Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Hanji Chueok (Recollections) is one of the better-known craft shops in Insa-dong and has even been featured by a number of international magazines. Prepared using Korean traditional processing methods, hanji is a type of beautiful, high-quality paper. Hanji Chueok is a great place to experience the tradition of hanji crafts; hanji crafts, accessories, photo frames, and interior design items line the store shelves. Visitors can not only purchase extremely well-crafted items, but can also participate in seminars taught by professional artists to learn how to make their own hanji crafts. Of course, visitors are free to take home their hanji creations at the conclusion of the seminar.


Daejeon(Daedeok-gu)

This center shares how water resources are developed, used, and managed through various educational tools and exhibits. The center also hosts events and performances for visitors and local residents. The facility offers guests with a thorough knowledge of the life-cycle of water and the important benefits it provides. 


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Dongdaemun

The Hwanghakdong Flea Market is an extensive used-goods market with over 500 shops. The flea market is also popularly known as the ‘Doggaebi (Korean folk creature) Market’ and ‘All-Things Market’ due to its variety of goods ranging from antiques to interior furnishings. Hence, the Hwanghakdong Flea Market is a famous destination among many foreigners. In the past, the Hwanghak-dong Flea Market was the nation’s trade center for antique goods, and now, the market offers a wide variety of products ranging from cameras, refrigerators, washing machines and TVs to old money, antique paintings, cosmetics, clothes, Buddha statues and more. The flea market sells used goods as well as new ones. Not to worry though, as all used products have been renewed and repaired with a 50% markdown, while new products can be purchased at 20-30% off the retail price. The Hwanghakdong Flea Market is divided into five sections. First, a one-storey building holds a variety of shops selling old books, electronics, and videos. Second, the alleyway between Samil Apartments 15-dong and 16-dong near Cheonggyecheon 7-ga Street is known as the antique street. Electronic stores are gathered in the area behind Samil Apartment 13-dong and the Seongdong Technical High School all the way to Samil Apartment 17-dong, selling TVs, refrigerators, car stereos, air conditioners, video games, and more. Finally, the machinery stores are located on the second street of Jungang Market. The flea market is generally open from 9am to 7pm, with the exception of the electronics district which is open until 10pm.    


4.5/2
Seoul(Jung-gu) , Namdaemun・Seoul-Station

Mt. Namsan is a symbolic mountain located at the center of Seoul. Although not as high as other surrounding mountains, Mt. Namsan is a very popular nonetheless as a resting site. At the top, there are various facilities such as Palgakjeong (octagonal hall), Seoul Tower, Maritime Aquarium, fountains, and Namsan Library. You may take a cable car to the top or walk up the stairway path. Other than this path, there are many other walkways to Namdaemun, Hoehyun-dong, Taegyero 3(sam)-ga, Jangchung Park, Itaewon, Huam-dong and much more. The driving courses here are also popular for couples. Namsan Park is a historical site. You will find Bonghwadae (beacon mound) at the top as it was once the center of capital defense. During the Joseon Dynasty (1392-1910) the capital was changed to Hanyang,(current Seoul) and to protect the city from invasions, castle walls were built on the 4 major mountains like Mt. Bukaksan, Mt. Inwangsan, Mt. Naksan and Mt. Namsan. On Namsan peak, five beacons were built to report the news from local governments to the central government with a five-signal system. Also on the top of Mt. Namsan, there is the Palgakjeong Pavilion, which has a fantastic view. At Seoul Tower (479.7m), you can view the whole landscape of Seoul and the West Sea beyond Incheon. The rotating restaurant in the Seoul Tower also boasts excellent views. With excellent night view, you should try having dinner at the tower. It would be a great experience to visit Namsangol Traditional Korean Village which is a village of 5 traditional Korean houses.


5.0/1
Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Dongdaemun

Dongdaemun Stationary Store Street is located in Changsin-dong near Dongdaemun Station, and is a wholesale market selling toys and stationery. Almost 100 stationery stores are packed in the area, selling robots, dolls, play houses, various school supplies, party and event items, stationery, and toys. Visitors can purchase any items at prices 30-40% off of regular market prices and sometimes one can get bigger discounts.


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

Anthracite Coffee Roasters is well-known cafe in Hapjeong-dong that brings new meaning to the term industrial chic. Anthracite's building was once a shoe factory and the cafe has maintained any of the factory's industrial elements and added modern decor.  Beer and coffee are among the menu selections offered at Anthracite and one of the most popular coffees is the Butter Fat Trio. The coffee roasts are named after famed authors, so visitors can order a "Natsume Sōseki" or a "Pablo Neruda." Anthracite's pastry chef bakes the cafe's desserts on the premises. Patrons can choose from cakes, financiers, madeleines, and cookies.  


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

Gotgan by Lee Jong Guk is Korean chef and food researcher Lee Jong-guk's first restaurant. Each dish is made with seasonal ingredients for the freshest flavors and prepared with traditional recipes in order to preserve the unique flavors inherent to Korean cooking.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

BENIKEA Hotel Sea Star is located within the Wolmido Island Tourist Zone. Popular tourist spots in Incheon are also nearby, including Wolmisan Mountain, Culture Road, Wolmi Park (Traditional Garden Zone), the Immigration History Museum, a music fountain, and many more. All the guestrooms are sea-facing, offering spectacular views of the Yellow Sea.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Samcheongdong・The Northern Part of the Seoul

Get off the subway at Gyeongbokgung Station (Subway Line 3), follow the wall of the Gyeongbokgung Palace and you'll find yourself facing a street with majestic trees whose foliage changes every season. This street leads directly to Samcheong-dong. As you enter Samcheong-dong and walk towards the Samchong-dong Tunnel, you'll come across Samcheongdong Sujebi, located right next to the Prime Minister Legation.Samcheongdong Sujebi became a hit among Japanese tourists, after being featured in a popular Japanese magazine. The main dish here is, of course, sujebi (a traditional Korean soup consisting of chunks of dough and various vegetables). It comes in a pot full of sliced pumpkin, clams, and potatoes. This delicious soup is so tasty that there's almost always people lined up outside the restaurant. Other popular items include dongdongju (traditional Korean liquor) and gamjajeon (a Korean potato pancake that uses only potato starch and no other ingredients).