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.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

The Appenzeller Noble Memorial Museum opened in 2008 in the East Hall of the Pai Chai Institute, a Western-style educational institution built in 1916. The museum building is designated Seoul Monument No. 16. With dynamically-arranged permanent exhibitions, annual special exhibitions and special lectures, the museum offers a unique learning experience to visitors and people with an interest in the history of education in Korea.


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

Located in Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Tombola is an Italian restaurant with a cozy atmosphere and rustic cuisine. The restaurant’s relaxed, yet vibrant atmosphere makes for an ambience that is friendly, but at the same time exotic. Diners can enjoy excellent Italian home-cooked dishes like pizza and pasta at affordable prices, making this particular eatery incredibly popular (reservations strongly recommended!). The most popular menu item is the gratin that comes slathered with cheese.


Seoul(Yangcheon-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

The International Seon Center, operated by the Jogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is a global templestay center where both local residents and foreign visitors alike can experience Korea’s Buddhist cultural practices. The seven-story building with three basement floors is equipped with various facilities including the Seon (Zen) practice hall, templestay hall, Great Dharma hall, and education and culture halls. The temple offers opportunities to experience traditional Korean Buddhist culture through such programs as Ganwha Seon (meditation classes), Templestay, Seon Culture Class, and temple food lectures. The regular Sunday ceremony provides a dharma talk both in Korean and English.


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.


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

This restaurant specializes in dishes with traditional Oriental herbs. The sauces and seasonings made from natural ingredients such as ginseng, deodeok (Codonopsis lacneolata) and bellflowers are very delicious; as are the low-fat steamed and roasted dishes. This place is filled with pleasant aromas from the food that is known to boost one's immune system. *Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government


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

California Hotel is located in Songpa-gu Garak-dong, a central area for business, sports, and culture in Seoul. Thanks to its convenient location near major points of interest and facilities such as Jamsil Lotte World, Olympic Park, COEX, City Airport Terminal, and Jamsil Stadium, California Hotel is a popular accommodation choice among both business travelers and tourists. Guestrooms feature a modern and luxurious décor and are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities such as a shower with massage functions, whirlpool bathtub, air cleaner, large flat screen TV, DVD player, and computer.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Fatum is a café selling coffee and wine which is famous for its nice view of the surrounding scenery of Samcheong-dong. Each floor has a different interior design, including a outdoor viewing areas on the fifth floor and inside on the third and fourth floors. Not only beverages, but also side dishes such as salads offering unusual tastes like mushroom and small octopus are served. As for subsidiary facilities, a piano located on the fourth floor is available for anyone to play and an outdoor terrace provides an area to smoke while enjoying the view of Samcheong-dong.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Located by several entertainment agencies, Naive Coffee is frequented by many K-pop stars including GOT7’s BamBam and Jackson, Miss A’s Fei, as well as Hyerim, Yubin and Sunmi. Authentic specialty coffees are blended and brewed in-house, daily. Naive Coffee’s signature blends, Oger and Bosanoba, boast a fanatic following, and the caffè latte is extremely smooth and complex with an elegant ratio of coffee and milk. Cold brew coffee packaged in unique beverage cans, is also available for purchase.  


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

French & New York Sole is decorated with pinkish interior desings and unique block interiors. It specializes in flat shoes that emphasize sophisticated, romantic feel of young women seeking their own life styles. Items in the shop are not only colorful, but also comfortable to wear. The brand sponsors Brown Eyed Girls and many other celebrities.