Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Museum Kimchikan is a unique museum dedicated to kimchi and kimjang, the process of making kimchi which was designated as UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The museum was also selected by CNN in March 2015 as one of the world’s top 11 food museums. Visitors can learn the history of kimchi as well as learn and get a taste of the different types of kimchi. Audio guides in English, Japanese, and Chinese are available for international visitors and a guided tour of the museum by a docent is also available at designated times. Online reservation is available through the museum’s official website.


Gyeonggi-do(Goyang-si) , Ilsan

As the largest exhibition center in Korea, KINTEX (Korea International Exhibition Center) has 10 exhibition halls that span 108,556㎡ and 40 meeting rooms that cover 13,303㎡. Since its opening in April 2005, KINTEX has undergone two of three scheduled expansions. September of 2011 marked the completion of the second expansion, adding 53,975㎡ of exhibition space to the world-class meeting facilities, and reinforcing KINTEX's position at the forefront of globalization and economic development in Korea.


Gyeongsangbuk-do(Gyeongju-si)

According to the historical records of Samguk-sagi, Wolji Pond was built during the 14th year of King Munmu (r. 661-681 AD) of the Silla Kingdom (57 BC-935 AD). Small mountains were created inside the palace walls, beautiful flowers were planted, and rare animals were brought in to create an exquisitely exotic garden fit for royalty. The pond was originally built in Wolseung Fortress (built in 101 AD during the Silla period), but the fortress was destroyed and now lies in ruins.In 1974, an excavation project revealed large spherical shapes (measuring 200 meters in diameter and 180 meters in x_height) which indicated that 3 islands had been located in the pond. Thanks to these important findings and existing historical records, Wolji Pond has been restored to nearly its former glory.ImhaejeonjiAs one of the detached palaces of the Silla royal family’s main palace, this structure was used as the crown prince’s palace. Imhaejeon is historically the most important building on the property and records often refer to the whole area as ‘Imhaejin.’An excavation resulted in the discovery of several buildings: Hoerang (corridor area) and five towers in the western part of the area. Some sites have been restored while others have been left in their natural state with only the cornerstones poking out from beneath the ground.


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

In the 1970s, an elevated road was built to connect the eastern and western sides around Seoul Station. However, the road was closed to road traffic due to safety issues. After this, rather than tearing down the existing structure, the road was transformed into Seoullo 7017, a new pedestrian walking experience. Seoullo 7017 gets its name from its years of new life, from being a traffic road in the 70s to a sky garden in 2017. The "17" also has a deeper meaning, with Seoullo 7017 being divided into 17 unique sections, and the road being located 17 meters above the ground. There are a variety of facilities along Seoullo 7017, including an information center, cafes, gardens, and stages. Seoullo 7017 itself is open all day, every day for visitors to enjoy at their leisure. If you would like a guided tour, be sure to sign up for the guided walking tour through the official Visit Seoul website.


