Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

There are ancient palaces well-matched with modern buildings in Jongno Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone. Not only cultural assets from Joseon Dynasty, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, Deoksugung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, but a number of museums are also located in this zone. Those who visit this zone can encounter diverse streets like Insa-dong Culture Street, Gwancheol-dong Street of Youth, Jewelry Shopping Street, Seun Electronics Market, Lighting Store, Gwangjang Market and Stationary Store Street. Besides these areas, there is still more to see in this zone. Today, the zone is a must-visit place for foreign tourists. Visitors can experience Korean culture and traditions at Sancheong-dong, Bukchon and Insa-dong. Bukchon offers Hanok (Korean traditional house) stays and cultural experiences, and visitors can feel the aesthetic essence of Korean culture. Restaurants around Insa-dong and Samcheong-dong serve fusion cuisine as well as traditional dishes. Along the streets are galleries of various sizes where one can spend some quiet time. Gwanghwamun Gate, where newspaper companies, government and public agencies and bookstores are located, is a great place to learn about the lifestyle and culture of people in Seoul. The trail along Cheonggyecheon Stream is well-managed. In the area around Jongno there are more than 14,000 shops and stores dedicated to fashion, including clothing and footwear, jewelry, electronics, stationary goods and accessories. There are many unique things to see. Many of them are old and have stood witness to the ups and downs of the area for decades. Various festivals take place in the area around Jongno and Cheongyecheon Stream, and it is worthwhile to take a look at the narrow alleys that hold on to the atmosphere of an old neighborhood. It is also near Cheongwadae, the presidential residence. For a Cheongwadae tour, it is required to submit an application in advance. * Current State Jongno & Cheonggye Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: Gwanghwamun Building~ Sungin-dong Intersection (Areas around Seorin, Gwancheol, Gwansu, Jangsa and Yeji-dong, parts of Sinmunno 1(il)-ga, Jongno 1 (il) to 6 (yuk)-ga, Changsin-dong, Jongno-gu, Seoul) 2) Area: 540,602㎡ * Tourist Attractions palaces, art galleries, museums, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine (UNESCO World Heritage)


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Dongsung-dong, Daehakro (College Street), The Lock Museum displays an impressive array of locks. The owner of the museum, Mr. Choi Hong-gyu worked as a hardware shop employee most of his life and ran his own store, Choi Family Hardware in Gangnam. He invested all of his fortune to make The Lock Museum. Opened in November 2003, The Lock Museum boasts locks, keys, and key holders from around the world. The museum aims to collect, preserve, and study Korean locks and to promote their benefits and design worldwide.The Lock Museum is an important spot in which visitors are exposed to new perspectives on locks. It offers visitors the opportunity to understand the cultural and aesthetic meaning of them. Centered on visitors, the museum will continue to be a facilitator of cultural communication between visitors and locks. 


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

Located nearby Seoul Art Center, Mokcheon Jip offers various kalguksu (noodle soups) like pat kalguksu (red bean noodle soup), and maesaengi kalguksu (noodle soup with seaweed).  


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Caocaoboom is a handmade chocolate shop. The Itaewon branch is famous for its traditional Italian gelato created by 1st generation chocolatier.  


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

Nolboo Bossam is the name of a popular bossam kimchi and steamed pork dish, and is also the representative brand and restaurant name of the franchise company, Nolboo. Located near Seokchon Lake and Olympic Park, Nolboo Bossam Jamsil Branch has large tables for group dining.


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

Namdaemun Market Bondong Clothing Shopping Center maintains the traditional market atmosphere unique in Korea. It is home to a slew of restaurants (selling such dishes as hairtails boiled in seasonings), butcher's shops, and shops selling food items. Jungangro, in particular, houses many shops specializing in traditional Korean food items (gim, ginseng, and so on), attracting international tourists in general and Japanese tourists in particular. The western side of Bondong Clothing Center is populated by shops selling stationery, art materials, and small electronics.


Seoul(Seongbuk-gu) , Daehangno・Seongbukdong

 


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

Gamasot Sondubu is a traditional restaurant serving hand-made tofu.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located at the end of Samcheon-dong Street, Bukmakgol is a Hanok (Korean house) restaurant, offering thick beef ribs and cabbage wraps with pork and garlic.