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

The stone mound tombs in Seokchon-dong were found and investigated as part of the city development project in Jamsil district. It was impossible to determine the full scale of the ancient tombs in this area due to the severity of destruction. The largest tomb is the third, which measures 49.6 meters from east to west, 43.7 meters from south to north, and 4 meters in x_height. The tomb features three layers of stones topped by a smooth mound, which is a tomb style originating from the Goguryeo Dynasty (37 BC-668 AD). The tombs are presumed to belong to one of the earliest leaders of the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC-660 AD), which was founded by the people of Goguryeo who had come down southwards to establish a new kingdom around the Hangang River basin. The square-shaped fourth tomb features a structure similar to the third tomb. Many pieces of earthenware from the early Baekje era were found in the fourth tomb. Also excavated around this site was a gold spangle earring. The third and fourth tombs have been registered as Historic Site No. 243. The tomb site offers valuable information concerning the culture and customs of the Baekje Dynasty in its golden age around the 4th century, as well as the relations between the three ancient kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baekje, and Silla) around that time.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

A big grass field including a refreshing pond and well-organized paths make visitors excited at Yongsan Family Park. Yongsan Family Park spans an area of 90,000 pyeong (297,520.66㎡) in what was the former golf course of the Eighth US Army Division and after that the park was scaled down the size to 27,000 pyeong (89,256.20 ㎡) following the construction of the National Museum of Korea on November 15, 1997. The park is comprised of various facilities such as a 2km-walking path, a natural education site, Taegeukgi Park. Visitors can watch pigeons and wild pheasants living the park.


Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin

Dae Jang Geum Park in Yongin, Gyeonggi-do is the largest historical drama set in Korea and a hallyu themed park run by Munhwa Broadcasting Company (MBC). Located at 25, Yongcheon drama-gil, Baegam-myeon, Cheoin-gu, Yongin-si, Gyeonggi-do, the theme park was built on a 2,500,000㎡ site. Facilities in the themed park are semi-permanent facilities reflected the architectural style, lifestyle and culture of the past, based on historical records. The facilities are in great harmony with the surrounding natural landscapes, which makes tourists feel as if they have traveled to the past in a time machine. Popular dramas of MBC, such as "The Moon that Embraces the Sun (2012)," which made actor Kim Soo-hyun a super star, and "Gu Family Book (2013)" that starred Lee Seung-gi and Bae Suzy, were filmed at the Dae Jang Geum Park. "Dae Jang Geum (Jewel in the Palace; 2004)," a mega-hit drama that was exported to around 100 countries, was first shot in Yangju-si, Gyeonggi-do, but later filmed at the Dae Jang Geum Park. In the park, you will be able to see buildings like Muryangsujeon Hall, Gyujanggak (Royal Library), Donggungjeon Palace (Crown Prince’s Palace), and Hyeminseo (Medical Institution) that appeared in the drama. You can also enjoy various things in 23 tour zones like Jeojatgeori (downtown), Pocheong (Police Bureau) & Oksa (a prison), Injeongjeon Hall, Bopyeongjeon Hall, Yeonmujang (practice ground), and more. Among them, Donggungjeon Palace was the main filming spot for the drama "Dong-Yi (2010)," and Yeonmujang is often used as a filming spot for various battle scenes. Injeongjeon Hall was used for shooting large-scale banquet scenes. For example, the coronation ceremony scene in the drama "Queen Seondeok (2009)" and the final battle scene in "The Moon that Embraces the Sun(2012)" where Hweon (Kim Su-hyun) and Yangmyeong (Jeong Il-woo) fought against traitors were all shot here. Injeongjeon Hall is a popular set for major scenes of many dramas. Dae Jang Geum Park is a well-known filming site for movies and commercials as well as MBC dramas. It also is used by foreign broadcasting networks including NHK to shoot historical scenes about Korea.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Larva Town is divided into areas of three different themes: TUBAn Yard, TUBAn Goods, and Cafe Wingcle. TUBAn Yard greets visitors with animation character Larva dressed up as a gatekeeper from the Joseon Dynasty along with other amusing sculptures that serve as excellent props for taking souvenir photos. The yard is open to public, welcoming any passerby to stop by and relax. As for TUBAn Goods, the shop is filled with character merchandise targeted towards consumers of diverse age range. Featured characters include TUBAn's iconic character Larva, Dinocore, and Wingcle bear. After looking around TUBAn Yard and TUBAn Goods, visitors can stop by Cafe Wingcle, where they can enjoy a cup of coffee with dessert surrounded by adorable Wingcle and friends.


