Seoul(Gwanak-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

Gyujanggak was founded in 1776 during the reign of King Jeongjo, the 22nd ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, at which time it was located on the palace grounds of Changdeokgung. It functioned as the royal library, which housed writings by the previous kings, their relics and books from home and abroad.Today Seoul National University maintains the items of Gyujanggak in a Korean traditional house, Hanok, which is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities necessary for preservation of cultural heritages. Moreover, Gyujanggak Library of Seoul National University collects or publishes books from a variety of sectors such as politics, economy and society.Gyujanggak now houses more than 280,000 items including 7 national treasures, 8 treasures, 180,000-plus old books, about 50,000 documents and 18,000 Chaekpan (printing blocks). Among them, Joseon Wangjo Sillok (the Annals of the Joseon Dynasty, National Treasure No. 151), Seungjeongwon Ilgi (the Diaries of the Royal Secretariat, National Treasure No. 303) and Uigwe (the Royal Protocols of the Joseon Dynasty) have been designated as UNESCO World Cultural Heritages. The exhibition hall in Gyujanggak is open to the public.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Palais de Seoul is an art gallery that first opened in January 2010 in Tongui-dong, Seochon of Gyeongbokgung Palace, a rising hub of culture and art in Seoul. Palais de Seoul, meaning a palace in Seoul in French, is 330py in size with 1 basement floor and 2 floors above the ground. The gallery houses three exhibition halls, an art shop on the first floor and a rooftop garden that accommodates various events and opening ceremonies for the exhibitions the gallery holds. Hosting various genres of exhibitions ranging from paintings, photos, videos, body paintings to glass installations, the art gallery has been leading the effort to promote the work of art of the famous artists from home and abroad, as well as some experimental artwork of new young talents.


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

From Eungbongsan Mountain (94m) one can easily see the Hangang River, Seoul Forest, Jamsil Sports Complex and more in the eastern part of Seoul. With such a great view of the Hangang River, the mountain are packed with visitors including many photographers. There is a sunrise event on the first day of the year and forsythia festival around April as the mountain is well-known for its forsythia.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

The Russian Legation was built in a Renaissance style in 1890. Russian architect, A. J. Scredin Sabatine designed the structure. In 1895, during the Joseon Dynasty, the Eulmisabyeon Incident took place as a show of force by the Japanese.Empress Myeongseong-hwanghu was emerging as a strong figure in Korea at a time when a power struggle between Japan, China, Russia, and other powers were taking place. Japanese Minister, Miura Goro saw her as a threat and ordered her assassination. After hearing news of the Empress’s assassination, King Gojong and the Crown Prince sought refuge in the Russian Embassy for one year.After 1945, the Soviet Union took over the embassy until it was almost completely destroyed by a fire during the Korean War [1950~1953]. The only remaining parts of the building are the tower and basement areas. The building was restored to its current condition in 1973 and is now enjoyed by many as a public park. 


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

N Seoul Tower used to be the tower for broadcasting transmission and the bottom levels of the tower have restricted access to authorized staff only. Since the remodeling to the Seoul Tower Plaza in 2015, these levels are now opened the public. Visitors to the Seoul Tower Plaza building can also enjoy the terrace that is installed to serve as a walking trail for leisure walks. A beautiful panoramic view of Seoul can also be seen from 243m in x_height. at the summit of Namsan Mountain.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Gilsangsa Temple is located in the Seongbuk-dong neighborhood of northern Seoul. The temple was built on the site of a fancy restaurant called Daewongak. The restaurant owner donated her property to the revered Buddhist monk Venerable Bupjeong (1932-2010), who turned the property into a temple that opened in 1997. Although Gilsangsa has a relatively short history, it is conveniently located in the heart of Seoul so it attracts many local and international visitors alike. The temple also serves as a downtown cultural space by offering a variety of Buddhist programs like temple experience, classes on Buddhist teachings, and templestay. The temple features Gilsang Seonwon (zen center) and the House of Silence, which are special halls dedicated to practicing meditation. While Gilsang Seonwon provides meditation rooms for Buddhists with experience in meditation, the House of Silence is open to the general public at liberty to pursue personal meditation. Gilsangsa also has a branch temple in Paris.


Seoul(Gwanak-gu)

Museum of Art, Seoul National University was established as an independent institution in 1995 after several years of development under the Department of Modern Art at Seoul National University Museum. It is the first university art museum in Korea dedicated exclusively to modern and contemporary art. Designed by the world-renowned architect Rem Koolhass, the museum was constructed and donated by the Samsung Group. It has evolved into a cultural complex equipped with exhibition halls, auditorium, classrooms, and other educational facilities. The museum places special emphasis on educational programs that are open not just to the university's students and faculty, but also to the local community. In addition to modern and contemporary artworks, the museum brings together and exhibits diverse forms of art and culture such as architecture, music, literature, film, and theater.


Seoul(Gwanak-gu)

Founded in 1946, Seoul National University is the most reputable university in Korea based on its long academic history and tradition. It was the first national university in Korea established by merging several institutions of higher education around the Seoul area, including Kyongsong University. It has two campuses in Seoul: the main campus at Daehak-dong, Gwanak-gu and the medical campus at Yeongeon-dong, Jongno-gu. The university comprises 16 colleges and associated graduates schools, and 9 professional schools.


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

Designated as Historical Site No. 201, Taereung Gangneung is comprised of two tombs. Taereung Royal Tomb (태릉) houses the burial mound of Queen Munjeong who was the second queen of King Jungjong, the 11th King of the Joseon Dynasty, and Gangneung Royal Tomb (강릉) houses the burial mounds of King Myeongjong, the 13th King of Joseon Dynasty, and Queen Insunwanghu. King Myeongjong ascended the throne after his elder brother, King Injong when he was twelve years old at Geunjeongjeon Hall in Gyeongbokgung Palace in 1545. The king’s mother, Queen Munjeong ruled behind the scenes, acting as guardian for eight years. Taereung Royal Tomb has become a popular site after the TV show ‘Munjeong Wanghu’ was aired.Nearby attractions include Taereung Pureun Dongsan, Korea Military Academy and others.* Neungchim area around the burial mound- Open hours: March-June, September-November / Every Saturday-Sunday: 10:00, 14:00- Must be accompanied by staff


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

Uireung (의릉) is the royal tomb of King Gyeongjong (1688-1724, reign 1720-1724), the 20th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, and his second wife, Queen Seonui (1705-1730).King Gyeongjong was the first son of King Sukjong and Janghuibin, who was one of King Sukjong’s concubines. King Gyeongjong, who was born weak and anemic, died only four years after becoming king, without any great political achievements. As a results, queen Seonui became the crown princess in 1718 and queen in 1720 when King Gyeongjong ascended to the throne. She is known to have had a kind heart and prudent personality.Uireung’s tombs differ from the other royal double tombs in that they are not placed side-by-side. Instead, according to geomantic theory, one tomb has been placed directly behind the other one. The arrangement also shows that when making tombs, Korean ancestors did their best to protect the natural environment.