Gyeongsangnam-do(Changnyeong-gun)

Bugok Hot Springs, located at the foot of Deokamsan Mountain, was designated as a national tourist resort in 1977. It is one of the best hot springs in South Korea, appointed as Special Tourist Complex in January 1997. ‘Bugok’ was named according to the iron pot shape of the land. The temperature of the water is 78°c, high enough to softly boil an egg. As a representative sulfur hot spring, the spa is good for those who have difficulties with breathing, neuralgia, rheumatism, skin disease, chilblains, bruises, prickly heat and leucorrhoea. Other than sulfur, the water also contains over 20 kinds of inorganic matters such as silicon, chlorine, calcium and iron. As a multi-complex resort, Bugok Hot Spring Tourist Special Complex covers various facilities other than the large spa, such as the grand performance hall, outdoor and indoor swimming pools, zoo, botanical garden, five tourist hotels, 23 accommodation and 21 shopping centers. It is a suitable place for short family trips where you can relax your tired body at the hot spring, and rest at the accommodation and recreation facilities in the complex. There is a footprint of a herbivorous dinosaur in front of the Ilsung Condominium and eggs boiled in the hot spring water are served in the Bugok Tourist Hotel. Also, there are facilities for adolescents, which are frequently used for training and seminars. The Bugok Hot Spring Festival is held in every October to promote the Bugok Hot Springs.  


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

Alternative Space Loop (also known as the “Loop”) is a non-profit gallery that provides exhibition space and support programs for young and promising artists. In the late 1900s, many artists could not afford to pay for exhibition space in a gallery and struggled to pursue their passion for the arts. The idea of a “free alternative exhibition space” was born and as a result, the Loop was opened in Sangsu-dong in Feb, 1999. In 2005, the Loop was moved to Seogyo-dong, its current location.On the first floor and in the basement, the works of new artists are on display. On the 2nd floor, there is a small café where visitors can take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee, have discussions, or read one of the books provided.The Loop has been holdng exhibitions and performances more than ten times a year ever since its opening. The gallery engages in diverse international exchanges such as Tirana Biennale and in 2002, was invited to the Gwangju Biennale as an alternative art space. 


Incheon(Ganghwa-gun) , Ganghwado Island

Ganghwa Peace Observatory was constructed in the northern area of the Civilian Passage Restriction Line in Cheolsan-ri, Yangsa-myeon. Entry to this area was once strictly prohibited for the general public. Since it opened in 2008, the observatory has been providing accessibility to visitors for them to see the area's natural ecosystem. Ganghwa Peace Observatory also shows images related to the Korean War (1950-1953).[Operating hours]November - February: 09:00-17:00March - May, September & October: 09:00-18:00June - August: 09:00-19:00※ Times are subject to change.


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

"The Stone Guards of the Royal Tombs" Seonjeongneung is comprised of Seolleung Royal Tomb (선릉) and Jeongneung Royal Tomb (정릉). Located in downtown Seoul, this place offers tranquil and pleasant promenades for couples and office workers. Seonjeongneung houses the burial mounds of King Seongjong (1469-1494), his wife Queen Jeonghyeon, and King Jungjong (1506-1544) of the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). Upon entering the grounds, you can see a red gate (the red colour denotes holiness) with a taegeuk (yin-yang) symbol. The stone paths leading to the sacrificial building are noteworthy because there are two stone paths—the elevated path is for the dead King and the lower one is for living people. In the past memorial rites were performed in the sacrificial building. Small sculptures on the eaves called Japsang were carved in the shape of animals, such as monkeys, and were believed to exorcise evil spirits. Next to the sacrificial building, there is a pavilion and a tombstone which is the tomb of the King. Sculptures of sheep and tigers surround the tomb and are guardians of the deceased king. There is also a statue of a military officer bearing a sword. In front of the tomb is an outstanding sight called 'Mangjuseok,' which is a pair of stones designed to guide the spirit of the king to his tomb. Unlike the tombs of the Kings, the queen’s tomb, Wanghureung, is simple. It doesn’t have any pavilions or sacrificial buildings, and is surrounded only by stone sculptures as guardians. Seonjeongneung has a lush forest, and benches on the promenade provide an ideal place to relax. There are numerous small hills with clusters of trees that create a border between the mystery and serenity of the royal tombs and the hustle and bustle of downtown Seoul.