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

The National Museum of Korea is located about 1.5 km away from Yongsan Station. It is the largest museum in Korea and houses precious Korean cultural assets that tell the story of Korea’s fascinating history, from ancient times to the modern era.The museum is also close to Yongsan Family Park, a grassy wooded park with a pond that serves as a natural habitat for various species of birds, as well as over 80 different kinds of trees. The War Memorial of Korea, also nearby, is located next to Samgakji Station, and 1 km from Yongsan Station. It displays a vast collection of wartime relics.In addition to galleries with a wide array of national and international pieces, the National Museum of Korea is the stage for a number of cultural activities related to collection, preservation, research and analysis, social training, academic publications, intercultural exchange programs, concerts, and more.Visitors of all ages get the opportunity to participate in a number of educational events and quality cultural programs. For those who prefer to tour at a leisurely pace, the museum grounds have a number of environmentally friendly spaces and rest areas. * Mobile ServicesThe National Museum of Korea offers a state-of-the-art digital guide service to provide a more enjoyable tour of the museum. The digital guide service has a bookmark function and a search function that can be used to obtain more detailed information on specific pieces.1. Digital Guides are available to visitors aged 14 and over who are able to present a valid ID.2. Rental Fees: PDA - 3,000 won / MP3 - 1,000 won3. Rental reservations must be made online 1 day prior to visit (maximum 5 rentals allowed per person).※ Rentals are provided on the day of visit, only after applying for membership.* Size of Facilities6 ground floors / 1 underground floor* Galleries Approximately 15,000 Pieces- 3rd Floor: Sculpture and Crafts Gallery(Buddhist Sculpture, Metal Arts, Celadon, Buncheong Ware, White Porcelain)Asia Gallery(Indonesian Art, Central Asian Art, Chinese Art, Nangnang Remains, Relics from Sinan Seabed, Japanese Art)- 2nd Floor : Calligraphy and Painting Gallery(Calligraphy, Paintings, Buddhist Paintings, Woodworking),Donations Gallery (Iuchi Isao Collection, Hachiuma Tadasu Collection, Yoo Chang-jong Collection, Kaneko Kazushige Collection, Choi Young-do & Park Byong-rae Collection, Yu Kang-yul & Park Young-sook Collection, Kim Chong-hak Collection, Lee Hong-kun Collection, Other Collections)- 1st Floor : Prehistoric and Ancient History Gallery (Paleolithic, Neolithic, Bronze Age & Early Iron Age, Proto Three Kingdoms, Goguryeo, Baekje, Gaya, Silla, Unified Silla, Balhae)Medieval and Early Modern History Gallery (Hangeul, Prints, Inscriptions, Maps, Documents, Kings and their reign, Socio-Economic Life, Traditional Thought, Foreign Relations)※ This is one of the places that was visited by the "first ladies" of the G20 Summit in Seoul in November of 2010.


Jeollabuk-do(Jeonju-si)

The Jeonju National Museum was established in 1990 as an institute for the research, preservation, and exhibition of Jeollabuk-do’s most prized cultural treasures. The museum houses over 30,000 artifacts, a majority of which were excavated from the Jeollabuk-do area, and has on exhibit over 1,300 pieces spread throughout 5 exhibition halls and 1 outdoor exhibition hall. The museum also serves as a venue for numerous cultural activities and educational programs, providing visitors with the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s proud history.


Seoul(Mapo-gu) , Hongik-University-Area

Geek Live House is one of the most popular live clubs in the Hongdae (Hongik University) area, the home of clubs in Korea. It was opened by professional musicians in February 2003 as a venue that focuses on music performances as opposed to dance. The club has state-of-the-art stage, lighting, and audio equipment and is one of the best places in the area to enjoy performances by your favorite music professionals as well as see some of the up-and-coming talent. The club can house over 150 visitors (seats and standing room) and hosts 3-4 live performances each night. The Geek Live House is a lively place to experience the Korean independent band music scene and the club culture of the Hongdae (Hongik University) area.


Seoul(Seodaemun-gu) , Sinchon・Ewha Womans University

The Ewha Womans University Museum was established in 1935 with the goal of preserving the cultural heritage of Korea. Originally, items related to folk art, traditional woodwork, and pottery were put on display in the hall of the main university to keep them from being confiscated during the Japanese occupation. This later led to the opening of the museum to display and store the growing collection.Regular exhibitions of the museum’s collection have been taking place annually from 1972. Starting in 1996, the museum has also been holding special exhibitions that focus on other themes of cultural heritage. Additional small-scale exhibitions are also held frequently to promote Korea's traditional culture and art.A ceramics research facility as well as a more traditional museum, a large portion of the museum’s efforts is focused on the research and excavation of kilns. To this aim, excavation teams from the museum have traveled to various parts of the country to conduct studies on historic sites and assess the value of artifacts. Through the publication of books and reports on its discoveries, the museum has contributed to raising knowledge and awareness of Korean cultural heritage in academia and among the public.


Gyeonggi-do(Gwacheon-si) , Seoul Grand Park

Seoulland has transformed into a Christmas Party wonderland with a variety of events such as magic shows and chrismas special performances for visitors of all ages. In the country cabin of Adventure Land, the family musical CATS will be staged along with a magic show. The popular Light Fantasy Show will take place at the Red Windmill area. The Christmas party is complete with special events throughout the park such as playing with Santa, finding Christmas gifts and a special exhibition of “Our Land, Dokdo Island.”    


