Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

The Hwanghakdong Flea Market is an extensive used-goods market with over 500 shops. The flea market is also popularly known as the ‘Doggaebi (Korean folk creature) Market’ and ‘All-Things Market’ due to its variety of goods ranging from antiques to interior furnishings. Hence, the Hwanghakdong Flea Market is a famous destination among many foreigners. In the past, the Hwanghak-dong Flea Market was the nation’s trade center for antique goods, and now, the market offers a wide variety of products ranging from cameras, refrigerators, washing machines and TVs to old money, antique paintings, cosmetics, clothes, Buddha statues and more. The flea market sells used goods as well as new ones. Not to worry though, as all used products have been renewed and repaired with a 50% markdown, while new products can be purchased at 20-30% off the retail price. The Hwanghakdong Flea Market is divided into five sections. First, a one-storey building holds a variety of shops selling old books, electronics, and videos. Second, the alleyway between Samil Apartments 15-dong and 16-dong near Cheonggyecheon 7-ga Street is known as the antique street. Electronic stores are gathered in the area behind Samil Apartment 13-dong and the Seongdong Technical High School all the way to Samil Apartment 17-dong, selling TVs, refrigerators, car stereos, air conditioners, video games, and more. Finally, the machinery stores are located on the second street of Jungang Market. The flea market is generally open from 9am to 7pm, with the exception of the electronics district which is open until 10pm.    


Seoul(Songpa-gu)

Established in December 1984, Seoul Nori Madang (서울놀이마당) offers diverse traditional performances on an outdoor stage to promote Korean folk plays and culture among the public. Performances are regularly held every weekend; it hosts over 120 performances every year and each performance attracts over 1,300 visitors. Within Seoul Nori Madang is Songpa Folk Preservation Association (+82-2-412-8665), which offers seminars on folk plays—Songpa Sandae Nori (a mask play) and Songpa Baekjung Nori (a play performed on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month)—for students at no charge.


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(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Discover the Heart of Korean Pop Culture at "HiKR Ground" – Your Ultimate Korean Entertainment Destination!         Prepare yourself for an extraordinary journey where tradition meets contemporary, art meets technology, and dreams meet reality. Nestled in the pulsating heart of Seoul, the Korea Tourism Organization Seoul Center introduces "HiKR Ground," a trailblazing space that is more than just a Korean tourism publicity center — it is your gateway to the exhilarating world of K-Pop, mesmerizing media art, and the authentic Korean local tourism experience that goes beyond your imagination. Step into a Realm of Unforgettable Experiences: First Floor - The HiKR Wall and Beyond Embark on an unprecedented visual journey through the "HiKR Wall," a grandiose media canvas showcasing the impeccable artwork, "Landscape of the New City" by the renowned media artist Lee Lee-nam. Here, you're not just viewing art; you're stepping into it, surrounded by vibrant displays and curated tourism videos brought to you by global Hallyu aficionados. Your adventure into the Korean zeitgeist begins here, drawing you into a world where art and technology dance in a vivid tapestry of sights and sounds, offering a modern gaze into the Korean spirit.   Second Floor - Your K-Pop Dream Studio Channel your inner K-Pop star at the state-of-the-art XR Live Studio, where you are the lead in your music video. This is not just a studio; it is a canvas where your K-Pop dreams come to life, with the vibrant backdrop of the rejuvenated Cheonggyecheon Stream adding a touch of natural splendor to your production. And while here, don’t miss the captivating "North Wall" installation by the illustrious artist Suh Do-ho, a piece that seamlessly blends art and nature, offering a contemplative space amidst the K-Pop excitement.   Third & Fourth Floors - Dive Deep into the Local Korean C Ascend to the upper echelons of "HiKR Ground" where a rich tapestry of local Korean experiences awaits. Here, every corner offers a new adventure, with exhibitions that narrate the poetic tales of Korea's lands and waters, and interactive sessions that bring you face to face with the artistry and craftsmanship that is quintessentially Korean. What sets "HiKR Ground" apart is its unwavering commitment to offering a multi-faceted exploration of Korean culture, with a special emphasis on fostering a deep connection with the younger generation. It's a haven where the young and the young at heart can forge unforgettable memories, diving deep into a culture rich in history, yet vibrant and contemporary. Come, be a part of this vivacious journey, as "HiKR Ground" greets global enthusiasts with a warm "Hi" and opens its doors to a playground where every moment is a celebration of the Korean spirit. Discover "HiKR Ground"— where Korea welcomes the world, and where every visitor becomes a part of the ever-evolving Korean story. Let's make history together at "HiKR Ground," your ultimate destination for a rich, immersive, and truly Korean experience.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The wine restaurant, dugahun, is located in the backyard of Gallery Hyundai on Samcheong-dong Road. As the name Dugahun (두가헌, translated ‘a very beautiful house’) implies, the restaurant is characterized by its exquisite, antique architecture that dates back to the 1910s. Combining fine Western dining and a wide selection of wines with a beautiful hanok interior, dugahun provides visitors with a unique dining experience. For an added element of culture, visit Gallery dugahun (the adjacent Russian-style brick building) and take a look at the array of domestic and international artwork on display.


