Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

This restaurant specializes in boribap (steamed barley). Once a rather humble staple, boribap has been reintroduced as a popular health food. The meal consists of steamed barley and potato, as well as ten types of cooked greens, all mixed with red-pepper paste. Miso soup is also given as a side dish. Add some soup to the boribap for more flavor. Gamjajeon (a potato pancake) and dotorimuk (an acorn-starch jelly) are recommended as good appetizers. Deodeok jeyuk-bokkeum (stir-fried deodeok), godeungeo-gui (a grilled mackerel)and bassak bulgogi (completely baked bulgogi) are the restaurant’s specialties that you do not want to miss out on. *Best Korean Restaurant as designated by The Seoul Metropolitan Government  


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Opened in September 2008, Cartier Maison is the largest store in Korea offering Cartier collections. It is equipped with a customer service center and an atelier dealing with special orders.


Incheon(Jung-gu) , Incheon Center

Explore Incheon's Historic Open Port Area Discover Incheon's Rich Heritage: A Must-Visit Destination If you're planning a trip to Korea, Incheon should be at the top of your list, especially its historic Open Port Area. This area preserves over 130 years of history, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Korea's past. Gaehangjang Historic and Cultural Street Incheon's Gaehangjang (Open Port Area) Historic and Cultural Street is a place where time seems to stand still. This area has been carefully preserved to retain the essence of its rich history since the port opened in 1883. Walking through these streets, you'll feel as if you've stepped into a black-and-white photograph, with historical buildings and cultural landmarks around every corner. Incheon Station Your journey can begin at Incheon Station, the terminus of Korea's first railway, the Gyeongin Line. This station remains a significant historical landmark and serves as the gateway to Incheon's Jung-gu district. It's a bustling hub where countless travelers begin their exploration of the city's storied past. Historic Landmarks As you stroll through the streets, you'll encounter many well-preserved buildings from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Notable sites include the former Japanese Consulate, which now houses the Jung-gu Office, and the old branches of Japan's 1st, 18th, and 58th Banks. These structures offer a fascinating glimpse into the architectural styles and cultural exchanges of that era. Cultural and Historical Experiences In addition to its architectural wonders, the Gaehangjang area is home to several other historical and cultural attractions. You can visit the former Japan Mail and Shipping Inc., the Incheon Art Platform, and the Jemulpo Club, all of which tell the story of Incheon's evolution as an international city. For those who prefer a guided experience, expert cultural tourism guides are available by reservation, providing in-depth insights into the area's history. Tour Routes To fully appreciate the area's charm, consider following one of the recommended tour routes: *1-Hour Course: Start at Incheon Station (World Community Center), then visit Chinatown, the Jajangmyeon Museum, Haegang Cathedral, Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall, Incheon Open Port Museum, Modern Architecture Exhibition Hall, and the Incheon Art Platform. *2-Hour Course: Begin at the Korean-Chinese Cultural Center, followed by the Overseas Chinese History Museum, Daebul Hotel Exhibition Hall, Incheon Open Port Museum, Modern Architecture Exhibition Hall, Jung-gu Office, Qing-Japanese Concession Boundary Stairs, Three Kingdoms Mural Street, Jajangmyeon Museum, and Incheon Station. *3-Hour Course: This extended tour includes all the sites from the 2-hour course plus the Incheon Metropolitan City Historical Archives, Jemulpo Club, Jayu Park, General MacArthur's Statue, Fairy Tale Village, and Chinatown (Uiseondang). Conclusion Incheon's Open Port Area is a treasure trove of cultural and historical experiences waiting to be explored. Whether you're a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a unique travel experience, this area has something to offer everyone. Plan your visit today and step back in time to discover the fascinating history of Incheon.


Busan(Jung-gu)

This restaurant specializes in samgye-tang (ginseng chicken soup) and has had 60 years of tradition in Nampo-dong. It has been family run for many generations.


Seoul(Gangnam-gu) , Apgujeong・Cheongdamdong

Cine de Chef means "a movie theater with chefs." CGV Cine de Chef is a new style of cinema, which combines both movie theater and restaurant. This luxurious and cozy restaurant has seven exquisite chefs that offer delicious French and Italian food.


