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

Founded in 1395 by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace. Roughly meaning “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world,” the name symbolizes the resounding dedication that the people of the Joseon Dynasty had in creating a new dynasty. Constructed solely out of granite, its center is an entrance that resembles a rainbow, called Hongyemun. Above that is a gate tower. Gwanghwamun holds a painful memory in Korean history. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, in order to dampen the spirits of the Korean citizens, the Japanese governing general destroyed the gate and built his own government building. The present appearance of the gate is that of 1968 when it was rebuilt using concrete, and it’s location is about 10m behind the original spot. Though Gwanghwamun is the most beautiful of the five palace gates, it was not designated by the Korean government as a national treasure because it is made purely of concrete. The government is now in the process of removing the Japanese building and restoring the palace. Gwanghwamun has its name written on a sign on the gate, and it was personally written by then-president Park Jeong-Hui. On either side of the gate you can see the word “Haetae” facing south. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was a fire around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes were put beside the gate.  


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Itaewon was the first special tourist zone designated in 1997 among the 5 special tourist zones in Seoul. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors. The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s, when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has been a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products are famous in particular. This is a go-to street for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shopping malls selling clothes and bags, as well as accommodations including hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,200 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops stretch from Hamilton Hotel to Hangangjin Station. At night, Itaewon is brilliantly illuminated by nightlife for those from abroad and home-alike. Travelers can taste cuisines and cultures from around the globe on the World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants owned by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into streets of cultural diversity. In October, the “Itaewon Global Village Festival” takes place with a range of performances and events. Most of the staff at the stores can speak English, Japanese or Chinese. * Current State of Itaewon Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: The 1.4 km-long street stretching from Itaewon-ro to Hannam 2 (i)-dong office. 2) Area: 383,292㎡ * Tourist Attractions 40 restaurants run by foreigners, Hamilton Hotel, Art Museum, nightclubs, Antique Furniture Street, etc.


Daejeon(Jung-gu)

Located in Daejeon, Rainbow Korean Restaurant (무지개한정식) offers a traditional fine dining experience of royal court cuisine. The restaurant is committed to producing authentic dishes made with locally produced fresh ingredients without any MSG.The restaurant serves over 20 different menu items and goes way beyond standard dishes by offering delicacies such as sliced flatfish, ear shell mixed with vinegar pepper sauce, stirred turban shell, smoked duck, and steamed beef ribs. Separate rooms are available for private parties and a wide dining hall may be booked for rehearsal dinners, 60-year birthday parties, and other special events.


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

Located in the heart of the commercial, business and shopping district of Seoul opposite to the Convention and Exhibition Centre (COEX), Park Hyatt Seoul is a contemporary personal residence in which the number of guestrooms has been specifically limited in order to provide a level of service, comfort and attention to detail unparalleled in the market. Park Hyatt Seoul offers the largest deluxe rooms in the city (ranging between 48-52 sq m). The state-of-the-art guest rooms, including two Diplomatic Suites and one Presidential Suite, offer 3.4m floor-to-ceiling windows for enjoying city vistas.Park Hyatt Seoul has three food and beverage outlets. Located on the 2nd floor, the main restaurant Cornerstone offers meat and seafood prepared in wood-burning ovens, home-made pastas and desserts with a touch of Italian essence. Offering panoramic city views, The Lounge on the 24th floor presents authentic Korean and Western specialties as well as a wide selection of beverages and desserts. The Timber House, a live entertainment bar styled after a traditional Korean house on the lower level of the hotel, offers Japanese cuisine and premium beverages complemented with live performances by internationally renowned vocalists.Park Club, the hotel's fitness centre and spa on the 23rd and 24th floors, includes the fitness studio, three spa treatment rooms and the indoor heated swimming pool. Luxuriously designed spa treatment rooms enable guests to enjoy the urban spa experience with over 30 different types of facial and body treatments provided by highly trained therapists. Park Hyatt Seoul has six meeting rooms and boardrooms ranging in different sizes for various types of meetings and social events. Park Hyatt Seoul's meetings professionals provide detail consultations and helps creating tailored packages that best suit individual's needs.


Gyeonggi-do(Gwacheon-si) , Seoul Grand Park

Let's Run Park Seoul, located in Gwacheon, has horse races every weekend, as well as various unique experience programs and events to enjoy. The most popular program is the Secret Way Tour, giving access to parts of the park generally closed to the public. The Let's Run Wagon Tour allows participants to experience the excitement building up just before the start of a race. In spring, Let's Run Park Seoul blooms with cherry blossoms, making it the perfect place for a spring outing during the Cherry Blossom Festival. Other seasonal festivals take place throughout the year.


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

Opened in April 2004, Donglim Knot Museum has on exhibit a variety of decorative traditional Korean maedeup (knots): norigae for hanbok, belts, pouches, as well as materials like thread, cord, and accessories. Housed in a hanok, a traditional Korean house, the gallery has a variety of exhibits, including old and new artwork, and creations that reflect modern trends.The museum also operates a maedeup class taught by an apprentice of museum curator Sim Yeong-mi. Lessons are available in a one-day program as well as in a long-term program. To participate, call (+82-2-3673-2778, Korean) at least two days in advance. The classes operate from 10am to 6pm and have a maximum capacity of 12 people. The museum is closed on Mondays. Instructions are given only in Korean, so foreigners are advised to come with a local guide. 


