM 2 displays modern and contemporary art by both Korean and foreign artists. On Saturday and Sunday guided tours in English are conducted at 3pm. If you plan to visit during the weekdays and wish to receive an English guided tour, you will need to call at least 2-3 days in advance to make a reservation. Audio guides in English, Japanese, and Chinese are available, which provide detailed information on the works of art. These can be rented at the museum for a small fee. This is one of the places that the "first ladies of the Seoul G20" visited during the G20 Summit in Seoul in November 2010. This attraction represents the beauty of Korea.


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

LG Arts Center is an multi-purpose venue for music, dance, plays, musicals, and other kinds of performances. It can seat up to 1,100 people, and its modern stage facilities can accommodate any kind of performance with first-class support. Its cutting-edge sound system is world class and its main source of pride. On the B1 floor there are specialty restaurants, and on each floor there are snack bars where you can have drinks and snacks. In the restaurant section you can try Korean, Chinese, Southeast Asian and other international delicacies. There is also a coffee shop where you can relax. The bars on each floor have resting spots scattered around, where you can rest and converse between performances. You can choose your own seats when getting tickets. You can especially notice the meticulousness of the art center’s design when you look at the women’s washroom. There are 42 washrooms in total, which work out to be one room for every 13 people. Compare that to the average of 50~60 people per washroom for other places and you can see the clear difference. You can see the care put into the center when you enter the theater as well. The front and back seats are wide apart and placed diagonally from each other. The back seats are also placed higher than the front ones so one’s view is not blocked by people sitting in front. If you have valuables or large bags, do not worry. The article deposit can take care of items for 500 people.


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

Opened in 2004, Baekam Art Hall has 420 seats. Featuring an adaptable stage, it can host various types of performances, including plays, musicals, concerts and dances. Since it is located in Samseong-dong, an area frequented by young people, many performances targeting those in their 20s and 30s are staged there. In addition to the performance hall, it has a luxurious gallery cafeteria decorated in wood. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Youngpoong Bookstore is a bookstore that also sells gifts, small electronics, stationery and much more. It also hosts various recitals, book signings, and literary programs. The Jongno branch of Youngpoong is the nation’s largest bookstore, boasting a total area of over 10,600 meters square.The basement level of the store houses over 350,000 Korean and international books and there is also a customer service center and electronic search program where shoppers can find information on books.On the B2 floor is the “Stylish Gift Mall,” which houses various stationery items, gifts, accessories, and brand shops like Apple, Microsoft, and Samsung Digital.There is also a CD section, healthcare section, diaries, home-décor items, luxury fountain pens, Hello Kitty section, café, eateries, and much more.