Seoul(Jung-gu)

Wongudan (Hwangudan) Altar refers to an altar complex for the rite of heaven. The rites were first performed in the Goryeo Dynasty by King Seongjong in the first month of 983 (2nd year of his reign), but was repeatedly adopted and abolished, and eventually stopped at the start of the Joseon Dynasty. Then in 1456 (2nd year of King Sejo), the practice was temporarily standardized and the rites were performed at Wongudan (Hwangudan) Altar again in 1457. However, rites were again abolished in 1464 (10th year of King Sejo). It wasn’t until 1897 (34th year of King Gojong) when the Joseon Dynasty was renamed the Korean Empire and King Gojong ascended to emperor, that the rite was revived. Now, Hwangungu Shrine and three stone drums stand at the location of the former altar complex. The three stone drums symbolize the instruments used for the rites. The shrine was completed in 1899, two years after the altar was started in 1897. Today, the Hwangungu Shrine still stands within the hotel grounds of the Westin Chosun Hotel.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Seochon Village, literally meaning west village, is named in reference to its location west of Gyeongbokgung Palace. The old hanok houses lining the long alleys well harmonize with newly emerging shops and stores. Walking through the alleys that resembles a big maze, visitors will be nicely surprised by murals and adorable pictures.A hint of Korea's tradition is truly well balanced with many modern and stylish spaces that bring out the authentic and simple beauty and coziness of Seochon Village.


Daegu(Dalseo-gu)

Daegu Duryu Park was built near Duryusan and Geumbongsan mountains in 1977. The park is home to Daegu Tower (the tallest observation tower in Korea), Ubang Tower Land, Daegu Culture and Arts Center, and numerous other cultural and leisure facilities. The park is a favorite relaxation spot for many Daegu citizens.There are over 133 species of trees and plants in the park, including flowers that bloom along the roadsides throughout the year. In summer, one of the most popular attractions is Osaek Fountain in the cathedral pond.Major facilities include soccer and baseball fields, a gymnasium, a swimming pool, tennis courts, an in-line skating rink, a golf course, and a judo center. In addition to sports facilities, there are also a variety of cultural attractions: Duryu Library, Sculpture Hill, 2ㆍ28 Memorial Tower, an outdoor concert hall, Cathedral Pond Osaek Fountain, Daeseongsa Temple, Geumyongsa Temple, and Byeokcheon Falls.


Jeju-do(Seogwipo-si) , Seogwipo

Jeju's largest water leisure park 'Jeju Waterworld' is a great place for family members to get together for activities such as swimming,  relieving physical and mental fatigue at the jjimjil-bang or sauna,working out at the fitness center or even a high-class indoor golf practice range for leisure purposes.


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

The National Palace Museum of Korea opened in 1992 displaying relics from the Joseon Dynasty [1392~1910]. Over 20,000 royal relics from Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Changgyeonggung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine are on display. 1. Royal Symbols and Records The Joseon Dynasty attained Confucian ideals, and therefore, the king and his queen were worshipped as parents of all citizens. To elevate their authority, the Joseon royal households crafted various royal symbols. 2. Ancestral Rites The royal ancestral rite was held at a royal shrine encompassing the ancestral tablets of the late kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty. This was not merely a royal ancestral worshipping ceremony, but also a festival with music and dance, in the hope for the nation's eternal prosperity. 3. Palace Architecture The palace was the living quarters of the king and his family as well as the center of administration where the king ruled the nation. The center of the palace in the Joseon Dynasty, according to traditional Oriental architectural planning, was featured at Jeongjeon. The main hall was the center of state events and political discussions, and the Pyeonjeon, the government office. 4. Joseon SciencesThe Joseon Dynasty strove to establish the legitimacy of its foundation to enrich the nation's economy. To attain these ideals, the dynasty unprecedentedly promoted such areas as the sciences and medicine while developing various weapons for national defence. 5. Royal LifeThe king and queen were symbolic figures of the Joseon Dynasty, but they were also ordinary people who lived private lives within the palace. The palace was divided into various sections of living space such as the king's office, the queen's quarters, and the prince's study room. Each section contained appropriate pieces of furniture, which were made of the finest quality materials according to well-established criteria for the royal family.


