TRIPPOSE List

Gwanghwamun Gate
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Gwanghwamun・Gyeongbokgung・Seochon

Founded in 1395 by the first king of the Joseon Dynasty, Gwanghwamun is the main gate of Gyeongbukgung Palace. Roughly meaning “may the light of enlightenment blanket the world,” the name symbolizes the resounding dedication that the people of the Joseon Dynasty had in creating a new dynasty. Constructed solely out of granite, its center is an entrance that resembles a rainbow, called Hongyemun. Above that is a gate tower. Gwanghwamun holds a painful memory in Korean history. During the Japanese occupation of Korea, in order to dampen the spirits of the Korean citizens, the Japanese governing general destroyed the gate and built his own government building. The present appearance of the gate is that of 1968 when it was rebuilt using concrete, and it’s location is about 10m behind the original spot. Though Gwanghwamun is the most beautiful of the five palace gates, it was not designated by the Korean government as a national treasure because it is made purely of concrete. The government is now in the process of removing the Japanese building and restoring the palace. Gwanghwamun has its name written on a sign on the gate, and it was personally written by then-president Park Jeong-Hui. On either side of the gate you can see the word “Haetae” facing south. Haetae is a mythical unicorn-lion that is said to protect palaces from fire. According to Pungsujirisang, there was a fire around Gwanaksan Mountain, so in order to protect the palace from fire from the mountain, these fire-eating Haetaes were put beside the gate.  


Gangneung Coffee Street
Gangwon-do(Gangneung-si) , Gangneung・Gyeongpo・Anmok

Gangneung-si in Gangwon-do is the first local district in Korea to host a coffee festival and support coffee artisans as well has promote development of coffee-related contents such as coffee museum, coffee street, coffee factory, barista academy, etc. With almost all coffee shops in the area roasting their own coffee beans, Gangneung-si is well-recognized as the "city of coffee."  


Suncheonman Bay Wetland Reserve
Jeollanam-do(Suncheon-si) , Suncheon・Boseong・Goheung

The fields in Suncheonman Bay is thickly covered with reeds taller than a full-grown man. It is the biggest colony of reeds in Korea. The image of the entire field swaying in the wind is as dazzling as waves on the sea.The field of reeds is home to many plants that thrive in damp conditions, like the common reed and the starwort. Among the world’s wetlands, Suncheonman Bay is widely known for attracting the largest number of rare birds. Internationally rare birds such as the hooded crane, white-naped crane, white stork, black-faced spoonbill, Eurasian Oystercatcher, as well as birds designated as natural treasures, can be spotted here. There are about 140 species of birds including the snipe, wild duck, shelduck, and wild goose in total. In order to get to Suncheon, visitors can either fly to Yeosu Airport from Gimpo or Jeju, and then take an airport bus to Suncheon.For more information, visit the Suncheonman Bay website at www.suncheonbay.go.kr


Jindo Mysterious Sea Route
Jeollanam-do(Jindo-gun) , Haenam・Jindo・Wando・Gangjin

Jindo Island is the third largest island in Korea, next to Jejudo and Geojedo Island. It is made up of 250 smaller islands, and it is famous for the appearance of a dry road in the middle of the sea, near the end of February and mid June of the lunar calendar. As it resembles a passage in the Old Testament in the Book of Exodus, the event is called “The Miracle of Moses”. When the water recedes, a road about 30-40 meter wide and 2.8 km long appears, which stays for about an hour before being submerged again.Jindo Island has some legends which are still popular today, especially that of “Old Woman Bbyong of Hoedongri”. A long time ago, there were many tigers on Jindo Island. When tigers began appearing frequently in the village, the people fled to Modo Island. In the process, only the old woman Bbyong ended up remaining on the island, so the lady prayed everyday to Yongwang, the god of the ocean, to let her see her family again. Around February, Yongwang appeared to her in her dream and said, “I will send a rainbow to the sea tomorrow; ride it and cross the ocean”. The next day old woman Bbyong went out to the sea and prayed again, and the seawater parted as the rainbow road appeared. Through this road, her family and the other villagers came back to the island. Therefore when the sea parts, the people celebrate this phenomenon by holding the Yeongdeung Festival to remember the Old Woman Bbyong. During the Festival, original folk plays of Jindo Island are performed and draws many tourists into Jindo Island. 


Lotte World Folk Museum
Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil・Seokchon Lake・Olympic Park

