Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Also known as Pagoda Park, Tapgol Park, located on the former site of Weongaksa Temple from the Joseon Era, is the first modern park to be built in Seoul. Weongaksa Temple was known as Heungboksa Temple during the Goryeo Dynasty, but was renamed when it was enlarged during the early years of the Joseon Era. However, it was destroyed during the reign of Yeonsangun and Jungjong due to the repression policy of Buddhism. Thereafter, a western park was built due to the proposal of an Englishman, John Mcleavy Brown, but no precise information on the reason and date can be found. The park contains several national treasures, including Wongaksaji Sipcheungseoktap and Weongaksabi, and Palgakjeong, where the Independence Proclamation was read; the independence movement relief plate; and the statue of Son Byeong-hee. The park is of great historical value and national spirit as it was the starting point of the March 1, 1919 Independence Protest.


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

Lee Seo Youn seeks hanbok that blends both traditional Korean and western designs. It not only weaves fabrics for its own hanbok, but dyes them as well. The main items cover party dresses, wedding dresses, ornaments, cushions, and sitting cushions. Lee Seo Youn, the owner of the store, was responsible for clothing and ornaments shown in the Korean soap opera, Iljimae and her works have appeared in many soap operas, traditional Korean dance performances and fashion shows as well.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu)

In this restaurant, an elderly woman from Gaeseong (in North Korea) serves up her native cuisine. The attractive interior of Gaeseong House is filled with customers of all ages, from young to old, who love Gaeseong-style food. Favorites include joraeng-pyeonsu-guk, a rice-cake and dumpling soup cooked in Gaeseong style.During lunchtime, the table d’hôte is recommended: you can enjoy various menu items such as bossam (boiled meat slices wrapped in lettuce leaves or kimchi), steamed pollack fish, Korean pancakes, mung-bean jelly, japchae (mixed noodles, vegetables, and beef slices) and cooked greens.


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

Jamsil Hangang Park is located on the southern side of the river between Jamsil Iron Bridge and Yeongdong Bridge. The park is adjacent to Jamsil Sports Complex, Lotte World, and Olympic Park, and there are a variety of sports & cultural facilities located in the park.The nature experience field created within the park is the perfect place for fieldtrips as well as family picnics.One of the biggest features of the Jamsil Hangang Park is the fishway in the Jamsil Water Reserve. Not only is it a great place to appreciate the beauty of the Hangang River, but it is also a place where visitors can learn more about nature through the diversity of eco-programs offered here. Near the fishway is a themed park equipped with wind vanes, walking paths, and underwater plant islets which serve as a resting place for fish. From ‘Riverview Bom’, a lookout café located on Jamsil Bridge, you may enjoy the fantastic night view of the Hangang River. 


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

Near Mapo-gu, Mangwon Hangang Park is situated on the northern part of the river, between Wonhyodaegyo Bridge and Seongsandaegyo Bridge. It offers lush grass perfect for picnics and promenades. Since it’s located close to the World Cup Stadium, this spacious park is often full of residents and visitors. There is a wide array of excellent amenities: a bike trail, an outdoor swimming pool, sports facilities, and a dock for water sports such as yachting, waterskiing, and motor boating. Cultural attractions near the park include Mangwon Pavilion and Jeoldusan Martyrs’ Shrine. 