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

With 24 granite pillars, a splendid blue dome, and white exterior, the National Assembly Building is a beautiful piece of architecture. The historic building came to life in 1975 after six years of construction. The pillars and the dome symbolize the various opinions of the public emerging as one. The building is a favorite among tourists as it is located next to the Hangang River. The Hangang River sits behind the building as a beautiful backdrop.The National Assembly Building contains the Visitor Center, a walking area, and benches alongside the Hangang River. The easiest way to visit the National Assembly Building is by applying at the Visitor Center. One can tour various parts of the National Assembly Building as well as the main conferencing area. The application process lasts roughly twenty minutes. The drawback is that it does not offer a foreign language service. Those who are interested in seeing Korean politics in action may also see sessions as they proceed. However, those not particularly interested in Korean politics will be more than satisfied with the regular tour.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

The National Science Museum is a scientific culture facility which studies and exhibits various scientific materials. At its center is the Astronomical Hall, which is the largest dome in Korea. From here you can vividly see the phenomenon of the celestial sphere and the human development of space. It also has the only world-class space theater in Korea. The 242 seats are available on a first-come first-serve basis. It can re-create the appearance of a night sky, the highlight being the view of the starlight at the planetarium. The Astrovision is also a special visual device, giving a magnificent and realistic view of space development.There are exhibits featuring about 4000 items based on nature and natural science at the Permanent Exhibit Hall. There are also exhibit halls featuring Korean nature, weapons, and folk musical instruments. You can see the stages of collecting energy from nature, and its use in transportation. Outside the Hall is Cheomseongdae, a weather evaluating machine from the Goryeo period; models of plant-eating dinosaurs; and a steam engine. The exhibits help to easily understand the theories of science, and the wonders of nature. The museum has a movie theater. Science movies and other excellent movies are shown at 11am and 2pm every day, and the seating can accommodate 776 people.


Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae

Busan Cinema Center is an official venue of the Busan International Film Festival (BIFF) –one of the most popular film festivals in Asia—and has become a symbol of the festival itself.From an architectural perspective, the center is a historic work that embodies the theories of deconstructivism while exhibiting a sense of formative beauty. The center’s ‘Big Roof’ is the largest roof in the world (2.6 times larger than a soccer field) and comes complete with 42,600 LED lights, which help create an unforgettable scene along with Suyeong River and Naru Park.The Cinema Center consists of 3 buildings: Cine Mountain, Biff Hill, and Double Cone. The main building, Cine Mountain, has 3 theaters for screening movies and one performing arts theater, called ‘Haneulyeon,’ featuring the world’s best stage performances. Busan Cinema Center is said to be the first culture complex worldwide to combine movie theaters and a performing arts center in one building.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Daejojeon Hall was the queen’s residence at Changdeokgung Palace. Originally built in 1405 (5th year of King Taejo’s reign during the Joseon Dynasty), the hall had been destroyed by fires multiple times since then. The current structure is the one rebuilt in 1920 with materials taken from Gyotaejeon Hall at Gyeongbokgung Palace after being burnt down in 1917. Daejeojeon is differentiated from other palace buildings in that it has no ridge on the roof. The center bedroom is surrounded by small-sized rooms for court ladies to attend to the king and the queen.


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

Korean artists of various specialties such as writers, painters, actors, architects and musicians constructed the cultural town of Heyri. Within this community there are residences, workrooms, art galleries and museums. Artists make a living by opening exhibitions, trading or selling their art. Currently, there are about 40 museums, exhibitions, concert halls and bookstores, and around 30~40 more are expected to be added. Currently about 10 cafes and food courts are included in these buildings for the convenience of its visitors.Heyri Artvalley was constructed to blend in with surrounding structures. The local construction regulations require all buildings to be no more than three stories tall. Just by glancing at these buildings you will admire their artistry since architects constructed each building with its own unique characteristics.HAS III Art Gallery and the field of reeds by the central lake were filming locations for the romantic comedy, "Everybody Has Secrets (2004)" starring Lee Byung-hun & Choi Ji-woo.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Established in 1976, Cecil Theater is a very prominent theater. The first five Korean Film Festivals were held here, making it the heart of Korean theaters. It is a theater steeped in tradition, and was reopened not long ago, with its facilities modernized. The high and narrow stage was lowered for better viewing, and the stage was widened to a greater scale. The lobby is especially fancy. It always carries a nice scent of espresso, which is provided free of charge. It is open everyday from noon to 1 p.m. even on days with no performances, for local office workers.Cecil Theater is known for the view of its surroundings. The spacious path leading to the theater is surrounded by stonewalls. Beside the trail is the Cathedral of the Korean Anglican Church. With its classical architecture and flowering trees, it is an absolutely beautiful sight. It is especially elegant and beautiful during spring and autumn. You can also visit Deoksugung Palace, Jeong-dong Street and City Hall in the neighborhood.