Seoul(Jung-gu) , Sinsadong・Garosu-gil

Sungnyemun Gate is Korea’s National Treasure No. 1, and its unofficial name is Namdaemun Gate. Sungnyemun Gate is the largest castle gate stone structure with an arched entrance in the middle. There’s a column on top of a platform, raising the roof, distinguishing the upper stories and lower stories of the building. A passageway for traffic is located at the east and west ends of the gate. Different from the other gates, Sungnyemun’s tablet has its name written vertically. When the first king of Joseon Dynasty, Lee Seong-Gye (reign 1335-1408), had constructed the capital city, he believed that fire will reach to Gyeongbokgung Palace as well as the capital city as Mt. Gwanaksan of Seoul is shaped like fire according to feng-shui principles. Sungnyemun’s name means fire, which is from the harmony of the Five Elements and if written vertically, the Chinese character ‘fire’ looks as if it is providing protection. This was Taejong’s (1367-1422) first son, Yangnyeongdaegun’s (1394-1462) famous writing. On February 10, 2008, Sungnyemun was destroyed by fire. After a 5-year reconstruction work, the gate has been re-opened to the public again as of May 4, 2013.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

At Jungbu Market, a wide assortment of dried food such as laver, seaweed, anchovies, yellow corbinas, squid, pollack, and dried filefish fillets are available at low prices. Known for both wholesale and retail sales, Jungbu Market offers goods at prices 20-30% lower than those found at other markets. Each store only sells one or two types of seafood products, allowing for easy price comparison and top quality goods. Popular products include dried filefish fillets, laver, and Pollack. As of late, processed food has also started to make its way into the market. The market is also a popular site for buying food items used in ancestral rites and general home goods. The market opens at 4am and most stores close around 5pm. By 6pm the market grounds are quiet and inactive, so make sure to go before 3pm so that you have enough time to shop and look around.      


Busan(Nam-gu)

The Busan Museum, offers seven regular exhibition rooms spread over three floors in addition to the Kiln Exhibition Hall, and the Outdoor Exhibition Hall. Opened in 1978, the museum has taken on a leading role in preserving traditional culture in Busan by obtaining a wealth of relics from strong excavation efforts, generous donations and purchases, and by meticulous research.The museum was remodeled in 2002 along with the opening of Exhibition Hall 2. The wide array of relics ranges from the Prehistoric Age to the modern period. The Outdoor Exhibition Hall is home to precious pagodas, Buddhist statues, and monuments. There are over 6,000 items from excavations in Busan and the Gyeongnam area in addition to items that have been purchased, donated, and collected. Those relics reveal the important historical and cultural heritage of Busan. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Euljiro・Chungmuro・Namsan

Namsan Tower Hotel, a time-honored landmark of Seoul, has been renovated and reopened as ‘Banyan Tree Club & Spa’, a world leading resort hotel. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul is a membership club/hotel created in Namsan, Seoul by ‘Banyan Tree Hotel & Resort,’ Singapore’s top resort brand. The new urban resort is a place where visitors can enjoy quality spa servcies while taking in a wide-open view. Banyan Tree Club & Spa Seoul consists of three buildings: the Club, the Hotel and the Festa. Facilities also include an outdoor sports center and other luxurious amenities like an outdoor pool, 23 private pools, a sauna, fitness center, golf course, tennis court, outdoor playing field, spa, and kids’ club. The 21-story hotel houses 34 Suites with a plunge pool, and 16 members-only club rooms. The 2 two-story Presidential Suites located on the top floors offer a wide-open night view of Seoul and Namsan Mountain. Banyan Tree Spa consists of five Deluxe Singles, four Deluxe Doubles and two Spa Suites. Every room has a shower and a rest area and the Spa Suite offers a special tropical rain mist.   


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

Lotte World Tower Duty Free Shop sits on the 10th floor of the Lotte Department Store located in Jamsil, Seoul. This area stands as a large-scale tourist attraction that provides everything from an amusement park to a folk museum (Lotte World Amusement Park, Folk Museum, Seokchon Lake, Lotte Hotel, Lotte Department Store, etc.). The Lotte World Duty Free Shop attracts shoppers from all over the world as it has more than 400 famous brands (Louis Vuitton, Hermes, GUCCI, Cartier, Chanel and many more) to choose from as well as newly added "Star Avenue" experience zone featuring many of hallyu stars are drawing more attentions.More brands are found here en.lottedfs.com


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Seungri is the youngest member of Big Bang but that doesn't mean that his ambitions are small. On top of his impressive musical career, Seungri has recently started taking his step to become a prominent restaurateur. Aori Ramen located in Cheongdam-dong is the singer-songwriter’s first restaurant opened in December, 2016. For many international fans of the idol group, dining at Aori Ramen is often included in their Seoul itinerary. Inside, a fairly modest layout of the interior feels warm and welcoming. With the exception of only a few tables, the seating is conveniently divided up for lone diners. The broth made at Aori Ramen is clear and just savory enough. Sliced scallions are added for a refreshing kick. The menu allows visitors to customize the toppings to their liking. A few extra slices of pork chashu lend a creamy texture to the broth.  


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Boon the Shop is a fashion select shop that has a passion for direct marketing lesser-known designer brands, and discovering new and talented designers. The shop’s exterior is designed to look simple/minimal; this makes/compliments the shop’s interior design, which is also quite simple/modern. As well, among the fashion select shops, Boon the Shop experiments with the most diverse art projects. The shop hosts its “Fashion Walk,” event biannually. The event showcases contents on art/fashion within their chosen themes/categories that has gained the most attention from the public. One of the unique features about the, “Fashion Walk,” event is that you can enjoy many types of cultural contents on fashion, the arts and more, showcased within just one place. Not long ago, there was a launch event that took place at the shop for the new art project called, “CCRT AEROSPACE,” which has been created by a brand/company named, “Studio Concrete.” Studio Concrete is a company/brand currently known for having the actor Yu Ah In as their art director. Celebrities that are known as the, “Fashionistas,” or known as the iconic figures in the entertainment business such as G Dragon, Go So Young, Kim Hee Sun, and etc. are some of the frequenter/regular clients of Boon the Shop.  


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

YG Republique is an eat-out brand/restaurant operated and owned by YG Entertainment. The restaurant is a multi-faceted restaurant complex which combines,”Samgiripujutgan( meaning: Three-Way Butcher),” a diet salad cafe called,”3Birds,” a pub called, “K-PUB,” which you can drink a wide varieties of beer, and three more stores. Don’t forget to stop by, “All That YG,” which is a merchandising store that sells figure models, hats, and t-shirts, which are based on YG artists!  


Seoul(Songpa-gu) , Jamsil(Lotte World)

With the motif of "Communication between people and the ocean," Lotte World Aquarium is located in the B1-2 floors of the popular downtown amusement park, Lotte World. Visitors to Lotte World Aquarium can learn about the marine life from both rivers and oceans, while exploring the various themed areas


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located on Yukhoe Street in Jongno, Buchon Yukhoe has a 60 year-tradition, offering inexpensive Yukhoe (beef tartare) and various other menus.