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

Alternative Space Loop (also known as the “Loop”) is a non-profit gallery that provides exhibition space and support programs for young and promising artists. In the late 1900s, many artists could not afford to pay for exhibition space in a gallery and struggled to pursue their passion for the arts. The idea of a “free alternative exhibition space” was born and as a result, the Loop was opened in Sangsu-dong in Feb, 1999. In 2005, the Loop was moved to Seogyo-dong, its current location.On the first floor and in the basement, the works of new artists are on display. On the 2nd floor, there is a small café where visitors can take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee, have discussions, or read one of the books provided.The Loop has been holdng exhibitions and performances more than ten times a year ever since its opening. The gallery engages in diverse international exchanges such as Tirana Biennale and in 2002, was invited to the Gwangju Biennale as an alternative art space. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Namsan Cable car runs from the base of Namsan Mountain (located in central Seoul) up to the Namsan Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in Seoul, loved by tourists and residents alike. The new cable cars, which have been in operation since Dec. 6, 2008, have an increased capacity of 48 people per car (up from 38). Unlike the older cars, the new cable cars have glass on all four sides, giving riders a wider view of the mountainside. Approximately 50,000 people ride the Namsan Cable Car each month. Visitors who are looking for a more tranquil tour are advised to go in the morning. For both a daytime and nighttime view of Seoul and the tower, take the cable car up the mountain in the late afternoon and coming back down in the early evening (to beat the nighttime rush). To get to the cable cars without having to walk too much, take the Namsan Oreumi, (Namsan outdoor elevator). The Namsan Oreumi is the first inclined outdoor elevator in Korea. It runs a distance of 140m (from the entrance of Namsan 3rd Tunnel to the parking lot of the Namsan Cable Car) and takes visitors to the Namsan Cable Car station in about two minutes, as opposed to the usual 20-min. walk. Maximum capacity is 20 people and operating hours are the same as the Namsan Cable Car (09:00 to 23:30). The other way to get to the Namsan Cable Car station is by going out of exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, subway line 4 (see ‘directions’ section for details).


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

In the early 1960s people would cross the Hangang River from Ttukseom Ferry Dock and arrive in Cheongdam-dong, which is now one of the more ritzy areas of Seoul. Though highly developed, there is still an area that is relatively untouched and that is the small Cheongdam Park. The park is quite crowded in the morning with people who exercise and offers a resting place to enjoy the fresh air thanks to many trees in the park. The park spans over 59,347 ㎡.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Insa-dong PR Center opened in 2006 with the goal of providing accessible education for both domestic and international visitors to understand Korean tradition and history. It was built as a private residence for Prince Uichin (1877-1955), one of the sons of Emperor Gojong (1852-1919).It also introduces the tradition and culture of Insa-dong, and provides tour pamphlets and tourist assistance in multiple languages (English, Japanese and Chinese). Visitors can try the traditional costumes and enjoy Wi-Fi within the facility.


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

The National Library of Korea is where numerous materials are collected and preserved. It currently holds approximately 4.3 million books and theses, of which roughly two-hundred thousand are collected annually. Art exhibitions are occasionally held in the exhibition room on the first floor. Surrounded by Seocho Park, the scenery outside is beautiful and the atmosphere is very relaxing. If you would like to have fun partaking in other activities, take a ten-minute walk to the Express Bus Terminal nearby. Central City is connected to both a shopping center and theater. You can also go to different provinces from the bus terminal. But it would be nice to visit the library and spend some time reading before going on a trip out of Seoul.At the National Library of Korea, classical concerts are held exclusively for the library users on the last Friday of each month, except in January and August. Anyone who comes to the library can attend the concert for free. The Euro-Asian Philharmonic Orchestra and the famous conductor Geum Nan-Sae perform for the audience. Do not miss this unique opportunity.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Maeumui Munui is one of the few stores in Korea specializing in handmade neckties. Neckties use 100% silk; scarfs are made by textile artists using natural dyes. Popular among young adults, artists and entertainers are the main patrons of the store. Every two months, artists in the Maeumui Munui change the patterns or styles of the store's neckties and scarfs. Products are only made in small quantities. 


Seoul(Jongno-gu)

Dawon is a tea house that operates in a hanok (traditional Korean house). Located in the busy tourist area of Insa-dong, this place offers the visitors a moment to relax and find peace in the city. When seated, greenery and flowers in the private garden make for a nice view while sipping tea and snacking on Korean desserts like assorted ttoek (rice cakes). There are many teas available, with more than 15 varieties, all of which originate from Korea. Dawon's peaceful atmosphere and authentic experience make it a must visit for anyone in the Insa-dong area.


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

Located in Sangam-dong, Digital Media City is a cutting-edge digital media entertainment cluster covering an area of about 570,000㎡.Attractions and facilities at the DMC include the DMC Promotion Room, DMS (Digital Media Street), DMC Artpia, Digital Pavilion, and the Korea Cultural Contents Center (Korean Movie Museum).


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

The Millennium Seoul Hilton was founded on December 14, 1977 by the hotel commission processing agreement between Daewoo International's affiliate company, Dongwoo Development Co., Ltd. and Hilton International. The enchanting hotel, whose construction work began in March of 1979, made its grand opening on December 7, 1983. The hotel faces Namsan Mountain's breathtaking views throughout all four seasons. In April of 1995, more than 10 years after the hotel's opening, Dongwoo Development changed its name to Daewoo Development. On December 1, 1999, the ownership of Millennium Seoul Hilton was transferred to CDL Hotels Korea Ltd., the Korean subsidiary of the Singapore-based investment company, City Development Limited (CDL).In 1995, Millennium & Copthorne Hotels plc. was successfully launched in London as a testimonial to Singapore's Hong Leong Group. In the following years, they opened 91 hotels in 16 countries all over the world. Their illustrious 4 and 5 star hotels possess renowned geographical characteristics that provide a perfect balance between business and pleasure for their guests.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Toyo specializes in pottery for daily use such as mugs, plates, and tea cups. Crafted by Sonnae Pottery (a pottery village in Jinan, Jeonbuk), pottery in Toyo demonstrates sophisticated simplicity and elegance. Guests can also can view pottery for decorative purposes. The Sonnae Pottery was honored with the 2008 UNESCO Seal of Crafts Exellence in East Asia.