Seoul(Seongdong-gu) , The Eastern Part of the Seoul

The epitome of industrial chic, Cafe Onion operates out of a converted factory that was built in the 1970s. The building has actually seen a variety of businesses open shop in the past; there was once a supermarket and even restaurants throughout the years and at one time the building was even a regular residence. More recently, before Cafe Onion opened, the building housed an industrial factory that made small parts. Traces of the building's industrial past are still visible throughout Cafe Onion. The cafe even kept and converted many of the factory's design elements. There are over 20 varieties of bread at the cafe. Cafe Onion also sells the famed Bread 05 Bakery's butter bread. Korean patrons will have seen the butter bread on several Korean TV shows.  


Seoul(Songpa-gu)

Established in December 1984, Seoul Nori Madang (서울놀이마당) offers diverse traditional performances on an outdoor stage to promote Korean folk plays and culture among the public. Performances are regularly held every weekend; it hosts over 120 performances every year and each performance attracts over 1,300 visitors. Within Seoul Nori Madang is Songpa Folk Preservation Association (+82-2-412-8665), which offers seminars on folk plays—Songpa Sandae Nori (a mask play) and Songpa Baekjung Nori (a play performed on the 15th day of the seventh lunar month)—for students at no charge.


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

Located on the top floor of the Park Hyatt Seoul in Gangnam, Park Club boasts a state-of-the-art fitness studio along with exquisite spa facilities, pools, restaurants, and bar. The Park Club has over 30 treatments for the skin and body including the renowned "Park Club Back Massage" and indulgent spa packages like the Namu (Wood), Dol (Stone), and Mul (Water) packages that utilize natural elements. “La Stone Therapy” helps visitors restore the balance of mind and body by using the energy of earth and stone while the “Experience Seoul” Package (KRW 680,000 with 10% value added tax charged separately) offers customers the ultimate experience of extravagant pampering. The Park Club employs only the most qualified spa care professional to ensure customers the best in beauty care.


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

The five-star Conrad Seoul, selected as one of the ‘Best New Hotels’ by Conde Nast Traveler, a world-renowned travel magazine, offers the top-class service and for the best customer experience. Strategically located in a core business district of Yeouido, Conrad Seoul is one of the four pillar buildings of the IFC (International Finance Center) Seoul. The building is directly accessible underground from Yeouido Subway Station. Conrad Seoul has 434 guest rooms with an open, refreshing atmosphere, picturesque views, and are equipped with Apple digital devices. The hotel also houses a Grand Ballroom, restaurants which offer diverse gourmet cuisines and a top-notch wellness center.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Hanji Chueok (Recollections) is one of the better-known craft shops in Insa-dong and has even been featured by a number of international magazines. Prepared using Korean traditional processing methods, hanji is a type of beautiful, high-quality paper. Hanji Chueok is a great place to experience the tradition of hanji crafts; hanji crafts, accessories, photo frames, and interior design items line the store shelves. Visitors can not only purchase extremely well-crafted items, but can also participate in seminars taught by professional artists to learn how to make their own hanji crafts. Of course, visitors are free to take home their hanji creations at the conclusion of the seminar.


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

Seonyudo Park in Yangwha-dong is one of Seoul's most famous parks. Connected to the mainland by a beautiful, arching bridge, the island was once an area of industry. The Hangang River History Museum exhibits geological features, ecosystem and cultural heritages of this surrounding region. An aquatic Botanical Garden provides much information on the growth and purification process of aquatic creatures. In particular, the time garden is very popular among visitors for its unique structure of every small garden that has various seasonal flowers and plants. Seonyugyo (Seonyudo bridge), which links Hangang river’s Seonyudo Park & Yangwha Area with Seonyudo is made of environmentally-friendly wood. The arch-shaped bridge, also known as a Rainbow Bridge, gives out an exotic light every evening. The bridge is one of the beautiful night views of Seoul.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

The Hwanghakdong Flea Market is an extensive used-goods market with over 500 shops. The flea market is also popularly known as the ‘Doggaebi (Korean folk creature) Market’ and ‘All-Things Market’ due to its variety of goods ranging from antiques to interior furnishings. Hence, the Hwanghakdong Flea Market is a famous destination among many foreigners. In the past, the Hwanghak-dong Flea Market was the nation’s trade center for antique goods, and now, the market offers a wide variety of products ranging from cameras, refrigerators, washing machines and TVs to old money, antique paintings, cosmetics, clothes, Buddha statues and more. The flea market sells used goods as well as new ones. Not to worry though, as all used products have been renewed and repaired with a 50% markdown, while new products can be purchased at 20-30% off the retail price. The Hwanghakdong Flea Market is divided into five sections. First, a one-storey building holds a variety of shops selling old books, electronics, and videos. Second, the alleyway between Samil Apartments 15-dong and 16-dong near Cheonggyecheon 7-ga Street is known as the antique street. Electronic stores are gathered in the area behind Samil Apartment 13-dong and the Seongdong Technical High School all the way to Samil Apartment 17-dong, selling TVs, refrigerators, car stereos, air conditioners, video games, and more. Finally, the machinery stores are located on the second street of Jungang Market. The flea market is generally open from 9am to 7pm, with the exception of the electronics district which is open until 10pm.    


4.5/2
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Mt. Namsan is a symbolic mountain located at the center of Seoul. Although not as high as other surrounding mountains, Mt. Namsan is a very popular nonetheless as a resting site. At the top, there are various facilities such as Palgakjeong (octagonal hall), Seoul Tower, Maritime Aquarium, fountains, and Namsan Library. You may take a cable car to the top or walk up the stairway path. Other than this path, there are many other walkways to Namdaemun, Hoehyun-dong, Taegyero 3(sam)-ga, Jangchung Park, Itaewon, Huam-dong and much more. The driving courses here are also popular for couples. Namsan Park is a historical site. You will find Bonghwadae (beacon mound) at the top as it was once the center of capital defense. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) the capital was changed to Hanyang,(current Seoul) and to protect the city from invasions, castle walls were built on the 4 major mountains like Mt. Bukaksan, Mt. Inwangsan, Mt. Naksan and Mt. Namsan. On Namsan peak, five beacons were built to report the news from local governments to the central government with a five-signal system. Also on the top of Mt. Namsan, there is the Palgakjeong Pavilion, which has a fantastic view. At Seoul Tower (479.7m), you can view the whole landscape of Seoul and the West Sea beyond Incheon. The rotating restaurant in the Seoul Tower also boasts excellent views. With excellent night view, you should try having dinner at the tower. It would be a great experience to visit Namsangol Traditional Korean Village which is a village of 5 traditional Korean houses.


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

Gotgan by Lee Jong Guk is Korean chef and food researcher Lee Jong-guk's first restaurant. Each dish is made with seasonal ingredients for the freshest flavors and prepared with traditional recipes in order to preserve the unique flavors inherent to Korean cooking.