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

Opened on April 30, 2012, Seoul Baekje Museum (interchangeably called Hanseong Baekje Museum) was established by the Seoul Government in order to preserve the artifacts related to Seoul's 2,000-year-old history and to shed light on Seoul's cultural identity. The museum is located inside Olympic Park, overlooking Monchontoseong Fortress.


Gyeonggi-do(Bucheon-si) , Bucheon

Aiins World is a theme park where miniature recreations of world famous buildings are on display. The miniatures at Aiins World were crafted with such painstaking attention to detail that visitors feel like they are looking at the real thing. People also feel as if they have taken a trip around the world all in one day.The miniature version of the Great Wall of China and Mt. Kilimanjaro, blowing out smoke and ash, attracts many visitors with realistic models as well as sound effects. Other miniatures include the Empire State Building, Rockefeller Center with its famous ice rink, and the street of Broadway in New York City. Aiins World lights up at night, creating a romantic and festive mood. Taking pictures next to some of the most famous structures in the world can be a rewarding experience and fun for everyone.


Seoul(Gangdong-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

Hangang (Han River) Citizen's Park, composed of 12 areas including Jamsil, Ttukseom and Jamwon, is an eco-friendly park providing areas for sports and leisure. The park is equipped with various cultural and recreational facilities and also has an ecological park. Gwangnaru Hangang Park formed naturally through rich silt that flowed in from the upper Hangang River that was then filled with reeds, creating an ideal habitat for groups of migratory birds.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in the heart of Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace was first built by the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (r.1418-1450), for his retiring father, King Taejong. It often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines. During the reign of King Seongjong (r.1469-1494), the palace was renovated and renamed to Changgyeonggung Palace. It later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during Japanese colonial rule. The palace was then relocated in 1983 and regained its old grace after years of restoration. Past the entrance of Changgyeonggung Palace, the Honghwa Gate, you will find Okcheongyo Bridge. All palaces of the Joseon Dynasty have ponds with an arch bridge over them, just like Okcheongyo Bridge. Cross Okcheongyo Bridge, pass the Myeongjeongmun Gate, and you will find Myeonjeongjeon. This is the office of the king, and Myeongjeongjeon is the oldest of the Joseon Dynasty palaces. The houses face southwards, but Myeongjeongjeon faces east. Because the ancestral shrine of the royal family is located to the south, the gate couldn't face the south, as is required by Confucian custom. There are stones with the status of the officials carved on the yard. Behind Myeongjeongjeon on the upper left side is Sungmundang. This building utilizes the slope of the mountain. If you look at Myeongjeongjeon and Munjeongjeon, the combination of the high and low roofs offers a beautiful view. Tongmyeongjeon was built for the queen. It is the biggest building in Changgyeonggung Palace, and you can recognize the delicate details of its structure in various parts of the building. Walk up the stones past Tongmyeongjeon and there you will find Jagyeongjeon. On the southeast direction of the Jagyeongjeon is the Punggidae. This Punggidae is a measuring instrument. It is a long pole with a cloth hung at the end used to check the speed and direction of the wind. If you head north there is a large pond called Chundangji. Half of the pond was originally a rice field that the king took care of. But during the Japanese occupation, the rice field was changed to a pond with little ships floating on it. And the botanic garden built above the pond still remains today.  