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Insa-dong has been situated at the heart of the nation’s capital for over 600 years and was at the center of culture during the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910). The Insa-dong area usually refers to the areas extending from the Anguk-dong Rotary to Tapgol Park in Jongro 2(i)-ga, past the Insa-dong Intersection. The notable features of Insa-dong are the countless alleys that branch out from the main street. Insa-dong has also become known as ‘Merry’s Area,’ one of the favorite shopping spots among foreigners. Over forty percent of the nation’s antique stores are clustered in the Insa-dong area, and they sell more valuable antiques compared to any other places in Korea. The price of the valuables and souvenirs in this area can range from 10,000 won to some hundred million won. Among the antiques sold there are old pictures, pottery, wooden containers and jewelry. There is a variety of artwork varying from earthenware of the Unified Silla Era to white pottery of the Joseon Era. Foreigners from all over the world including Japan, China, France, and America frequent Insa-dong to witness a truly traditional Korean atmosphere. Prices range greatly depending on the customers and the items. Old books are usually popular among the Japanese and Chinese tourists who can identify Hanja (Chinese characters). Antique books are purchased by many visitors, from history professors to antique collectors, at prices varying from 10,000 won to 30,000 won. Highly valued items are not sold and even if they are displayed in the store, as some shopkeepers do not intend to sell them. Archaeology and history books are the most popular selections. Some items are priceless so shopkeepers often name their own price, but keep in mind that some stores do have price tags to indicate products for sale. Tongmungwan is a representative store selling old books and has been run by a family for three generations. When you enter this small bookstore, you can see old books packed in rows. This bookstore was originally opened by the grandfather of the current shopkeeper, and is living proof of Insa-dong’s long-standing history. This is definitely a place worth visiting even if you do not intend to make a purchase. Traditional Korean ceramic ware is the main artwork Insa-dong has to offer. It is also the most popular item among tourists. Ceramic ware can be used in everyday life and many also consider it an essential decorative item. Ever since Queen Elizabeth I of England visited Insa-dong in April 1999 and praised the beauty of the ceramic art forms, many tourists from all over the world, including Europe, America, and Japan have become interested in them. Prices may start at 10,000 won, but can cost you up to some 10 million won. The most popular ceramic ware are pottery in the shape of a gourd bottle, costing anywhere from 100,000 won to 200,000 won. Keep in mind that the finer ceramic ware boast a clear color and have a clear resonant sound when tapped with the tip of your fingernail. Famous shops include ‘Park Young Suk Yo’ where Queen Elizabeth paid a visit and ‘Haedong Godoja.’ The main artwork offered are the common porcelain ware that have been recrafted, and pots of the Joseon Era. ‘Haedong Godoja’ is known for selling the best quality ceramic ware. ‘Goseohwa’ (old paintings and calligraphic arts) is another main form of artwork offered in Insa-dong. There are shops selling old artwork along with oriental paintings, as well as modern paintings. Shops such as Dongmundang and Gonghwarang display and sell old paintings along with calligraphic works. Antique furniture and other items are available at Naraksil and Gayajae. Naraksil offers great quality antique furniture such as bookshelves and bookstands, while Gayajae sells old pieces of furniture, stone Buddhas, and tiles. Other popular antiques can be found at ‘Toto’s Antiques’ where there are contemporary articles from the period before and after the liberation of Korea from Japanese forces. Even though there isn't any traditional artwork at this store, Korean antiques are displayed picturesquely. Toto’s Antiques seems to arouse nostalgia among its visitors, as it is decorated with old schoolbooks, toys, and ornaments from the 50’s and 60’s. Sunday is designated a pedestrian-friendly day as cars are not permitted in the area for on that day of the week. Instead, a flea market opens on this day to sell various antiques, accessories, artwork, and books. Traditional antiques from different parts of Korea as well as international antiques brought by foreign tourists are displayed throughout Insa-dong, allowing visitors to view many items in one glance. It is highly recommended that you visit Insa-dong on Sundays since you can also view the beautiful street art. When shopping in Insa-dong, make sure you check where the product is made. Recently, cheap Chinese goods such as teacups, wall tapestries, and small accessories have been brought into the Insa-dong markets and there have been cases where merchandise thought to be made in Korea turned out to be marked as ‘Made in China.’ So if you are looking to purchase only authentic Korean products, be sure to check the label.