Seoul(Gangbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Dream Forest, previously known as ‘Odong Geullin Park’, is located at Bun-dong, Gangbuk-gu Seoul.Renovated and reopened on October 2009, Dream Forest is the fourth largest park after World Cup Park(2.76million ㎡), Olympic Park(1.45million ㎡), and Seoul Forest(1.20million ㎡) and the first large-scale green park created in Gangbuk area.Major attractions of the park include Wolyeongji Pond, Grass Square, Wolgwang Waterfall, Aewoljeong Pavilion, and Chilbokji (confluence of 7 different artificial waterfalls), Event Garden, Children’s Gallery, Wild Grass Garden, Deer Ranch, Exploring Path, Forest Rest, and a water park. Recently, the Changnyeongwigungjaesa estate (registered cultural heritage No. 40) has been restored with other traditional landscape architectures such as a pond, pavilion and waterfall created nearby to double the genuine beauty of Korean traditional park.On the slanted hill side where used to be sleigh slopes are now turned into a complex cultural space with Northern-Seoul Art Center that houses fantastic-looking observatory, performance hall, book café, and gallery; and a restaurant; jumping fountain; and children’s playground. Dream Forest Observatory where a drama ‘IRIS’ was filmed, provides a fantastic view of Bukhansan Mt., Dobongsan Mt. and Suraksan Mt. to the north while N-tower and Hangang River to the south. Just outside the park that is surrounded by apartment buildings and roads are a cultural exhibition lounge, forest workout space, badminton court and walking path for the residents. 


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu)

The Traditional Arts & Crafts Studio was created to give both locals and international visitors a chance to experience the traditional arts of Korea firsthand. For international visitors, programs serve as a brief introduction to some of the finer points of Korean art. For many Koreans, the studio’s programs are ways to relive childhood memories or experience traditional culture as a family.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Yeonghwiwon and Sunginwon are burial mounds once designated for princes and consorts. The social hierarchy was very strict during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and it influenced the patterns of the royal tombs. The tombs for kings and queens called ‘neung’ are larger and more luxurious than tombs for princes and consorts called ‘won.’Yeonghwiwon houses the tomb of Queen Consort Sunheon (1854-1911), King Gojong’s concubine and Sunginwon is for King Yeongchin’s son, Ijin (1921-1923). The composition of the two tombs is similar, but Yeonghwiwon is larger than Sunginwon. The first sight when entering the burial grounds is the red gate (the red color denoting holiness). Beyond the red gate is a sacrificial building where the memorial rites were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are stone sculptures called japsang, which are carved into the shapes of animals such as monkeys and are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is located. The tombstone indicates who lies in the mound. The stone figures guarding the king’s tomb are memorable. A sacrificial building called "jasil" is now used as maintenance office and is worth visiting. The eaves, latticework and wooden floor are so well preserved that visitors can truly get an authentic feeling when walking through the premises.Yeonghwiwon & Sunginwon boast splendid views in the fall when the leaves change colour. The promenades and the stonewalls of the entrance are beautiful. Its tranquil and pleasant atmosphere attracts many families and the couples. 


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

In the past, kimjang(kimchi-making) day was a day for sharing love, a day for festivals and feasting. Designated as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage, kimjang has gone global and kimchi has become a classic, healthy food much loved by people around the world. With the first Seoul Kimchi Festival in 2014, the much forgotten Korean sharing spirit comes alive and kimjang was created into a cultural festival that has developed into a leading global sharing festival in Seoul. Celebrating the theme ‘Happy sharing, Kimjang day,’  the 4th Seoul Kimchi Festival will offer visitors opportunities to touch, feel and taste the unique Korean kimjang culture through various programs  such as Making&Sharing Kimchi, where over 5,000 people get together to  make kimchi for the underprivileged, Seoul Kimjanggan, where participants  get to try their hands at making kimchi for our families as well  the Kimchi Market and Kimchi Imagination Playground etc.  From November 3rd (Fri) to 5th (Sun), 2017, Kimjang Day! A festival with an authentic kimjang theme to create an enjoyable kimjang culture rich in traditional value. We hope that everyone will have a magical time at Seoul Kimchi Festival. Event name : The 4th Seoul Kimchi Festival Date and Time : November 3rd (Fri) ~ 5th (Sun), 2017 Venue : Seoul Plaza, Mugyo-ro Host : Seoul Metropolitan City Organizers : Seoul Metropolitan City, Kimchi Association of Korea, MIRAL Welfare Foundation  