Gyeonggi-do(Paju-si) , DMZ•Panmunjeom

Imjingak Resort, located 7 km from the Military Demarcation Line, is now at the forefront of tourism related to the Korean War. Imjingak was built in 1972 with the hope that someday unification would be possible. The three-storied Imjingak is surrounded by several monuments, Unification Park and North Korea Center.Over 400 photos and documents showing the stark reality of North Korea are displayed in the North Korea Center of Unification Board. Outside Imjingak, there are 12 unique tanks and warcrafts on display that were used during the war.Mangbaedan Alter, which stands opposite Imjingak, is famous as the place where Korean's separated from their families in the North visit to perform ancestral rites by bowing toward their hometowns every New Year's Day and Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving). The Bridge of Freedom, which South Koreans crossed when they came back to their mother country from North Korea after the signing of the Armistice Agreement, stands behind Mangbaedan Alter.In front of Imjingak is the Gyeongui Train Line which was destroyed during the Korean War in 1950. It has been under reconstruction since 2000. Every year many events for unification are held at Imjingak. It is now one of the more famous DMZ tourist spots for foreigners because it is possible to visit without going through any security check points.*Travel Tips- Tourists who want to tour Dorasan Observatory and The 3rd Tunnel, have to have a passport and make a reservation in advance at the DMZ ticket box located in Imjingak parking lot.- Tourists can tour The 3rd tunnel, Dorasan Observatory and Unification Park by shuttle bus. Soldiers act as guides on this package tour. Only Korean speaking guides are available if you make your reservation here, so foreigners should contact a travel agency to arrange an English-speaking guide in advance.- Private cars and taxies are not permitted. Only designated shuttle buses can enter because it is located in the Civilian Restricted Zone. 


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

Olympic Park is an expansive outdoor area for Seoul residents to enjoy and also offers facilities and venues for a range of events including athletic competitions, concerts and other performances. The park houses athletic facilities including the gymnasium of the ’88 Seoul Olympic Games, a fencing stadium, weightlifting stadium, swimming pool and tennis courts. Moreover, those venues are multi-purpose facilities that can host a wide range of events and performances. The park also holds sports classes in swimming, golf, badminton, basketball, gym, dance and others. There are also daily use gym facilities as well as a number of walking and jogging trails.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

The Jeonju Hanok Living Experience Center is a guesthouse facility located in Jeonju Hanok Village. This center gives the unique experience of life in a traditional-style Korean house. The center was originally a royal house that was constructed during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). It is currently enjoyed by many for its traditional lodging facilities. This is a great place for foreigners to experience the rich traditional culture of Korea. The buildings are newly built in the traditional style. They may be lacking somewhat in an antique feel, but offer comfort in a traditional setting.Visitors can enjoy chopping their own firewood to warm their traditional style rooms. There is a special heating system called "ondol," that was developed to radiate heat throughout the room from under the floor. Here you will sleep on a cushioned comforter on the floor without the worry of staying warm. Visitors can also learn traditional folk songs, as well as participate in traditional tea parties. It is also possible to ride bicycles around the premises. Meals are included in lodging costs.


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

The Seoul Arts Center is the representative art complex of Korea. It is comprised of the Opera House, the Concert Hall, the Art Gallery, the Art Morgue, the Calligraphy Hall and the Performance Theater which is exclusively for plays. You can enjoy various performances and exhibitions at this one site.One of the prominent aspects of the Seoul Arts Center is that it was built to the quality of the world's ten best art centers. The Opera House that stands in the middle of the complex, represents the Gat - a traditional Korean hat made of bamboo. You will notice that the roof of the building is the shape of the Gat. Since it is the only place in the world that has a well-preserved collection of written Chinese Characters, the Calligraphy Hall is a nice place for foreigners to visit. You can watch movies and videos at the Art Morgue.The plot of this complex is approximately 276,800 square yards. Even if you do not enter the buildings of the complex, you will be surprised at the facilities. The outdoor space is fit for the citizens of Seoul and tourists to rest and relax. Behind the complex you will see the mountains. Follow the trail up the mountains and you will reach Daesungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple in the mountains.The Seoul Arts Center is famous for its free, relaxing outdoor space. At the 'Jangteo' (meaning 'market') there are many events and shows. There is an outdoor theater, which has a half-moon shaped stage along with a square where many performances are held. You can also rest by Umyeonji, the Korean-style pond. You can find further information about the Seoul Art Center, the programs and events held there, on its online English homepage.