Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Hongneung Arboretum is a first generation arboretum in Korea. It was established in 1922 when experimental forests were built on Hongneung burial mound, which is the royal tomb of Queen Myeong-Seong. On the 780 square meters area southwest of Mt. Cheonjangsang, there are 9 gardens such as a garden of conifers, a garden of broadleaf trees and an ornamental garden, 3 botanical gardens with edible & medicinal plants garden, an aquatic garden and a wetland garden. There are 6 resting places as well.Hongneung Arboretum has beautiful scenery for every season. The garden of broadleaf trees behind the main building is the one that shows the change of season most dramatically. The hundreds of broadleaf trees appear their best in autumn. The arboretum is good for nature education walk because of the many nameplates offering information on the species and characteristics of each tree. There are also many things to see at the Forest Science Exhibition Hall which provides visitors with knowledge and information of the value of forests, forestry, and the forest industry. The building itself is an exhibition because the hall is made of Korean wood. Inside, there are three general exhibition rooms, a regular exhibit hall, a planning exhibit hall, and a special exhibit hall.You may look around from Garden 1 to Garden 9 in regular order or take the course from Garden 2, pass the Forest Science Exhibition Hall to the mountain ridge ending at Garden 1. Note that it takes approximately 3 hours to see everything, whichever course you may take.


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(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Opened during the remodeling of Myeong-dong Cathedral, Bistro 74 is a Korean Western fusion restaurant located at the first floor of the Myeong-dong Cathedral. Its feature dishes like fusion rice and quality-made sandwiches, and it’s a great place to enjoy a cup of coffee. Its terrace is especially popular as a place to peacefully enjoy the sites and people of Myeong-dong, and they also do take-out. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

It is a shabu-shabu-style handmade dumpling restaurant with handmade dumplings and various vegetables.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Woonsan (Formerly, Yongsusan) is a traditional Korean restaurant located in the basement of the Seoul Finance Center. For the past 30 years, the restaurant has been serving up Gaeseong-style (Old capital of Goryeo Dynasty), which is said to be experienced using each of the five senses. Though the restaurant offers a variety of traditional course meals, the best-selling course is Haewon Jeongsik. This special set meal typically starts with porridge for soothing the stomach and then moves on to more substantial dishes like Kimchi, mung bean jelly, vegetable dishes, pork, beef, jeon (Korean-style pancakes), Gujeolpan (a platter of nine delicacies), Tteokgalbi (grilled short rib meat patties), rice steamed in bamboo, and desserts. Private rooms are also available in various sizes for business meetings or special family gatherings.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Seochon Traditional Sundae Soup House is considered a must-visit destination. It was shown in the Korean drama series, “Doctors, as a restaurant owned by the father of the main character, Yoo Hye Jung (actress: Park Shin Hye). It is known for its special deep-tasting beef broth, which they brew with marrowbone for 24 hours. Its old-fashioned, traditional style Hanok architecture and its neat interior evokes the Korean traditional castle: Gyeongbokgung and its surroundings. Not only is the Sundae Soup first in its class, the in-house Kimchi is one of the best in its category as well. After the meal, don’t forget to take a photo where the “Doctors” couple, Jiho-Hyejung, enjoyed rice soup.  


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

A once in a lifetime opportunity to learn the secrets to preparing royal Korean court food is currently being offered through Korea’s National Palace Museum. Inside the walls of the Gyeongbokgung Palace garden, this unique cooking class offers hands-on preparation of traditional dishes, a privilege allowed only to the highest ranked servants called “suragan choigo sanggung.” This three-month intensive program held each Friday, and lasting for an hour and a half, offers participants a step-by-step introduction into the culinary world of Joseon royalty (1392-1910). This traditional Korean culinary course covers twelve different types of royal court dishes that were offered up to the king. Renowned for using the freshest and the most valuable ingredients from all over the country, the menu will delight modern palettes as well. Spots should be reserved online prior to the beginning of the first class. This course is taught in Korean, however non-Korean speakers are welcome to request the help of a guide made available by the palace museum upon reservation. The enrollment fee covers ingredients ranging from 5,000 to 10,000 won per dish, due monthly. Expect the total to amount to 50,000 to 60,000 won. Prepared by chefs of the highest caliber, the mistress presiding over the royal kitchen or “choigo sanggung,” used only the most rare and valuable ingredients from across Korea. Each recipe was kept secret, made available only to the top chef of the royal kitchen or “suragan.” An expert in court food instructs the Royal Court Food Cooking Experience at the National Palace Museum of Korea, presenting over 50 different dishes once enjoyed by the kings of Joseon.


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

Bon is tough, but elegant, chic, and trendy. It boasts a wide array of items from masculine suits to casual wear with urban sophistication that are comfortable to wear.


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

Haneul Park (Sky Park), located within the World Cup Stadium Park, is a grassland park that was formed where the second site of the Nanjido Landfill once stood. As it was once a landfill and the soil especially poor, the Haneul Park wasteland recovery project demonstrates how nature can flourish out of what was once barren land. Since the year 2000, around 30,000 butterflies have been realeased on Nanjido Island, which is located in the middle of Haneul Park. At Haneul Park, visitors are met with scenic views of Seoul in every direction with Bukhansan Mountain to the north, Namsan Mountain and the 63 Building to the east, Han River to the south and Haengjusanseon Fortress to the west. These spectacular sights can be fully enjoyed from the observation platform. The park also offers benches and other areas for visitors to take a short rest and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of Haneul Park.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Children’s Museum is a hands-on experience museum run by the National Folk Museum of Korea. A variety of visual aids and assembly models allow children to touch and feel pieces and experience folk history in an interactive way. The theme of the exhibition consists of folk clothing, food, shelter, social life, and entertainment. The museum has a number of interactive spaces including a table set for an ancestral ritual, magnet miniatures depicting a baby’s first birthday, and an area where young visitors can build a folk house. Young learners can also create an avatar clad in Hanbok, make Kimchi using visual aids, or play Gonu (a traditional board game). The museum also collects, preserves, and maintains relics and historical items related to youth and youth culture.