Daegu(Dong-gu)

Palgongsan Natural Park (Gatbawi District) is centered around Palgongsan Mountain, one of the larger mountains in the Taebaek mountain range. Palgongsan Mountain is located 20km northeast from downtown Daegu, where Nakdonggang River and Geumhogang River meet. The mountain has three peaks in a row: Birobong Peak in the center and Dongbong (aka ‘Mitabong,’ 1,155m) and Seobong (aka ‘Samseongbong,’ 1,150m) on either side.In terms of administrational district, the park (30.593㎢ in size) is within Dong-gu, Daegu and has four towns along its border including Yeongcheon-si, Gyeongsan-si, and Chilgok-gun. A number of Buddhist temples including Donghwasa, a headquarters of the 9th Buddhist Parish, are located in the area.The park has numerous rocks and valleys and is carpeted with azaleas in the spring. In the autumn many visitors flock to the park to admire the falls leaves on the trees lining the 16.3km-long road through the park. With vibrant green leaves and a delicate snowscape in the winter, Palgongsan Mt is an attractive destination for visitors throughout the year.[About Gatbawi]‘Gatbawi’ is a statue of Buddha that sits against a rocky cliff of Gwanbong Peak that rises 850m above the sea level. The name ‘Gatbawi’ comes from the fact that the Buddha has a flat rock (‘bawi’) on its head that looks like a Korean traditional hat (called a ‘gat’). The statue, designated Treasure No. 431, is one of the most sophisticated Buddha statues of the 9th Century. Legend has it that the statue grants honest prayers, so every year at sunrise on New Year’s Day people flock to the Buddha statue to make a wish for the new year and see the rising sun.


Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Cultural Heritage Administration, Royal Culture Festival Organizing Committee / Dae Han Imperial House Korea's beautiful palaces and the royal culture they present have great value as precious tangible and intangible heritages. The Royal Culture festival is held at the Four Royal Palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, allowing visitors to get first-hand knowledge of their value. Each of the five venues will have unique performances, exhibitions, experiences and programs set within the individual traits of the palaces and Jongmyo Shrine. The palaces and Jongmyo Shrine, which have kept their place forhundreds of years, will be hosting the Royal Culture Festival for ten daysfrom April 28 to May 7. Marking its third anniversary, the Royal PalaceFestival is a cultural heritage festival that reinterprets the court cultureand historical background of each palace. Different performances,exhibitions, programs and ceremonies will be taking place inGyeongbokgung Palace, Changdeokgung Palace, ChanggyeonggungPalace, Deoksugung Palace, Jongmyo Shrine. It will be an opportunityfor people to get more involved in the festival. Programs [Gyeongbokgung, Encounter with Kings] - Opening ceremony - Photo Exhibition on Hanbok - Nighttime Concerts at Gyeonghoeru Pavilion - Royal Music Performance - Royal Kitchen Experience ‘A Taste of Royal Cuisine’ - Promenade of the King - Royal Library of the King - Media Facade Show at Heungnyemun Gate - Dae Han Imperial Culture Exhibition  - Intangible Heritage Performances - Royal Culture Experience             [Changdeokgung, Encounter with Nature]   - Nighttime Promenade at Changdeokgung Palace - Exhibition of Royal Poets and Palace Photos - Experience of Royal Pharmacy     [Changgyeonggung, Encounter with Everyday Royal Life] - King Yeongjo and Changgyeonggung Palace - One-Day Time Travel to 1750 - Nighttime Royal Music Performance - Outdoor Royal Theatre Performance       [Deoksugung, Encounter with Modernity]   - Intangible Cultural Heritage Performance - The Daehan Empire and Coffee - The Korean Empire Concert - Diplomatic Reception for Envoys to the Korean Empire   [Jongmyo, Encounter with Ritual] - Royal Ancestral Ritual at Jongmyo Shrine - Myohyeollye Ritual at Jongmyo Shrine - Nighttime Royal Ancestral Ritual Music at Jongmyo Shrine - Experience Hall       Today we meet the palace of yesterday The opening ceremony of ‘The 3rd ROYAL CULTURE FESTIVAL 2017’ "TODAY, WE MEET THE PALACE" is the start of the festival. A Festival that will infuse new life to the palace which has contained the time of the past and the present and a historical and cultural presence.   The 3rd ROYAL CULTURE FESTIVAL 2017 Special Event We meet the Korean Empire! In 1897, King Gojong became an emperor and proclaimed the establishment of the Korean Empire in order to widely express the independence of Joseon. In celebration of the 120th anniversary of the declaration of the Korean Empire, in 2017 we made an opportunity to experience its time   ​   ​   Today we meet the palace of yesterday At the Gyeongbokgung Palace, starting with the opening ceremony, ‘Gyeonghoeru Pavilion Nighttime Concert’ will be held in the spring evening, ‘A Taste of Royal Cuisine’ will let you taste royal cuisine culture and ‘Hanbok Photo Exhibition’ will show the beauty of Hanbok. At the Changdeokgung Palace, ‘Botanical Tour with Donggwoldo’ will help explore nature and ‘The Royal Medicine’ will give you a glimpse of Korean traditional medicine. At the Changgyeonggung Palace, ‘Time Travel to 1750’ will take you back to 1750 and show the royal daily life and ‘Outdoor Historical Drama’ will perform a realistic depiction of the era. At the Jongmyo Shrine, ‘Royal Ancestral Ritual’ will be held with other related music performances. On the 120th anniversary of the declaration of the Korean Empire, at the Deoksugung Palace, ‘Declaration of the Korean Empire’ will contain the dream Emperor Gojong had in mind along with ‘Diplomatic Reception for Envoys’ and coffee Emperor Gojong enjoyed.     • Further information will be posted on the Cultural Heritage Administration, Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation and Royal Culture Festival. Visit our website for more information Royal Culture Festival website : www.royalculturefestival.org Royal Culture Festival Facebook : www.facebook.com/royalculturefestival Cultural Heritage Administration website : www.cha.go.kr Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation website : www.chf.or.kr •For more info : http://www.royalculturefestival.org/info/guide


