Seoul(Eunpyeong-gu)

Jingwansa Temple, located to the west of Seoul, is one of the four major temples around Seoul along with Bulamsa, Sammaksa, and Seunggasa temple located to the east, south and north respectively. The temple was dedicated to Preceptor Jingwan in 1010 BC by King Hyeonjong, the 8th king of the Goryeo Dynasty.During the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong built a library in Jingwansa for Confucian scholars to visit and read. The temple was reduced to ashes during the Korean War, but since Preceptor Jingwan lead as head priest in 1963, the temple buildings have been restored and renewed over the past 30 years to the present day condition.The temple consists of Daeungjeon (Hall of Sakyamuni), Myeongbujeon (Hall of Judgment), Nahanjeon, Chilseonggak, Nagawon, Hongjeru, Dongjeonggak, Dongbyeoldang, Yosache and others. Daeungjeon, the centerpiece of the temple, enshrines the god Sakyamuni (the main statue of Buddha) along with Mireukbosal and Jehwagalhwabosal on each side. Myeongbujeon is dedicated to Jijangbosal, Domyeongjonja, mudokgwiwang and Sipdae daewang while at Nahanjeon, the gods of Sakyamuni, Mireukbosal, Jehwagalla bosal, and Simnyungnahansang are enshrined.The temple is not only neighbor to the beautiful surrounding of Bukhansan National Park, but also contains an impressive collection of cultural and historical properties. It also provides a quiet place for urbanites to enjoy all the while sharing the teachings of Buddha.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Sinchon・Ewha Womans University

Songdam chueo-tang (loach soup) is a boyangsik (medicinal Korean food) made with loach that is full of protein, iron, calcium, vitamins, and other healthy ingredients. In addition, the food helps prevent colds and eye diseases. It doesn't only serve chueo-tang (loach soup), but also serves donkatsu, fried food, dumplings, and other dishes cooked with loaches.


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

               


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

The Kukje Galley has been committed to presenting the work of significant Korean and international contemporary artists to the public since 1982. The gallery has established itself as a leading venue for international exhibits such as Helen Frankenthaler, Sam Francis, Jim Dine, Frank Stella, Robert Mangold, Anthony Caro, Cy Twombly, Edward Ruscha, Anselm Kiefer, Joseph Beuys, and Bill Viola, attracting enthusiastic responses from both the public and the media.The gallery has placed emphasis on collaborations between artists, galleries, and art dealers around the world and nurturing upcoming artists by sponsoring their artwork and giving them international exposure.Since 1988, Kukje Gallery has participated in major art fairs such as Art Basel, which is one of the most influential art fairs in modern and contemporary art. And, subsequently, works of Korean artists have received great attention from non-Korean collectors who were previously unexposed to Korean art. 


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Bua, meaning a lotus in Thai, features authentic Thai cuisine.             


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

The ancient tombs in Bangi-dong were discovered during the land readjustment project of Jamsil-jigu District in 1975. A total of eight ancient tombs were excavated until 1976, and the site was restored into a park in 1983. The Bangi-dong area was originally a low line of hills with an altitude of 30-50m above sea level, but it has been made into flatland for urban development purposes. Tomb numbers 1 to 6 lie on the same hill, while tomb no. 7 and 8 are located on another hill a short distance away. All eight tombs have circular burial mounds. The insides of the a tomb feature a square or rectangular-shaped burial chamber with earthen ground and stone walls, and a passage leading from the tomb entrance to the chamber. However, details of the burial chambers vary by tomb. Most of the tombs had been robbed before the investigation, but a few relics such as plates and pots have been excavated. At the time of excavation, the relics were presumed to have come from the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC-660 AD), but it is now estimated that they date back to the Unified Silla Period (676-935 AD).


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

On July 5th, 2005 the Ministry of Strategy and Finance designated an area of land measuring 84,908 pyeong (280,687.603 m²) in Dongdaemun-gu as the ‘Seoul Medicine Market/Oriental Medicine Industry District’. The Dongdaemun District Office hopes to initiate a variety of subprojects to develop the region as a global hub of oriental medicine in both a wholesale and retail capacity. Through the development of the area’s oriental medicine and related industries, government officials are hoping to revive the local economy while simultaneously boosting public health.※ Types of Stores* Trade–oriental medicinal herb import/export* Medicinal wholesaler – a wholesaler that distributes oriental medicinal herbs to herb clinics, pharmacies, herb stores and herb pharmacies* Herb clinic – medical center/clinic where oriental medicine doctors give treatments; an herbal doctor’s office* Pharmacy – oriental medical pharmacists preparing/selling herbal medicine* Oriental medicine pharmacy – where an herbal doctor prepares/sells oriental medicine for a patient* Oriental medicine store – where an herbal paramedic prepares herbal medicine in strict accordance with an herbal prescription prepared by a legitimate herb doctor* Store (mulsan, yakcho) – a place to sell medicine herbs, agricultural produce, and other health products* Apothecary– preparation of medicinal herb teas and herbs ground into powder form 


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu) , Sinchon・Ewha Womans University

Jeonggwanjang Hongsam (Edae Branch) exclusively deals with products by Korea Ginseng Corporation. It is the only Jeonggwanjang store in Sinchon. Jeonggwanjang with history over 100 years is a Goryeo hongsam brand that only uses high quality six-year-old ginseng roots through rigorous testing.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Not like usual Gamjatang (pork back-bone stew), Halmajip’s Gamjatang uses only bean sprout and leek to make a refreshing soup taste along with red pepper powder, for a spicy flavor.


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

Gassra (est. 2000) is a Japanese restaurant in Myeongdong that turns into a Japanese Izakaya at night, giving customers a chance to enjoy fresh sashimi, meat dishes, and sake. Though the lunch menu consists only of Hiraekatsu (tenderloin cutlet), Donkatsu (pork cutlet), and Koroke, there is usually a long line that reaches all the way out the door.One of Gassra’s claims to fame is that it is one of the only places in Korea that serves Wolgyegwan refined rice wine. Gassra is also praised as one of the best places to get a little taste of Japan in Korea. Some even say that the udon and noodles served here are better than many found in Japan, which also helps explain the extreme popularity of the restaurant.A main specialty of the restaurant (particularly at lunch) is its fried pork cutlet. Though fried pork cutlets are typically considered to be fairly greasy, the Japanese Hiraekatsu and Koroke served at the restaurant have a clean aftertaste and are paired with a mouth-watering soup and salad.