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

With 24 granite pillars, a splendid blue dome, and white exterior, the National Assembly Building is a beautiful piece of architecture. The historic building came to life in 1975 after six years of construction. The pillars and the dome symbolize the various opinions of the public emerging as one. The building is a favorite among tourists as it is located next to the Hangang River. The Hangang River sits behind the building as a beautiful backdrop.The National Assembly Building contains the Visitor Center, a walking area, and benches alongside the Hangang River. The easiest way to visit the National Assembly Building is by applying at the Visitor Center. One can tour various parts of the National Assembly Building as well as the main conferencing area. The application process lasts roughly twenty minutes. The drawback is that it does not offer a foreign language service. Those who are interested in seeing Korean politics in action may also see sessions as they proceed. However, those not particularly interested in Korean politics will be more than satisfied with the regular tour.


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

This orange-colored Mediterranean-style bakery has a great variety of pastries and cakes. You can also enjoy a relaxing brunch of Belgian waffles and pancakes. The carrot cake, with lots of cream cheese and fresh cream, is the most popular item on the menu.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Insa Art Space was established by the government to support artists who are experiencing financial difficulties. Opened on May 26th, 2000, the total exhibit maintenance fee is provided by the government. It is recognized as one of the more successful national art support policies. Mostly experimental and progressive artwork are exhibited here to activate the art. Curators research the present state of the art circles. Also various open exhibit projects are held to find new talented artists. The newly chosen artists for the events can exhibit their work here free of charge for two weeks. These events are held to help poor artists who cannot start their careers. You can visit without doubting the sincerity of the exhibited artwork. The displayed works are valued for their quality only. Annually 2~3 internal exhibitions and international exhibitions are held, and symposiums and “dialogues with artists” are also often held. Currently there is one curator and two assistant curators. Insa Art Space is a great place for travelers who want to have long day tours. Most galleries close between 5pm and 6pm, but Insa Art Space is open till 7pm or 8pm. It is also located in the traditional Korean street, Insadong, so there are plenty of things to do and see while visiting this gallery.


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

Home Plus Jamsil Branch can be easily reached via subway lines 2 or 8 and is in close proximity to Special Tourist Zones, Seokchon Lake and the Hangang River dock, thus attracting many foreign tourists. The store also has a POS self payment line where shoppers can make payments easily just by touching the screen and don’t need assistance from a staff member. However, English speaking staff members are available for a more convenient shopping experience.


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

The National Library of Korea is where numerous materials are collected and preserved. It currently holds approximately 4.3 million books and theses, of which roughly two-hundred thousand are collected annually. Art exhibitions are occasionally held in the exhibition room on the first floor. Surrounded by Seocho Park, the scenery outside is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxing. If you would like to have fun partaking in other activities, take a ten-minute walk to the Express Bus Terminal nearby. Central City is connected to both a shopping center and theater. You can also go to different provinces from the bus terminal. But it would be nice to visit the library and spend some time reading before going on a trip out of Seoul.At the National Library of Korea, classical concerts are held exclusively for the library users on the last Friday of each month, except in January and August. Anyone who comes to the library can attend the concert for free. The Euro-Asian Philharmonic Orchestra and the famous conductor Geum Nan-Sae perform for the audience. Do not miss this unique opportunity.


5.0/1
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

Toyoko Inn Hotel is Asia’s largest business hotel chain and has branches in the USA, Germany, the UK, and China in addition to 242 branches in Japan.Located closeby the ‘Dondaemun History & Culture Park’ subway station, Toyoko Inn Seoul Dongdaemun offers clean and comfortable guestrooms at affordable prices. By eliminating frivolous services and facilities, Toyoko Inn Hotel is able to offer reduced room rates without sacrificing basic comforts.The hotel operates under the mantra ‘comfortable and clean accommodations near the train station’ and is geared mainly towards business travelers who need some rest and relaxation before continuing on their way. Desktop computers with wireless internet connection are available at the lobby for guests’ convenience.


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

Moldir Korea is a fashion store located in the neighborhood of Cheongdam-dong in Gangnam. The store opened in January 2014, joining the growing ranks of luxury stores on Apgujeong Rodeo Street. The brand offers an array of leather goods such as bags, wallets, mobile phone cases and passport accessories. The name ‘Moldir’ comes from the first syllables of ‘molder’ and ‘director’. The name represents the brand’s philosophy of designing and making products that are uniquely ‘Moldir’. The brand targets is products at consumers of luxury goods ranging in age from the mid-20s to late-30s. Kim Jae-joong of the K-pop group JYJ is actively involved in the brand as the Art Director. This involvement has undoubtedly given the brand a popularity boost. Moldir has also been getting a lot of media exposure and endorsements from several celebrities who use the brand.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Gangwonjeong has been around for about 20 years, and is famous for its samgyetang (chicken ginseng soup). The flavor of the broth and tenderness of the chicken are exceptional. Chicken is stuffed with sweet rice, dates, chestnuts, ginko nuts, ginseng, and whole garlic cloves of garlic and garnished with shredded spring onions, sunflower seeds, and black sesame seeds. Kimchi makes the best accompaniment.    


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The restaurant's signature dishes include a selection of items that do not include any of the 'five' forbidden roots (leeks, garlic, wild rocambole, Korean leeks, asafoetida) or artificial flavors. Pan-fried dough and fritters are tasty dishes dipped in potato starch and glutinous rice flour, instead of wheat flour. The restaurant uses organic vegetables delivered directly from the farm. 


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

The Seoul Arts Center is the representative art complex of Korea. It is comprised of the Opera House, the Concert Hall, the Art Gallery, the Art Morgue, the Calligraphy Hall and the Performance Theater which is exclusively for plays. You can enjoy various performances and exhibitions at this one site.One of the prominent aspects of the Seoul Arts Center is that it was built to the quality of the world's ten best art centers. The Opera House that stands in the middle of the complex, represents the Gat - a traditional Korean hat made of bamboo. You will notice that the roof of the building is the shape of the Gat. Since it is the only place in the world that has a well-preserved collection of written Chinese Characters, the Calligraphy Hall is a nice place for foreigners to visit. You can watch movies and videos at the Art Morgue.The plot of this complex is approximately 276,800 square yards. Even if you do not enter the buildings of the complex, you will be surprised at the facilities. The outdoor space is fit for the citizens of Seoul and tourists to rest and relax. Behind the complex you will see the mountains. Follow the trail up the mountains and you will reach Daesungsa Temple, a Buddhist temple in the mountains.The Seoul Arts Center is famous for its free, relaxing outdoor space. At the 'Jangteo' (meaning 'market') there are many events and shows. There is an outdoor theater, which has a half-moon shaped stage along with a square where many performances are held. You can also rest by Umyeonji, the Korean-style pond. You can find further information about the Seoul Art Center, the programs and events held there, on its online English homepage.