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

Art Box is a popular Korean stationery brand with over 120 branches in Korea and more than 40 branches overseas. It offers a fascinating array of character and gift items with unique designs. It is a wildly popular shop among international visitors to the COEX Mall.


4.0/1
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Rakkojae is a traditional Korean-style guesthouse offering Korean food, Korean folk music and Korean folk dance. Visitors can experience the tasteful life of a nobleman of old Korea. The tiled roves, pavilions, ponds and jar stand as well as pine trees and bamboo plants harmonize well with the Korean-style house. Tea- making and watching Korean folk music performances are available here. The lodging fee is similar to five-star hotels.  



Seoul(Jung-gu)

A-LAND offers unique, creative products by young designers. Each of its floors consist of diverse products ranging from vintage style clothing to shoes, accessories, and daily use items. The fourth floor is notable for a wide variety of used products.  


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Sinsadong・Garosu-gil

Gentle Monster is Korea’s eyewear brand, which has been a viral sensation through collaborations with K-Wave celebrities. Gentle Monster’s flagship store, which is located in Sinsa District’s boulevard. The store has a white-tone exterior, which gives it a clean look/feel. It has a fairly large size entrance. Its first floor has a wide/open space, which looks quite captivating from outside. The concept of the store is, “house and healing,” and show rooms on each floors are designed to feel comfortable and is full of individuality/personality. The first and the second floors displays different varieties of eyeglasses collections, the third floor is a  showroom that is designed to feel like you are in a luxurious bathroom. 4th and 5th floors are designed to be spaces for café/lounge, where people can take off after lounging/resting. In a recent collaboration with the actress, Gong Hyo-jin, the company presented the, “TYPE,” sunglasses. The actress then wore the, “TYPE,” sunglasses herself, in the Korean drama that starred her, called, <Jealousy Incarnate>.  


4.5/2
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

On August 1st, 2009, the redesigned Gwanghwamun Square opened to the public. With the inauguration of the square, Sejong-ro, located at the center of the 600-year-old historic city of Seoul, was transformed into a human-centered space that harmonizes with the beautiful scenery of Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukaksan Mountain. The close to 20,000m2 Gwanghwamun Square is located at the center of Sejong-ro which connects Gwanghwamun Gate and Cheonggye Square. The square is divided into the sections, “Recovering the History of Gwanghwamun Gate Plaza,” “Reenacting Yukjo Street Plaza,” “Korea Main Plaza,” “Civil Participation Urban Culture Plaza,” “Downtown Plaza” and “Cheonggyecheon Stream Connector.” The “Recovering the History of Gwanghwamun Gate Plaza” section is at the entrance of the plaza, where a stone base called Woldae and a statue of Haetae, a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire, have been restored. Near Sejong-ro Park is “Reenacting Yukjo Street Plaza” where Yukjo Street, the main street of old Seoul (Formally known as Hanyang) was recreated. On the side is also a miniature depiction of Yukjo Street. The Statue of King Sejong the Great has been relocated in the “Korea Main Plaza” where Hangeul, the Korean alphabet, is projected on a fountain water screen. Between the Sejong Center for the Performing Arts and the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin is the “Civil Participation Urban Culture Plaza” with a range of attractions and services including accommodation facilities for visitors, exhibition halls, elevators, a meeting plaza, and art galleries. “Downtown Plaza,” located near the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin, symbolizes Sejong-ro. The Square has water facilities such as a pond and pop-jet fountains. The “Cheonggyecheon Stream Connector” functions as a connecting walking path between Cheonggyecheon Stream and Gyeongbokgung Palace. In addition, there is the “Memorial Waterway”, flowing underground water, which goes from both Gyeongbokgung and Gwanghwamun subway stations to Cheonggyecheon Stream. Plus, behind the Statue of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin is “Sunken Square” which connects Gwanghwamun subway station and the ground allowing people to access the Square more easily. Two statues of Admiral Yi Sun-Shin and Sejong the Great, who are great and influential people in Korean history, are situated at Gwanghwamun Square where the beatification ceremony will take place. Visitors can see “Waterways of History” and “King Sejong Story” exhibitions, the latter of which highlights the achievements of King Sejong and history of Hangeul.    


5.0/2
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Isaac Toast(이삭토스트), is a toast chain based in South Korea. As of 2016, the chain had over 1,000 retail stores in South Korea.   The menu at Isaac Toast is simple: eight sandwiches, three salads, and a small selection of juices, coffee and other drinks. The menu’s real boon comes in its prices; the original Isaac Toast registers at a mere $2.55 and the most expensive item comes in under $6. The small Korean eatery can boast of its affordability to its college clientele.