The Lotte World Folk Museum is a place where one can learn a great deal more of Korea's rich 5000-year-history. It was designed for both international visitors and Koreans alike to easily learn and enjoy Korean culture and history. One of the museum's more appealing characteristics is that it uses animation and smaller scale models to better illustrate various aspects of Korea's past. This makes learning much more enjoyable for visitors.It has restored several important cultural assets and features daily traditional music and dance performances. There are also many corners where the audiences can participate together. There is a traditional marriage ceremony vestibule where the bride and groom may marry one another according to the traditional marriage decorum. Perhaps if you are lucky you might participate in one yourself.The most important exhibit hall at Lotte World Folk museum is the history exhibition hall. Starting from the entrance you are able to meet the landscape and folk paintings. On the ceiling of the audiovisual room, pictures of the map of Korean Peninsula, crater of Mt. Baekdusan, and the galaxy unfold before your eyes. Through this multi-vision technique you are able to observe Korean traditional performances.Along past the entrance and the multi-vision room you enter the prehistoric ages. The prehistoric ages room presents a tyrannosaurus model roughly half its original size. You may be able to take a peek at the Stone Age life by looking at the relics of that time such as a dinosaur’s egg, fossil and dinosaur animation. It will be hard for those to walk away from the prehistoric age room if you are interested in those things. However, many other exciting places await you. At the model village you will be able to view the life styles and diverse customs of the Joseon dynasty.At Imjinwaeran Hall you will be able to view through advanced visual technology, the magic vision, simulating the fighting scenes of General Yi Sun-Sin that took place during that time. It will feel as if you were right there when the war took place. At the Folk Playground, the weapons and instruments of the Joseon Dynasty (1392~1910) are exhibited. There are models of the villages of Korean ancestors as well. You will marvel at the amusing and colorful miniatures.The features of a ritual of exorcism in a shaman’s house are produced through an operation model. Also features of children reading the Chunjamun (thousand character text) at a Joseon Age Sodang (village school), and villagers making wishes at the tutelary deity shrine is also on display.


Caribbean Bay
Gyeonggi-do(Yongin-si) , Yongin・Everland

Caribbean Bay is part of Everland theme park. Here, not only can you enjoy swimming and water amusement rides, but you can also relax in hot spring waters all year round. The water park has various facilities, such as the indoor and outdoor pools, a spa, a sauna, a wave pool, and slides like the Water Bobsleigh and Mega Storm. The water park is a favorite family destination. Caribbean Bay Water Park has been designed with a Caribbean theme, and it is the largest water park in the world. One of the most popular attractions in the water park is the Wave Pool where you can experience strong waves similar to those of the Caribbean Sea. The park’s cutting-edge computer system creates waves of up to 2.4m. * Caribbean Bay Spa Caribbean Bay Spa contains various hot spring pools and sauna facilities. The Jasmine Tea Spa is believed to make women more beautiful, the Lemon Spa relieves fatigue, and the Jade-crusted sauna is also beneficial for your health. With the Caribbean Bay pass, you can use all these facilities. - The health benefits of the Jasmine tea spa The Jasmine Tea Spa relieves nervous tension, stress, and depression. Jasmine tea balances hormones, so the spa can alleviate menstrual pain, create a regular menstrual cycle, and improve fertility. It also reduces aches and coughs, and is great for dry, irritated skin. - The health benefits of the mineral-rich hot spring water It is beneficial for women’s beauty, dry skin, reducing fatigue, aching muscles, and insomnia. - The health benefits of the Jade-crusted sauna It relieves fatigue and improves blood circulation. - The health benefits of the Lemon spa It is great for anti-aging and helps to release toxins from the body * Miracle Spa: contains a salt sauna and a couple’s footbath - The footbath in the Miracle Spa has been specially designed for a couple. The bubble footbath is very relaxing, and it makes for a romantic date. - In the salt-laden sauna, you can rub salt on your body and then sweat in the high temperatures. This expels toxins from the body. The salt-laden sauna is good for dry skin and is also beneficial for insomnia, neuralgia, lumbago, and stomach-related problems. * Kid’s Pool & Running Water Pool The Kid’s Pool is shallow and has been specially designed to ensure child safety. Its design is pastel-colored and inspired by children’s books. There are various water toys available so children can have fun in the water. The infants’ pool is even shallower, so parents can introduce their babies to water in a comfortable environment. Although the pool is very shallow for adults, it is a perfect place for parents and kids to have fun together. You can float lazily along the running water pool, which has the ambience of the Caribbean during the 17th century. You can have a relaxing time floating past waterfalls and stone bridges. *Relax Room and Sleeping Room: Take a nap here if you’re tired out after all that fun in the water. - Relax Room has massage machines and “relax capsules” for adults. Visitors can also receive an aromatherapy massage. - In the sleeping room, there are about 50 beach chairs and 10 jade beds. Temperatures in the room remain warm and air purifiers provide clean oxygen, so this is the perfect place for a good sleep. Visitors can rent a large-sized towel here.


