Seoul(Jongno-gu)

The delicious, sweet, red-bean soup called “Danpatjuk” in Korean and served at “The Second Best in Seoul” has been an all-time favorite since it opened in 1976. Not only the exterior, but the interior as well, is very simple and modest, similar to a teahouse in the '70s. This does not keep people from coming back because the unforgettable taste of the sweet red-bean soup makes them return again and again.“The Second Best in Seoul” was originally opened as a teahouse for traditional Korean medicinal tea; sweet red-bean soup being one of the main specialties on their menu list. But, nowadays, sweet red-bean soup has become the most popular menu item. Sweet red-bean soup can be enjoyed as a light meal because it fills you up quickly. In addition, the chestnuts, gingko nuts, red beans, and glutinous rice cake that are in the thick red-bean soup provide good nutrition. TIP: The name is very special, right? “The Second Best in Seoul” was named by their modest mind of making food with utmost sincerity.


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

In ancient times, the royal guards of Joseon Dynasty performed the given task by guarding the Gwanghwamun Gate, the entrance of Gyeongbokgung Palace where the king ruled the country. Since 1469, the ceremony has taken place and its record has been consulted for the present reenactment ceremony. The reenactment of the original ceremony began from 1996. The gate guardsmen serve their sentry, perform the changing of the guards, and hold a parade. The guards' uniforms, weapons, and accessories as well as their strict ceremonial procedures catch the eyes of passersby, especially foreign tourists, when guardsmen perform the changing of guards in traditional costumes at the main gate of Gyeongbokgung Palace in downtown Seoul. Since it is hard to experience traditional events in such a big city like Seoul, citizens and tourist really enjoy and love it. It takes place every day except Tuesday. Major Highlights: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene in Korea. Be sure to bring a camera to take lots of pictures. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a real pleasure to see. If you have some spare time to kill, make sure to visit the palace and enjoy the beauty of Korean palaces following the ceremony.


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

If you are looking for a place to enjoy some homemade-style snacks while in Korea, Mom's Cookie is a definate stop to make. Located close to Seoul Nat'l Univ. of Education Station on Seoul Subway Line 2, it's very accessible and offers a unique activity for visitors to partake in. Equipped with a friendly and cozy interior, visitors to the shop can decorate their own sugar cookies and then take them home. Many young couples and families on mommy-daughter outings frequent the shop to create special presents for their loved ones. There are even more sweets listed on the menu, with their most popular treat being brownies topped with ice cream.


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

Deoksugung Palace has held a guard-changing ceremony since 1996 after thorough historical research by leading historians. The ceremony, which is held in front of the Daehanmun Gate of Deoksugung Palace, is a tradition similar to the Changing of the Guards at Buckingham Palace and offers a rare opportunity to experience royal culture. The royal gate is opened and closed at pre-determined times, and the gatekeepers in charge of guard duty and patrols hold a shift ceremony three times a day. Special Programs: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a highly recommended event for tourists. It is held three times a day (11:00 / 14:00 / 15:30) in front of Daehanmun Gate at Deoksugung Palace. As each ceremony follows the same procedure and lasts for thirty minutes, visitors can choose whichever time is most convenient. The ceremony is free of charge. There are no ceremonies on Mondays as well as on severely cold or hot days.As the ceremony begins, the changing of the guards commences replete with traditional musical instruments, and exchanges a password for verification. An eight-minute guard ceremony ensues, followed by a seven-minute change ceremony, and finally a patrol that completes the ceremony. The procedure takes a dramatic turn when 18 guards in six official positions beat a drum and bellow some orders. Major Highlights: The Royal Guard-Changing Ceremony is a great opportunity to experience a rare traditional scene. Be sure to bring a camera. The guards’ splendid costumes, with their brilliant primary colors, are a pleasure to view. While you cannot take pictures with the guards during the changing of guards, you can take a background picture of the guards and palace. You can also take photographs with the gatekeepers after the ceremony is over. Visit the palace and enjoy the beauty of Korean palaces following the ceremony.