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

The E-Mart at Yeongdeungpo is the 124th E-mart in Korea and the largest E-mart in the southwest area of Seoul. This spacious store offers high-quality services as well as a large, spacious parking lot. The E-mart at Yeongdeungpo also houses the sports brand shop, The Sports Bigten (over 1,650㎡), offering consultation services on golf, tennis, bikes, and other sports items. E-Mart is organized in themed sections for wines (one of the largest wine shops in Korea), health supplements, imported utensils, DSLR cameras and more. Located in Times Square (one of the largest shopping malls in Korea), E-Mart is close to shopping and entertainment hotspots such as CGV (Movie), Kyobo Bookstore, Fitness Center, Theme Cultural Space, Shinsegae Department Store, and a variety of chic restaurants.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

If you get off from Exit 3 or 4 of Chungmuro Subway Station, you are right in front of Namsangol Hanok Village. You may find it interesting that this traditional Korean village is standing between the modern skyscrapers. This village has five restored traditional Korean houses and a pavilion, a pond and a time capsule, also making it a perfect spot to take a leisure walk. When you enter from the front gate, you will see the vast valley and the Chunugak Pavillion to the left of the pond. Beside the pond, there is a big space where performances are usually held. On the other side, you will see five traditional houses. These houses were remodeled after the traditional houses of Joseon Dynasty and belong to those of various social classes, ranking from peasants to the king. The furniture in the house is situated to help guests understand the daily lives of the past, and the clean, traditional houses, as well as their antique items provide a great photo op. If you would like to check out some souvenirs, stop by the traditional craftwork exhibit where you can buy small dishes and other items. You can also have some traditional tea and refreshments. On the grounds, there are traditional games that you may try such as 'neolttwigi' (sea-saw jumping), 'tuho'(arrow throwing) and 'yunnori' (traditional game of throwing wooden yut sticks). Don't forget to catch the traditional marriage ceremony that takes place. During the weekends, traditional marriages are shown at Bak Yeong Hyo's Residence. The traditional marriage ceremony is an interesting event for both Koreans and foreigners and many gather to watch. During the winter season (November to February), there are not as many wedding ceremonies as compared to that during spring and fall. Weddings are typically held around noon or 1 p.m. and visitors can take pictures with the husband and wife wearing traditional wedding costumes. There is also a time capsule commemorating Seoul’s 600 Year Anniversary that was buried in 1994 and is scheduled to be reopened four hundred years later in 2394.


5.0/3
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Surrounded by Gyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace and Jongmyo Shrine, Bukchon Hanok Village is home to hundreds of traditional houses called 'hanok' that date back to the Joseon Dynasty. The name, 'Bukchon,' which literally translates to 'northern village,' came about as the neighborhoods that the village lies north of the two significant Seoul landmarks, Cheonggyecheon Stream and Jongno. Today, many of these hanoks operate as cultural centers, guesthouses, restaurants and tea houses, providing visitors an opportunity to experience, learn and immerse in Korean traditional culture. 


4.8/4
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Myeongdong Kyoja's main branch, a renowned restaurant in Seoul, has been selected as a "Seoul Future Heritage" by the city of Seoul, representing not only Myeongdong but also the entire city as a leading culinary destination. Established in 1966, Myeongdong Kyoja has continued to be a favorite amongst locals and tourists alike as a traditional handmade noodle specialist. At Myeongdong Kyoja, a wide variety of dishes made with carefully selected ingredients and prepared using time-honored techniques await our valued customers. Our signature dish, Kalguksu, a harmonious blend of rich, savory soup and tender noodles, is a quintessential Seoul culinary experience. Additionally, our Mandu (dumplings), filled with generous portions of vegetables and meat, wrapped in a thin skin, are highly praised by visitors. Moreover, Myeongdong Kyoja's main branch offers an extensive range of Korean cuisine, including the spicy sauce-dressed Bibim Guksu (cold noodles) and the refreshing Kongguksu (cold soy milk noodle soup), catering to a diverse age group of customers. We also have seasonal limited-time menus that utilize local ingredients, allowing you to savor new flavors with every visit. Myeongdong Kyoja's main branch promises a fusion of traditional Korean culinary artistry and innovative flavors, along with warm and courteous service for our guests. We invite you to try our exceptional dishes that represent the soul of Seoul. Experience an unforgettable day at Myeongdong Kyoja, where tradition meets modernity, and indulge in the finest tastes the city has to offer.