Wolmi Sea Train
Incheon(Jemulpo-gu) , Chinatown・Wolmido

Must-Visit Attraction in Incheon: Wolmi Sea Train If you're planning a trip to Incheon, South Korea, the Wolmi Sea Train is a must-visit attraction. Recognized by the Korea Tourism Organization as one of the "Top 100 Must-Visit Tourist Spots for Koreans," this urban tourist monorail offers a unique way to explore the scenic beauty of Wolmido. The Wolmi Sea Train is the longest urban monorail in Korea, covering a total distance of 6.1 kilometers at an average speed of 9 kilometers per hour. The entire journey around Wolmido takes approximately 42 minutes. With tracks elevated between 7 and 18 meters above the ground, passengers can enjoy breathtaking views of Wolmido, Incheon Inner Port, the Yellow Sea, and even the distant Incheon Bridge. One of the highlights of the Wolmi Sea Train is the stunning sunset over the Yellow Sea, which paints the sky in beautiful shades of orange and red. The train ride offers a perfect vantage point to enjoy this natural spectacle, making it a memorable experience for all visitors. The Wolmi Sea Train operates from Wolmi Theme Park, a popular destination that has been loved by many since its opening in 1992. The theme park was revamped in 2009 and now features major attractions like the Disco Pang Pang, Viking rides, and a giant Ferris wheel. The park has been featured in various Korean TV programs such as "1 Night 2 Days" and "SBS Running Man," showcasing its appeal as a fun and exciting destination. In the evenings, the theme park is beautifully illuminated, offering a romantic and picturesque night view unique to Wolmido. It's an ideal spot for families, couples, and friends to enjoy both the natural beauty and the lively atmosphere. Location: Wolmi Sea Train, 269 Jemullyang-ro, Jung-gu, Incheon, South Korea Contact: +82-32-450-7600 Operating Hours: Weekdays: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM Weekends: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM Ticket Prices: Adults: 8,000 KRW Teenagers (13-18 years): 6,000 KRW Seniors (65 years and older): 6,000 KRW Children (3 years and older): 5,000 KRW Disabled/State Meritorious Persons: 4,000 KRW Make sure to include the Wolmi Sea Train in your Incheon travel itinerary. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural beauty and vibrant culture of this wonderful city. Don't miss out on this unique and enjoyable attraction!


Spa Land Centum City
Busan(Haeundae-gu) , Haeundae・Centum・Marine City

Spa Land, equipped with all the benefits of a traditional Korean spa, is located in 'Shinsegae Centum City' in Haeundae, Busan. Spa Land consists of 22 spas fed by two different kinds of all-natural spring water pumped up from 1000m underground, 13 distinctively themed 'Jjimjil-bangs' and saunas, and an open-air foot spa. The 1st floor houses the Korean traditional 'Jjimjil-bang' and traditional saunas from all over the world. Visitor favorites include a radiant heat-based 'Roman Sauna,' which recreates the ancient roman bath using modern technology, and the traditional 'Finnish Sauna,' which is an all-natural, Finnish-style sauna said to keep you healthy during the freezing winter months. Entertainment Zone on the second floor provides a range of beautification programs, a PC room, a restaurant, and a conference room. Spa Land is a refreshing place for relaxing with your friends and family. * Scale: 8264.5m² (1F: 4132.25m², 2F: 2975.22m², Outdoor: 826.45m²)  


Itaewon Special Tourist Zone
Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Hannam・Yongsan

Itaewon was the first special tourist zone designated in 1997 among the 5 special tourist zones in Seoul. It is a multicultural place where over 20,000 foreigners live and is widely recognized by international visitors. The name Itaewon started to spread worldwide in the 1980s, when Korea hosted the 1986 Seoul Asian Games and the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, as well as international conferences. Since then, Itaewon has been a popular travel destination. Clothes and accessories with unique designs, and leather products are famous in particular. This is a go-to street for both shopping and entertainment. The street is crowded with shopping malls selling clothes and bags, as well as accommodations including hotels, restaurants, entertainment facilities and travel agencies. With about 2,200 shops and stores lining every street, visitors can experience a multicultural atmosphere. Also famous is Antique Furniture Street where more than 100 shops stretch from Hamilton Hotel to Hangangjin Station. At night, Itaewon is brilliantly illuminated by nightlife for those from abroad and home-alike. Travelers can taste cuisines and cultures from around the globe on the World Food Street where there are 40 restaurants owned by foreigners. Since the late 1990s, an increase in the number of tourists from Southeast Asia and the Middle East has transformed the streets from being US Army-oriented into streets of cultural diversity. In October, the “Itaewon Global Village Festival” takes place with a range of performances and events. Most of the staff at the stores can speak English, Japanese or Chinese. * Current State of Itaewon Special Tourist Zone 1) Districts Covered: The 1.4 km-long street stretching from Itaewon-ro to Hannam 2 (i)-dong office. 2) Area: 383,292㎡ * Tourist Attractions 40 restaurants run by foreigners, Hamilton Hotel, Art Museum, nightclubs, Antique Furniture Street, etc.


Busan Gwangandaegyo Bridge
Busan(Suyeong-gu) , Gwangalli・Suyeong・Igidae

Busan Gwangandaegyo Bridge (Busan 66, also called Gwangan Daero) stretches over 7.4km from Namcheon-dong (Suyeong-gu, Busan) to Centum City (U-dong, Haeundae-gu). It is the largest bridge over the ocean in Korea. It is breathtaking to overlook nearby attractions from the bridge: the endlessly unfolding ocean, Oryukdo Island (a popular attraction in Busan), Hwangnyeongsan Mt., Gwangalli Beach, Dongbaekseom Island, and Dalmaji Hill. Equipped with artistic light, the bridge showcases splendid light that changes every day and every season. The bridge offers majesty beauty combined with nearby attractions during the day and a romantic atmosphere at night, attracting many residents and tourists.