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

Hwagyesa Temple, which falls under the Chogye Order of Korean Buddhism, is located at the foot of Mt. Samgaksan in Suyu-dong, Gangbuk-gu, Seoul. Although it is located in the city of Seoul, the beautiful surrounding mountains and landscapes create a serene atmosphere to escape urban life.It was built in 1522 AD (the seventeenth year of the reign of King Jungjong of the Joseon Dynasty) by monk Shinwol, but was destroyed in a fire in 1618. In 1866 (the third year of the reign of King Gojong), it was rebuilt through financial support from his royal elders.The temple was built in an early architectural style and has Daeungjeon, a main sanctuary (Tangible Cultural Asset No. 65), Myeongbujeon shrine, Samseonggak pavilion, Cheonbulobaekseongjeon shrine, a temple bell pavilion, Bohwaru tower, and Hakseoru tower.A small water spring, named Oktakcheon and located in the valley (Hwagyegol) beside Hwagyesa Temple, is famous for supernatural healing powers of skin and stomach diseases. The legend says this spring was formed from crows pecking away at the rocks.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

The Itaewon Global Village Festival, held every fall, brings together a fun mix of Korean traditions and foreign cultures and stands out as one of the most internationally diverse celebrations of Seoul. It is indeed a fantastic multicultural event where people learn about and experience different culturals. A range of events take place during the festival beginning with an opening ceremony, performances of traditional dance from home and abroad as well as the Global Food Festival which runs throughout the weekend.


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

Soigné is chef Lee Jun’s first restaurant featuring creative cuisines of Korean dishes motivated by France, Italy, America and other countries. "Soigné" is named after the French word, meaning "Well-made," or "Well-groomed."  


Seoul(Yangcheon-gu) , The Western Part of the Seoul

Yongwangsan Mountain, also known as Eomjisan, is geologically located at entrance of a land referred to as “Cheonhojibeol,” located across an artificial waterfall. The mountain’s name “Yongwangsan” (meaning Dragon King Mountain) derived from an old tale of a king who dreamt of becoming killed. He then shot an arrow to an old man with spiritual powers living in a village at the foot of Eomjisan Mountain. The king stated “I knew that the old man would someday turn into a dragon and threaten my throne. Therefore I killed the dragon.” The words dragon (“yong”) and king (“wang”) were combined to form its current name, Yongwangsan Mountain.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Yeonghwiwon and Sunginwon are burial mounds once designated for princes and consorts. The social hierarchy was very strict during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910), and it influenced the patterns of the royal tombs. The tombs for kings and queens called ‘neung’ are larger and more luxurious than tombs for princes and consorts called ‘won.’Yeonghwiwon houses the tomb of Queen Consort Sunheon (1854-1911), King Gojong’s concubine and Sunginwon is for King Yeongchin’s son, Ijin (1921-1923). The composition of the two tombs is similar, but Yeonghwiwon is larger than Sunginwon. The first sight when entering the burial grounds is the red gate (the red color denoting holiness). Beyond the red gate is a sacrificial building where the memorial rites were performed. Behind the sacrificial building is the royal tomb. On the eaves of the sacrificial building are stone sculptures called japsang, which are carved into the shapes of animals such as monkeys and are believed to exorcise evil spirits. There is a pavilion next to the sacrificial building where the tombstone is located. The tombstone indicates who lies in the mound. The stone figures guarding the king’s tomb are memorable. A sacrificial building called "jasil" is now used as maintenance office and is worth visiting. The eaves, latticework and wooden floor are so well preserved that visitors can truly get an authentic feeling when walking through the premises.Yeonghwiwon & Sunginwon boast splendid views in the fall when the leaves change colour. The promenades and the stonewalls of the entrance are beautiful. Its tranquil and pleasant atmosphere attracts many families and the couples.