Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

As part of the Creation of Living Palaces project, the Changdeokgung Palace Moonlight Tour offers a unique opportunity to witness and experience palatial beauty. The tour begins from the main gate, Donhwamun Gate (돈화문), and continues on for approximately two hours through Injeongjeon Hall (인정전), Nakseonjae (낙선재), and Huwon (후원, meaning "secret garden"). To make a reservation, visit the Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website. Reservations are accepted from 20 days before the event.Initially built as a royal villa, Changdeokgung Palace became the central governance compound during the Joseon Dynasty after the former principal palace, Gyeongbokgung Palace, was burned to the ground during the Japanese invasion in the 16th century. In addition to its political significance, the palace is known for its aesthetics and architecture, set against breathtaking natural scenery. In 1997, UNESCO designated Changdeokgung Palace as a World Cultural Heritage site.


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

Soigné is chef Lee Jun’s first restaurant featuring creative cuisines of Korean dishes motivated by France, Italy, America and other countries. "Soigné" is named after the French word, meaning "Well-made," or "Well-groomed."  


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Take a Street boasts items with new concepts every season. Its diverse products include shoes, hats, bags, watches, t-shirts, and accessories. The shop provides customers with styling advice as well.  


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

The Lotus Lantern Festival is held every year in honor of Buddha's Birth. The festival is preceded by hanging of lotus-shaped lanterns across Seoul for several weeks, and officially kicks off with lighting of the Jangeumdang, a large lantern that symbolizes Buddhism and Buddha's Birthday, at the Seoul Plaza. The celebration continues with a wide array of Buddhist programs and activities, before ending with an impressive lantern parade in the heart of Seoul.


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

An authentic Chinese restaurant located in Sangam-dong, Mago-gu that serves light and fresh Chinese dishes in a pleasant environment.


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

If you are looking for a place to enjoy some homemade-style snacks while in Korea, Mom's Cookie is a definate stop to make. Located close to Seoul Nat'l Univ. of Education Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, it's very accessible and offers a unique activity for visitors to partake in. Equipped with a friendly and cozy interior, visitors to the shop can decorate their own sugar cookies and then take them home. Many young couples and families on mommy-daughter outings frequent the shop to create special presents for their loved ones. There are even more sweets listed on the menu, with their most popular treat being brownies topped with ice cream.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The delicious, sweet, red-bean soup called “Danpatjuk” in Korean and served at “The Second Best in Seoul” has been an all-time favorite since it opened in 1976. Not only the exterior, but the interior as well, is very simple and modest, similar to a teahouse in the '70s. This does not keep people from coming back because the unforgettable taste of the sweet red-bean soup makes them return again and again.“The Second Best in Seoul” was originally opened as a teahouse for traditional Korean medicinal tea; sweet red-bean soup being one of the main specialties on their menu list. But, nowadays, sweet red-bean soup has become the most popular menu item. Sweet red-bean soup can be enjoyed as a light meal because it fills you up quickly. In addition, the chestnuts, gingko nuts, red beans, and glutinous rice cake that are in the thick red-bean soup provide good nutrition. TIP: The name is very special, right? “The Second Best in Seoul” was named by their modest mind of making food with utmost sincerity.


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

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard-changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of the Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day. Special Programs: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day (11:00 / 14:00 / 15:30) in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. As each ceremony follows the same procedure and lasts for thirty minutes, visitors can choose whichever time is most convenient. The ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders. Major Highlights: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. Be sure to bring a camera. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. While you cannot take pictures with the guards during the changing of guards, you can take a background picture of the guards and palace. You can also take photographs with the gatekeepers after the ceremony is over. Visit the palace and enjoy the beauty of Korean palaces following the ceremony.


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

Yongwangsan Mountain, also known as Eomjisan, is geologically located at entrance of a land referred to as “Cheonhojibeol,” located across an artificial waterfall. The mountain’s name “Yongwangsan” (meaning Dragon King Mountain) derived from an old tale of a king who dreamt of becoming killed. He then shot an arrow to an old man with spiritual powers living in a village at the foot of Eomjisan Mountain. The king stated “I knew that the old man would someday turn into a dragon and threaten my throne. Therefore I killed the dragon.” The words dragon (“yong”) and king (“wang”) were combined to form its current name, Yongwangsan Mountain.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Plant serves vegetarian cuisine, presenting two different menus every week and freshly baked goods, including gluten-free cakes and muffins, on a daily basis. The cafe provides a cozy atmosphere where visitors can enjoy their meals comfortably. It's frequented by foreigners and vegans; non-vegetarians also visit the place for Plant's signature desserts.