Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Among the many Thai restaurants in Itaewon, you’ll experience the most authentic Thai cuisine here. Run by the Baiyoke Hotel of Thailand, the mouth-watering food and wonderful service bring customers back often. Most of the cooks and employees have come from Thailand to work here. A typical Thai dish is tom yam kung (spicy shrimp soup). Various spices are added to give this dish its remarkably unique flavor. People who have tried the cuisine for the first time might need some time to get accustomed to the taste, but once they do, they’ll want more. Delicately spiced noodles, which are sautéed with various vegetables as well as beef or chicken, go well with tom yam kung. TIP: Since the restaurant is managed by Itaewon Hotel, there is a surtax of 10% and a service fee of 10% which are added to the bill.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Specializing in leather and fur goods, Italiana has served loyal customers for a long time in Itaewon. It boasts all kinds of leather goods from luxurious classical styles to popular styles and light vegetable leather items, captivating both Koreans and international tourists year-round. 


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.


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The Bosingak Belfry was used during the Joseon Dynasty to keep the time. There were four gates in Seoul that allowed people in and out. At 4 a.m., the bell would ring 33 times and then the gates were opened. At 10 p.m. the bell would ring 28 times and the gates would close. The bell served as a siren. The original bell melted in that spot due to a fire accident. In 1468, the bell was remade and still exists today. However, for preservation purposes that bell now sits in the national museum. The bell that replaced it in Jongno was made in 1985 with contributions from the public. The Bosingak Belfry was built by the Seoul Municipal Government in 1979 and is restricted on normal days. Currently, a daily bell-ringing ceremony is conducted at Bosingak. A special ceremony is held on new Year's Eve where the bell is rung 33 times in front of large crowds.  More Info.Bosingak Bell-Ringing Ceremony- Period: All year round (not available on Mondays)- Time: 11:30-12:20 (Bell-ringing from 11:40/ once a day) Bosingak Bell-Ringing Experience- Application: Online Reservation (Korean)- Foreign visitors may participate in the program on Tuesdays (onsite registration).


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

Gwanguimun Gate is said to be originally constructed in 1396, the 5th year of King Taejo, in the southeast of the capital city (Seoul). It was often referred to as Sugumun Gate (water channel gate) and was actually used as a Sigumun, literally meaning “corpse gate”, as funeral processions passed through this gate when exiting to the east.During the Imjin War (Japanese invasion of Korea, 1592-1598), the fortress gate was destroyer to such a degree that it made finding the original location close to impossible. Nevertheless, rebuilding efforts were started in 1711 (37th year of King Sukjong) and the water channel gate was restored and a gate tower built. Gwanghuimun Gate remained intact even when the fortress walls were demolished to build tram tracks during the Japanese occupation, but it was damaged during the Korean War and left neglected. In 1975, restoration work was carried out to relocate Gwanghuimun Gate to a site 15 meters south of its original location since it stood in the middle of the road.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Baek In-je House, located in Bukchon Hanok Village, is a hanok built during the Japanese administration that showcases modern hanok features. The structure consists of a main room offering a good view of the whole village, spacious bedrooms, a large garden, and an annex building. As it withholds the beauty of a traditional hanok while embracing the modern trend of its time, Baek In-je House is considered to be highly valuable in means of both architecture and history, representing the Bukchon Hanok Village together with Yun Bo-seon House. Baek In-je House was built from black pine, which was first introduced to Seoul during Gyeongseong Expo in 1907, distinguishing itself from other upper-class houses in its time. Unlike other traditional hanok that separate the main building from the other rooms, Baek In-je House connects the two with a hallway, allowing convenient access between the two structures. The house also consists of a Japanese style hallway and floor mat rooms, reflecting the architecture trend during its period. Baek In-je House is also unique as the main room is partly built as a two-story structure, a style that was never seen in any traditional hanok built during the Joseon period.


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

This restaurant has been famous for its charcoal-grilled food since 1972, and is especially well known for its spicy seasoning made from powdered red pepper, garlic, and ginger. Pork is mixed with the seasoning, giving it the characteristic red color and unique flavor, and then grilled over hot coals. While it is popular among Koreans who like spicy food, it might be a bit too hot for foreign customers. Other dishes include jumulleok (grilled seasoned meat) and donggeurangttaeng (meat patties). Jumulleok is made by seasoning fresh meat, whereas donggeurangttaeng is made by cutting the frozen meat into small pieces, and then marinating it. Older adults usually prefer jumulleok, while the young prefer donggeurangttaeng. TIP: Make sure to wear one of the aprons, which is next to each table, to protect your clothing while you are grilling the meat.  


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

JJ Mahoney’s on the second basement floor of the Grand Hyatt Hotel is divided into distinctive themed spaces: Delhi, perfect for a quick lunch; the Music Room, complete with live music; the Dance Floor, with high-tech sound and lighting systems; the Island Bar at the center; the Pool Hall; and an outdoor terrace.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

Daehangno Street, known as the street for young people, is the former location of Seoul National University. In the 1980s, many theater groups started moving to Daehangno, and it soon developed into a cultural center. In a short period of time, movie theaters, live-cafes, regular cafes and pubs sprung up, and it grew into an entertainment district. Its popularity is still maintained by famous small theaters such as Parangsae (Blue Bird) Theater and Hakjeong Theater, and some 30 additional theaters have concentrated here to contribute in keeping Daehangno as the root of performance art in Korea. The center of Daehangno, Marronnier Park, has frequent live acts and dance performances by young people. This is why Daehangno is called the “Play Mecca” and “Young Street” as well. Another reason Daehangno became so popular with young people is the various interesting sights and food to be found here. Many restaurants, fast food joints, cafes, and bars are concentrated here, making it convenient for people to find something to do after plays and live-performances. Its unique atmosphere and space continues to be loved by many young people.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Cheongwadae Sarangchae is a space to learn about Korean culture and the history of former Korean presidents. The area is comprised of a planned exhibition hall where various special exhibitions are held, Korean culture exhibition hall, Korean food (hansik) promotion hall on the first floor and Cheongwadae Hall which introduces former Korean presidents and Haengboknuri Hall which presents the future vision of Korea on the second floor.