Chungcheongnam-do(Buyeo-gun)

Gwanbuk-ri Relics and Busosanseong Fortress (Historic Site No. 5) is a mud fortress located on top of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m) in the northern part of Buyeo. The fortress is estimated by some to have been built around 538 AD (16th year of King Seongwang) to protect Sabi (now Buyeo), which was once the capital of the Baekje Kingdom. Other historians, however, believe that the fortress was already in place by 500 AD (22nd year of King Dongseongwang) and modified in 605 (6th year of King Muwang) into the structure we see today. In either case, some parts of the fortress were reconstructed during the Unified Silla Kingdom period (676-935 AD) and modified again in the Goryeo (918-1392) and Joseon (1392-1910) eras.Busosan Mountain was once considered the guardian mountain of Buyeo and is home to historic landmarks from the Baekje Kingdom (18 BC-660 AD). In addition to Busosanseong Fortress, some of the most famous sites on the mountain include Baekhwajeong Pavilion, Sajaru Pavilion, Banwollu Pavilion, Yeongillu Pavilion, Samchungsa Shrine (dedicated to three loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom), Gungnyeosa Shrine, Goransa Temple, Gunchangji (military warehouse site), and Suhyeoljugeoji (site of pit houses for the Baekje soldiers). The mountain is also home to Nakhwaam Rock where, according to legend, 3,000 women of the Baekje Kingdom threw themselves into the river below after the collapse of the empire.Historic Sites of Busosan Mountain■ Samchungsa ShrineSamchungsa Shrine is just a short hike from Sabimun, the main gate of Busosanseong Fortress. The shrine holds the portraits and memorial tablets of Seongchung, Heungsu, and Gyebaek, who were known as the three most loyal subjects of the Baekje Kingdom. Memorial services are held for these great patriots during the annual Baekje Cultural Festival each October.■ Yeongillu PavilionYeongillu Pavilion was built on the site of Yeongildae, an observation platform located on the easternmost peak of Busosan Mountain. Kings and members of the royal family of the Baekje Kingdom once used this spot as a place from which to watch the sun rise above Yeoncheonbong Peak on Gyeryongsan Mountain, plan state affairs, and pray for the peace of the kingdom and their subjects.■ GunchangjiAlso known as “Mallichang,” Gunchangji is the site of a warehouse that was used to store grain for military use. Remnants of burnt grain were discovered at the site in 1915.■ SuhyeoljugeojiSuhyeoljugeoji, only a short distance from Gunchangji, was once the site of a pit house for soldiers of the Baekje Dynasty. The thatched-roof pit houses that stand on the site today have been reconstructed based on historical evidence uncovered during site excavation. Measuring 1m in depth with walls of wood and straw, the pit houses are neighbored by an exhibition hall that stands on the original excavation site.■ Sajaru PavilionSajaru Pavilion, located on the highest peak of Busosan Mountain (alt. 106m), is said to represent the cosmic powers of yin and yang together with Yeongillu Pavilion in the east. Adorned with a nameplate written by Prince Uichinwang Yi Gang (1877-1955), Sajaru commands an ethereal view of the moon and has long since been the source of poetic inspiration. The pavilion was also the site of discovery of the famous Geumdong-seokga-yeorae-ipsang (Gilt-bronze Standing Buddha, Treasure No. 196).■ Baekhwajeong PavilionBaekhwajeong Pavilion, perched on the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock, was built in 1929 by a poets’ society called Bupungsisa to commemorate the story of the famous rock. According to the historical tale, the women of Baekje flung themselves off the cliffs of Nakhwaam to their deaths after the kingdom collapsed to keep themselves from being defiled by the men of the insurgent kingdoms.■ Gungnyeosa ShrineGungnyeosa Shrine is located a short distance from Taejagol (Crown Prince Valley) to the northeast of Banwollu Square. Established in 1965, the shrine honors the Baekje women who leaped to their deaths from the cliffs of Nakhwaam Rock in 660 when the empire was conquered by the allied forces of the Silla Kingdom and the Tang Dynasty of China. Commemorative rites are held at the shrine every October during the Baekje Cultural Festival.


Daejeon(Yuseong-gu)

KOTREX (KOTRA Exhibition Center, Daejeon) was first opened on May 19, 1995. Measuring an impressive area of 29,195 square meters and a total exhibition floor space of 4,200 square meters, the center consists of an indoor exhibition space (capacity: 5,000), 2 outdoor exhibition spaces, a large meeting room, and a parking lot with space for up to 500 cars.KOTREX is located in a prime location and can be reached within two hours from anywhere in the nation. Equipped with ultra high-speed optical network facilities for IT-related gatherings, the center is an ideal spot for a variety of events. Since it opened, KOTREX has hosted exhibitions and business meetings for the Daejeon Municipal Government, the Daejeon Government Buildings Management Services, and the Daedeok Research Complex, and has hosted numerous seminars and concerts.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Golden Bull, located in a renovated company basement, is the second brand of 2017 Michelin Guide inductee “Koroviar”, aiming to bring same quality with same ingredients at a lower cost. You can enjoy premier steak and other dishes at a lower cost, and with a large hall fitting at most 50 people, you can plan your next company dinner, wine meetings, birthdays or other events without any additional rental fees. You can enjoy Hanwoo (Korean beef) 1+, the highest quality, at a cost of a regular restaurant, and with a fairly priced side dishes and drinks, anyone can comfortably enjoy their meal. With an Italian food base, you can also enjoy French style, Spanish style with an added garnish, and you can even try a New York style pastrami sandwich. The restaurant has about 10 parking spaces with nearby public parking spaces, and is located about five minutes from Hangangjin Station for your convenience.