Gyeongsangnam-do(Gimhae-si)

As Hyundai Motor’s main production facility, the Ulsan Plant is comprised of five independent plant facilities on a land spanning 5,000,000 square meters. The plant is the world’s largest single automobile plant and employs over 34,000 personnel to produce an average of 5,600 vehicles a day. The plant has its own port, where up to three 50,000-ton vessels can anchor simultaneously. It has its own fire station, hospital, and patrol cars, all within the compound. Hyundai Motors Ulsan Plant is nestled among 580,000 trees and equipped with state-of-the-art facilities to preserve the environment, such as a waste water disposal plant. The plant tour offers a great opportunity for visitors to experience the manufacturing process of Hyundai Motors, which is emerging as a global car brand. Tour reservations can be made at the company website for groups of over 30 people.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Discover the Incheon Art Platform: A Hub of Ever-Evolving Art and Culture Introduction to Incheon Art Platform When planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, a must-visit destination is the Incheon Art Platform. Opened in September 2009, this vibrant cultural and artistic space was created as part of Incheon’s old downtown regeneration project. It offers a unique blend of history and modern creativity, making it a perfect spot for art enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike. A Historical and Modern Fusion Incheon Art Platform is situated in Haean-dong, an area known for its well-preserved architectural heritage. The complex comprises 13 buildings that were originally constructed in the 1930s and 1940s. These buildings have been thoughtfully remodeled to retain their historical charm while being repurposed into studios, galleries, performance halls, and other cultural facilities. This transformation has created a space where the past and present coexist harmoniously, providing visitors with a rich cultural experience. Facilities and Attractions The Incheon Art Platform is more than just a collection of buildings; it is a comprehensive cultural ecosystem designed to support and promote the arts. The facilities include: - Building A (Training Center): Home to the Incheon Foundation for Arts & Culture Life Culture Center. - Building B (Exhibition Hall): Features an exhibition hall and storage rooms. - Building C (Performance Hall): Equipped with a performance hall, practice rooms, and waiting areas. - Building D (Archive): Contains material rooms, a media lab, and spaces for facility management and policy research. - Buildings E1-E3 (Studios): Provide 22 studios, resting rooms, media labs, and workspaces for artists. - Building F (Guesthouse): Offers guestrooms, a laundry room, and rest areas. - Building G1 (Small Gallery): Used for exhibitions. - Building G2 (Platform Lounge): A research and meeting area for registered workers and a participation area for citizens. - Building G3 (IAP Promotional Hall) - Building H (Community Hall): Includes a café, community hall, and life culture center. Cultural Activities The platform hosts a variety of activities that cater to both artists and the public. It operates artist residency programs, and organizes exhibitions, performances, and educational programs that encourage community participation. This makes the Incheon Art Platform not only a place for artistic creation but also a space for cultural exchange and community engagement. Nearby Attractions In addition to the art platform, the surrounding area offers several other attractions: - Incheon Chinatown: A vibrant area where you can explore unique architecture and enjoy delicious Chinese cuisine. - Songwol-dong Fairy Tale Village: A whimsical village decorated with fairy tale-themed murals and sculptures, perfect for families and children. - Wolmido Island: Known for its amusement park, scenic views, and seafood restaurants, it’s a great place to relax and have fun.  Visitor Information - Address: 11-5 Haean-dong, Jung-gu, Incheon - Hours: 09:00 - 21:30 - Admission: Free (Some special programs and performances may have fees) - Parking: Not available - Directions: From Incheon Station (Seoul Subway Line 1), Exit 1. Take Bus 15 or 28 and get off at Jung-gu Office. The Incheon Art Platform is a dynamic space where historical architecture meets contemporary art, offering a rich and engaging experience for all visitors. Whether you are an art lover or simply looking to explore Incheon’s cultural heritage, this platform is an essential stop on your itinerary.