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

Between Dobongsan and Suraksan mountains (northern Seoul), a special botanical garden has opened its doors to the public: Seoul Iris Garden (aka Seoul Botanical Garden). The garden (measuring 52,417㎡) boasts a wide array of irises, one of the world’s top flowers, and consists of 12 different themed zones including ‘Iris Garden,’ ‘Medicinal Plant Garden,’ and ‘Wetland Park.’At the Iris Garden, 130 species of irises (300,000 individual plants) are on display on a plot of land measuring 15,000㎡. Species include yellow iris, iris setosa, iris pallasii, and iris domestica, each boasting its own brilliant colors and delicate shape.The Medicinal Plant Garden is home to 70 different species (130,000 plants) of medicinal plants, allowing visitors to view the largest selection of medicinal herbs in the country.Wetland Park presents 70,000 wetland plants and houses an observatory deck from which visitors may view and learn about the diverse aquatic plants.Cheoni Observatory within the garden provides visitors with a place take in the beautiful scenery. The nearby forest lounge is a rest area for visitors as well as a center of operations for the park’s ecological education programs.Irises are in bloom from May to June of every year, but are even a sight to behold during the rest of the warmer months, given the delicate shape of their leaves.


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

Located 7km northwest of Seoul City Hall, Grand Hilton Seoul is situated beside Mt. Baekryoen, offering fresh mountain air and a beautiful natural view. True to the Hilton name, the hotel offers sophisticated services and quality subsidiary facilities such as a convention center, a fitness club, and seven fine dining restaurants and bars.The hotel is the closest luxury, five-star hotel to the Incheon International Airport (only 45 minutes by car). For the convenience of guests, the hotel operates a free shuttle between the hotel and Itaewon, an area known for its international cuisine and exciting nightlife.


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

Park Hyatt Seoul’s main restaurant, Cornerstone, serves fresh seafood and quality meat cooked in its signature oak, wood-burning oven. The delectable seasonal dishes and desserts prepared by an Italian chef are sure to please one’s palate with the flavors of Italy. In addition to its excellent cuisine, Cornerstone offers stunning views of the city and an abundance of natural lighting thanks to its floor-to-ceiling windows. Private dining rooms for exclusive family or business gatherings are also available.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

The World Cup Park was established on Nanjido, whose name means the island of "abundant orchids and gromwells." The island was once a wonderful ecosystem where flowers flourished season in and season out, and migrant birds came to visit every year.Unfortunately, Nanjido was used as a landfill site between 1978 and 1993 and the once beautiful ecosystem became a smelly place full of trash and sludge. However, the Landfill Recovery Project began in 1996, once again restoring life to the barren wasteland. Plants and animals returned to the area and it was christened the World Cup Park in May 2002. Each of the five divisions of the World Cup Park (Pyounghwa Park, Haneul Park, Noeul Park, Nanjicheon Park, and Nanji Hangang Park) represents an aspect of the radical transformation of Nanjido back into an ecological haven.Haneul Park (Sky Park) is full of lush Eulalia and home to the Seoul Eulalia Festival, held every year in October when the grass is in bloom. Although the park is open to visitors during the daytime, the park is usually closed at night to reduce the negative effects of visitors on the native plants and animals. During the festival, however, the park remains open until 10 p.m. and the entire grounds are aglow with light. Visitors not only get a beautiful view of the city lights and Hangang River, but can also enjoy the variety of events and performances offered during the festival period.


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

Hwagyesa Temple, which falls under the Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located at the foot of Mt. Samgaksan in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Although it is located in the city of Seoul, the beautiful surrounding mountains and landscapes create a serene atmosphere to escape urban life.It was built in 1522 AD (the seventeenth year of the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty) by monk Shinwol, but was destroyed in a fire in 1618. In 1866 (the third year of the reign of King Gojong), it was rebuilt through financial support from his royal elders.The temple was built in an early architectural style and has Daeungjeon, a main sanctuary (Tangible Cultural Asset No. 65), Myeongbujeon shrine, Samseonggak pavilion, Cheonbulobaekseongjeon shrine, a temple bell pavilion, Bohwaru tower, and Hakseoru tower.A small water spring, named Oktakcheon and located in the valley (Hwagyegol) beside Hwagyesa Temple, is famous for supernatural healing powers of skin and stomach diseases. The legend says this spring was formed from crows pecking away at the rocks.


Seoul(Songpa-gu)

In the wide grass field of Olympic Park in Jamsil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, the Seoul Jazz Festival will be held, featuring Asian top jazz festival. It is hosted in every May with world-famous artists who will entertain visitors during the festival.