Seoul(Dongdaemun-gu) , Dongdaemun

Hongneung Arboretum is a first generation arboretum in Korea. It was established in 1922 when experimental forests were built on Hongneung burial mound, which is the royal tomb of Queen Myeong-Seong. On the 780 square meters area southwest of Mt. Cheonjangsang, there are 9 gardens such as a garden of conifers, a garden of broadleaf trees and an ornamental garden, 3 botanical gardens with edible & medicinal plants garden, an aquatic garden and a wetland garden. There are 6 resting places as well.Hongneung Arboretum has beautiful scenery for every season. The garden of broadleaf trees behind the main building is the one that shows the change of season most dramatically. The hundreds of broadleaf trees appear their best in autumn. The arboretum is good for nature education walk because of the many nameplates offering information on the species and characteristics of each tree. There are also many things to see at the Forest Science Exhibition Hall which provides visitors with knowledge and information of the value of forests, forestry, and the forest industry. The building itself is an exhibition because the hall is made of Korean wood. Inside, there are three general exhibition rooms, a regular exhibit hall, a planning exhibit hall, and a special exhibit hall.You may look around from Garden 1 to Garden 9 in regular order or take the course from Garden 2, pass the Forest Science Exhibition Hall to the mountain ridge ending at Garden 1. Note that it takes approximately 3 hours to see everything, whichever course you may take.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in Buam-dong, Seoul, Jaha Sonmandu (자하손만두) is a restaurant specializing in Korean hand-made stuffed dumplings. Though the restaurant’s exterior is that of a classic restaurant, the succulent flavors of the food are reminiscent of grandma’s cooking—timeless and full of love. Main dishes include Mulmandu (boiled Mandu), Pyeonsu (vegetarian dumplings stuffed with mushrooms and cucumbers), Kimchi Mandu and Mandu Jeongol (Mandu cooked with various vegetables in a casserole). In addition to Mandu, there are Bindaetteok (mung-bean pancakes) and Kongguksu (cold noodles in finely crushed beans). Unlike other Mandu restaurants, Jaha Son Mandu features a course meal named “Jaha sangcharim.” Make sure to have a drink of Makgeolli or Bokbunjaju (liquor made of wild mountain raspberry) with your mandu for a perfect taste combination.  


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Alpensia Ski Resort has six slopes for skiers and snowboarders to enjoy. Runs as long as 1.4km provide a dynamic experience for both beginners and experienced skiers and snowboarders. There is also an area exclusively for advanaced snowboarders to practice their skills. Alpensia is not just for winter revellers: the year-round resort transforms the lower, Apron Area, of the mountain into a 100,000㎡ wild flower garden during summer months.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Seochon Traditional Sundae Soup House is considered a must-visit destination. It was shown in the Korean drama series, “Doctors, as a restaurant owned by the father of the main character, Yoo Hye Jung (actress: Park Shin Hye). It is known for its special deep-tasting beef broth, which they brew with marrowbone for 24 hours. Its old-fashioned, traditional style Hanok architecture and its neat interior evokes the Korean traditional castle: Gyeongbokgung and its surroundings. Not only is the Sundae Soup first in its class, the in-house Kimchi is one of the best in its category as well. After the meal, don’t forget to take a photo where the “Doctors” couple, Jiho-Hyejung, enjoyed rice soup.  


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Dongbingo makes great-tasting traditional patbingsu using only milk, red beans and rice cake. Many find the rather chunky and sweet red bean sauce to be very addictive.  


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

California Pizza Kitchen (CPK) is an international restaurant chain that specializes in California-style pizza.Boasting its 20 yerars of history, the casual dining restaruant expanded from California to more than 250 locations in more than 30 states and 11 countries.The CPK - Gangnam Branch is located in the famous Gangnam district of Seoul.


Daejeon(Seo-gu)

Ungno Lee Museum of Art is the neat little white building surrounded by pine trees, located next to the Daejeon Museum of Art. The museum was designed by French architect Laurent Beaudouin, to commemorate the life and work of the artist Goam Ungno Lee (1904-1989), who devoted his whole life to the modernization and globalization of Korean tradition through architecture. The 4 halls in the museum give the feeling of all flowing together into one continual, unified space. The building pays homage to Lee’s life and works, dating from his early ventures to his final days.Just as Goam’s work epitomized the harmony between East and West, it is very interesting to note that the architecture of the museum reflects the combined efforts of Ungno Lee, the Korean artist, and Laurent Beaudouin, the French architect. In March 2010, ‘Sudeoksa Temple Museum of Art,’ the first Buddhism Museum of Art opened in Sudeoksa Temple in Yesan, also showcasing the life and work of Goam.