Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

In the early 1960s people would cross the Hangang River from Ttukseom Ferry Dock and arrive in Cheongdam-dong, which is now one of the more ritzy areas of Seoul. Though highly developed, there is still an area that is relatively untouched and that is the small Cheongdam Park. The park is quite crowded in the morning with people who exercise and offers a resting place to enjoy the fresh air thanks to many trees in the park. The park spans over 59,347 ㎡.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Changdeokgung Theater is located across from Changdeokgung Palace in the Gungangno Special Cultural Zone of Seoul. Sogeukjans, meaning small theater, provide a unique and intimate atmosphere. Built to promote Korean music, the stage and seating at Changdeokgung are arranged for audience members to sit on the floor similar to in a traditional restaurant or home. The theater offers a wide array of performances including Samulnori (Korean traditional percussion music), traditional Korean music, and Madanggeuk (a play infused with traditional music and performances). First time visitors often find the creative and cozy experience to create a lasting memory of Korean culture and arts. Also nearby the theater are a number of tourist attractions including Changdeokgung Palace, Unhyeongung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine Park, and Insa-dong. 


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

Hi Seoul Youth Hostel incorporates cultural programs and activities such as international exchange programs and a gift-relay to enhance the guest experience. In addition to 95 rooms, Hi Seoul Youth Hostel has six function rooms including a convention hall and five conference rooms, cultural spaces including a lounge, a kitchen and a tourist information center, as well as amenities like free laundry for guests traveling on a budget.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

If you are passionate about fashion and looking for something unique, head to Sonjjam in Insa-dong. Here, you’ll find a selection of stylish, handmade goods. Sonjjam specializes in clothes, corsages, fashion and interior accessories, hand weaving, fabric dyeing, and decorating mufflers and scarves. You’ll not only be able to see hand-weaving at the store; you’ll also find yourself in the heart of Insa-dong, one of the best places in Seoul to find traditional crafts and Korean cultural pieces.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

               


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Museum Kimchikan is a unique museum dedicated to kimchi and kimjang, the process of making kimchi which was designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The museum was also selected by CNN in March 2015 as one of the world’s top 11 food museums. Visitors can learn the history of kimchi as well as learn and get a taste of the different types of kimchi. Audio guides in English, Japanese, and Chinese are available for international visitors and a guided tour of the museum by a docent is also available at designated times. Online reservation is available through the museum’s official website.


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

Bangsan Market is a wholesale market that sells packaging and promotional materials. Popular with patissiers, the market became famous after it was featured on the TV show, “My name is Kim Sam-sun (내 이름은 김삼순).” There are a number of bakery cafes along the Cheonggyecheon Stream.


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

Located in Mugyo-dong in Jung-gu, Seoul, Chamsutgol (참숯골) is an upscale restaurant serving hanu beef dishes. The restaurant uses only top quality hanu beef from young cattle (two years old or younger) raised on farms in Jeolla-do Province. For freshness and tenderness, the restaurant serves only fresh meat (not frozen) of A+ grade or higher. To bring out its juiciness and tenderness, the meat is grilled on a charcoal fire.The elegant ambience and décor and the variety of rooms in different sizes make the restaurant a favorite choice for special events. It is also regularly visited by international tourists. Popular dishes are the sirloin steak and marinated ribs, doengjang soup, and yeongyang dolsotbap (rice served in a hot stone bowl).


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

Saladian is a restaurant that specializes in salad dishes, serves vegetarian food, and is recommended by the Seoul Government. The name is a newly-coined word that means a person who loves salad. The portion size of their salads makes for a filling meal, and you can add more toppings and other condiments as well. The restaurant chooses the freshest and healthiest ingredients, and they use pasta made of 100% semolina. Their pasta with olive oil is the most popular item besides the salads.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Namsan Cable car runs from the base of Namsan Mountain (located in central Seoul) up to the Namsan Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in Seoul, loved by tourists and residents alike. The new cable cars, which have been in operation since Dec. 6, 2008, have an increased capacity of 48 people per car (up from 38). Unlike the older cars, the new cable cars have glass on all four sides, giving riders a wider view of the mountainside. Approximately 50,000 people ride the Namsan Cable Car each month. Visitors who are looking for a more tranquil tour are advised to go in the morning. For both a daytime and nighttime view of Seoul and the tower, take the cable car up the mountain in the late afternoon and coming back down in the early evening (to beat the nighttime rush). To get to the cable cars without having to walk too much, take the Namsan Oreumi, (Namsan outdoor elevator). The Namsan Oreumi is the first inclined outdoor elevator in Korea. It runs a distance of 140m (from the entrance of Namsan 3rd Tunnel to the parking lot of the Namsan Cable Car) and takes visitors to the Namsan Cable Car station in about two minutes, as opposed to the usual 20-min. walk. Maximum capacity is 20 people and operating hours are the same as the Namsan Cable Car (09:00 to 23:30). The other way to get to the Namsan Cable Car station is by going out of exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, subway line 4 (see ‘directions’ section for details).