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

[Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More] Two folktales in the performance. Where you can meet the essence of Korean Dance. Jeongdong Theater, which is located in Jeongdong-gil; the beautiful street in flower-blooming pring, has a meaning of succession of ‘Wongaksa’, the first modern theater in Korea. Jeongdong has presented performances which retells Korean folktales and has help the audiences to understand it with qualified stage. Especially, <Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More>, which has its premier on last April. 6, is a well-made Korean traditional dance drama on which Korean folktales and traditional dance are combined.     This performance sends us a message about the true love, combining Korean folktales and newly recreating them as a Korean traditional dance drama. At the first, ‘The tale of Mrs Domi’ is a folktale of the period of three states in Korea. The king of Baekje has Mrs Domi, a humble woman, in his mind and he put her in danger to make her parting with her husband. However, with her wise courage, she overcomes from the trick of the king confirming the love with her husband. Igongbonpuri, another folktale in the performance, is a narrative shamanic myth in Jeju. The story is about a woman called Wongangam who died after her slave life in difficulties. She finally comes to life again as a flower called Wongangami thanks to her husband and son who buried her body in a flower garden. These two stories were combined and the performance <Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More> came out. This story which came from the two folktales contains the theme of ‘overcoming’ and ‘reviving’ which feature frequently in Korean traditional ideology so the meanings are coming heavily to the audiences who live in modern society. The image of strong woman from Mrs Domi and Wongangami is described into Seoryeon’s character, the protagonist of the performance. In the background of imaginary Joseon Dynasty, this performance presents the image of wise and strong woman who keeps her ideals in the difficulties and the path of achieving her wishes from her revive into traditional dance drama. The lyrics from <A song of floral tribute> and <A love song> cite words from folktales which are very familiar to Korean people and it raises bond of sympathy. Also, you can see various Korean traditional dance such as parilmu, a dance performed by 64 female dancers in ritual ceremony, Taepyeongmu, a dance praying for the peaceful reign and prosperity of the royal family, Geommu, a traditional sword dance which became powerful in the performance as man’s dance. I would love to strongly recommend this performance to whom love Korean traditional dance and look forward beautiful dance performance!       Interview with Chunghan Kim, Director and Choreographer of ‘Lotus, A Flower Comes Out Once More’ Q. Please talk about the title and the concept of <Lotus,>. The title <Lotus> came from the name of the protagonist, ‘Seo-ryeon’. (‘Ryeon’ literally means ‘Lotus’ in Korean language.) The story borrow its motif from ‘the tale of Mrs Domi’ of the period of three stages in Korea and ‘Igongbonpuri’ , a shamanic tale from Jeju Island. The main characters are the King and his man, general ‘Dodam’ and dancer ‘Seo-ryeon’. ‘Seo-ryeon’ is a important character of the story as she receive the loves from the King and Dodam at the same time. Dodam and Seo-ryeon confirmed their love and it is reason why relationship of the king and Dodam has problem. The tension from the triangle love is the main concept of this performance. Q. What is the symbol of the subtitle, ‘A flower Comes Out Once More’?​ The king is a character who let Seo-ryeon in for pain and difficulties using his power. However, she protects her self from the power. I would like to deliver two messages through this story. First, the King who uses his power in incorrect way is very similar with our social situation. There are many people who got hurt from it. Therefore I wish the people get more hope and comport from the reincarnation of Seo-ryeon. Second, I would like to talk about ‘Love’ and the beauty of Seo-ryeon through the character of a woman who keep the beauty her self against the power of the king.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Usmania is a Pakistani restaurant located in Itaewon. The restaurant imports all its ingredients from Pakistan (except for its meats and vegetables) in order to make the dishes as authentic as possible. Dishes are cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven used in just about every household in Pakistan.


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

63 SeaWorld features 20,000 marine creatures of 400 different species. Coral reefs, penguins, seals, dolphins, 2-meter-long crabs, and more are exhibited in 54 aquariums and 26 special aquariums. One of the highlights of the collection is its Coelacanth fish (pronounced "see-la-kanth"), a prehistoric fish once thought to be extinct. Coelacanth originated 350 million years ago, and their mysterious existence today as a “living fossil” continues to fascinate scientists.In the exhibition halls, located throughout two basement floors, you can watch a synchronized swimming show featuring former national synchronized swimmers moving among beautiful fish and sharks. Also waiting to delight visitors are a ‘Dr. Fish’ foot massage and some amphibians and reptiles, including lizards and anacondas. Throughout the day are a variety of shows including a seal show, a fur seals show, a sea princess show, and a penguin feeding show. Check out the show times so you don’t miss an interesting show.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Marronnier Park has at its center a symbolic marronnier (horse chestnut) tree, and all kinds of outdoor cultural event centers, sculpture exhibitions, and art centers are congregated in the area. The area began to develop in 1975 when Seoul National University was relocated away from here, and some 50 small theaters and 500 cafes concentrated in the area making this place a greatly beloved meeting and relaxation place for young and old alike. The park gets especially busy on the weekends when crowds gather to share cultural events. Bands and singers, as well as dance groups and comedians gather here and give on-the-spot performances. Fortunetellers and street artists also sit here and tell your fortunes or draw portraits of you. The park has many trees and benches to sit and relax on, making it an ideal place for relaxation and leisurely walks.Marronnier Park is a part of Daehangno, the famous street known as the ‘mecca of plays’. Beside plays, there are many cultural performances here, and interesting restaurants and cafes that make this place a favorite hangout destination for many young people.


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

Even though Ogane Jokbal is delicious enough to prospered into a multi-branched enterprise, the restaurant choose to operate and focus on a single branch to keep and develop the qualified, consistent taste of Jokbal (pig trotters). The chewy and soft texture of jokbal is a popular menu, as well as bossam (vegetable wraps with pork) and makguksu (spicy buckwheat noodles).