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

Located on the outskirts of Mt. Bugak, this park was the first officially-designated park in Korea (1940). The name Samcheong (literally "three blue") refers to the three highest ideals in Taoism that men can attain. Surrounded by cherry blossoms planted long ago, the park becomes crowded with tourists every April when the trees are in full bloom. The park offers many amenities: badminton and tennis courts, a playground, a snack bar, and a multi-purpose rest area.Major hiking trails winding through Samcheong Park connect the park to the Mt Bugak Seoul Fortress Wall Hiking Trail, a mineral spring spot in Seongbuk-dong, and Waryong. While hiking, visitors can encounter Malbawi, an excellent spot chosen by City of Seoul where they can overlook Seoul at a glance. Malbawi Historic Site Visit Program, run by Jongno-go Office (Seoul), provides children and adults with the opportunity to learn about natural ecology in Samcheong Park and the history of Seoul Fortress Wall from designated guides. Through well-developed roads around Samcheong-dong, visitors can easily move from Samcheong-dong to Seongbuk-dong. Currently, Samcheong Tunnel near the park connects the two localities.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Thick and rich broth makes a good impression here. Boiled chicken with ginseng (Samgyetang) gives a soft and tender taste with glutinous rice, chestnuts, ginseng and Chinese dates. The rich flavor of ginseng liquor, fried chicken gizzard, cubed white radishes, cabbage kimchi, and garlic with Korean hot pepper paste makes this dish even better. *Best Korean Restauranta as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government  


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

The ancient tombs in Bangi-dong were discovered during the land readjustment project of Jamsil-jigu District in 1975. A total of eight ancient tombs were excavated until 1976, and the site was restored into a park in 1983. The Bangi-dong area was originally a low line of hills with an altitude of 30-50m above sea level, but it has been made into flatland for urban development purposes. Tomb numbers 1 to 6 lie on the same hill, while tomb no. 7 and 8 are located on another hill a short distance away. All eight tombs have circular burial mounds. The insides of the a tomb feature a square or rectangular-shaped burial chamber with earthen ground and stone walls, and a passage leading from the tomb entrance to the chamber. However, details of the burial chambers vary by tomb. Most of the tombs had been robbed before the investigation, but a few relics such as plates and pots have been excavated. At the time of excavation, the relics were presumed to have come from the Baekje Dynasty (18 BC-660 AD), but it is now estimated that they date back to the Unified Silla Period (676-935 AD).


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in the middle of the Dongdaemun business district in Jongno, the 30-year-old Samho Hotel overlooks the famous Cheonggyecheon Stream. Guests at Samho Hotel may take advantage of various conveniences offered at the hotel, while visiting nearby tourist sites including Dongdaemun Shopping Complex and Dongdaemun History & Culture Park.


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

The National Gugak Center (Formerly: National Center for Korean Traditional Performing Arts) is the governing body established to preserve and promote traditional Korean performing arts. It consists of three performance halls. First, the largest venue for traditional Korean performing arts is the Reservation Hall. The outward appearance of this theatre is based on Suwon Castle. The interior is built to accentuate all the features of the performing platform for traditional performing arts, and can accommodate every single type of traditional performing art, such as Palace Music, Court Music, and all other genres including major productions of Changguek (Korean musical drama). The structure of the stage and seats are reminiscent of a Korean yard.Long ago in Korea, traditional arts were performed in the yard. The audience was separated into an area in the shape of an earthen wall, and the ceiling had a shield/kite shaped emanating plate. The theatre gives the illusion of being in an ancient Korean household. On the 2nd floor of the Reservation Hall, there is a separate children's playground, which allows for quiet enjoyment of the music in the performance hall. Umyeondang (small hall) was designed to accommodate performances which were held outdoors. The performing space can be adjusted to fit the needs of the production.The National Gugak Center Outdoor Performance Stage is also called the "Star Welcoming Stage." You can watch many traditional performances that are usually held on traditional holidays. You can listen to traditional music, and if you want more information on the music try going to the Gugak Museum. Videos on Korea's traditional instruments and other Gugak related videos are always exhibited here. Also at the shop you can buy various Gugak related souvenirs. Having a Gugak CD or a cassette will be a great souvenir to remember the inspiration of Gugak for a long time. At the Front courtyard of the museum you can try to play traditional games and instruments from 10am to 5pm. You can play traditional games like neol ttwigi (seesaw jumping) or jegi chagi (Korean hacky sack) and try playing traditional instruments like the jing (gong), janggu (drum), kkwaenggwari (cymbal) and buk (drum).


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Copacabana Grill in Itaewon is a Brazilian restaurant named after the internationally renowned ‘Copacabana Beach’ in Brazil. At the restaurant, customers can enjoy unlimited skewers of sirloin steak, tenderloin, chicken, pork, or sausage. What makes the dining experience especially unique is that the grilled skewers are brought to the table by native Brazilian chefs and sliced right in front of diners.      


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

Jungmyeongjeon Hall is located near the Chongdong Theater. It is easy to locate by simply walking along the stonewall of Deoksugung Palace. The three-story western-style building, designed by the Russian architect Seredin Sabatin, was used as the imperial library between 1897 and 1901. It was initially known as Suokheon.After Deoksugung Palace caught on fire, Jungmyeongjeon Hall became the main office of Emperior Gojong for discussing national affairs greeting foreign dignitaries. It also witnessed the tragic part of history in which the infamous Eulsa Treaty (Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty) was signed.Jungmyeongjeon Hall used to be within Deoksugung Palace, but it was separated from the palace when a stone wall was built between the two. It exhibits one of the modern architectural styles in Korea, but, unfortunately, has lost most of its original structure except for its exterior because in a fire in 1925. After Liberation from Japan on August 15, 1945, Jungmyeongjeon Hall was used for many different things. In September, 2006, the ownership of Jungmyeongjeon Hall changed to the Cultural Heritage Administration and was classified as part of Deoksugung Palace as part of Historic Site No.124 in February 2007. 


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

Lexington Hotel is New York-themed hotel named after Lexington Avenue, one of the three major streets of New York City. Connecting Upper Manhattan and Lower Manhattan, Lexington Avenue is known for famous locations such as Broadway, Times Square, Chinatown, and Little Tokyo. Located in the center of Yeouido, considered the ‘Manhattan of Seoul,’ Lexington Hotel is in close proximity to the Han River, the National Assembly Building, broadcasting agencies and the Korea Stock Exchange and is 20 minutes from the Gimpo International Airport. The hotel recently underwent renovations, upgrading its 235 guestrooms and subsidiary facilities to allow guests an even more comfortable stay. Various sections of the hotel are themed after attractions found along Lexington Avenue in New York. At "Times Square" (the hotel lobby) guests can receive information about the hotel or assistance from the staff. For a little bit of down time, guests can stop by “Broadway,” the lobby lounge, for a cup of coffee or head to the “New York New York” steakhouse for a family dinner or small gathering. The Chinese restaurant "China Town" and Japanese restaurant "Little Tokyo" are also popular for their well prepared dishes and quality service. The New York theme continues even in the "Yanks & Metz," a classic sports bar decorated with sports paraphernalia from Babe Ruth and other MLB stars.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Featured in the New York Times in 2004, Cafe74 is a trendy restaurant in Cheongdam-dong, with an elegant interior and many famous faces as regulars.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Itaewon Fashion Ilbeonga (First Street) deals with diverse women's clothing and accessories produced in Korea. Boasting over 35 shops, it offers plenty of fashion items for customers to choose from.