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

Get off the subway at Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), follow the wall of the Gyeongbokgung Palace and you'll find yourself facing a street with majestic trees whose foliage changes every season. This street leads directly to Samcheong-dong. As you enter Samcheong-dong and walk towards the Samchong-dong Tunnel, you'll come across Samcheongdong Sujebi, located right next to the Prime Minister Legation.Samcheongdong Sujebi became a hit among Japanese tourists, after being featured in a popular Japanese magazine. The main dish here is, of course, sujebi (a traditional Korean soup consisting of chunks of dough and various vegetables). It comes in a pot full of sliced pumpkin, clams, and potatoes. This delicious soup is so tasty that there's almost always people lined up outside the restaurant. Other popular items include dongdongju (traditional Korean liquor) and gamjajeon (a Korean potato pancake that uses only potato starch and no other ingredients). 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Art Sonje Center is an art complex which was built in 1998. It has a short history but is famous for exhibiting high-quality artwork. As an art complex, in addition to regular art exhibitions, movies, dance & music performances and plays are also shown here. On the B1 floor there is an art hall with a capacity for 250 people. Exquisite lightning and audiovisual system equipment are used for showing movies, performances and symposiums. At the art hall, many reviews on movies of the dramatic lives of artists are shown. Other events range from international concerts to project exhibitions of German filmmakers. If you want to relax, head to the traditional Korean house hall, Hanokgwan on the 1st floor. It boasts the unique architecture of modernized traditional Korean style. It is surrounded by bamboo, making it just the place for visitors to rest. It is also used as an exhibition space from time to time. Near Art Sonje Center are Gyeongbokgung Palace and Insa-dong. 


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

Located on the top floor of the Park Hyatt Seoul in Gangnam, Park Club boasts a state-of-the-art fitness studio along with exquisite spa facilities, pools, restaurants, and bar. The Park Club has over 30 treatments for the skin and body including the renowned "Park Club Back Massage" and indulgent spa packages like the Namu (Wood), Dol (Stone), and Mul (Water) packages that utilize natural elements. “La Stone Therapy” helps visitors restore the balance of mind and body by using the energy of earth and stone while the “Experience Seoul” Package (KRW 680,000 with 10% value added tax charged separately) offers customers the ultimate experience of extravagant pampering. The Park Club employs only the most qualified spa care professional to ensure customers the best in beauty care.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

The old building of the Seoul train station was designed by Tsukamoto Yasushi, a professor of Tokyo University. Construction of the station started in June, 1922 and was completed in September, 1925. Due to its unique domed roof and large size, the station attracted much attention in its early years.After Korea regained its independence from under Japanese colonial rule, the station’s name was changed from ‘Gyeongseong Station’ to ‘Seoul Station’. During the Korean War, the station was partially destroyed but later restored. After Korea began industrializing after the war, the South annex and West annex were constructed to handle the increasing transportation volume.In 2004 when the privately-funded new station was constructed, the old station closed down, but after reconstruction in 2011 opened as a multicultural space called ‘Culture Station Seoul 284’. The main section (Jungang Hall) is for performances, exhibitions, events, and cafés, while the 2nd floor houses a hall that serves as a venue for cultural performances, exhibitions, academic seminars, business meetings, and more.


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

Dorocy means "Gift of God" in Greek. It specializes in jewelries and offers outstanding repair/maintenance services. It is a popular shop among women because of its colorful items. Various items range from inexpensive to expensive prices. Professional assistants give visitors tips on how to choose items matching up well with their clothing. Designers of Dorocy have completed GIA GG, GIA Design, and IGI EG courses in Santa Monica, the United States and produce items with unique designs.