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

The Gangbyeon branch is the first Lotte Mart supermarket. It is located inside Technomart, the electronics superstore, which also houses an 11- cinema CGV movie theater, a large bookstore, a food court, and other convenience facilities. Lotte Mart Gangbyeon branch sells groceries, daily essentials, and entertainment and home interior products. The store is located on the second floor basement of the Technomart building, and is open from 09:00 to 24:00.


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Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Etude House is a cosmetics brand that sells makeup, hair, and fragrance products. The Etude House Myeongdong Chungmuro Branch, located in the heart of a major shopping district, carries a wide selection of cosmetics that customers may test before purchasing. Moreover, the brightly lit store interior, designed with a princess bedroom decor, adds fun to the experience. Also, customers can test samples before purchasing the products. It is visited largely by foreign customers from Japan, Thailand, China and other East Asian countries. Its most popular items include makeup and eyelash lengthening products, as well as creams made with pearls.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Airport

Le Space INSPIRE: An Immersive Media Art Experience in Incheon Overview Le Space INSPIRE, located in the Inspire Resort on Yeongjong Island, Incheon, is Korea's largest immersive media art exhibition. Opened on May 1st, 2023, by Hyundai Futurenet, this cutting-edge exhibition spans approximately 6,600 square meters (about 2,000 pyeong) and features 18 unique galleries. Dive into the Magic of Light and Sound! Highlights 1. Immersive Experience Le Space INSPIRE uses high-definition LED signage, holograms, beam projections, and laser lighting to create an awe-inspiring world of light and sound. These advanced technologies guide visitors through a multi-sensory journey, providing an experience unlike any other. 2. Thematic Journey The exhibition’s theme, "Journey Beyond the Cosmos," takes visitors on a spectacular tour through galaxies, planets, and other cosmic phenomena. Each gallery covers different aspects of the universe, from the chaotic energy of the Big Bang to the serene beauty of distant planets. Experience the Pinnacle of Interactive Art! 3. Interactive Exhibits *Imagine Gallery: Features characters that mimic visitors' movements, offering a fun and interactive experience. This gallery provides an engaging and playful interaction with digital characters. *Emotion Gallery: Uses advanced technology to recognize visitors' facial expressions and display corresponding emotional visuals, providing a personalized and engaging interaction. This gallery showcases the connection between human emotions and visual art. *Space Exploration: Simulates a space journey with a curved projection screen, giving visitors the sensation of traveling through the cosmos in a spaceship. This immersive experience is designed to make visitors feel like astronauts exploring the universe. 4. Sensory Enhancements Special effects such as water, steam, and scent enhance the immersive experience. For example, the Volcanic Gallery features a volcanic landscape complete with steam and the scent of burning, creating a mystical atmosphere. These sensory elements add depth to the visual experience, making it feel even more realistic. Discover the Wonders of the Universe with Cutting-Edge Technology! 5. Cutting-Edge Technology The exhibition uses over 20 beam projectors to create a 360-degree visual experience, projecting digital content on all six surfaces of the room. This pioneering use of technology ensures that every corner of the exhibition is visually captivating. The use of high-definition LED screens, holographic images, and laser lights ensures that every visit is unique and engaging. Visitor Information *Location: Inspire Mall (Level 1), Inspire Resort, Yeongjong Island, Incheon *Operating Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:30 PM (Last entry at 7:30 PM), open year-round. *Ticket Prices: Adults (14+): KRW 28,000 (General) / KRW 50,000 (VIP Express) Children (Under 14): KRW 20,000 (General) / KRW 50,000 (VIP Express) Seniors (65+): KRW 20,000 Toddlers (Under 36 months): Free *VIP Express: Allows priority access without time reservations and includes seasonal merchandise (subject to availability). Don’t Miss Out! Special Discount Events! Special Offers *The introductory pricing is valid until December. After that, weekend, holiday, and peak season rates will apply: KRW 33,000 for adults and KRW 25,000 for children. *Multiple discounts are not applicable. Getting There Le Space INSPIRE is easily accessible from Incheon Airport, making it a convenient destination for international travelers. The exhibition is located in the Inspire Resort, near Discovery Park, opposite the arcade. Start Your Journey to a New Dimension! Why Visit? Le Space INSPIRE is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Korea, offering a unique blend of art and technology that creates a captivating experience for visitors of all ages. Whether you’re an art enthusiast, a technology buff, or simply looking for a new adventure, Le Space INSPIRE promises to transport you to another world. Additional Information Le Space INSPIRE provides a holistic experience that combines visual, auditory, and tactile elements. By integrating multi-sensory elements such as the scent of volcanic ash or the feel of mist, the exhibition offers visitors a deeply immersive visual spectacle and educational insights into astronomical phenomena and the latest advancements in space exploration. Le Space INSPIRE breaks the boundaries of art and technology, stimulating imagination and inspiring wonder. It is an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo travelers alike, and should definitely be included in your travel itinerary for an unforgettable journey beyond the cosmos. Plan Your Visit Today! Whether you're a local resident or a tourist, Le Space INSPIRE offers an exceptional cultural experience that combines the latest in media art technology with the timeless fascination of the universe. Make sure to add it to your itinerary for an unforgettable adventure.


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Gangwon-do(Sokcho-si)

Manseok Dak-gangjeong (sweet and sour chicken) is located in Jungang Market of Sokcho. Since 1983, Manseok has been one of the top sweet and sour chicken restaurants in Sokcho.