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

The Namsan Cable car runs from the base of Namsan Mountain (located in central Seoul) up to the Namsan Tower, one of the most representative tourist attractions in Seoul, loved by tourists and residents alike. The new cable cars, which have been in operation since Dec. 6, 2008, have an increased capacity of 48 people per car (up from 38). Unlike the older cars, the new cable cars have glass on all four sides, giving riders a wider view of the mountainside. Approximately 50,000 people ride the Namsan Cable Car each month. Visitors who are looking for a more tranquil tour are advised to go in the morning. For both a daytime and nighttime view of Seoul and the tower, take the cable car up the mountain in the late afternoon and coming back down in the early evening (to beat the nighttime rush). To get to the cable cars without having to walk too much, take the Namsan Oreumi, (Namsan outdoor elevator). The Namsan Oreumi is the first inclined outdoor elevator in Korea. It runs a distance of 140m (from the entrance of Namsan 3rd Tunnel to the parking lot of the Namsan Cable Car) and takes visitors to the Namsan Cable Car station in about two minutes, as opposed to the usual 20-min. walk. Maximum capacity is 20 people and operating hours are the same as the Namsan Cable Car (09:00 to 23:30). The other way to get to the Namsan Cable Car station is by going out of exit 3 of Myeongdong Station, subway line 4 (see ‘directions’ section for details).


Gangwon-do(Pyeongchang-gun)

Woljeongsa Temple is located in the forest of the valley east of Mt. Odaesan, and it is composed of 60 temples and 8 monasteries made into one large temple. Woljeongsa Temple was established by Monk Ja Jang (590~658). At Woljeongsa Temple there is the Seongbo Museum where you can view the Buddhist culture of the Goryeo Dynasty (918∼1392), the nine-story octagonal pagoda, also called as the Sari-Pagoda (relic pagoda), and the Stone Seated Buddha figure. Also there is the Jeokmyeolbogung where Buddha's bones are said to be preserved, and the large sermon hall Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion. Usually in a Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion the Vairocana figure is enshrined, but it is interesting that the Sakyamuni figure is enshrined at Jeokgwangjeon Pavilion at Woljeong temple. Woljeongsa Temple of today was restored after the Korean war in 1950 when the Chilbulbojeon, Yeongsanjeon, Gwaneungjeon, Jinyeonggak and 17 other buildings were burned. Many cultural assets and historic data were lost at this time. The Silla Dongjong, which was excavated from the Seonrimwon site in Yangyang-gun, was also lost. The Budo site (relic site) and sagoji (historic document storage) is nearby Woljeongsa Temple. The Budo site is a 15-minute walk from the Woljeongsa Temple to its location at the Sangwonsa Temple, just before crossing the Banya Bridge. Here there are 22 pagodas that hold the remains of the monks who had lived here. Sagoji is an hour’s walk from Woljeongsa Temple towards Sangwonsa near Yeonggamsa Temple.


Seoul(Jung-gu)

Most foods from the northern region are characterized by their mild taste. In particular, Pyeongyang-style cold buckwheat noodles has a milder flavor compared to Hamheung-style cold noodles. Pildongmyeonok's cold buckwheat noodles may taste bland for those who are used to stronger flavors or seasonings, but it is praised by others who prefer mild flavors. The neat after taste of broth and chewy noodles are enough to delight one's tastebuds. Pyeongyang-style dumplings is another popular dish at Pildongmyeonok.