Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

About 2,000 old Korean kitchen utensils and tteok (rice cake) related items are displayed here and arranged by various themes. The displayed utensils are handmade household necessities that are ingenuous, yet reveal the lifestyle of the working class. The elderly may relive fond childhood memories and the younger generation can experience the wisdom of ancestors through the rare kitchen utensils.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Namsan Outdoor Botanical Garden opened its doors on February 18th, 1997 in Hannam-dong, where the residential complex for foreigners once stood before it was demolished in 1994. Covering an area of around 59m2, it is divided into 13 themed gardens with a total 117,132 plants from 269 species. Among this diversity, 60,912 plants from 129 species are tree types and 56,220 plants from 140 species are grass types. The 13 themed gardens include a garden of herbal medicine, apricot trees, wildflowers, royal azaleas, shrubs, commercial plants and a garden for the blind.


4.5/2
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Mt. Namsan is a symbolic mountain located at the center of Seoul. Although not as high as other surrounding mountains, Mt. Namsan is a very popular nonetheless as a resting site. At the top, there are various facilities such as Palgakjeong (octagonal hall), Seoul Tower, Maritime Aquarium, fountains, and Namsan Library. You may take a cable car to the top or walk up the stairway path. Other than this path, there are many other walkways to Namdaemun, Hoehyun-dong, Taegyero 3(sam)-ga, Jangchung Park, Itaewon, Huam-dong and much more. The driving courses here are also popular for couples. Namsan Park is a historical site. You will find Bonghwadae (beacon mound) at the top as it was once the center of capital defense. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) the capital was changed to Hanyang,(current Seoul) and to protect the city from invasions, castle walls were built on the 4 major mountains like Mt. Bukaksan, Mt. Inwangsan, Mt. Naksan and Mt. Namsan. On Namsan peak, five beacons were built to report the news from local governments to the central government with a five-signal system. Also on the top of Mt. Namsan, there is the Palgakjeong Pavilion, which has a fantastic view. At Seoul Tower (479.7m), you can view the whole landscape of Seoul and the West Sea beyond Incheon. The rotating restaurant in the Seoul Tower also boasts excellent views. With excellent night view, you should try having dinner at the tower. It would be a great experience to visit Namsangol Traditional Korean Village which is a village of 5 traditional Korean houses.


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Songpa Naru Park is a citizens’ park in Seoul. It has two lakes with Songpa-daero Boulevard running in between them, and a jogging course and walking trails along the lakes. Originally, a branch of Hangang River ran through the site, forming one large lake, but in 1971 when land was reclaimed from the river, two lakes were formed. The total size of the two lakes is 217,850㎡, and they hold about 737 tons of water. The depth of the lakes is 4-5 meters. The park now serves as a great place for Seoul citizens to relax.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Gahoe-dong (Jongno-gu), Myeongin Museum is the only museum in Seoul that specializes in masks, including traditional Korean masks and masks from around the world. Visitors can find the "Myeongin Collection" on the first floor and a large exhibition hall on the first basement level. The museum is home to over 500 rare masks collected by its director over the course of 30 years from Korea and countries around the world. Masks at the museum reflect the unique cultures of countries from all over Africa, Oceania, Latin America, India, Tibet, Nepal, China, Japan, and East Asia. In addition to these fascinating masks, the Myeongin Collection further offers visitors a look into culture with a number of Buddhist sculptures, Buddhist paintings, Buddhist crafts, ceramics, modern art, and western paintings. 


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , TheWestern Part of the Jeju Island

Sanbangsan Mountain Hot Springs is a rare carbon hot spring, and the first public hot spring in Jeju, situated in the center of three islands (Marado, Gapodo, and Hyeongjedo) and five mountains (Hallasan, Sanbangsan, Gunsan, Songaksan, and Dansan). In May 2004, it was designated a site for protection as a hot springs source (Jeju Notice No. 2004-12). Gumyeongsu, a hot springs public bath, opened on the site, spanning 11,111 square meters, housed in a 3,300-square-meter building with an estimated 1,000-person capacity. Sanggoji is the on-site restaurant, and means "rainbow" in the local dialect. Carbon hot springs are known to have health benefits for the heart, as carbonic acid gas is absorbed in the skin, stimulating capillary vessels and expanding blood vessels. This enhances blood circulation, lowering blood pressure and reducing the burden on the heart.


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

Yeouido Saetgang Ecological Park in central Seoul is the first ecological park in Korea. It houses a wide variety of flora and fauna, including kestrels (Nature Monument No.323), herons, minnows, etc. There is a 6㎞-long promenade that lies across the park, and information signs explaining various flower and plant species throughout the park.


Seoul(Gwangjin-gu)

Achasan Mountain Ecological Park was established under the Seoul Metropolitan Government's Five Year Plan for Urban Green Expansion. Through various events and activities, the park provides opportunities to experience and learn about nature and its ecology. Major facilities include Eco Park, Rendezvous Square, Red Clay Road, Barefoot Path, Pine Forest, Mineral Spring, Eco Trail and Pergola.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

The Plateau (formerly Rodin Gallery) is a cultural relaxation site where you can appreciate the works of Rodin, including ‘The Gates of Hell’ and ‘The Burghers of Calais.’ The Glass Pavilion, a permanent exhibition hall, is entirely decorated in semi-transparent glass to allow viewers to appreciate Rodin’s famous pieces under natural light. These glass walls and the ceiling slanted in the direction of ‘The Gates of Hell’ were inspired by Rodin’s masterpiece 'Cathedral.' The building itself aspires to vitalize the artistic spirit of Rodin.At the planning gallery halls you can see other art pieces aside from Rodin’s. These are pieces by contemporary artists both foreign and domestic, who left great works in art history.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Opened in 2002, Gahoe Museum has on exhibit, folk paintings and amulets reflecting the lifestyle and wishes of the Korean people from ancient times. Inside the Hanok gallery, visitors can immerse themselves in the traditions of Korea. You will find old paintings of the common people, paintings of religious beliefs, and roof tiles in the shape of human beings or goblins. You will also find folding screens made of amulets and see the wisdom of people in the old days to overcome difficult times through a variety of amulets. Guided tours of exhibits are available from Tuesday through Friday in English and Japanese.After viewing, you can participate in regular hands-on programs inside the gallery. For a small fee, you can choose a program of your liking that runs from 10am to 5pm. The programs can accommodate up to 20 to 25 people. There are many participants on weekends so before visiting, call in advance for availability (+82-2-741-0466, Korean and Japanese). Instructions are given only in Korean, so foreigners are advised to come with a local guide.