Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Jongmyo Shrine was a primary place of worship for kings throughout Joseon Dynasty. The memorial service, called Jongmyo Jaerye, is said to be the oldest complete ceremony in the world, and was carried out in obedience to the king’s order. The ceremony was designated as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in December 9, 1995, for its well-preserved ancient customs, such as memorial services and traditional music, which is Important Intangible Cultural Asset No.56. During the Joseon Dynasty, it was held when the season changes and the twelfth month of the lunar year, but was stopped during the Japanese colonial period. Now, it is annually reenacted on the first Sunday of May. Jongmyo Jaeryeak, the musical part of the ceremony, is produced by instruments, songs, and dances that originated over 500 years ago. In May, the Korean Royal Palace Culture Festival is to be held with a variety of other cultural heritage festivals.


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

Introducing Sinsajeon, a hidden culinary gem nestled in the bustling Garosu-gil district, known for its delectable honeycomb makgeolli, cheese potato pancakes, and assorted savory pancakes. This delightful eatery offers a plethora of mouthwatering dishes and engaging experiences for you to enjoy. A popular hotspot among young adults in their 20s and 30s, Sinsajeon has gained a strong following on social media as a must-visit destination. Its appeal transcends borders, drawing not only local South Koreans but also a multitude of international tourists, creating a lively and diverse atmosphere.   Strategically located just 300 meters from Exit 4 of Sinsa Station on Subway Line 3, Sinsajeon is a convenient and unmissable stop on your South Korean adventure. As you plan your trip, be sure to include a visit to Sinsajeon for an unforgettable gastronomic experience in a warm and welcoming setting. Dive into the heart of South Korea's vibrant food culture, where you can savor the perfect fusion of traditional and modern flavors. Indulge your taste buds and create lasting memories at Sinsajeon, the culinary destination that's too good to miss. Make it a priority on your next visit to South Korea, and you won't be disappointed!


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Itaewon Land is a 5-story jjimjilbang (Korean spa) with guest rooms available for overnight stays. Its traditional sauna, has a red clay room, flat stone room, and salt room. The water at Itaewon Land was verified by the Korea Institute of Geoscience and Mineral Resources and it is known as the best aquifer water in Korea. The water was taken from water sources more than 500m underground.  


4.8/5
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Jinokhwa Halmae Wonjo Dakhanmari first opened its doors in 1978 and has continued to be a much-loved restaurant on Jongno 5-ga for the past 30 years. The restaurant only uses fresh young chickens, which are about 35 days old, and minimal seasoning to allow diners to fully enjoy the tenderness of the meat. Dip your chicken in the special marinade sauce and couple it with a helping of Kalguksu (a noodle dish) for a perfect meal combination.


5.0/1
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

Lotte Fitin is a fashion mall easily accesible by public transportation as it is directly connected to the Dongdaemun History & Culture Park Station. It is the first site in Dongdaemun-gu commercial district to have the digital electronics store Hi Mart. The mall has implemented fixed prices to offer goods at reasonable prices. A variety of events and attractions take place to provide a more enjoyable shopping experience. Recently, on the 9th floor, Klive, a venue to see hologram concerts of some of your favorite Kpop stars, opened. The venue features the concert hall, a cafe (with great views of the Dongdaemun area), an art gallery, gift shop, and more! The outside facade of Lotte Fitin is lit up and changes, displaying varying media, a first of its kind in Korea. Also, the food court was designed by world-renowed designer Karim Rashid, and the interior designs are pleasant and elegant and vary by floor.


4.7/3
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Sulwhasoo Spa is run by a cosmetic hanbang (traditional oriental medicine) brand, Sulwhasoo, which is a subsidiary of the major Korean cosmetic company Amore Pacific. It uses a variety of natural herbs that are good for the skin. Visitors can be guaranteed outstanding full body massage and therapy services at Sulwhasoo Spa. Available services include a 30-minute light course to an intensive therapy course (140 minutes). Call 02-411-0662/3 or visit the website (sulwhasoo_spa@amorepacific.com) to make reservations.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

The Myeong-dong Tourist Information Center offers a convenient one-stop service center for tourists visiting Korea and offers foreign lagnuage interpretation services in English, Japanese and Chinese. The center is equipped with more than 400 tourism pamphlets (the largest number in Korea) that cover a variety of tourism sites in Korea as well as performances, transportation, accommodations, etc. Tourists can also purchase souvenirs at the information center. The grand opening was November 29, 2013


4.0/1
Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Hongdae Happy Day Spa is located on the ground floor of the three-story Gyusudang Wedding Hall located between Hongik University Station and Hapjeong Station. The ground floor has separate sauna rooms for men and women, spa facilities, and locker rooms. The second and third floors have oak tree, salt, red clay, oxygen, and charcoal sauna rooms, as well as an ice room. Hongdae Happy Spa has a restaurant, a snack bar, an Internet café, a fitness club, and a massage room that is open 24 hours a day. Ever since the spa was featured in a popular Japanese magazine, it has become a must-see tourist attraction for many Japanese visitors.


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

        BOBORIS SALON & SPA  is a total-beauty salon offering hair, make-up, nail care, foot spa, and wedding consulting services. Based on 20-years of know-how, about 40 artists try to reflect cutting-edge trends and provide suitable hair and make-up service for individuals.              


4.6/5
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

The ‘Ibis Ambassador Myeongdong’ hotel, which first opened on May 1, 2006, was the fifth hotel to be developed in collaboration with France’s ‘ACOOR Group’ and Korea’s ‘Ambassadors Group’, and the second to open under the ‘Ibis’ brand. This hotel is located in the center of downtown Seoul in Myeongdong, the heart of the city’s business and shopping districts. Its location and reasonable weekday rates make it a good choice for businessmen, and its proximity to the shops means it’s also popular with tourists.