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Seoul(Dongjak-gu)


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(Gwangjin-gu)

The beloved outdoor swimming pools at Ttukseom was reborn as Supia, a year-round theme park in Hangang. Unlike the previous pools, Supia at Ttukseom and Yeouido is a water park that added Flow Pool to the existing Adult Pool, Youth Pool, and Children’s Pool.* What is Supia?- Combining Arisu (the former name of Hangang) and Utopia, Supia is a fun theme park in the middle of the city that can be enjoyed all year long. 


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Opened in May 2016 in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu, Y.M.C. Seoul is the third store in the world following Y.M.C. UK and Y.M.C. London. The brand Y.M.C. was unveiled in 1995 with a uniquely new sportswear design combining workwear, soccer fan fashion, military look, and traditional costumes. Y.M.C. is short for “You Must Create,” and it pursues the brand philosophy of one creating his or her own style instead of following fashion. Products mainly consist of functional design items such as clothing, bags, and shoes for men and women. In keeping with the brand slogan, Y.M.C. is more about unique design products than trend-sensitive items. The store space spans two floors: the first floor with the main entrance and exit and a showroom, and the base room. The showroom on the first floor displays new products representing the Y.M.C. brand. This is where customers can find all products by Y.M.C. The basement, which is decorated with a small indoor garden as well as artworks on the wall, occasionally functions as a cultural space for special events for customers.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

The restaurant 678 (Yuk Chil Pal) specializes in charcoal barbecued meat and is widely known as a franchised restaurant run by Kang, Ho-Dong, a popular MC and comedian. The restaurant serves carefully selected, high-quality beef and Jeju pork. Other dishes include Ogyeopsal (pork belly), Moksal (neck), Hangjeongsal and Galmaegisal. Combine your meat dish with hot Doenjang-jjigae (bean-paste pot stew) with beef, Mookeunji (aged kimchi) Kimchi-jjigae or Hamheung-naengmyeon (cold noodle dish from the Hamheung area).


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Nepal is located in the southcentral region of the Himalayan Mountains between India and Tibet, accounting for its diverse mixture of both country's cultures. 'Everest' allows guests to enter this culturally diverse world by offering cuisine from Nepal, India, and Tibet. In addition, 'Everest' is managed by a resident of Nepal, serving affordable food to tourists and students interested in the culture of Nepal. Customers can learn of the traditional food and culture of Nepal while listening to Nepalese music and watching movies. The restaurant also provides a seminar area for various meetings.


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

The Simsan Cultural Center was established to commemorate the Confucianism and patriotic spirit of Simsan Kim Chang-Suk. It is a place that provides educational programs that develop life skills and nurture the artistic sensitivities of program participants, while adding to the overall quality of life of the area’s residents.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Nestled in Hannam-dong, Yongsan-gu in Seoul, 'Bada Sikdang' stands as a testament to South Korea's rich culinary history, operating since the early 1970s for over 40 years. The restaurant is renowned for its signature dish, the Johnson Tang, a hearty stew brimming with ham, sausage, and cabbage. The specialty doesn't end there; it beautifully marries the sweetness of cabbage and the generous amount of sausages with the savory goodness of cheese, creating a gastronomic symphony of flavors that keep you coming back for more. For those unacquainted with Korean cuisine, the star of Bada Sikdang, Budae-jjigae (known as army base stew in English), originated from South Korea and embodies a spicy Korean stew crafted with an assortment of ingredients, which are often canned or processed for an enriched flavor profile. The harmonious blend includes elements such as ham, sausage, Spam, baked beans, kimchi, instant noodles, and the Korean chili paste, gochujang. Not just a treat for your palate, it has become a popular anju (a dish accompanied with alcoholic drinks) and a go-to comfort food prepared in a large pot to share the joy with others. It doesn't just offer a hearty meal but an experience of Korean culinary traditions deeply ingrained in the culture, resonating with names such as army stew and spicy sausage stew. Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @hyunju_kwak Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @j_heartt Photo / 写真 / 照片(instagram) @jjjjjjjjjjo_o110 What further elevates the allure of 'Bada Sikdang' is its reputation as a hotspot frequented by K-POP idols and Hallyu stars. It has essentially turned into a hallmark of Korean tourism, offering not just a feast for your taste buds but also a treasure hunt for fans where they can find traces of their favorite stars' visits. As such, the establishment promises not just a meal, but a rich experience steeped in Korean culture and the modern phenomenon of the Hallyu wave, enticing fans and food enthusiasts alike to make a necessary stop in their Korean journey. It holds a position of reverence in the world of gastronomy, showcasing the authentic flavors of Korea while letting you brush up with the star-studded visits, making it a must-visit destination in Seoul.


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

'Vietnamssam Injeongwon,' keeping the new trend of well-being food in mind, serves 'ssam' (roll or wraps), a type of food most familiarly related to Korean food. Normally in Vietnam, the rolls were served as lunch, but the cuisine made its way to Australia where it was altered into a fusion dish and then brought to Korea, where it catered to the taste of Koreans. So, 'Australian-style Vietnamese rolls' takes the main idea of the Vietnamese rolls and adds plentiful amounts of vegetables and fruit, acquiring the fresh taste Koreans love. 'Vietnamssam Injeongwon' is a well-being fusion restaurant that opened in the Korean market, hoping to expand its business.


5.0/1
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

CJ E&M invests $21 million into their upcoming K-pop project 'Boys24'   The company CJ E&M has just announced the launch of their jumbo-sized K-pop project 'Boys24'. They have invested 25 billion won (nearly $21 million U.S.) into this project, so it really is jumbo-sized to say the least. This will be a new K-pop performance project where 24 specially selected male trainees, after passing an audition and receiving training, will hold live performances for 365 days straight at their permanently established concert venue. 'Liveworks Company', which Shinhwa's Hyesung and Minwoo are in, will take part in management. 'Boys24' will begin their K-pop performances in August at the Popcorn Hall in the Mesa Building in Myeongdong, Seoul. There will be a variety of performances as the showcase performances are said to be joined with 'Cirque de Soleil'. There will be K-pop, musicals, acrobatics and more joined together for all kinds of content, which is predicted to attract foreign tourists. And before the performances begin in August, there will be a broadcast revealing the audition program, featuring the selection process, training and performance preparations. The company explains that this isn't a debut of a new idol group, but a new kind of Hallyu performance.       ​