Seoul(Jongno-gu) , Insadong・Jongnon

Located in the cultural and art district of Insa-dong, the Sunbee hotel is an “Innostel”, a new concept of hotels developed by the Seoul City Government. These hotels provide comfortable accommodation, but without facilities such as fitness centers or saunas, at very reasonable prices. A wide selection of rooms are available, Korean-style, western-style and even fusion style. Prior reservations are required. English, Japanese service is available.


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

Kamong is a cafe, which is owned and operated by the sister of Kai from the Korean boy band EXO. Kamong, which means ‘Dreaming Kai,’ is also known as a gathering place/meeting spot for Kai’s fans. One of the most popular menu items is the ice cream waffle, which has assorted fresh fruits added to it. On the cups, napkins, and other small props in the cafe, you can find that there are copies of drawings and messages that Kai drew/wrote himself. Frequently, people bump into Kai and other EXO members visiting the cafe.  


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

K-star Yoo Yeon-seok, who has starred in K-dramas Romantic Doctor, Teacher Kim, K-show We Kid, and musical Hedwig, is the owner of this three-story venue. Complete with floor to ceiling windows, the bar on the 7th floor offers panoramic views of the Itaewon area, while the cozy rooftop seating on the 8th floor is perfect for date nights. The 6th floor features a beautiful banquet room which has hosted various trendy K-stars’ private parties. Reservations are required for special events.  


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

The Korea Culture House (KOUS) opened in April 2003 to introduce Korea’s traditional culture and provide a series of experience programs to both tourists visiting Korea and foreigners already residing in Korea.The Korea Culture House comprises a traditional arts performance stage, traditional culture workshops, a traditional teahouse, and a cultural products store. The Traditional Arts Performance Stage has been designed in the shape of a Norimadang (traditional Korean performance stage).Performances are held everyday at 8:00pm except on Sundays. The Traditional Culture Workshop currently offers a variety of experience programs including handcrafts. Telephone reservations are required for large groups of 30 people or more. KOUS also provides a traditional teahouse and a cultural products store for visitors to enjoy.* Experience Programs - Make Knot Accessories 15,000 won- Needle Sewing Arts 15,000 won- Make Hanji (Korean paper) Ornaments 15,000 won- Make Ceramic Cups 20,000 won- Patterned Fan Coloring 10,000 won- Rubbed Copy Program 10,000 won- Taekgyeon (traditional military martial arts) 10,000 won- Traditional Korean Bongsan Masked Dance 10,000 won- Learn Pungmul (traditional Korean percussions) 10,000 won


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

Alternative Space Loop (also known as the “Loop”) is a non-profit gallery that provides exhibition space and support programs for young and promising artists. In the late 1900s, many artists could not afford to pay for exhibition space in a gallery and struggled to pursue their passion for the arts. The idea of a “free alternative exhibition space” was born and as a result, the Loop was opened in Sangsu-dong in Feb, 1999. In 2005, the Loop was moved to Seogyo-dong, its current location.On the first floor and in the basement, the works of new artists are on display. On the 2nd floor, there is a small café where visitors can take a break and enjoy a cup of coffee, have discussions, or read one of the books provided.The Loop has been holdng exhibitions and performances more than ten times a year ever since its opening. The gallery engages in diverse international exchanges such as Tirana Biennale and in 2002, was invited to the Gwangju Biennale as an alternative art space. 


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

Internationally renowned as a Michelin three-star chef, Pierre Gagnaire opened his Seoul restaurant, Pierre Gagnaire à Seoul, on October 1, 2008. This is his fourth restaurant following those restaurants in Paris, Tokyo, and Hong Kong. In fact, he was once ranked first among the 100 top chefs in the world. It offers French cuisine featuring innovative and diverse preparation methods with an added artistic touch.        


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

Serving a varied menu featuring grilled beef, haejangguk (a spicy soup), and shabu shabu, Saebyeokjip is open 24 hours and is often crowded with people. The ddarogukbap (a kind of soup made with meat, coagulated ox blood, and bean sprouts) tastes great and is the recommended remedy for curing a hangover. An order of yukhoe bibimbap (white rice topped with garnished raw beef) includes a bowl of seonjitguk (soup made with coagulated ox blood). The shabu shabu is quite satisfactory for the price, so it is popular. The restaurant is packed in the morning, with people sobering up, and in the evening, with people who come for the grilled meat.  


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Myeongdong

Located in Myeong-dong, Jung-gu, Seoul, Myeong Dong Guest House has the best environment for shopping and tourism as it is surrounded by Myeong-dong, Namdaemun Market, Seoul Tower, and Cheonggyecheon. Internet and washing machine are available in the lodging as well as free coffee and tea. The operator has 30 years of working experience in bank industry and was retired as a bank manager in Tokyo speaking English and Japanese freely, it is helpful for the tourists’ convenience. It is one of its specialties that there are regular business travelers and tourists who use here.


Seoul(Jung-gu) , Seoul City Hall・Gwanghwamun

Special Noodles from Japan! Inaniwa Yosuke Inaniwa Yosuke, located near Seoul City Hall, is Korea's branch of a restaurant named Sato Yosuke in Japan that has been specializing in udon for the past 350 years. As one of the top three must-eat udon in Japan, inaniwa udon featured at these restaurants is characterized by thin, flat noodles that have a chewy texture. Their signature menus are seiro udon and wagyu udon. Seiro udon is served cold with two different types of sauce to dip your noodles in: the tsuyu sauce and the sesame miso sauce. Each sauce has its own unique flavor that will stimulate your tastebuds. On the other hand, wagyu udon is served in a hot soup. The chewy noodles topped with meat served in a bowl of hot soup are enough for a hearty meal.  The recommended side menu to go along with the noodles is shrimp cream croquette. The smooth cream and shrimp filling covered with a crispy crust is as popular as the restaurant's prized udon. The restaurant also sells inaniwa udon noodles and their special sauces separately for inaniwa udon at home or as an excellent gift. ☞ Address: 6, Eulji-ro, Jung-gu, Seoul ☞ Operating hours: 11:00-23:00 (Closed on Sundays) ☞ Menu and price: Seiro Soy Sauce and Sesame Miso Tsuyu Udon 9,000 won / Wagyu Udon 15,000 won / Shrimp Cream Croquette 8,000 won (Prices based on lunch. Prices may vary for dinner) ☞ Website: www.food-biz.or.kr/inaniwa (Korean only)        


Seoul(Yongsan-gu) , Itaewon・Yongsan

Operated by Korean husband and Chinese wife, it offers traditional authentic Chinese dumplings in a small place. Its signature menu, dumpling, passed down to the owner by her grandmother, features different tasty and texture comparing with Korean-style dumpling.