Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in the heart of Seoul, Changgyeonggung Palace was first built by the 4th ruler of the Joseon Dynasty, King Sejong (r.1418-1450), for his retiring father, King Taejong. It often served as residential quarters for queens and concubines. During the reign of King Seongjong (r.1469-1494), the palace was renovated and renamed to Changgyeonggung Palace. It later became a park with a zoo and a botanical garden during Japanese colonial rule. The palace was then relocated in 1983 and regained its old grace after years of restoration. Past the entrance of Changgyeonggung Palace, the Honghwa Gate, you will find Okcheongyo Bridge. All palaces of the Joseon Dynasty have ponds with an arch bridge over them, just like Okcheongyo Bridge. Cross Okcheongyo Bridge, pass the Myeongjeongmun Gate, and you will find Myeonjeongjeon. This is the office of the king, and Myeongjeongjeon is the oldest of the Joseon Dynasty palaces. The houses face southwards, but Myeongjeongjeon faces east. Because the ancestral shrine of the royal family is located to the south, the gate couldn't face the south, as is required by Confucian custom. There are stones with the status of the officials carved on the yard. Behind Myeongjeongjeon on the upper left side is Sungmundang. This building utilizes the slope of the mountain. If you look at Myeongjeongjeon and Munjeongjeon, the combination of the high and low roofs offers a beautiful view. Tongmyeongjeon was built for the queen. It is the biggest building in Changgyeonggung Palace, and you can recognize the delicate details of its structure in various parts of the building. Walk up the stones past Tongmyeongjeon and there you will find Jagyeongjeon. On the southeast direction of the Jagyeongjeon is the Punggidae. This Punggidae is a measuring instrument. It is a long pole with a cloth hung at the end used to check the speed and direction of the wind. If you head north there is a large pond called Chundangji. Half of the pond was originally a rice field that the king took care of. But during the Japanese occupation, the rice field was changed to a pond with little ships floating on it. And the botanic garden built above the pond still remains today.  


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

Nolboo Yuhwang Ori Jinheukgui Jamsil Branch specializes in yuhwang ori jinheukgui (Grilled Herb and Mineral-fed Duck Wrapped in Mud) and smoked whole barbecue duck served with wine or other types of alcoholic beverages. You need to make a reservation because it takes hours to cook a duck in clay. The restaurant has rooms for group dining.


Seoul(Mapo-gu)

Jin Jin is a traditional Chinese cuisine restaurant operated by Chef Wang Yuk Sung, an expert in Chinese culinary arts for 40 years. Jin Jin originally began with the chef's passion to spread the taste of traditional Chinese cuisine to the public and train other chefs. Located in Seogyo-dong, Jin Jin offers menus at reasonable prices.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Jongno is home to a number of famous haejangguk restaurants, and Cheongjinok (청진옥) is considered the forerunner among them. Opened in 1937, the restaurant has been run by three generations of the same family. Beef bones are simmered for more than 24 hours to make a rich broth, and soybean paste is added to neutralize the meaty odor. Ingredients added to the broth include various vegetables, clotted beef blood, beef intestines, and rice. Always crowded, Cheongjinok is open 24 hours a day.      


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


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

At Samjeon Hoejeon Chobap, you can sit back and relax as fresh sushi dishes such as eel sushi, tuna sushi, salmon sushi, and shrimp sushi come by you on the conveyor belt. The system allows you to avoid waiting for food and pick and choose your favorite dishes. Sushi dishes are made of fresh fish delivered daily so you can rest assured that you’re eating only top quality sushi.The restaurant is conveniently located in central Seoul in the Gwanghwamun area near major landmarks such as City Hall, the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts, and Cheonggyecheon, making the restaurant a convenient stopover during a busy day of touring.


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

                     


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Yetchatjip is a famous teahouse that has also been used as a movie filming set. It is a great place to stop by for a cup of natural traditional Korean tea, or the traditional summer treat patbingsu, made with the old way with shaved ice and homemade red bean topping.


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

Reflecting its name (literally the ‘House with Threefold Purity’), Samcheonggak is located in one of the most pristine places in the city and has born witness to standout moments in Korean history. It was the venue for the banquet for the Joint Statement (July 4, 2007) between North and South Korean representatives and has served as a forum for a variety of other political and diplomatic functions. The City of Seoul took over Samcheonggak in 2000 and made it available to the public and the building has been under the management of the Sejong Center for the Performance Arts since July 2009, affording visitors many opportunities to experience Korean traditional culture. The Korean Food Restaurant in Ilhwadang (Samcheonggak) features an impressive spread of delicious Korean dishes that have traditionally been enjoyed by royal and aristocratic families, using natural ingredients and pure water from Mt. Bukak. Dawon (Ilhwadang) offers traditional drinks, teas, and wine, and gives visitors dazzling scenery as the backdrop for their dining experience. In addition, Samcheonggak has several spots (Cheongcheondang, Cheonchudang, Yuhajeong, Chuihandang, and Dongbaekheon) for traditional performances, family gatherings, business meetings, workshops and seminars. Programs for Korean and international visitors allow for an exciting chance to experience traditional tea ceremonies, play a bamboo flute and Janggu (double-headed drum), and learn Pansori (traditional dramatic songs), make crafts, and cook Bibimbap.


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

Hangang (Han River) Citizen's Park, composed of 12 areas including Jamsil, Ttukseom and Jamwon, is an eco-friendly park providing areas for sports and leisure. The park is equipped with various cultural and recreational facilities and also has an ecological park. Gwangnaru Hangang Park formed naturally through rich silt that flowed in from the upper Hangang River that was then filled with reeds, creating an ideal habitat for groups of migratory birds.